A show like the 'Only Fool and Horses' Christmas special got 24 million viewers, so practically everyone in the country was watching. But of course it's a different world now, with so many channels. And those kind of figures are really difficult to achieve.

The quote "A show like the 'Only Fools and Horses' Christmas special got 24 million viewers, so practically everyone in the country was watching. But of course it's a different world now, with so many channels. And those kind of figures are really difficult to achieve" by David Jason reflects the changing landscape of television viewership. Jason is referencing the massive success of the Only Fools and Horses Christmas special, which drew a huge audience, with 24 million viewers tuning in. He contrasts that era with the modern-day media environment, where the rise of multiple channels and streaming platforms makes it harder to achieve similar audience numbers.

Jason highlights how the television industry has shifted over the years, noting that it was once common for a Christmas special like Only Fools and Horses to reach almost the entire population. The show’s ability to gather such a large audience reflects a time when there were fewer options for entertainment, and major television events could unite people across the country. Now, however, the proliferation of channels and streaming services means viewers have far more choices, making it difficult to capture such a broad audience.

The origin of this quote stems from Jason’s reflections on the cultural impact of his show Only Fools and Horses and the broader changes in the television industry. As an actor who was part of one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms, Jason witnessed firsthand the phenomenon of a show that reached millions at its peak. His comment reflects both nostalgia for that era of television and an understanding of how the entertainment landscape has evolved.

Ultimately, Jason’s quote underscores the evolution of television and viewership in the digital age. It serves as a reminder of how mass media once had the power to bring people together, but now the fragmentation of content and the growth of streaming platforms have made it much harder to achieve similar cultural moments. This shift reflects a broader trend in the way people consume media today.