Luther and Gangs of London among most-watched TV hits to show ‘damaging eco-behaviours’

Professor Toby Miller from Goldsmiths said: “As a nation we spend a huge amount of time watching TV, and it’s an incredibly influential medium.

“Despite the climate crisis being a huge topic of interest, this is the first time we’ve been able to assess how well our favourite TV households fare when it comes to sustainability and positive eco-behaviours.

“While many are doing it well, the findings show that productions across broadcasters and genres could do more in representing energy efficiency and healthy environmental behaviours, such using a smart meter to help to reduce energy waste and cut down your carbon footprint.”

Over the 150 hours of viewing, only 2.4 per cent of TV households were seen to recycle compared to current national figures of 90 per cent.

Robert Cheesewright, director at Smart Energy GB, said: “We’re not asking for changes to the storylines that entertain us all, as now more than ever we need the escapism great TV offers.

“But with their powerful ability to inform our choices, the shows we watch should play a bigger role in the fight against climate change.”

The analysis was carried out alongside research of 2,000 adults that found Brits have been watching TV for an extra three hours and 20 minutes per day during lockdown.

And a third claimed they are more influenced by what they see on screen than ever.

As a result, a fifth of adults feel watching shows where characters make a point of turning off lights and reducing their energy use incentivises them to live a ‘greener’ life.

While 15 per cent have even been inspired to start growing their own fruit and veg after seeing their favourite TV characters get green-fingered.