viewers were adults in the important 18 - 49 and 25 - 54 age demographics, according to Deadline. The numbers turned "The Return of Doctor Mysterio" into BBC America's most successful telecast of the entire year in all the key demos. With less than a week left in 2016, Doctor Who managed to score a record high for the year for BBC America.

In addition to the record-breaking numbers in overall viewership and demographic, the Doctor Who Christmas special was a hit on social media. In fact, "The Return of Doctor Mysterio" was the most social program on Christmas night in the key social media platforms of Twitter and Facebook. All in all, BBC America had a pretty special Christmas thanks to Doctor Who.

There are a few reasons why"The Return of Doctor Mysterio" was an especially huge hit for BBC America on Christmas evening in 2016. The biggest reason might simply be that Doctor Who had been off the air without any new episodes since the Christmas special in 2015. Most years, the show has at least half a season that aired between Christmas specials. By December 2016, the Doctor was on hiatus for an entire year. Fans who have been waiting months for new material may have been especially motivated to catch the new Christmas special.

Another factor in the great numbers for "The Return of Doctor Mysterio" might be the subject matter. The episode was distinctly superhero-themed, and it even featured a handful of nods to Marvel and DC Comics throughout the episode. Superheroes are