I think BBC1 was underwhelming because they show way too much animation as a lead in. Yesterday in the morning until 11.30am was just animation. Then it was a repeat of a Christmas Day show. Then following Countryfile and a repeat of limited appeal daytime drama, they had animation solidly from 2.40pm until 7pm with only the News in between.
BBC1 have had some excellent offerings, but their scheduling and limited appeal lead ins is what I think have made their ratings suffer. Who would rather have watched something like Oz: The Great and Powerful yesterday rather than another animated movie? Harry Potter might be over repeated, but they have wide appeal and are not animations. I watched far less BBC1 this year simply because of all the animated movies.
Perhaps The Muppets Most Wanted might have been a better choice of premiere for Boxing Day than How to Train Your Dragon 2. Hopefully, the BBC will consider their film choices in future, as a lead in is as important as the programme that follows it.
