Leaving Neverland attracted an audience of 2.1 million with a peak of 2.4 million after it debuted in the UK.
The four-hour long documentary – which is being broadcast by Channel 4 in two parts – follows Wade Robson and James Safechuck, who allege they were sexually abused by Michael Jackson when they were minors.
On Thursday morning, the broadcaster revealed that a peak audience of 2.4 million tuned in to the feature length first part, averaging an audience of 2.1 million in its mammoth 9-11pm slot.
It enjoyed a 20.5 per cent share of the audience for the time slot and proved the most popular programme with 16-34 year olds.
The documentary, first shown at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, has been heavily criticised by the Jackson Estate, which has strongly denied any accusations of sexual misconduct.
Fans of the late singer, who died in 2009, gathered outside Channel 4’s London headquarters yesterday to protest against the documentary and proclaim Jackson’s innocence.
Crowds held pictures of the Thriller singer’s face, covered by stickers reading “Innocent” while others told the broadcaster to “leave him to rest”.
The show received a mixed reaction from British viewers, with many “praising” Robson and Safechuck for “speaking out” while others jumped to the singer’s defence.
Some said they were “heartbroken” by the allegations of molestation at Jackson’s Neverland ranch. Others said they felt “physically sick” after seeing pictures and hearing a litany of accusations.
But others said they “didn’t want to believe it” and pointed out that Jackson is not alive to “tell his side of the story”.
Leaving Neverland proved to be one of the most successful documentaries for a decade after pulling in 1.7million for the first part on HBO last Sunday.
The second instalment, airing tonight in the UK, went on to get 927,000 viewers on Monday night according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Robson testified at a 2005 trial, saying he had slept in Michael’s room, but had never been molested by him. Safechuck also made similar statements.
Both men filed lawsuits in 2013 saying stress and trauma had forced them to face the truth and admit they were sexually abused.
Leaving Neverland airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4. Part one is available to catch up online.
