Who killed Top of the Pops? 

We leap into the 21st century… as TOTP is heads towards its doom.

John will pitch the Chris Cowey, Andi Peters and Mark Cooper eras. 

And Luke must choose the best era of all.

John has nine chances to win — surely he can’t fail this time?

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 90s are dawning, and Top of the Pops is on a comedown after the excesses of the 80s. Paul Ciani tries to keep the party going, but before long Stanley Appel decides a Year Zero approach is needed. That doesn't last either, and Ric Blaxill is charged with saving the show.

Can John convince Luke that any of these eras bear comparison with the glory days of old?

There's no shortage of exciting music - from grunge to techno, Britpop to Girl Power - and there are even some genuinely funny hosts. But with viewing figures hitting an all-time low, it's going to be a tricky set of pitches.

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We move into the 80s, and Luke's favourite era of Top of the Pops: the Michael Hurll years.

It's a massive party, with balloons, lasers, and cheerleaders. There's even a roundabout.

Great presenters like Kid Jenson, Janice Long, and John Peel. Amazing performances from Culture Club, Shalamar, and Dexys Midnight Runners. And let's say a 'memorable' outing for New Order.

Enjoy it, or Hurll will come running down from the gallery very annoyed.

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Top of the Pops has moved into the 70s and John’s pitching the Stanley Dorfman and Robin Nash eras. Can he convince Luke that this was peak TOTP? 

Glam! Disco! Punk!

Bowie blowing a nation’s mind by putting his arm around another man!

Legs and Co’s very literal choreography!

Kenny Everett! Tony Blackburn!

Oh, and DLT. Sorry.

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was Number 1, it was Top of the Pops... but when was it at its best? The greatest bands and singers? The coolest theme tune? The least irritating hosts? Luke and John are about to find out.

They start in the 60s, when Johnnie Stewart led the show from an old church in Manchester. We'll meet Pan's People, The Beatles, Alan "Fluff" Freeman - and some other less savory characters.

Which era is Luke's favourite, and will John be able to change his mind? Or will he be thrown out of the Commissioner's Office in disgrace?

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let’s get rrrrrrrreaddddyyy to rhuuuuuuumble….

Our quest for the perfect live Saturday night show moves into the 21st century, as the new kings of TV, Ant and/or Dec, build on the House Party and Toothbrush formula - and arguably perfect it.

Luke is fighting hard to win the most important slot on Cracking TV. And for John, it’s the toughest decision yet.

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke and John are still looking for the perfect live Saturday night show for their schedule. 

As Noel’s House Party wanes, Channel 4 brings something totally different: a live anarchic and interactive show hosted by a sometime Radio 1 breakfast DJ with a bit of an ego and little patience for critics. 

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush was one of Luke and John’s favourites when they were teenagers but does it stand up today?

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John has given Luke a very specific brief: a live Saturday night show, packed with unpredictable and exciting ideas and loads of audience interaction.

Naturally Luke’s first thought is Noel Edmonds. But will John be impressed by gunge, ageing Radio 1 DJs and of course the incredibly irritating Mr Blobby?

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final part of their quest for a Saturday night people show, Luke and John move into the 90s with You Bet! and Barrymore.

It’s time for Luke to make his mind up - but not before some incredible stunts, outrageous antics, and a Brucie vs Barrymore rap battle. A’wight!

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke and John’s search for the perfect Saturday Night people show moves into the 80s, as ITV roll out their big guns: Game For A Laugh and Blind Date.

Cars are crushed and hearts are broken as Beadle and Cilla dominate the decade. But will John persuade Luke to give him the commission? They’ll have a lorra lorra fun finding out.

Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.

Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.

Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com.

Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.