We're Luke & John, two mates who've been working behind the scenes in television for nearly fifty years between us, trying to crack its secret. We're on a mission to create the dream schedule for our very own TV station, Cracking TV.In each episode we'll be talking about classic shows from a particular genre, picking one to fill a slot in our schedule. We're going to find the ultimate programmes for the ultimate TV channel.We'll take it in turns to be the commissioner and the pitcher; the...
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Episode List

Top of the Pops - 00s Crash

Dec 16th, 2025 6:00 AM

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.

Top of the Pops - 90s Hangover

Dec 2nd, 2025 6:00 AM

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.

Top of the Pops - 80s Party

Nov 18th, 2025 6:00 AM

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 - 70s Glam

Nov 4th, 2025 6:00 AM

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.

Top of the Pops - 60s Groove

Oct 21st, 2025 5:00 AM

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.

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