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PODCAST

Cracking TV

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

tv & film tv reviews

All Episodes

1:11:27

Top of the Pops - 00s Crash

Cracking TV ·

2025/12/16

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 fromzapsplat.com.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual

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1:09:10

Top of the Pops - 90s Hangover

Cracking TV ·

2025/12/02

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

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1:11:55

Top of the Pops - 80s Party

Cracking TV ·

2025/11/18

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

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1:11:34

Top of the Pops - 70s Glam

Cracking TV ·

2025/11/04

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

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1:01:52

Top of the Pops - 60s Groove

Cracking TV ·

2025/10/21

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

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1:02:58

Saturday Nights - Live! Part 3

Cracking TV ·

2025/04/08

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

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59:02

Saturday Nights - Live! Part 2

Cracking TV ·

2025/04/01

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

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1:01:13

Saturday Nights - Live! Part 1

Cracking TV ·

2025/03/25

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 theincredibly 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 fromzapsplat.com.Luke &

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55:01

Saturday People Shows Part 3

Cracking TV ·

2025/02/11

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 fromzapsplat.com.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG

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51:22

Saturday People Shows Part 2

Cracking TV ·

2025/02/04

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

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52:15

Saturday People Shows Part 1

Cracking TV ·

2025/01/28

Cracking to see you, to see you... Cracking! Somewhat surprisingly Cracking TV's got a second series.The big channels have been fighting over Saturday night for decades, and it’s time for Luke and John to join the fray. Where better to start than with Bruce Forsyth and the Generation Game?Expect shocking deals, potter’s wheels, and of course a cuddly toy as the British TV industry goes to war.Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.Our rather marvellous theme tune was

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1:46:00

Halloween Hoaxes Special

Cracking TV ·

2024/10/22

Aliens invade New York… and Berkshire! Paul Daniels is impaled! And ghosts take over not one but two “live” BBC shows! From Orson Welles to Inside Number 9, via the terrifying Ghostwatch, Luke and John discuss the greatest broadcast hoaxes.Listeners of a nervous disposition should take care with this one - all is not as it seems in this spooky special. Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon

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57:35

Last in the Present Series

Cracking TV ·

2024/06/20

It’s the last episode of Series 1 of Cracking TV, and Luke and John look at what’s in the schedule so far. We've got breakfast TV, sitcoms, music and more.And Luke has a chance to pitch one more time… if he’s willing to accept John’s unusual terms.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 fromzapsplat.com.Follow us@crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG

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1:09:47

Variety Talent Shows

Cracking TV ·

2024/04/16

John is pitching talent shows, including Opportunity Knocks, New Faces, and Britain’s Got Talent. Get ready for gongs, clapometers, and performing dogs aplenty. However, Luke’s pulled on his high-waisted trousers, coiffed up his hair and got his big buzzer out - and he’s not easily impressed. Will John make an impression, or will he get the elbow?Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon

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1:16:23

Breakfast TV Part 2

Cracking TV ·

2024/03/21

It's time for another bowlful of goodness, as Luke and John continue with their big breakfast. Will Luke win the big commission? Or end up with egg on his face?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 fromzapsplat.com.Follow us@crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more

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1:01:39

Breakfast TV

Cracking TV ·

2024/02/13

Hello, Good Morning, and Welcome...Luke is pitching John breakfast shows, and he has a LOT to say, especially about TV-am, which might well be the greatest story in the history of British television. Treachery, irony, and plenty of rats - only one of whom is a Superstar.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 fromzapsplat.com.Follow us@crackingtv.Luke & John

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1:11:38

Youth TV

Cracking TV ·

2024/01/16

We expect, like us, you're not into all that stuff your "old man's" into! Right! So! We just thought we'd have a podcast for us! Right! And this is it!Luke and John delve into the world of Yoof TV. Network 7! Club X! The Word! Is it groundbreaking and revolutionary? Or a load of old crap? Expect amateur presenters, stupid stunts, and disgusting challenges - not so different from our usual episodes then.Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.Our rather

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1:07:55

Steptoe & Sons Part 2: 90s Sitcoms

Cracking TV ·

2023/12/05

Following John's epic audio essay theorising that many sitcoms owe their format to Steptoe & Son, Luke pitches John some 90s sitcoms that fit this mould.Will John think Luke's pitches are Absolutely Fabulous or have hit the Bottom?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 fromzapsplat.com.Follow us@crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual

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1:05:35

Steptoe & Sons Part 1

Cracking TV ·

2023/11/14

John has a theory about sitcoms: they're all descended from Steptoe and Son. Will John persuade Luke of his thesis and will Luke commission one of John's shows?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 fromzapsplat.com.Follow us@crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more

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1:16:47

Chat Shows

Cracking TV ·

2023/10/16

It's good to talk but will pitcher Luke sweet-talk commissioner John into picking one of his superstar hosts for the celebrity chat show slot on Cracking TV, or will John pull the lever that tips Luke out of his chair and the Cracking TV office?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 fromzapsplat.com.Follow us@crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual

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31 results

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