Top of the Pops

Top of the Pops (1964- )

RunningVariety showMusic

Top of the Pops is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1 January 1964 and 30 July 2006. It was traditionally shown every Thursday evening on BBC1, except for a short period on Fridays in late 1974, before being again moved to Fridays in 1996, and then to Sundays on BBC Two in 2005. Each weekly programme consisted of performances from some of that week's best-selling popular music artists, with a rundown of that week's singles chart. Additionally, there was a special edition of the programme on Christmas Day (and usually, until 1984, a second such edition a few days after Christmas), featuring some of the best-selling singles of the year.

Networks

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2023-12-28Review of the Year 2023Dec 28, 2023
2022-12-24Review of the Year 2022Dec 24, 2022
2021-12-31New Year Special 2021/2022Dec 31, 2021
2021-12-25Christmas Special 2021Dec 25, 2021
2020-12-31New Year Special 2020/2021Dec 31, 2020
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

What was the date of the 'Top of the Pops' premiere in 1964?

The 'Top of the Pops' premiere was on January 1, 1964.

Who hosted the premiere episode of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

DJ Jimmy Savile hosted the premiere episode of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964.

What was the purpose of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

The purpose of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 was to showcase popular music acts performing their latest hits.

What were the criteria for artists to appear on 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

In 1964, the criteria for artists to appear on 'Top of the Pops' was that they must have a hit record in the UK charts.

Who were some of the artists that appeared on 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

Artists who appeared on 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 include The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Kinks, and Dusty Springfield.

What was the format of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

The format of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 featured a countdown of the chart positions of the week's top-selling singles, with live performances from some of the artists.

What was the official theme tune of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964?

The official theme tune of 'Top of the Pops' in 1964 was "Top of the Pops" by The Dave Clark Five.

How was 'Top of the Pops' received by audiences in 1964?

'Top of the Pops' was well-received by audiences in 1964, with its format of showcasing live music performances proving to be a hit with viewers.

Cast

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Also known as

  • TOTP

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The Mortician
Running

The Mortician

A darkly gripping series, The Mortician chronicles a trusted family-owned funeral home that hid behind a façade of decency and propriety to take advantage of loved ones at their most vulnerable moments. In the early 1980s, David Sconce, scion of the Lamb family, took over the family business and sought to exploit the deceased in numerous ways to expand their earnings. Driven by profit, the Lamb Funeral Home in Pasadena, California engaged in years of morally questionable and inhumane practices. 

Not Going Out
Running

Not Going Out

Can hapless Lee win Lucy round to his dubious charms? And if he does, mishaps and pratfalls mean it's unlikely to be domestic bliss... Starring Lee Mack.

GenreComedy
MobLand
Running

MobLand

With the most powerful clients in Europe, MobLand will see family fortunes and reputations at risk, odd alliances unfold, and betrayal around every corner; and while the family might be London's most elite fixers today, the nature of their business means there is no guarantee what's in store tomorrow.

MobLand follows two generations of gangsters, the businesses they run, the complex relationships they weave and the man they call upon to fix their problem.

GenreDrama, Crime
Hazardous History with Henry Winkler
Running

Hazardous History with Henry Winkler

The eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past. 

GenreHistory
X-Men '97
Running

X-Men '97

X-Men '97 revisits the iconic era of the 1990s as The X-Men, a band of mutants who use their uncanny gifts to protect a world that hates and fears them, are challenged like never before, forced to face a dangerous and unexpected new future.