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.
Chicago P.D.
Running

Chicago P.D.

District 21 of the Chicago Police Department is made up of two distinctly different groups. There are the uniformed cops who patrol the beat and go head to head with the city's street crimes. And there's the Intelligence Unit, the team that combats the city's major offenses - organized crime, drug trafficking, high profile murders and beyond. These are their stories.

GenreDrama, Crime
Chicago Fire
Running

Chicago Fire

No job is more stressful, dangerous or exhilarating than those of the Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. These are the courageous men and women who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way and whose actions make the difference between life and death. These are their stories.

High Potential
Running

High Potential

High Potential follows Morgan, a single mom with an exceptional mind, whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective.

LOL: Last One Laughing UK
Running

LOL: Last One Laughing UK

Famous for his dark humour, one-liners and THAT laugh, Jimmy Carr challenges 10 of Britain's funniest comics to spend the day together without so much as a titter. The rules are simple: laugh and you're out. Over the course of the series, they will use every ounce of their comedic talents to try and break their opponents - without cracking up themselves. And it's not just their rivals they need to watch out for. The series is packed with comedy cameos, format twists and surprises designed to lure laughs from both the players and the viewers. It's a stellar line up of British comedy talent as you've never seen them before, but who will be crowned the inaugural winner of Last One Laughing UK?

GenreComedy
9-1-1
Running

9-1-1

9-1-1 is a fast-paced exploration into the lives and careers of first responders – cops, paramedics, firefighters – the people who put their lives on the line to save others.