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Cracking TV

Luke & John

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 pitcher will bring a number of shows in the hope of scoring that big commission. However, the commissioner's already got a first-rate show in mind. Will the pitcher successfully get one of his shows commissioned, or will he fail and suffer the embarrassment of being thrown out of the commissioner’s office in disgrace?

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

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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 7 min
English

Episodes 20

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S2 · E14
May 12 · 1 hr 10 min
Teatime Gameshows Part 3
Do you know your Willi Wacker from your Fanny Chmelar? It's almost time for John to pick a teatime gameshow. But not before we hear about two of the biggest shows to the century: Luke's final pitch The Chase, versus John's own pick, Pointless. It's a rivalry bigger than Richard Osman's shoes. 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.
S2 · E13
April 28 · 1 hr 14 min
Teatime Gameshows Part 2
Luke's pitching more teatime game shows, and he's bringing out the big guns: perhaps the best quizzers in the world in Eggheads; and arguably the greatest TV format deviser, Richard Osman, with his House of Games. And, erm, 100% and Whittle. Well it can't all be gold. 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.
S2 · E12
April 14 · 1 hr 18 min
Teatime Gameshows Part 1
Game shows are back - and this time it's personal. Luke is pretty desperate to get a game show commissioned. Having failed with morning and afternoon slots, he's now pitching for teatime - the home of Blockbusters, Eggheads, The Chase, Pointless, and The Weakest Link. But if you think Anne Robinson's mean, wait till you hear what Luke's about to do. John once made a fool of himself on TV in front of millions of people, and he's managed to keep it secret for 25 years... but if anyone can find the footage, it's Luke. Surely Luke wouldn't use it to embarrass John - would he? 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.
S2 · E11
Dec 16, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Top of the Pops - 00s Crash
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.
S2 · E10
Dec 2, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
Top of the Pops - 90s Hangover
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.
S2 · E9
Nov 18, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Top of the Pops - 80s Party
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.
S2 · E8
Nov 4, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
Top of the Pops - 70s Glam
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.
S2 · E7
Oct 21, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Top of the Pops - 60s Groove
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.
S2 · E6
Apr 8, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Saturday Nights - Live! Part 3
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.
S2 · E5
Apr 1, 2025 · 59 min
Saturday Nights - Live! Part 2
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.
S2 · E4
Mar 25, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Saturday Nights - Live! Part 1
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.
S2 · E3
Feb 11, 2025 · 55 min
Saturday People Shows Part 3
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.
S2 · E2
Feb 4, 2025 · 51 min
Saturday People Shows Part 2
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.
S2 · E1
Jan 28, 2025 · 52 min
Saturday People Shows Part 1
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 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.
Oct 22, 2024 · 1 hr 46 min
Halloween Hoaxes Special
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 McInerney. Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E18
Jun 20, 2024 · 57 min
Last in the Present Series
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. Phil from Sunderland was played by Phil from Newcastle. Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E17
Apr 16, 2024 · 1 hr 9 min
Variety Talent Shows
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 McInerney. Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E16
Mar 21, 2024 · 1 hr 16 min
Breakfast TV Part 2
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 from zapsplat.com. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E15
Feb 13, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
Breakfast TV Part 1
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 from zapsplat.com. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E14
Jan 16, 2024 · 1 hr 11 min
Youth TV
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 marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney. Additional sound effects from zapsplat.com. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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