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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
The weekend starts here! Well maybe, depending on when you listen.
John is pitching commissioner Luke some music shows; will John be top of the pitches or will his dreams of producing a music show go down the tube with Luke telling him to (ready steady) go?
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.
Luke's going to talk about afternoon games to commissioner John, but will John offer Luke a deal or no deal? Is Luke going for gold, or are we witnessing the countdown to failure?
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.
Get your sausages on a fork ready as John pitches commissioner Luke some classic kids drama: Grange Hill, Byker Grove, Children's Ward, and Press Gang. However, Luke is already minded to commission cult kids drama Dark Season.
Will John channel his inner Ziggy and charm Luke with a cheeky pitch, or will Luke just say no and expel John from 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 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.