Cracking TV

Follow Cracking TV
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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.

Luke & John


    • Apr 1, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 2m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Cracking TV with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Cracking TV

    Saturday Nights - Live! Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 59:02


    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.

    Saturday Nights - Live! Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 61:13


    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.

    Saturday People Shows Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 55:01


    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.

    Saturday People Shows Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 51:22


    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.

    Saturday People Shows Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 52:15


    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.

    Halloween Hoaxes Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 106:00


    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.

    Last in the Present Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 57:35


    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 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.

    tv series acast john furlong
    Variety Talent Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 69:47


    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.

    Breakfast TV Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 76:23


    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.

    Breakfast TV Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 61:39


    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.

    Youth TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 71:38


    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.

    Steptoe & Sons Part 2: 90s Sitcoms

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 67:55


    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.

    Steptoe & Sons Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 65:35


    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.

    Chat Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2023 76:47


    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.

    acast john furlong
    Music Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 82:27


    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.

    acast music shows john furlong
    Afternoon Gameshows

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 60:01


    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.

    Kids Drama

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 60:03


    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.

    Eurovision Special 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 62:38


    The Eurovision Song Contest is the greatest show on earth - and it's Luke's dream to produce it. Can he persuade John that Cracking TV should take on an insane amount of debt to produce the ultimate Eurovision final? 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.

    Comedy Panel Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 59:47


    When John pitched commissioner Luke Have I Got News for You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie to You?, and Mock the Week, he won the commission despite Luke already having Shooting Stars in mind. Truth or Lie? 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.

    David Croft Sitcoms

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 59:46


    Hello campers, we're looking for a David Croft sitcom, so if you're free listen very carefully to Cracking TV. Luke pitches commissioner John Dad's Army, Hi-de-Hi, Are You Being Served, and 'Allo 'Allo - but John is already minded to commission You Rang M'Lord. Will Luke win the commission and a week at Maplins, or will he be a stupid boy and have to spend two weeks at Maplins?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.

    Primetime Soaps

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 59:42


    John pitches Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Brookside, and EastEnders to commissioner Luke to feature on Cracking TV - but Luke is already minded to commission Eldorado. Will John persuade Luke to pick one of his shows instead? Expect fights, romance, and unexpected births - and that's just from Luke & John. 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.

    Morning Gameshows

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 58:07


    We're changing letters, taking off, and going wild in the aisles as we try to find a morning gameshow for Cracking TV. Luke pitches John Chain Letters, Runway, Lucky Ladders, and Supermarket Sweep - but John is already minded to commission Win, Lose or Draw. There are no draws available here, so will Luke win big, or lose and have to leave John'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. Follow us @crackingtv. Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Sketch Shows

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 58:08


    Margaret! Albatross! Scorchio! We're looking for a sketch show to feature on Cracking TV.John pitches Luke The Fast Show, Goodness Gracious Me, Big Train, and Little Britain - but Luke is already minded to commission Monty Python's Flying Circus. Will Luke think John's pitch is Brilliant, or does it have as much life as a Norwegian Blue meaning Luke will tell John to kiss his chuddies?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.

    Saturday Morning Kids TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2023 58:11


    We're all about anarchy with a hangover as we're looking at Saturday Morning Kids TV.Luke pitches John Tiswas, Swap Shop, Going Live / Live & Kicking, and Dick and Dom in da Bungalow - but John is already minded to commission No 73. Will Luke persuade John to pick one of his shows, or will John stick with No 73, meaning Luke has to leave John'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.Follow us @crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Cracking TV Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 3:29


    "What's the greatest ever Saturday morning kids' show? The best daytime quiz? The funniest panel game? TV professionals Luke Sluman and John Furlong seek to find out, as they take turns to 'pitch' shows of yesteryear in the hope of building the ultimate TV schedule. With bottomless knowledge and enthusiasm they dissect classic TV from the comedic cornerstone of Steptoe and Son to Margaret Thatcher's surreal turn on Saturday Superstore, exploring what works and why."Not our words, the words of Radio Times Magazine. This is a short preview of our show...Cracking TV is produced and presented by Luke Sluman and John Furlong.Our rather marvellous theme tune was written and performed by Simon McInerney.Follow us @crackingtv.Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Claim Cracking TV

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel