The Old Grey Whistle Test poster

TV SeriesEnded

The Old Grey Whistle Test

Episode Ratings

IMDb ratings graph for every episode of The Old Grey Whistle Test across all 16 seasons.

1971–1987 · 16 seasons · BBC Two

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TMDB

8.3

3 ratings

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Episode Ratings

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Overview

The Old Grey Whistle Test is an influential BBC2 television music show that ran from 1971 to 1987. It took over the BBC2 late night slot from "Disco Two", which had been running since January 1970, while continuing to feature non-chart music. It was devised by BBC producer Rowan Ayers. According to presenter Bob Harris, the programme derived its name from a Tin Pan Alley phrase from years before. When they got the first pressing of a record they would play it to people they called the old greys—doormen in grey suits. The songs they could remember and whistle, having heard it just once or twice, had passed the old grey whistle test.

NetworkBBC Two

Runtime~60 min

Seasons16

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Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does The Old Grey Whistle Test have?

The Old Grey Whistle Test has 558 episodes across 16 seasons.

How many seasons does The Old Grey Whistle Test have?

The Old Grey Whistle Test has 16 seasons.