PlotNest
US
Poster for The Old Grey Whistle Test

TV series

The Old Grey Whistle Test

1971 · 16 seasons · 558 episodes

Not enough TMDB votes for a score yet.

Where to watch

Synopsis

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.

About 558h to watch every episode. An estimate: 558 episodes at the typical episode runtime of 60 minutes.

Where to watch

TMDB lists no official subscription, rental or purchase options in the United States right now. It may not be offered there, or the information has not been added yet.

Where-to-watch data is provided by JustWatch through TMDB. It differs by country and changes over time, so confirm with the service before paying. PlotNest does not host or stream anything.

Find more stories like this Story Finder opens with the same format, genre and decade, so you can add a mood or a minimum score.

Main cast

  • Bob Harris
    516 episodes

  • Annie Nightingale
    516 episodes

  • Richard Williams
    42 episodes

  • Steve Ellis
    Self
    2 episodes

  • Loudon Wainwright III
    1 episode

  • Cat Stevens
    1 episode

  • Jean-Michel Jarre
    1 episode

  • Elton John
    Self
    1 episode

  • Ralph McTell
    1 episode

  • Sting
    Self
    1 episode

  • Andy Summers
    Self
    1 episode

  • Stewart Copeland
    Self
    1 episode

  • Bonnie Raitt
    self
    1 episode

  • Tom Petty
    1 episode

  • Mike Campbell
    1 episode

  • Benmont Tench
    1 episode

  • Ron Blair
    1 episode

  • Stan Lynch
    1 episode

Seasons