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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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 (https://www.zapsplat.com/).
Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Apr 2026
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 (https://www.zapsplat.com/).
Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Apr 2026
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 head 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 (https://www.zapsplat.com/).
Luke & John Cracking TV is an IHOG Factual Entertainment Production.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
26
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
Contact Cracking TV
Guest appearances
Books guests
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