The Old Grey Whistle Test

1971·Show
558Episodes in16Seasons
82
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.2Metacritic––Rotten Tomatoes––
Episode ratings

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Old Grey Whistle Test fingerprint

Calm.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Spectacle3
  • Adrenaline2
  • Fast Pace2

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia8
  • Wholesome6
  • Hopefulness6

Humor

A little humor

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay3
  • Situational Comedy1
  • Physical Comedy1

World

Show business, history, and pop culture

  • World Immersion7
  • Rewatchability7
  • Dialogue Centrality5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Direction6
  • Dialogue Quality4
  • Acting3

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Music Centrality10
  • Music Composition7
  • Sound Centrality6

Who it's for

AdultsFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

Find more like it

Nostalgic showsPeaceful shows

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.

Episode ratings

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Episode 37

About

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.
Iconic Music ShowArchival PerformancesBritish Television HistoryNostalgic ViewingLive Music DiscoveryArtist ShowcasesRelaxed AtmosphereCultural Time CapsuleMusic Education

Crew

Directed by:
Stuart Orme
Produced by:
Michael Appleton

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Old Grey Whistle Test

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Old Grey Whistle Test legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Old Grey Whistle Test in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Old Grey Whistle Test worth watching?

82
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How many seasons does The Old Grey Whistle Test have?

16 seasons

It has 16 seasons with 558 episodes.

When did The Old Grey Whistle Test air?

It ran from 1971 to 1987 and has ended.

What language is The Old Grey Whistle Test in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.

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