TV series
The Old Grey Whistle Test
1971–1987, English, on BBC Two.
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.
- Seasons
- 16
- Episodes
- 558
- Episode length
- 60 min
- Status
- Ended in 1987
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Latest episode
S16 E20: That Was The Whistle Test That Was
Aired 22 April 1987
Seasons 16
1971/2
1971 · 42 episodes
1972/3
1972 · 49 episodes
1973/4
1973 · 43 episodes
1974/5
1974 · 42 episodes
1975/6
1975 · 35 episodes
1976/7
1976 · 36 episodes · 7.8/10
1977/8
1977 · 39 episodes · 9.0/10
1978/9
1978 · 37 episodes
1979/80
1979 · 34 episodes
1980/81
1980 · 41 episodes
1981/2
1981 · 29 episodes
1982/3
1982 · 22 episodes
1983/4
1983 · 20 episodes
1984/5
1984 · 38 episodes
1985/6
1985 · 31 episodes
1986/7
1986 · 20 episodes
Specials
TBA · 18 episodes
Cast & crew
Details
- First aired
- 21 September 1971
- Last aired
- 22 April 1987
- Network
- BBC Two
- Language
- English
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- Scripted
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The Old Grey Whistle Test: quick answers
Is The Old Grey Whistle Test worth watching?
The Old Grey Whistle Test doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How many seasons of The Old Grey Whistle Test are there?
The Old Grey Whistle Test has 16 seasons and 558 episodes, about 60 minutes each.
Is The Old Grey Whistle Test finished?
Yes. The Old Grey Whistle Test ended in 1987, so you can watch the whole story.
Which OTT platform is The Old Grey Whistle Test on?
The Old Grey Whistle Test isn’t listed on any OTT platform in India yet. (Checked 9 November 2026.)
The Old Grey Whistle Test parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Old Grey Whistle Test yet.
What shows are like The Old Grey Whistle Test?
If you liked The Old Grey Whistle Test, try Top of the Pops, So You Think You Can Dance, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.