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The Best Episodes of Top of the Pops

Every episode of Top of the Pops ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Top of the Pops!

The Best Episodes of Top of the Pops

The biggest stars, the most iconic performances, the most outrageous outfits – it’s Britain’s number one pop show.

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  1. 9.0/10(30 votes)

    #1 - 19th May 1977

    S14:E20

    David 'Kid' Jensen looks at the weekly pop chart from 1977 and introduces Suzi Quatro, Linda Lewis, Carole Bayer Sager, Tony Etoria, the Jacksons, the Jam, the Bay City Rollers, Joe Tex, Joy Sarney and Rod Stewart, with a dance sequence from Legs & Co.

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  2. 8.9/10(30 votes)

    #2 - 2nd June 1977

    S14:E22

    Noel Edmonds looks at the weekly pop chart from 1977 and introduces Elkie Brooks, the Muppets, Twiggy, Jesse Green, Hot Chocolate, the Strawbs, Genesis, the Four Seasons, Heatwave, Carol Bayer Sager and Rod Stewart, with a dance sequence from Legs & Co.

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  3. 8.9/10(27 votes)

    #3 - 23th June 1977

    S14:E25

    Jimmy Savile looks at the weekly pop chart from 1977 and introduces Dave Edmunds, Tony Etoria, Gary Glitter, Brotherhood of Man, Johnny Nash, Paul Nicholas, Carol Bayer Sager, the Stranglers, the Jacksons and Legs & Co.

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  4. 8.9/10(42 votes)

    #4 - 22nd March 1979

    S16:E12

    A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Sham 69, The Players Association, Village People, and Queen. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

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  5. 8.8/10(43 votes)

    #5 - 11th October 1979

    S16:E40

    Andy Peebles presents another edition of the weekly pop chart with performances by the Dooleys, the Headboys, Chic, Dr Hook, Viola Wills, Errol Dunkley, the Charlie Daniels Band, Cats UK, Dave Edmunds, Dana and the Police and dance sequences by Legs & Co.

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  6. 8.8/10(47 votes)

    #6 - November 24, 1994

    S31:E47

    Mark Goodier introduces performances, videos, and pre-chart exclusives by some of the top artists in the charts. Including performances from Jimmy Nail, Louis Armstrong, New Atlantic Feat. Berri, Kylie Minogue, and Luther Vandross.

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  8. 8.6/10(10 votes)

    #7 - Episode 50

    S21:E50

    Steve Wright and Peter Powell take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Wham!, Kool & The Gang, Tears For Fears, and The Toy Dolls.

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  9. 8.5/10(23 votes)

    #8 - April 17, 1998

    S35:E15

    No description available

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  10. 8.1/10(11 votes)

    #9 - May 21, 1993

    S30:E20

    Tony Dortie presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 21 May 1993 and featuring Saint Etienne, Felix, Luther Vandross, Charles & Eddie, Runrig, Ace of Base, Bon Jovi and UB40.

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  11. 8.0/10(9 votes)

    #10 - Episode 22

    S15:E22

    A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Rokotto, Elvis Costello & The Attractions, Smokie, and The Boomtown Rats. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

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  12. 8.0/10(8 votes)

    #11 - Episode 21

    S19:E21

    John Peel presents the weekly pop chart show, first broadcast on 27 May 1982. Includes appearances from Debbie Harry, Genesis, Japan, Soft Cell, Duran Duran and Madness. Also includes a dance performance from Zoo.

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  13. 8.0/10(10 votes)

    #12 - Episode 29

    S21:E29

    Peter Powell and Richard Skinner present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 19 July 1984. Featuring The Mighty Wah!, Prince, Billy Idol, Blancmange, Divine, Thompson Twins and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

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  14. 8.0/10(8 votes)

    #13 - Episode 31

    S21:E31

    Simon Bates and Gary Davies present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 2 August 1984. Featuring Black Lace, Kane Gang, A Flock of Seagulls, Trevor Walters, George Michael and Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

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  15. 8.0/10(9 votes)

    #14 - May 8, 1986

    S23:E19

    Janice Long and John Peel present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 08 May 1986. Featuring Patti La Belle and Michael McDonald, Spitting Image, Billy Ocean, Falco, and Whitney Houston.

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  16. 8.0/10(10 votes)

    #15 - August 18, 1988

    S25:E33

    Mike Read and Simon Mayo present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 18 August 1988 and featuring Aztec Camera, Kylie Minogue, Chris Rea, Status Quo, Van Halen, Big Country, Fairground Attraction, Julio Iglesias and Stevie Wonder, Yazz & The Plastic Population, and Robbie Robertson.

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  17. 8.0/10(10 votes)

    #16 - September 22, 1988

    S25:E38

    Nicky Campbell and Andy Crane present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 22 September 1988 and featuring Pet Shop Boys, Womack & Womack, Bill Withers, Transvision Vamp, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, Rick Astley, The Hollies and The Pasadenas.

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  18. 8.0/10(9 votes)

    #17 - December 8, 1988

    S25:E49

    Nicky Campbell and Caron Keating present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 8 December 1988 and featuring Status Quo, Angry Anderson, Phil Collins, Petula Clark, New Order, Inner City, Erasure, Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, Cliff Richard and Bananarama.

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  19. 8.0/10(10 votes)

    #18 - May 18, 1995

    S32:E20

    Lisa L'Anson introduces the latest hits and pre-chart sounds, with a rundown of the UK charts. Including performances from Celine Dion, Ali Campbell, Elton John, Pulp and Robson & Jerome.

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  20. 7.9/10(10 votes)

    #19 - 1 January 1964

    S1:E1

    Presenters: Jimmy Savile and Alan Freeman Performers: Dusty Springfield - I Only Want To Be With You Gene Pitney - 24 Hours From Tulsa The Dave Clark Five - Glad All Over The Swinging Blue Jeans - Hippy Hippy Shake The Hollies - Stay Videos: The Beatles - I Want To Hold Your Hand Freddie & The Dreamers - You Were Made For Me Cliff Richard & The Shadows - Title unknown

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  21. 7.9/10(10 votes)

    #20 - Episode 6

    S17:E6

    Steve Wright presents chart hits of the week, with performances from the Tourists, Cliff Richard, the Chords, the Regents, Queen, the Selecter, AC/DC, the Buggles and the Specials, and a dance sequence by Legs & Co.

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  22. 7.9/10(10 votes)

    #21 - Episode 16

    S18:E16

    Peter Powell introduces the pop programme, featuring Bad Manners, Girlschool, Department S, The Beat, The Cure, The Nolans, UK Subs, The Jacksons, Whitesnake, Spandau Ballet, Sugar Minott, Bucks Fizz and Ennio Morricone, and a dance performance from Legs & Co.

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  23. 7.9/10(10 votes)

    #22 - Episode 24

    S19:E24

    Simon Bates presents the weekly pop chart show, first broadcast on 17 June 1982. Includes appearances by Natasha, Roxy Music, Echo & the Bunnymen, Duran Duran, ABC, Bow Wow Wow, Queen, Toyah and Adam Ant.

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  24. 7.8/10(9 votes)

    #23 - 8th July 1976

    S13:E28

    Tony Blackburn looks at the weekly pop chart and introduces Sutherland Brothers & Quiver, Billy Ocean, Sensational Alex Harvey Band, 5000 Volts, The Real Thing and Candy Staton.

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  25. 7.8/10(8 votes)

    #24 - Episode 47

    S20:E47

    Simon Bates and Richard Skinner present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 24 November 1983. Featuring Paul Young, Tina Turner, The Smiths, Marilyn, Simple Minds, The Style Council and Billy Joel.

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  26. 7.8/10(11 votes)

    #25 - January 3, 1985

    S22:E1

    John Peel and Richard Skinner present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 3 January 1985. Featuring Smiley Culture, Sal Solo, Paul Young, Tears for Fears, Toy Dolls, Madonna and Band Aid.

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Best Episodes Summary

"19th May 1977" is the best rated episode of "Top of the Pops". It scored 9/10 based on 30 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 5/19/1977. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "2nd June 1977".