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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.
  1. Background image for 19th May 1977
    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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for 2nd June 1977
    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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for 23th June 1977
    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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for Episode 50
    8.6/10(10 votes)

    #4 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for 17th April 1998
    8.5/10(23 votes)

    #5 - 17th April 1998

    S35:E15

    Jo Whiley introduces the latest hits from the charts, with live performances, the best pop videos, and the UK number one single of the week. Including performances from Ultra NatÉ, Ma$e, Ultra, Ben Folds Five, and Run D.m.c. Versus Jason Nevins.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for May 21, 1993
    8.1/10(11 votes)

    #6 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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  8. Background image for Episode 22
    8.0/10(9 votes)

    #7 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for Episode 6
    8.0/10(10 votes)

    #8 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Episode 29
    8.0/10(10 votes)

    #9 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  11. Background image for February 13, 1986
    7.8/10(9 votes)

    #10 - February 13, 1986

    S23:E7

    Gary Davies and Steve Wright present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 13 February 1986 and featuring Belouis Some, Whitney Houston, Su Pollard, Shakin' Stevens and Billy Ocean.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for May 8, 1986
    7.7/10(11 votes)

    #11 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  13. Background image for 1 January 1964
    7.6/10(10 votes)

    #12 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  14. Background image for Episode 12
    7.6/10(9 votes)

    #13 - Episode 12

    S17:E12

    Mike Read presents pop hits of the week, with performances from the Bodysnatchers, Squeeze, Sad Cafe, the Lambrettas, Barbara Dickson, Shakin' Stevens, Martha and the Muffins, UB40, and the Jam, and a dance sequence by Legs & Co.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Episode 9
    7.6/10(10 votes)

    #14 - Episode 9

    S21:E9

    John Peel and David Jensen present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 1 March 1984. Featuring Matt Bianco, Van Halen, Alexei Sayle, Break Machine, Wang Chung, Slade, Nena and Julia & Company.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  16. Background image for Episode 31
    7.6/10(8 votes)

    #15 - 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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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for November 23, 1989
    7.6/10(9 votes)

    #16 - November 23, 1989

    S26:E47

    Jakki Brambles and Jenny Powell present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 23 November 1989 and featuring Big Fun, Fine Young Cannibals and The Stone Roses.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for 3rd November 1977
    7.5/10(10 votes)

    #17 - 3rd November 1977

    S14:E44

    Peter Powell looks at the weekly pop chart from 1977 and introduces the Jam, the Barron Knights, the Carpenters, Queen, Status Quo, David Bowie, Showaddywaddy, Abba and a Legs & Co dance sequence.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Episode 5
    7.4/10(9 votes)

    #18 - Episode 5

    S20:E5

    John Peel and David Jensen introduce the latest hits from the pop charts, first broadcast on 3 February 1983. Featuring Haysi Fantayzee, Indeep, Tears For Fears, U2 and Men at Work.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  20. Background image for Episode 23
    7.4/10(9 votes)

    #19 - Episode 23

    S21:E23

    John Peel and David Jensen present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 7 June 1984. Includes appearances from Spandau Ballet, Howard Jones, Evelyn Thomas, Bananarama, Bronski Beat and Wham!

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for October 11, 1990
    7.4/10(10 votes)

    #20 - October 11, 1990

    S27:E41

    Bruno Brookes presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 11 October 1990 and featuring The Chimes, The Sisters of Mercy and Neneh Cherry.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for January 31st, 1997
    7.4/10(12 votes)

    #21 - January 31st, 1997

    S34:E4

    Noddy Holder introduces the latest hits and pre-chart sounds, with a rundown of the UK charts. Including performances from Gabrielle, The Blueboy, Skunk Anansie, George Michael, and Blur.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for 21st April 1977
    7.3/10(10 votes)

    #22 - 21st April 1977

    S14:E16

    Tony Blackburn looks at the weekly pop chart from 1977 and introduces Delegation, David Dundas, Deniece Williams, Tavares, Leo Sayer, Elkie Brooks, Dead End Kids and Abba.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for May 18, 1989
    7.3/10(10 votes)

    #23 - May 18, 1989

    S26:E20

    Anthea Turner and Mark Goodier present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 18 May 1989 and featuring Shakin' Stevens, Deacon Blue and Neneh Cherry.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for August 16, 1990
    7.3/10(11 votes)

    #24 - August 16, 1990

    S27:E33

    Anthea Turner presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 16 August 1990 and featuring Go West, The KLF and Betty Boo.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for 17th January 1997
    7.3/10(12 votes)

    #25 - 17th January 1997

    S34:E2

    Rhona Cameron presents performances by Lightning Seeds, East 17, No Mercy, Texas, Backstreet Boys, Placebo, Lisa Stansfield, Madonna, Tori Amos and Alvin Stardust.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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 Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 5/19/1977. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "2nd June 1977".