PopMaster is a music trivia quiz show originally a popular radio segment hosted by Ken Bruce since 1998 on BBC Radio 2. After Ken Bruce left Radio 2, PopMaster moved with him and was adapted into a TV show, now airing on Channel 4's More4 channel as "PopMaster TV"
. Format of PopMaster TV:
- Five contestants compete in a series of knockout rounds testing their knowledge of pop music from the 1950s to the present day.
- Rounds include challenges like ‘Intros, Middles and Ends’, ‘Video Gaga’, ‘Pop Years’, and ‘It’s Only Words’
- The final two contestants face off in the traditional "Original PopMaster" round.
- The winner then attempts the "3 in 10" challenge, where they must name three top 75 UK chart hits by a specified artist or group within 10 seconds
- Winners from initial episodes advance to a grand final to compete for the overall PopMaster TV champion title
Production and Reception:
- The TV show is produced by 12 Yard Productions and filmed in Glasgow.
- The first series of PopMaster TV was a ratings success, significantly boosting More4's weekday evening audience
- A second, longer series with 16 episodes, including celebrity specials, was commissioned due to the show's popularity
- Ken Bruce serves as host and executive producer, bringing his long association with the quiz to television
Broadcast Information:
- PopMaster TV premiered in 2023 and continues airing with new series planned for 2024 and beyond
- Episodes typically air on More4 at 8 pm on weekdays
In summary, PopMaster TV is a televised adaptation of the iconic radio music quiz, hosted by Ken Bruce, featuring music fans competing in various rounds of pop music trivia for a grand championship
