ITV strikes familiar note with revival of classic music format Name That Tune

UK commercial broadcaster ITV is preparing a new version of classic US music gameshow Name That Tune, to be hosted by Alison Hammond (This Morning).

Alison Hammond

Coproduced by Bright Entertainment (The Chase Around the World), part of ITV Studios, and Dublin-based BiggerStage (The Floor), it will air on ITV1 and STV in Scotland, and stream on ITVX and STV Player.

Contestants’ musical knowledge is put to the test in rounds featuring tracks from famous artists and bands, in which they must identify songs simply by hearing short extracts of riffs, melodies and lyrics.

The show is based on the US format that debuted on NBC in 1953 before moving to CBS and, more recently, Fox, where it has aired since 2021.

ITV was the host channel for an earlier UK version of the format, presented by Tom O’Connor and Lionel Blair from 1976 to 1987. Channel 5 then briefly rebooted the format in 1997.

The format was originally created by Harry Salter and is owned by Prestige Entertainment Group. Fox Entertainment Global facilitated the agreement between Prestige, BiggerStage and ITV.

Katie Rawcliffe, director of entertainment, reality and daytime at ITV, said: “Name That Tune is such an iconic brand we are excited to be bringing this refreshed global format to the UK audience.”

Prentiss Fraser, president of Fox Entertainment Global, said: “With the continued success of the hit Fox series in the US, we’re thrilled to see it find a new home on such a fantastic network and excited to be part of bringing the UK version to life.”