Spicks and Specks

Great show. I like substitute and the one with the bike

Spicks & Specks is a musically themed game show in which two teams go head to head using their knowledge of the music industry to answer trivia questions and participate in dinner-party styled games. The show is hosted by stand-up comedian Adam Hills and features the regular team leaders radio show host Myfanwy Warhurst & comedian Alan Borough. Team members consist of relatively well known identities from the entertainment industry. The show is genuinely entertaining to watch as the characters are relaxed and are able to express their charisma and wit creating an exuberant atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to share humorous anecdotes and exhibit their wealthy knowledge of music industry icons. Adam Hills is exceptionally well composed and is very effective as the compère using a combination humour and wit. The program title is taken from the title of a Bee Gee's song.

Spicks and Specks is both a comedy program and a musical quiz show, and the best part is it's Australian. Comedian Adam Hills hosts the show while comedian/actor Alan Borough and radio presenter Myf Warhurst are weekly team captains. These three alone provide plenty of hilarious moments and interesting musical facts to keep you watching. And if that isn't enough talented comedians guest star alongside gifted musicians, what other show gives you this often explosively hilarious combination? With four talented guests appearing every week this show is never lacking in entertainment.

At times Spicks And Specks can be entertaining, other times it can be quite informative, it can get you thinking and it will always make you laugh. Spicks and Specks combines the worlds of music and comedy perfectly. Both team captains are a wealth of musical knowledge and factoids, while the guests are always knowledgeable, entertaining and hilarious.

The combination of comedy, musical facts and entertaining rounds such as 'Substitute' and 'Look What They've Done To My Song Ma' make Spicks and Specks without a doubt the best quiz show on Australian television.

Latest 2024 season has fortunately returned to a watchable 30 minute format but is still struggling to revive the fun of its initial run. Adam Hills always seems to be trying too hard and the sycophantic response from studio audience and panel a bit cringey. 'The Secret Song' puzzle always falls flat with delivery of clues throughout the show disruptive and unfunny for those of us merely watching from home. Upcoming artists and comedians we've never heard of before (in typical ABC fashion) is admirable but the current balance is in desperate need of some more established star power and personality. I turned off the overlong last couple of seasons so returning to 30 minutes is a definite improvement.

The original team has a chemistry you can't fault plus a genuine knowledge and love of music and music trivia that makes it work so well. Although the 2021 series is missing some of the interaction that comes from a live audience it's still a must watch show. Crossing fingers for more again in 2022.