As of July 2026, Top of the Pops Season 16 aired in 1979 with 52 episodes — streaming now on BBC iPlayer. Full episode guide and where to watch below.

Top of the Pops Season 16 poster

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Top of the Pops Season 16

1979 52 Episodes Reality ⭐ 7/10

Top of the Pops Season 16 has become appointment viewing on for anyone who enjoys watching people under real pressure. A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. Its 7/10 TMDB score, built from 43 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. The casting and pacing are what separate this from the rest of the genre. Available now — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Top of the Pops Season 16 arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. What separates Top of the Pops Season 16 from the rest of its genre is a genuine understanding of what its audience actually wants to watch. Season 16 of Top of the Pops includes 52 episodes. It aired from January 1979 to December 1979. This season stars Peter Powell, Mike Read and Simon Bates. Peter Powell and Mike Read lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 1979. The editing in Top of the Pops Season 16 does a lot of quiet work shaping how you feel about every person on screen. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Best watched with company, Top of the Pops Season 16 generates takes from everyone in the room. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. A contained run means every episode is doing real work. The production understands its own premise and executes on it without apology. If you have enjoyed similar formats before, this is one of the stronger examples of what the genre can do.

📡 Where to Watch Top of the Pops Season 16

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🎬 Top of the Pops Season 16 — Episode Guide

4th January 1979

Weekly pop chart programme presented by Mike Read. Featuring Generation X, Elton John, Ian Dury & the Blockheads, Olivia Newton-John, Racey, Barry White, Brotherhood of Man, Village People and a dance sequence by Legs & Co.

11th January 1979

Weekly pop chart programme presented by David 'Kid' Jensen. Featuring Bonnie Tyler, Sally Oldfield, Paul Evans, the Shadows, Steve Allen, Driver 67, the Village People, Rocky Sharpe & the Replays and dances by Legs & Co.

18th January 1979

Weekly pop chart programme presented by Peter Powell. Featuring Olympic Runners, Anne Murray, the Three Degrees, Ian Dury & the Blockheads, Billy Joel, Chic, the Village People and dance sequences by Legs & Co.

25th January 1979

A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Dr. Feelgood, Third World, The Doll, and Judas Priest. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

1 February 1979

Weekly pop chart programme presented by Mike Read, including performances by Nazareth, the Three Degrees, UFO, the Members, Sally Oldfield, Two Man Sound, Generation X and the Pointer Sisters, with a dance sequence by Legs & Co.

8th February 1979

Weekly pop chart programme presented by David 'Kid' Jensen, including performances by Mick Jackson, the Jacksons, Darts, Rod Stewart, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Leif Garrett, Judas Priest, Blondie and dance sequences by Legs & Co.

15th February 1979

Peter Powell presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from the Dooleys, Generation X, Alan Price, the Pretenders, Lene Lovich, the Skids and Blondie. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

22nd February 1979

A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Real Thing, The Bee Gees, Gene Chandler, and Darts. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

Mike Read presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from the Skids, Thin Lizzy, Chic and David Essex. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

Kid Jensen presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from Inner Circle, Elvis Costello, the Buzzcocks, Dennis Brown, the Late Show, the Real Thing, Cliff Richard, the Dooleys, Motorhead and the Leyton Buzzards. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

15th March 1979

Peter Powell presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from the Jam, Lene Lovich, the Cars, Violinski, Herbie Hancock and Black Lace. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

22nd March 1979

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.

Mike Read presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from the Three Degrees, Rocky Sharpe & the Replays, Dana, Showaddywaddy, Kandidate and Black Lace. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

Tony Blackburn presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from M, Squeeze, the Members, the Jacksons, Milk and Honey & Gali Atari and the Jam. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

12th April 1979

Peter Powell presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from Kate Bush, Neil Diamond, Racey, Supertramp, Sham 69, Kandidate, Sister Sledge and Light of the World. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

19th April 1979

A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from Gordon Giltrap, M, Wings, and Gonzalez. Introduced by Dave Lee Travis.

26th April 1979

David 'Kid' Jensen presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from Generation X, Supertramp, Eruption, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Racey, Amii Stewart, Boney M and the Monks. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

A look at Britain's best-selling discs, artists, and news from the Top 40. Including performances from The Undertones, M, Peaches & Herb, and Mike Oldfield. Introduced by Jimmy Savile.

Mike Read presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from Elkie Brooks, Sparks, the Shadows, Eruption, Roxy Music and Gary Moore. With dance sequences by Legs & Co.

Peter Powell presents another edition of the weekly pop chart show, including performances from the Tubes, Earth Wind & Fire, the Emotions, the Police, M, Abba and Donna Summer.

🎭 Cast of Top of the Pops Season 16

Peter Powell

Self - Presenter

Mike Read

Simon Bates

Tony Blackburn

📋 All Seasons of Top of the Pops

Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Season 5 Season 6 Season 7 Season 8

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