As of July 2026, Top of the Pops Season 22 aired in 1985 with 51 episodes — streaming now on BBC iPlayer. Full episode guide and where to watch below.

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Top of the Pops Season 22

1985 51 Episodes Reality ⭐ 7/10

If you want reality entertainment that actually understands its own format, Top of the Pops Season 22 is available on right now. The 1-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. 43 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. The production never lets the format go stale. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

There is a reason Top of the Pops Season 22 keeps coming up in conversation. What separates Top of the Pops Season 22 from the rest of its genre is a genuine understanding of what its audience actually wants to watch. Season 22 of Top of the Pops includes 51 episodes. It aired from January 1985 to December 1985. This season stars Peter Powell, Steve Wright and Gary Davies. Peter Powell and Steve Wright lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 1985. The editing in Top of the Pops Season 22 does a lot of quiet work shaping how you feel about every person on screen. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Reality sceptics are warned — Top of the Pops Season 22 has converted more than a few doubters. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. 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 22

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🎬 Top of the Pops Season 22 — Episode Guide

January 3, 1985

John Peel and Richard Skinner present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 3 January 1985. Featuring Smiley Culture, Sal Solo, Paul Young, Tears for Fears, Toy Dolls, Madonna and Band Aid.

January 10, 1985

Mike Read and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Zz Top, Thompson Twins, Bronski Beat, and Council Collective.

January 17, 1985

Peter Powell and Gary Davies present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 17 January 1985. Featuring The Limit, Prince, Amii Stewart, Russ Abbott, Grandmaster Melle Mel and Foreigner.

January 24, 1985

Mike Smith and Steve Wright take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Ashford & Simpson, James Ingram, Billy Ocean, and Foreigner.

January 31, 1985

Peter Powell and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 31 January 1985. Featuring Big Sound Authority, Art Of Noise, Bruce Springsteen and Foreigner.

February 7, 1985

Richard Skinner and Gary Davies present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 7 February 1985. Featuring King, Bryan Adams, Phil Collins, Kirsty MacColl, Howard Jones, Billy Ocean, and Elaine Paige & Barbara Dickson.

February 14, 1985

Simon Bates and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 14 February 1985. Featuring Dead Or Alive, The Colour Field, Killing Joke, The Smiths, and Elaine Paige & Barbara Dickson.

February 21, 1985

Mike Read and Bruno Brookes present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 21 February 1985. Featuring Howard Jones, Sharpe and Numan, Don Henley, Bryan Adams and Elaine Paige & Barbara Dickson.

February 28, 1985

Peter Powell and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Prince, Jermaine Jackson, Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Madonna.

John Peel and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 7 March 1985 and featuring Shakin' Stevens, Madonna, Jermaine Jackson and Dead or Alive.

Gary Davies and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Philip Bailey & Phil Collins, New Edition, Nik Kershaw, and Dead Or Alive.

Mike Read and Steve Wright take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Third World, Glenn Frey, Billy Bragg, and Loose Ends.

Peter Powell and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Alison Moyet, The Cool Notes, David Grant & Jaki Graham, and Go West.

Richard Skinner and Simon Bates present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 4 April 1985. Featuring Glenn Frey, Phyllis Nelson, The Cool Notes, David Grant & Jaki Graham, and Phillip Bailey & Phil Collins.

John Peel and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 11 April 1985. Featuring Tears for Fears, The Rah Band, Dream Academy, King and Philip Bailey & Phil Collins.

Mike Read and Gary Davies present, first broadcast on 25 April 1985.

Richard Skinner and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Paul Hardcastle, Vikki, New Model Army, and Godley & Crème.

John Peel and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 9 May 1985.

Peter Powell and Gary Davies present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 16 May 1985. Featuring Kim Wilde, Bryan Ferry, Duran Duran, Jimmy Nail, Debarge, Phyllis Nelson, Paul Hardcastle and Divine.

Mike Read and Steve Wright present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 23 May 1985. Featuring Go West, Katrina & The Waves, Marillion, The Power Station, Depeche Mode, Paul Hardcastle and Skipworth & Turner.

🎭 Cast of Top of the Pops Season 22

Peter Powell

Self - Presenter

Steve Wright

Self - Presenter

Gary Davies

Mike Read

Simon Bates

Janice Long

📋 All Seasons of Top of the Pops

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