As of July 2026, Top of the Pops Season 23 aired in 1986 with 52 episodes — streaming now on BBC iPlayer. Full episode guide and where to watch below.

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Top of the Pops Season 23

1986 52 Episodes Reality ⭐ 7/10

Top of the Pops Season 23 has become appointment viewing on for anyone who enjoys watching people under real pressure. Across 1 season, the show has had time to find its rhythm and keep it. 43 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. The casting and pacing are what separate this from the rest of the genre. Start it whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Top of the Pops Season 23 earns its spot. What separates Top of the Pops Season 23 from the rest of its genre is a genuine understanding of what its audience actually wants to watch. Season 23 of Top of the Pops includes 52 episodes. It aired from January 1986 to December 1986. 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 1986. What keeps Top of the Pops Season 23 from feeling stale is a production that knows when to get out of the way. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Top of the Pops Season 23 is impossible to watch casually — expect strong opinions. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. The format has been copied endlessly since Top of the Pops Season 23 first appeared, which is the most honest tribute the industry knows how to give. Impossible to watch casually.

📡 Where to Watch Top of the Pops Season 23

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

🎬 Top of the Pops Season 23 — Episode Guide

January 2, 1986

John Peel and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 2 January 1986. Featuring A-Ha, Paul McCartney, Level 42, Bronski Beat, Sophia George, Shakin' Stevens, Elton John, Jennifer Rush and Sting.

January 9, 1986

Mike Smith and Steve Wright take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Full Force, Mr Mister, King, and Pet Shop Boys.

January 16, 1986

Mike Read and Dixie Peach present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 16 January 1986 and featuring Fine Young Cannibals, Dire Straits, a-ha, Mr. Mister, Pet Shop Boys, and Cherrelle with Alexander O'Neal.

January 23, 1986

Paul Jordan and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Eurythmics, Madonna, Sarah Brightman & Steve Harley, and Five Star.

January 30, 1986

Gary Davies and Janice Long present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 30 January 1986. Featuring Billy Ocean, Madonna, Talk Talk, Grace Jones, Fine Young Cannibals and A-Ha.

February 6, 1986

Simon Bates and Paul Jordan present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 6 February 1986. Featuring The Damned, Five Star, Ozzy Osbourne and Double.

February 13, 1986

Gary Davies and Steve Wright present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 13 February 1986 and featuring Belouis Some, Whitney Houston, Su Pollard, Shakin' Stevens and Billy Ocean.

February 20, 1986

Janice Long and Mike Read present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 20 February 1986. Featuring Paul Hardcastle, Diana Ross, Depeche Mode, Survivor, Public Image Limited, Billy Ocean and The Damned.

February 27, 1986

Paul Jordan and Steve Wright present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 27 February 1986. Featuring Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Talking Heads, Audrey Hall, Alexander O'Neal, Kate Bush, The Bangles, Billy Ocean and Colonel Abrams.

Gary Davies and Dixie Peach present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 6 March 1986. Featuring Mike and the Mechanics, Kate Bush, Frank Sinatra, Tavares, Whistle, Diana Ross, and Huey Lewis and the News.

Mike Smith and Steve Wright take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Bangles, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and Culture Club.

Janice Long and Simon Bates present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 20 March 1986 and featuring Jim Diamond, Pet Shop Boys, Cliff Richard and The Young Ones, The Real Thing, Diana Ross and Mr. Mister.

Mike Smith and Bruno Brookes take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Atlantic Starr, Bronski Beat, Falco, and The Art Of Noise & Duane Eddy.

Janice Long and John Peel present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 3 April 1986. Featuring Big Audio Dynamite, George Michael, A-Ha, The Real Thing, Cliff Richard and the Young Ones, The Style Council and Falco.

Mike Smith and Steve Wright take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from The Art Of Noise & Duane Eddy, Janet Jackson, Simple Minds, and Cliff Richard & The Young Ones.

Gary Davies presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 17 April 1986. Featuring Big Country, Falco, A-ha, Janet Jackson, It's Immaterial, George Michael and Whitney Houston.

Janice Long and Dixie Peach present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 24 April 1986. Featuring The S.O.S Band, The Grange Hill Cast, Aurra, George Michael, Madonna and Queen.

Mike Smith takes a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Janet Jackson, Madonna, Hear 'n' Aid, and Joyce Sims.

Janice Long and John Peel present the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 08 May 1986. Featuring Patti La Belle and Michael McDonald, Spitting Image, Billy Ocean, Falco, and Whitney Houston.

Simon Bates and Mike Smith take a look at Britain's best-selling tracks and artists from the Top 40. Including performances from Level 42, Doctor & The Medics, The B-52's, and Spitting Image.

🎭 Cast of Top of the Pops Season 23

Peter Powell

Self - Presenter

Steve Wright

Self - Presenter

Gary Davies

Mike Read

Simon Mayo

Simon Bates

Janice Long

📋 All Seasons of Top of the Pops

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