Spicks and Specks

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.

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.

There's something so comforting about Spicks and Specks, I'm not sure exactly what it is, but you always know what you're going to get with it. You know you're always going to laugh and you're always going to learn something. And I used to love nothing more than cuddling up on the couch every Wednesday night with my boy friend, watching this show and laughing so hard that it hurt.

It's always informative, original, clever and most of all, it's dam FUNNY! Adam Hills is just great as the host (probably the best and most down-to-earth quiz show host in Australia), and the two Team Captains Myf Warhurst and Alan Borough are equally funny and indeed, VERY knowledgeable about music.

Ross Noble, Frank Woodley, Colin Lane and Hamish Blake are my four favorite frequent panelists, but of course there have been many, many other amazingly memorable ones.

I just adore this show and I very much admire Myf and Alan and all the guests who can get some of these VERY hard questions right, as I'm shocking at it! :)

Just wanted to add a quick note to say this show is an Australian version of the UK show "Never Mind the Buzzcocks". I've just never seen this acknowledged anywhere, but it just has to be, the two shows are too similar.

I really enjoy Spicks and Specks, but I think it pales a little in comparison to the UK show, as the few episodes I saw when I was in the UK all featured well known musicians. Whereas the Australian version sometimes pads the panel with obscure classical and musical theatre artists. That said, Adam Hills is always good, along with Al and Myf and the comedians are usually pretty good too. I especially like Ross Noble, who is a frequent panelist.

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.