Spicks and Specks (TV series)

Spicks and Specks

Company type	Television program
Industry	Television entertainment
Founded	2005
Founder	Adam Hills (host)
Headquarters	Australia
Area served	Australia
Key people	Adam Hills (host), Myf Warhurst (team captain), Alan Brough (team captain)
Products	Comedic music quiz show

Spicks and Specks is an Australian comedic quiz program centered on music, hosted by Adam Hills. The show features two teams of three participants competing in various music-themed challenges. Each team is captained by Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough, who lead groups typically comprised of one individual from the music industry and another from comedy. Although scores are tracked throughout the episodes, the ultimate reward is the personal enjoyment and satisfaction of the contestants. Many of the games incorporate references to popular song titles.

Initially broadcast on ABC1 on Wednesday evenings at 8:30 pm, the series was also repeated on ABC2 Thursdays at 8 pm and older seasons aired Fridays at 2:30 pm. After concluding in 2011, a 2014 reboot featuring new hosts failed to gain traction. Nevertheless, a 2018 reunion special with the original cast sparked several themed episodes and a full series revival, fueled by strong viewership and audience enthusiasm.

Format

The program combines elements of music and humor, bearing resemblance to British show Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Australia's RocKwiz, though it distinguishes itself through unique question formats and a satirical style that sets it apart from conventional family or pub quizzes.

No material prizes are awarded to winning teams; however, host Hills sometimes presents novelty items for comedic effect—such as a "Fools' Gold" sandwich, inspired by Elvis Presley’s favorite but made with strawberry jam instead of grape.

The title and opening theme are inspired by the 1966 track Spicks and Specks by the Bee Gees. This theme was performed and produced by The Dissociatives, a collaboration between Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns and electronic musician Paul Mac, who replaced most lyrics with scat singing. Paul Mac also appeared as a guest panellist on the show.

Under the guidance of comedian Adam Hills, two teams of three compete, each led by permanent captains actor, comedian, and author Alan Brough and radio personality Myf Warhurst.

Memorable segments include Substitute, where one team member sings well-known songs with altered lyrics for others to guess; Musician or Serial Killer, which challenges players to identify whether individuals pictured are musicians or serial killers; and The Final Countdown, the closing round where both teams race to answer general music trivia questions.

Original series (2005–2011)

Weekly guest panellists varied but frequently featured regular contributors such as Hamish Blake, Jason Byrne, Frank Woodley, Colin Lane, Ross Noble, James Morrison, Renée Geyer, Ella Hooper, Meshel Laurie, Denise Scott, Antoinette Halloran, and Dave O'Neil. Among them, Blake appeared most often, with his limited musical expertise becoming an ongoing humorous theme.

In 2007, a question during a Kid's Music Special regarding the children's song referenced within Down Under led to legal proceedings initiated by music publisher Larrikin Music against songwriters Colin Hay and Ron Strykert. After three years of litigation, the case concluded in favor of Larrikin Music, determining that significant portions of the Australian nursery rhyme Kookaburra had been used.

The series resumed for its seventh season on 4 May 2011. On 25 May, ABC announced this would be its final season, with the finale airing on 23 November 2011. Hills, Warhurst, and Brough adopted a "one in, all in" policy to ensure a timely conclusion for the program.

Spicks and Speck-tacular

In 2011, Hills, Warhurst, and Brough embarked on a farewell tour titled "Spicks and Speck-tacular - The Finale," revisiting the beloved TV format. This tour featured 32 performances across nine cities in Australia and drew inspiration loosely from the original program.

2014 relaunch

On 28 November 2012, ABC revealed plans to revive Spicks and Specks in 2014, appointing comedian Josh Earl as host, with musician Ella Hooper and comedian Adam Richard serving as team captains. Although initially scheduled earlier, the relaunch was postponed until 5 February 2014. Due to underwhelming ratings, the revival was discontinued after airing 20 episodes, with the final six broadcast during the summer non-ratings period.

Themed Specials (2018–2020)

The show returned in August 2018 for a reunion episode featuring Hills, Brough, and Warhurst. Its positive reception led to the commissioning of four additional themed specials between 2018 and 2020.

Relaunch (2021–present)

In 2021, ABC announced a fresh 10-episode season hosted once again by Adam Hills alongside the original team captains. Each episode blended classic and new games such as Know Your Product, Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma, Substitute, and The Final Countdown.

Produced amid the COVID-19 pandemic under strict "stage four lockdown" restrictions, the set was redesigned with a curved configuration and replaced the traditional single team buzzer with individual buzzers. Physical comedy, predominantly delivered by Dave O'Neil portraying various characters, became a prominent feature.

The network renewed the series for a second season in 2022, this time incorporating a live audience. The season debuted on 7 August 2022 but experienced scheduling changes following Queen Elizabeth II's passing. Although no episodes aired in 2023, the show resumed in 2024 with episodes of reduced length.

Games

Most games require each team to answer their own set of questions; however, some allow both teams to participate simultaneously.

Original series (2005–2011)

Key games featured in the original series included:

• Know Your Product: Team captains choose one of four subjects and answer three questions with escalating points and required answers. Special editions present themed topics with five questions. The game is named after the song by The Saints.
• Substitute: A team member performs well-known songs with humorous altered lyrics while teammates guess the titles. This segment draws inspiration from BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue and Adam Hills's "Working Class Anthem," taking its name from The Who’s track.
• Cover Versions: A participant silently sketches album covers or song titles for their team to identify without using words or numbers. Background music during gameplay is Axel F.
• Samplemania/Videomania: Contestants identify multiple songs or video clips merged into a fast-paced 30-second mashup without taking notes.
• Turning Japanese: Lyrics translated into Japanese then back into English create distorted versions that teams must identify. Named after The Vapors’ hit.
• Please Please Tell Me Now: Teams answer questions based on partial music video clips. The title references Duran Duran’s lyric.
• Musician or Serial Killer: Teams determine whether an individual pictured is a musician or a serial killer; earlier episodes included rounds focused on individual identification.
• Sir Mix'n'Matchalot: Teams pair famous personalities with unusual facts. The title is a play on rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot’s name.
• Bottom 100: Teams decide which of two poorly rated songs ranked lower on a well-known list. The title alludes to Triple J’s Hottest 100.
• You Can Buy Me Love: Teams rank celebrity-themed eBay listings by price; renamed Can Buy Me Love in the 2021 revival.
• Common People: Teams identify connections linking three musicians or songs. Named after Paul Young’s track.
• Malvern Stars on 45: A team member pedals a bicycle that powers a record player while teammates try to name songs within time constraints. The reboot features a mobile DJ setup.
• Mondegreens: Teams distinguish authentic lyrics from similar-sounding but incorrect versions.
• Looking for Clues: Teams guess band names from cryptic hints. Named after Robert Palmer’s song.
• Look What They've Done... (to my song, ma): Teams identify modified song clips presented in various styles or formats. Named after Melanie Safka’s song.
• Something's Missing: Teams guess missing elements from album covers. Named for Paul Jabara and Donna Summer’s track.
• One out of Three Ain't Bad: Teams select the accurate ending from three obscure music-related stories. Named after Meat Loaf’s song.
• Word Up: Teams identify songs based on five random words provided. Named after Cameo’s hit.
• You're The Voices: Team members sing "la la la" versions of songs for opposing teams to guess titles. Named after John Farnham’s popular song.
• All Shook Up: Teams unscramble anagrams of musician names with optional clues. Named after Elvis Presley’s classic.
• Two Little Words: Blindfolded players guess musicians from single-word clues given by teammates. Named after The Rhythm Boys’ song; background music is Green Onions.
• Counting the Beat: One player plays numbered notes on a keyboard without rhythm while teammates identify the tune. Introduced in 2008 and named after The Swingers’ hit; reboot features a giant foot-operated keyboard.
• I'll Jumble For Ya: Teams match scrambled song titles on a magnetic board within thirty seconds. Named after Culture Club’s track; reduced to eight titles in 2024.
• Step Back in Time: Songs are played backwards for identification challenges. Named after Kylie Minogue’s hit.
• What's The Story?: Teams assess whether stories about opposing players are true or false. Named after Oasis’s album.
• Turn Turn Turn: Teams race to solve sliding puzzles of famous album covers for points. Named after Pete Seeger’s song popularized by The Byrds.
• Reelin' in the Years: Teams match ten songs to their respective release years. Named after Steely Dan’s track.
• F.A.C.T. In The U.S.A.: Teams evaluate true/false musical facts connected to U.S. towns selected on a map. Named for John Cougar Mellencamp’s hit.
• Toss the Telly: Players throw televisions out hotel windows, earning points per successful toss.
• Spickety Blanks: Teams complete missing words from famous musician quotes, parodying Blankety Blanks.
• Disco v Punk: Using disco balls, teams knock down bowling pins shaped like punks for points scored per pin.
• Dancing Substitute: Team members perform dance moves for others to guess; this is a variation of Substitute.
• Apprentices Masters: Teams guess album covers rendered in classical European painting styles.
• Sixties Jumble: Teams match songs and events from the 1960s to their corresponding years.
• Across the Ditch, Bro: Players assign songs as originating from either Australia or New Zealand.
• Mistletoss: Contestants throw Christmas-themed objects into targets within time limits to earn points; variations include tossing fruit or presents into holiday-themed areas.
• Who? Who? Who?: Teams identify music industry figures dressed in festive costumes.
• The Final Countdown: A final buzzer round featuring general music quiz questions where incorrect answers result in point deductions; named after Europe’s hit.

Certain games such as Substitute, Cover Versions, and Musician or Serial Killer appeared with varying frequency throughout the show's run, while others were introduced later or used sparingly to maintain viewer interest and dynamic pacing.

Launched in 2021

• Cover Cover Cover Cover Chameleon: participants recognize a renowned album recreated using real-life objects by an individual dressed as the album’s cover art, inspired by Karma Chameleon from Culture Club.
• Art For Art's Sake: contestants identify musicians based on roughly sketched fan illustrations, taking its name from the track by 10cc.
• Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?: teams pose ten yes/no queries to pinpoint a disguised artist appearing via Skype, named after The Angels' hit.
• Never Tell Us Apart: participants discern two songs with rhyming titles played simultaneously, a play on Never Tear Us Apart by INXS.
• Papa's Left His Brand New Bag: teams guess artists from luggage items abandoned at an airport, completing six rounds each; the title references Papa's Got a Brand New Bag by James Brown.
• On My List: teams respond to questions featuring multiple valid answers.
• Picture This: contestants identify songs through cryptic images alluding to the title, named after Blondie's track.
• Tuberstylin': players guess tunes based on YouTube comments on music videos, receiving increasingly clearer hints; inspired by Superstylin' by Groove Armada.
• Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fashion: teams sequence images of an artist from various career phases while a song plays; named after David Bowie's Fashion. In 2024, the game features five images instead of six.
• Adam and The Antonyms: contestants deduce song titles by interpreting opposites (e.g., "Wintertime Happiness" for "Summertime Sadness"), referencing Adam and the Ants.
• Listomania: teams predict an artist’s top five favorite tracks in order using a magnetic board, followed by a video explanation; the name is a nod to the fan phenomenon Lisztomania.

Launched in 2022

• Secret Song: Throughout each episode, clues to a particular song are embedded, with teams identifying it as the final question in The Final Countdown. Correct responses earn five points.
• Stand & Delivery: Teams identify a musician from a single home delivery package. The name references Stand and Deliver by Adam and the Ants.
• In Da Club: Teams queue inside a mock nightclub setting and ask the manager questions to uncover the performing artist. Named after 50 Cent’s song.
• The Kids Are Alright: Participants guess songs based on children’s descriptions of music videos. Inspired by The Who’s track.
• Another Brick in the Wall: Teams identify iconic musician costumes revealed behind a wall; points decrease as bricks are removed. Named after Pink Floyd’s song.

Launched in 2024

• Counting the Bells: Teams and Hills perform orchestral handbell sequences to name songs, using note sheets without rhythm indications. This is a variation of Counting the Beat.
• Seven Donation Army: Participants identify musicians through assorted secondhand items (for example, Eminem recognized by a toy rabbit and sweater). The title references Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.
• Idiom Killed the Radio Star: Teams determine whether idioms have genuine musical origins. Named after Video Killed the Radio Star by Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club, as well as The Buggles.

Launched in 2025 (20th Anniversary Season)

• It's the End of the Line As We Know It: Contestants must identify songs by hearing only the final word of each lyric line. This game takes its name from R.E.M.'s It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).
• I'll Be Missing Woo!: Participants fill in missing nonsensical words or sounds within lyrics, with Hills accentuating the gaps using squeaky toys. The title references Puff Daddy's I'll Be Missing You.
• Blah Blah & The Blah Blahs: Teams are challenged to name the first portion of a band's name when only given the latter half.
• Musical Chers: A group variation of musical chairs where players earn points by naming children’s-style renditions of famous songs. The chairs display images of singer Cher but are not connected to her music.

This season was notable as the first since 2022 without the Secret Song segment and featured numerous guest appearances from bands and characters who had previously been part of the show.

Production

Spicks and Specks was originally produced at Studio 31 located in Elsternwick before moving to ABC Melbourne's new facilities in Southbank.

A Very Specky Christmas

Starting in 2005, an annual hour-long Christmas special aired on the Sunday before Christmas Day, highlighting festive songs and notable music from that year. While retaining three-person teams, the format was adjusted to include a greater number of guest stars. Key games featured:

• Mistletoss, a timed physical contest where teams aimed to toss Christmas gifts into various targets that changed yearly, ranging from model chimneys to celebrities’ stockings.
• Sir Mix'n'Matchalot, which involved additional celebrity guests distributing Christmas presents through panel questions.
• Substitute, where choirs performed Christmas carols with lyrics replaced by prominent quotes or cultural references from that year.

Best Of

The concluding episode each year recapped standout moments, guests, and highlights from that season.

100th episode

On 30 May 2007, Spicks and Specks celebrated its 100th episode by posing 100 questions drawn from previous shows along with one brand-new question. Alan Brough’s team narrowly secured victory.

Behind the scenes

Hosted by regular contestant Hamish Blake, this special provided a behind-the-scenes look at ABC’s Elsternwick studios and included interviews with production staff, without featuring any gameplay.

Production studio

Filming took place at ABC Studios in Elsternwick, Victoria, leased by ABV-2. After ABC Studios in Ripponlea closed, production transitioned to ABC Melbourne studios in Southbank, Victoria, accompanied by a change in broadcast provider. Episodes are recorded before an audience of approximately 500 attendees.

200th episode

On 9 September 2009, Spicks and Specks commemorated its 200th episode with a special edition featuring members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing musical questions including the show's theme song Spicks and Specks by the Bee Gees. Returning guests included Ella Hooper, Hamish Blake, Paul Grabowsky, and Meshel Laurie. This episode spanned two centuries of music history from 1809 through 2009.

Concluding episode of the original series

The original series wrapped up with a one-hour special titled "The Finale," which was broadcast on 23 November 2011. This closing episode showcased a variety of guest appearances, including Ella Hooper, Geoffrey Rush, Dave O'Neil, Rhonda Burchmore, Darren Hayes, Brian Cadd, Felicity Ward, Amanda Keller, Jimeoin, Shane Bourne, Dan Sultan, Denise Scott, Peter Helliar, Megan Washington, Hamish Blake, and Andy Lee—who was filming in New York at that time.

Additional specials

The program also produced a range of themed specials such as:

• Halloween-themed edition (Spicks and Spooks)
• ARIA Hall of Fame celebrations
• Focus on children's music
• Film soundtracks (Spicks and Flicks)
• Mother's Day tribute
• Australia versus New Zealand rivalry
• Decade-themed episodes covering the 1950s through to the 2010s
• Genre and regional focuses including Britannia, Australiana, Americana, and Europa
• Comedy and Australian music specials
• Countdown Special

Each themed special tailored its questions and games to align with the specific subject matter.

2018 one-time reunion special

On 27 August 2018, the show announced a one-hour reunion special to coincide with ABC’s "Ausmusic" month. The panel featured rapper Adam Briggs, singer-songwriter Ricki-Lee Coulter, along with comedians Frank Woodley and Denise Scott, accompanied by prominent musical guests.

The special aired on 4 November and was rebroadcast on ABC Comedy on 10 November. Featured guests included Adalita Srsen, Vika and Linda Bull, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kate Ceberano, Murray Cook, Paul Dempsey, Antoinette Halloran, Guido Hatzis, Kram, Angie Hart, Kate Miller-Heidke, Lindsay McDougall, Luke McGregor, Russell Morris, Montaigne, Pseudo Echo, Josh Pyke, Ruel, Kav Temperley from Eskimo Joe, Tripod, Cal Wilson, and Ross Wilson. The episode was dedicated to longtime contributor Richard Gill who had passed away shortly before the broadcast. It achieved the highest national ratings that night with 1.36 million viewers.

2019–2020 specials

In August 2019 it was confirmed that the original cast would reunite for a one-off special in November 2019 followed by a brief three-episode revival in 2020. These episodes were hosted by Adam Hills with team captains Alan Brough and Myf Warhurst and each installment concentrated on a distinct musical era.

Four specials were aired: an Ausmusic edition plus episodes focusing on the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Since the original series did not cover music from the 2010s decade extensively, Adam Hills remarked that this was his preferred segment to film.

DVD releases

• 2007: Launch of Spicks and Specks Interactive Quiz DVD.
• 4 December 2008: Release of A Very Specky Christmas, compiling Christmas specials from 2006 and 2007.
• 2009: Up to our Eras DVD featuring decade specials spanning the 1950s to the 1980s.
• 5 August 2010: Spicks and Specks: The Remixes, containing four unedited and uncensored episodes.
• 4 November 2010: Spicks & Specks: World Tour, including Australiana, Britannia, Americana, Europa specials plus previously unseen footage.
• 1 December 2011: Spick & Specks: The Finale, featuring the final episode alongside The Best of Spicks & Specks.
• 5 April 2012: Spicks & Specks: The Pick of Spicks, showcasing extended cuts of four classic episodes personally chosen by the hosts.
• 1 April 2015: Release of the comprehensive Spicks and Specks Boxset, a four-disc collection comprising The Remixes, World Tour, The Finale, and The Pick of Spicks.

Awards

Year	Award Ceremony	Award Category	Outcome
2025	AACTA Awards	Best Entertainment Program	Template:Won
2022	AACTA Awards	Best Comedy Program	Template:Nom
2012	Logie Awards	Most Outstanding Light Entertainment Program	Template:Won
2012	Logie Awards	Most Popular Light Entertainment Program	Template:Nom
2012	Logie Awards	Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter (Adam Hills)	Template:Won
2011	Logie Awards	Most Outstanding Light Entertainment Program	Template:Won
2011	Logie Awards	Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter (Adam Hills)	Template:Nom
2010	Logie Awards	Most Popular Light Entertainment Program	Template:Nom
2010	Logie Awards	Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter (Adam Hills)	Template:Nom
2009	Logie Awards	Most Popular Light Entertainment Program	Template:Nom
2009	Logie Awards	Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter (Adam Hills)	Template:Nom
2008	Logie Awards	Most Popular Light Entertainment Program	Template:Nom
2008	Logie Awards	Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter (Adam Hills)	Template:Nom
2007	Logie Awards	Most Outstanding Comedy Program	Template:Nom
2007	AACTA Awards	Best Light Entertainment Television Series	Template:Nom

Related games

The Spicks and Specks Board Game was introduced by Imagination Games in 2008, followed by the release of "Up To Our Eras" in 2010 and an "Ausmusic Edition" edition in 2019.

In 2011, the Spicks and Specks Quiz app became available on the iPhone, featuring Quick Play and Quiz Challenge modes with questions drawn from the program alongside purchasable Quiz Packs. Due to Apple's automatic content filtering, the app was initially renamed 'S****s and Specks' because "spick" is considered a derogatory term in the United States.

See also

• Never Mind the Buzzcocks, a comparable music quiz broadcast on BBC Two and Sky Max
• RockWiz, a similar music quiz show aired on Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) and Fox8