PopMaster TV and The Finish Line recommissioned

More4 and BBC One renew game shows hosted by radio DJs.

Everything will stop for PopMaster for even longer as Channel 4 commissions an extended second series of hit music quiz PopMaster TV for digital channel More4. Over on BBC One Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene return to Northern Ireland to film more episodes of The Finish Line.

Ken Bruce will be back with sixteen episodes of PopMaster TV in 2024 and this run will feature two celebrity specials as well as more music, more questions and more opportunities for would-be pop aficionados to flex their music trivia muscles. The series will, once again, be filmed in Glasgow.

In PopMaster TV, five contestants go head-to-head to test the depth of their music knowledge over a series of six knockout rounds. The rounds include ‘Intros, Middles and Ends’, ‘Video Gaga’, ‘Pop Years’ and ‘It’s Only Words’, before two players progress to play ‘Original PopMaster’. The winner must then correctly tackle a ‘3 in 10’ if they’re to take home the PopMaster TV gold disc.

Based on the Greatest Hits Radio quiz, which has been running for 25 years – originally on the BBC – the six-episode first series of PopMaster TV elevated More4 to the number one digital channel on weekdays at 8 pm, averaging an audience of 760k, an increase of +565% on slot average and +471% on audience share.

Roman Kemp / Sarah Greene / The Finish Line BBC One

Ken Bruce:

“After playing PopMaster on the radio for 25 years, it was a joy to work with Channel 4 and 12 Yard to finally bring it to TV screens earlier this year. PopMaster TV was brilliant fun and I’m thrilled we get to do it again but with more than double the episodes to put even more music lovers, and some celebs, to the ultimate pop trivia test.”

The Finish Line is set to film in Belfast in 2024 for also an extended second outing. After a successful first series, Roman Kemp accompanied by Sarah Greene will see another set of eager contestants compete in quiz-fuelled races across a unique racetrack set.

Knowledge equals speed and the more you know, the further you go. In each episode, hosted by Roman and assisted by Sarah, contestants will battle across a series of qualifiers and head-to-head races for the chance to win a cash prize. The aim of the game is simple – make it to the finish line before your rivals.

Roman Kemp:

“The first series was so much fun; I had such a laugh filming, and we had some great contestants. There were some shocking answers, but that’s what happens when your adrenaline is pumping and you’re under a time pressure. I’m so excited to be hosting again and returning to Northern Ireland. I love that it’s done so well with the audience, it’s challenging and unpredictable; we know that viewers will be hooked once again!”