10 reasons why TFI is unmissable TV

26 May 2015

1. The music

TFI allowed bands to play live, without restrictions, in an authentic gig atmosphere. Many also played intimate acoustic sets in Chris’s desk area. Musical guests didn't just include Britpop acts like Shed Seven, The Bluetones, Garbage, Cast, Kula Shaker and Ocean Colour Scene. TFI also landed iconic names: Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, INXS, Iggy Pop, Pulp, Suede, Elton John, Spice Girls, U2, Paul McCartney (who was filmed running out of the studio and jumping onto a waiting speedboat as the credits rolled) and David Bowie (who had so much fun, he stuck around and played for an extra half-hour after the show had gone off-air.)

 

2. The lolz

From its razor-sharp repartee to scripted sketches, from its controversially sweary interviews to its silly stunts, TFI was the funniest show on TV.

 

3. The bantz

Because the TFI team didn't care about budgets or play the PR game, it secured unique guest line-ups that no other show could match. Hence its eclectic mix of pop royalty, Hollywood stars, football heroes and random cult figures.

 

4. The main man

Fresh from The Big Breakfast, Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush and the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, host Chris Evans was the hottest property on TV. TFI was his baby, his dream gig, his pride and joy - and it showed.

 

5. The crew

From writer Danny Baker to the production team and camera crew, TFI boasted top young talent behind the scenes. They often popped up on-screen too, clearly having the time of their lives and it was infectious. 

 

6. The curveballs

TFI always kept viewers on their toes - from special themed episodes to random guests, spontaneous surprises and musical guests who broke the mould. Slipknot, Napalm Death and Bananarama, anyone?

 

7. The catchphrases

“Wiiiiiiill!” “Freak or unique?” “Hellllooooo”, "He's only joking of course!”, “It’s your let-ters”, “Sorry love, you’re just not my type”. TFI was the clown prince of join-in-at-home catchphrases.

 

8. The legacy

Without TFI’s huge influence, the TV landscape today would look very different. We’re looking at you, every chat show, entertainment format and music programme on the air. 

 

9. The sheer f***-off Fridayness of it all

When that opening music played (the theme tune from cult 60s spy drama Man In A Suitcase, fact fans), it wasn’t just the start of the best show on TV. It was the start of the weekend.

 

10. The TV event of the year

That’s what TFI’s one-off return is, so don’t miss out. Or we’ll send an Ugly Bloke round to snog you.