Television series

Name That Tune

Name: Name That Tune
Genre: Music
Released: 2021
Cast: Jane Krakowski, Randy Jackson, Robin Thicke

Musical
Light-hearted
Dip in and out

A cheerful game show where music knowledge meets game-show adrenaline. Contestants identify songs from minimal clues—sometimes just a few notes—while competing for cash. It's bright, propulsive, and built on genuine enthusiasm rather than cruelty. For anyone who loves music trivia, or just loves watching people sweat under the spotlight while Jane Krakowski grins.

TVMaze rating

3.0

If you liked this

The Masked Singer2019

Combines music recognition with the theatrical surprise of celebrity reveals. Each performance is polished and elaborate, and the guessing game creates real suspense. It's spectacle wrapped around a core of musicality.

But If you watch purely for the music, the celebrity-obsession element can feel like padding. Some guesses veer into the absurd rather than clever.

Jeopardy!1984

The DNA of all game shows built on knowledge. It has the same rhythm as Name That Tune—recognise, respond, win—but across all domains. Perfect if you want that trivia satisfaction without the music constraint.

But Can feel a bit stuffy. There's no physical performance or guessing theatre, just pure recall. Some people find that either perfect or dull.

The Four: Battle for Stardom2018

Raw vocal talent under pressure, judged by music insiders. It captures that musical-test-under-lights feeling, with genuine emotional stakes since it's ostensibly launching careers, not just prizes.

But If you're not interested in new artists or singing talent specifically, it's a narrower premise. The singing can be uneven in early episodes.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Name That Tune

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Episodes2011

Both are FOX-era network television products, but Episodes deconstructs the form from the inside. If you're curious about the machinery behind shows like Name That Tune, Episodes is the autopsy report.

A British sitcom about British TV writers adapting their show for American network television. It's a love letter to and savage critique of exactly what you're watching: the machine that turns ideas into bright, scheduled entertainment. Matts Bohem and Lucas set in New York writing a version of their hit show, watching it get hollowed out and repackaged.

But It's an insider show, which means some jokes about development hell and network notes won't land unless you care about those things. Also sharp-edged in a way Name That Tune isn't—acidic, sometimes bitter.

Beetlejuice1988

Jane Krakowski in her actual element—comic hosting with theatrical energy and genuine warmth. If you're watching Name That Tune partly for her, this shows exactly why she's charming at this job.

But It's a dark comedy musical, not a game show. Completely different beast. If you don't love the theatrical style, it lands differently.

Beat Shazam2017

Uses actual Shazam technology as the mechanical heart of the game. Contemporary music, high energy, and a format that feels distinctly 2020s despite being older. Good if Name That Tune's pace appeals to you.

But Feels a bit dated in its energy now. The premise—can you identify a song faster than your phone?—is clever once and then wears thin.

The Voice2011

Singing under pressure with high production value. The judges are music professionals, and the format actually respects talent rather than treating it as a gimmick. Thousands of contestants mean genuine variety.

But It's genuinely massive—seasons run forever. If you're time-constrained, committing to The Voice is a project. Some people find the sentimentality cloying.

Don't Forget the Lyrics!2022

Similar music-recognition DNA to Name That Tune, but contestants have to *sing* their answer. It's like Name That Tune collided with karaoke. Meryl Streep as host gives it class and genuine warmth rather than snark.

But If you don't enjoy watching people sing unprompted and off-key, this gets uncomfortable fast. The format is narrower—you can't win on knowledge alone.

Columbo1968

Name That Tune is all recognition—you see/hear a hint and snap to the answer. Columbo inverts that: you know the crime, and recognize how the detective knows it. Same satisfying tick of knowledge clicking into place, vastly different register.

Peter Falk in a rumpled raincoat, methodically dismantling elaborate lies. Each episode is structured like a game itself—the audience knows who the killer is, and the 'game' is watching Columbo know it too, then prove it. The pleasure is intellectual, not emotional.

But Glacially slow by modern standards. An hour of Columbo unfolds like a chess match, not a sprint. If you need constant energy and surprise, this will feel like watching someone read a manual.