The ABC's Music Quiz Show 'Spicks and Specks' Is Devoting Its Next Special to Early 2000s Tunes

Relive the decade that made Guy Sebastian, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas stars.
Sarah Ward
March 29, 2020

What's better than watching a heap of top Australian talent sit around and talk about music? Watching them do all of the above while answering questions, competing for points and just generally being funny, too. That's the concept behind ABC TV show Spicks and Specks, which took a few cues from the UK's Never Mind the Buzzcocks, pit Aussie musos and comedians against each other, and has proven a hit several times over. A weekly favourite when it first aired between 2005–2011, it just keeps coming back — including its current series of new specials.

When the program was first revived back in 2014, it returned with a new host and team captains. This time, it's back with its original lineup. That means that Adam Hills, Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough have all stepped back into the quiz show realm yet again. When the trio did just that back in 2018, for a one-off reunion special, it became the ABC's most-watched show of the year. Unsurprisingly, that huge response played more than a small part in inspiring this new comeback.

If you're already eager to show your own music trivia knowledge and play along — we all know that's as much a part of the Spicks and Specks fun as seeing the on-screen stars unleash their own skills (or lack thereof) — then you probably lapped up the show's Ausmusic Month special last year. And, back in February this year, you probably enjoyed its 90s episode as well. Next, in April, comes a whole episode dedicated to early 00s tunes, naturally focusing on all the tracks, bangers, one hit wonders and more that released right up until 2010.

Airing at 7.40pm AEST on Sunday, April 19, expect questions about the period that made Guy Sebastian, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas stars — and expect not just Adam, Myf and Alan, but Killing Heidi's Ella Hooper, Nic Cester from Jet, and comedians Joel Creasy and Sarah Kendall as well. The Katering Show and Get Krack!n's Kate McLennan and Kate McCartney will be on hand to take part in one of the episodes' games, old Nokia mobiles will find a new lease of life and Thirsty Merc perform as well.

The 00s episode marks the third of  Spicks and Specks' specials, with a fourth one still to come at a yet-to-be-revealed date. Its focus: the ten-year period we've all just lived through.

And, if you need a refresher in the interim, this comedic chat about a Star Wars Christmas album will do the trick:

Spicks and Specks: 00s Special will air on ABC TV on Sunday, April 19 at 7.40pm. The show's Ausmusic Special and 90s Special are both currently available to stream via ABC iView.

Published on March 29, 2020 by Sarah Ward
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