Name That Tune

Can you name that tune in six notes? Three? Name That Tune turns music recognition into a speed game — contestants bid against each other on how few notes they need to identify a famous song, then prove it before the orchestra plays it out.

Originally created by Harry Salter, Name That Tune premiered on NBC on July 6, 1953 and aired on NBC and CBS through 1959 with host George DeWitt. A syndicated 1974–1981 version starred Tom Kennedy, and a 1984–1985 version featured Jim Lange. The current revival launched on FOX on January 6, 2021 with Jane Krakowski as host and Randy Jackson as bandleader.

What makes it unique: Name That Tune is one of the oldest surviving game-show formats — the entire game is built on how few clues (notes) a contestant needs to win a round. The bidding-war dynamic ("I can name that tune in four notes!") turns a music-trivia game into a psychological standoff: bid too low and you lose instantly, bid too high and your opponent might beat you to the buzzer. The show's library spans every decade of popular music.

Quick Facts

• Hosts: Jane Krakowski (FOX revival, since 2021); Randy Jackson, bandleader
• Network: FOX (revival); NBC/CBS (original 1953–1959)
• Premiere Year: 1953 (NBC); 2021 (FOX revival)
• Seasons: FOX revival: 3 seasons aired through 2023
• Filming Location: Los Angeles

Learn more: fox.com/name-that-tune · Wikipedia