Archive Takeover

BBC Programme Explorer is a search tool that is your gateway to discovering more than 200,000 BBC shows on iPlayer, Sounds and other sources.

That’s a lot of programmes, so we’ve let loose some of the BBC’s hottest talent in the archive to follow their passions and see what they come up with in their searches.

Greg James delves into the BBC Radio 1 vault to share some favourite moments from his time in charge of Breakfast.

Stars, sheep and shocks feature, along with some unpopular opinions.

Click or tap here to see Greg's Archive Takeover, external

Since 1999, BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge has seen artists from all over the world drop by to do what they do best - perform live.

Live Lounge host Clara Amfo digs into the archive to pick her six favourite sets.

Click here to see the Live Lounge Archive Takeover, external

Imagine you get 30 minutes in a room, face-to-face with one of the world’s most famous film stars. What do you say?!

Radio 1’s film critic Ali Plumb has had the pleasure of asking A-Listers every question under the sun. As part of his special Movie Marathon challenge for Radio 1, he’s sharing some of his favourite stories from behind the scenes.

Click here to see the Movies That Made Me Archive Takeover, external

Ransom FA from BBC Three's Rap Trip and The Rap Game UK shares an excellent selection from the BBC Archive for a special Black History Month collection.

Click here to see Ransom FA's Archive Takeover, external

RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Vinegar Strokes looks back at some of the BBC programmes that have inspired her – with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BAME talent.

She serves up some salty stuff including Ab Fab, Eastenders, Pride history, black comedians and lots of drag.

Click here to explore Vinegar Strokes' Archive Takeover, external