The Great Pottery Throw Down
6.9/10
Channel 4 Running
9 Seasons · 84 Episodes · Premiered November 3, 2015
Britain's best home potters compete to become champion of the wheel in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of pottery. Let the battle of clay commence!
Where to Watch:
Channel 4
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Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
6 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Tue, Nov 3 2015 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Ten home potters compete to become Top Potter. The search for a top potter begins with a four-day assignment to make stackable kitchen bowls from lumps of earthenware clay.
E02
Episode 2
Tue, Nov 10 2015 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Nine potters return to Stoke-on-Trent for more tests of their skills and creativity, all aiming to be named top potter. This week they must make a decorative hand basin.
E03
Episode 3
Tue, Nov 17 2015 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
The potters return to Stoke-on-Trent for more tests of their skills and creativity. In the main make, they must make ten identical long-necked vases using the raku technique.
E04
Episode 4
Tue, Nov 24 2015 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
The potters return to Stoke-on-Trent for more tests of their skills and creativity. The six potters must build a five-foot garden sculpture and transform an ordinary chimney pot.
E05
Episode 5
Tue, Dec 1 2015 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's semi-final week in Stoke-on-Trent, and just five potters remain. They face their most technically demanding challenge yet - creating a decorative chandelier in bone china.
E06
Episode 6
Tue, Dec 8 2015 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It is the grand final and the four remaining potters have just three tests left before one is crowned the winner of the Great Pottery Throw Down.
Season 2
8 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Thu, Feb 2 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
For the brand-new series ten home potters compete to become the new champion of British pottery. They must test their technical prowess in front of a special guest judge.
E02
Episode 2
Thu, Feb 9 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Home potters compete to become the new champion of British pottery. In the throw down challenge this week, king of the wheel Keith demonstrates how to build a double walled pot.
E03
Episode 3
Thu, Feb 16 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's week three and the eight remaining potters must master the art of Japanese style ceramics.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Feb 23 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It is garden week, and the seven remaining potters must make stunning ceramics for the great outdoors.
E05
Episode 5
Thu, Mar 2 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Home potters compete to become the new champion of British pottery. In week five, the six remaining potters try one of the most exhilarating techniques in ceramics - pit firing.
E06
Episode 6
Thu, Mar 9 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Home potters compete to become the new champion of British pottery. In the quarter-final, the potters have ten minutes to throw the widest bowl they can while blindfolded
E07
Episode 7
Thu, Mar 16 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Home potters compete to become the new champion of British pottery. Comedian Johnny Vegas, a former pupil of Kate Malone, demonstrates how to throw a teapot in just one minute.
E08
Episode 8
Thu, Mar 23 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
In the final, the potters make a pair of identical, fully functioning light features out of porcelain.
Season 3
10 episodes
E01
Breakfast Set & Egg Cups
Wed, Jan 8 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Melanie Sykes hosts as 12 amateur potters compete against one another, with judges Keith Brymer Jones and Sue Pryke asking the contenders to throw a breakfast set and then egg cups.
E02
Chess Set & Mini Vases
Wed, Jan 15 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
The eleven remaining potters are tasked with hand-building an elaborate chess set and throwing miniature vases at the wheel.
E03
Raku & Animal Figurines
Wed, Jan 22 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Melanie Sykes hosts as the remaining potters tackle raku firing, hand-build two animal figurines and face the tricky ceramic technique of nerikomi.
E04
Multi-Coloured Slip Cast & Blindfolded Throwing
Wed, Jan 29 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Melanie Sykes hosts as the remaining potters face a multi-coloured slip cast challenge to make two vases, and a blindfolded throwing challenge to throw the widest bowl.
E05
Matching Lamp Bases & a Ceramic Challenge
Wed, Feb 5 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
The eight remaining potters are challenged to build a pair of matching lamp bases, hoping to impress judges Sue Pryke and Keith Brymer Jones. Later, guest judge Emma Bridgewater drops in to set an emotional ceramic challenge for the contestants.
E06
Nude Greek Statues & Greek Jugs
Wed, Feb 12 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's Greek Week, and the remaining contestants are challenged to sculpt a nude Greek statue and throw Greek jugs at the wheel. Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Sue Pryke decide who will be potter of the week, and who will be leaving the competition.
E07
Handmade Tiles & a Chimney
Wed, Feb 19 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
The six remaining potters are challenged to produce handmade tiles to fit a fireplace surround and hearth, before throwing a chimney in the second challenge for a chance to secure a place in the quarter final.
E08
Quarter-Final - Ginger Jars and a Scraffito Challenge
Wed, Feb 26 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
In the quarter-final, the five remaining potter face two tough challenges, including producing two ginger jars around a pit fire. Back in the pottery, judges Sue Pryke and Keith Brymer Jones set the potters a Scraffito challenge spot test.
E09
Semi-Final - Victorian Week and a Fully Functioning Toilet
Wed, Mar 4 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Melanie Sykes hosts a Victorian-themed semi-final. The potters face their biggest challenge yet... to produce a fully functioning toilet for a place in the final.
E10
Final - Mad Hatter's Tea Set
Wed, Mar 11 2020 9:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
Melanie Sykes hosts the grand finale as the three potters make a quirky tea set and face a throwing challenge to impress the judges and be crowned the winner.
Season 4
10 episodes
E01
Cheese Set & Port Chalices
Sun, Jan 10 2021 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller set the twelve new potters two challenges against the clock: to throw a cheese set and port chalices, as the battle of clay kicks off at the wheel
E02
3D Slab-Build & Handmade Bricks
Sun, Jan 17 2021 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's all about bricks and mortar, as the 11 remaining potters slab-build a 3D building and in a Throw Down first, judge Rich Miller tasks the potters with handmaking bricks
E03
Fruit Bowls & a Blindfolded Throw Down
Sun, Jan 24 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
The remaining potters get fruity when they're challenged to make a bowl full of realistic ceramic fruits, and face a blindfolded throw down with a twist.
E04
Naked Raku & a Floral Challenge
Sun, Jan 31 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's naked raku week and the remaining potters throw, burnish and fire a pair of vases, and are set a floral challenge by guest judge and flower-making expert Rita Floyd.
E05
Music Legend Busts & Mini Musical Instruments
Sun, Feb 7 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's Music Week and the remaining potters sculpt a life-like bust of a music legend, receive a surprise special message from an iconic artist, and make mini musical instruments
E06
Terracotta Cookware & Engraved Tiles
Sun, Feb 14 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's Terracotta Week and the remaining potters are tasked with making their own range of cookware, before judge Rich Miller sets a second terracotta challenge to engrave tiles.
E07
Animal Water Feature & a Strawberry Planter
Sun, Feb 21 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's Garden Week and the remaining potters face a green-fingered challenge to build an animal water feature and throw a strawberry planter, for a place in the quarter-finals.
E08
Native American Acoma Pottery & an Alabama Ring Bottle
Sun, Feb 28 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's an all-American-themed quarter-final and the remaining potters make Acoma pottery fired in cow dung and throw an Alabama ring bottle, for a place in the semi-final.
E09
A Pedestal Sink & a Chamber Pot
Sun, Mar 7 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
It's the semi-final and the remaining potters produce an elaborate and fully functional pedestal sink and decorate a chamber pot in Bathroom week, for a place in the Grand Final.
E10
The Final: 1920s Art Deco Punch Bowl & Decanters
Sun, Mar 14 2021 8:00 PM GMT+0000
60 min
In an art deco-inspired final, the potters make a punch bowl and decanter, before facing the tiniest throwing challenge ever set. Who will be crowned the winner?
Season 5
10 episodes
E01
Crockery Set and Ceramic Milk Bottles
Sun, Jan 2 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The battle of the clay returns. Ellie Taylor hosts, as 12 of Britain's best home potters compete to become champion. They throw a children's crockery set and ceramic milk bottles.
E02
Pendulum Wall Clock
Sun, Jan 9 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The 11 remaining potters hand-build a pendulum wall clock and face a surprise blindfold challenge. Who will be crowned potter of the week and who will leave the competition?
E03
Inanimate Objects and a Bottle Kiln Challenge
Sun, Jan 16 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters make inanimate objects and judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller pay tribute to the pottery hometown of Stoke, as they set a bottle kiln challenge.
E04
Japanese Tea Set & a Handle Pulling Challenge
Sun, Jan 23 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Raku week and the remaining potters throw a Japanese-inspired tea set, before guest judge and social media sensation Florian Gadsby sets them a handle pulling challenge.
E05
Character Gnomes and a Sea Kale Forcer
Sun, Jan 30 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Garden Week and the eight remaining potters create a trio of character gnomes, before guest judge Adam Keeling sets them the task of making a sea kale forcer.
E06
1960s Glazed Vessels & Repeating Patterns
Sun, Feb 6 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's back to the Swinging Sixties, as the potters create a psychedelic pair of highly decorative glazed vessels, before guest judge Orla Kiely tests their repeating-pattern skills.
E07
Wildlife Week and Hand-Built Table Lamps
Sun, Feb 13 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Wildlife Week and the potters hand-build a table lamp, go wild in a Throw Down first, and get a surprise visit from a familiar face. Who will make it to the quarter-final?
E08
Self-Sculpture, Sawdust Kilns and Candlesticks
Sun, Feb 20 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Siobhán McSweeney's back, as the remaining potters create a self-sculpture, build their own sawdust kilns and make candlesticks under pressure, for a place in the semi-final.
E09
Urinals and Wedgwood Jasperware
Sun, Feb 27 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's the semi-final and the potters are left feeling flushed as they make fully functional urinals, before recreating the iconic Wedgwood Jasperware, for a place in the final.
E10
The Final: Garden Totem Sculpture & a Devil's Work Challenge
Sun, Mar 6 2022 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The potters make a totem sculpture that tells their life story, followed by a regal devil's work challenge set by Rich Miller. Who will be crowned the winner?
Season 6
10 episodes
E01
Birthday Tea Set and Handleless Jug
Sun, Jan 8 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The battle of the clay returns, as 12 home potters compete to become champion of the pottery. They take on a birthday tea set challenge, and make handleless jugs.
E02
Keepsake Box and Blindfold Challenge
Sun, Jan 15 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The 11 remaining potters craft a keepsake box with a disguised lid before facing a surprise blindfold challenge. Who will be potter of the week and who will leave the pottery?
E03
Trio of Birds and Hot Water Bottle Challenge
Sun, Jan 22 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Retro Week, and Siobhán McSweeney takes the remaining potters back in time as they make a trio of flying birds and tackle an old-fashioned hot water bottle surprise challenge.
E04
Hanging Planters and a Decorative Challenge
Sun, Jan 29 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Raku Week, and the potters hope to impress the judges with their hanging planters. Series two semi-finalist Freya Bramble-Carter sets a challenge with a decorative flourish.
E05
Gargoyles and Chimney Pots
Sun, Feb 5 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters head for the roof to create gargoyles and chimney pots for an expert guest judge. Who will be named potter of the week and who'll be cast out of the pottery?
E06
Embossed Table Light and Decadent Design Skills
Sun, Feb 12 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's an illuminating week, as the potters make an embossed table light, before guest judge, fashion and lifestyle designer Henry Holland, really tests their decadent design skills.
E07
Endangered Animal Sculptures and a Tall Vase
Sun, Feb 19 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters go wild as they create metallic-effect endangered animal sculptures fired in oil drums, before throwing a thin-necked vase for a place in the quarter-final.
E08
Abstract Coffee Set and Rice Bowls
Sun, Feb 26 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The potters face an altered reality as they radically alter a coffee set and throw high-footed rice bowls. But whose shapeshifting creations will transport them to the semi-final?
E09
Turkish Bath Sinks and Moorcroft Tube Lining
Sun, Mar 5 2023 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's a bathroom-themed semi-final as the potters make Turkish bath-style sinks and tiles and attempt Moorcroft tube lining. Who will be feeling calm, and will there be water works?
E10
The Final: Pyramid Vase and Sgraffito Globe
Sun, Mar 12 2023 9:00 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters create a pyramid vase centrepiece and a daring sgraffito globe. Who'll be on top of the world when they're crowned the series winner?
Season 7
10 episodes
E01
Roast Dinner Set and Identical Side Plates
Sun, Jan 7 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The battle of the clay returns, as twelve new potters make a roast dinner set. But whose identical side plates will survive the bucket of doom? And who will get roasted and served?
E02
Gluggle Jug and a Surprise Blindfold Challenge
Sun, Jan 14 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's the second week in the pottery and the 11 remaining potters attempt their own take on the popular gluggle jug and face a surprise second challenge - blindfolded!
E03
Staffordshire Flatbacks and a Surprise Challenge
Sun, Jan 21 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The potters make Staffordshire flatbacks and face a close shave in a surprise challenge. Whose mantlepiece classic will take pride of place, and who'll be left on the shelf?
E04
Raku Week and Animal Busts
Sun, Jan 28 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Raku week and the potters create animal busts before taking on guest judge Jacqui Atkin's decorative challenge. Who will the judges go wild for and name potter of the week?
E05
Water Features and Hedgehog Houses
Sun, Feb 4 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Garden Week and the potters create cascading water features and hedgehog houses. Whose structure will the judges be gushing over, and who'll be hedging their bets?
E06
Novelty Teapots & Majolica Mugs
Sun, Feb 11 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's tea time in the pottery, as the seven remaining potters make novelty teapots and mugs featuring the distinctive majolica decoration. And the dreaded bucket of doom returns for the surprise second challenge.
E07
Illuminating Light Sculptures
Sun, Feb 18 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The six remaining potters make modern lighting sculptures using black and white clay. Guest judge Ashraf Hanna sets a surprise hand-building second challenge. Whose sculpture will have the judges beaming with joy, and whose time in the spotlight has come to an end?
E08
Vintage Water Filters and a Coffee Filter
Sun, Feb 25 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's the quarter-final and the potters make vintage-style water filters fired in their own kilns and throw a coffee filter. Who'll bring the heat with semi-final-worthy filters?
E09
Bathroom Week
Sun, Mar 3 2024 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Bathroom Week, and the semi-finalists take on the infamous toilet challenge. Who'll take the plunge for a place in the final, and who'll be left with that sinking feeling?
E10
The Final
Sun, Mar 10 2024 9:00 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's the grand finale and the potters create striking chandeliers and faceted bowls. Whose dazzling design will bowl over the judges to be crowned the series winner?
Season 8
10 episodes
E01
A Salad Set and Sangria Jugs
Sun, Jan 5 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The battle of the clay returns, as more of Britain's best home potters compete to become champion of the pottery. Whose salad set will see them tossed out of the pottery first?
E02
Mantlepiece Clock and Blindfold Challenge
Sun, Jan 12 2025 7:40 PM GMT+0000
80 min
The potters create a statement mantelpiece clock, and face a surprise blindfolded second challenge. Who's on borrowed time and will be leaving the pottery for good?
E03
Noah's Ark and Potties
Sun, Jan 19 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters attempt a toy Noah's ark and animals, and a surprise second challenge sends them potty. Who finds it child's play and who'll be left high and dry?
E04
Raku Vessels and a Decorative Challenge
Sun, Jan 26 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's Raku week and the potters take on bulbous vessels and guest judge Laima Laurena's decorative challenge. Whose raku will get them through, and who'll be leaving the pottery?
E05
Shop Fronts and Greek Psykter Vases
Sun, Feb 2 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The potters create shop fronts filled with memories and ancient Greek psykter vases. Who will get the judges' buy-in, and whose time in the pottery will be a fond memory?
E06
Vegetable Lamps and a Double-Walled Challenge
Sun, Feb 9 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters sculpt realistic vegetable lamp bases and take on a double-walled challenge. Whose lamp will be the pick of the crop, and who'll be heading home?
E07
Bird Baths and a Sculpting Challenge
Sun, Feb 16 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The potters take on a sculpting challenge and hark to Stoke-on-Trent with bird bath creations. Who'll soar into the quarter-finals, and who's flying the nest for good?
E08
Double Gourd Vases and a Posset Pot
Sun, Feb 23 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's the quarter-final and the potters take on double gourd vases and old-fashioned posset pots. Whose double gourd will floor the judges and earn a place in the semi-final?
E09
Hellmouth Fireplaces
Sun, Mar 2 2025 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The semi-finalists stare into the mouth of hell as they create Hellmouth fireplaces. Who'll set the judges' hearts on fire and claim a place in the final, and who'll fizzle out?
E10
The Final
Sun, Mar 9 2025 9:00 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Our three finalists create statement Greek amphoras and take on some extreme throwing in their last surprise challenge. Who'll be crowned Throw Down winner of 2025?
Season 9
10 episodes
E01
Soup Sets and Galleried Jars
Sun, Jan 4 2026 7:30 PM GMT+0000
90 min
The battle of the clay returns, as more hopefuls compete to become champion of the pottery. The potters make soup sets and the bucket of doom is back! Whose galleried jars survive?
E02
Bookends and Brickmaking
Sun, Jan 11 2026 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Siobhán McSweeney hosts the pottery challenge, as judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller put the potters through their paces. The remaining potters create a statement pair of book ends and face a surprise brickmaking challenge. Whose book ends will start their next chapter, and who'll be bricking it?
E03
Puzzle Jugs and a Surprise Challenge
Sun, Jan 18 2026 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Siobhán McSweeney hosts the third round of the pottery challenge. The 10 remaining potters attempt to make a puzzle jug and face a surprise blindfolded second challenge. Whose clay code will be cracked when judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller make the all-important decision?
E04
Raku Week and Animal Sculptures
Sun, Jan 25 2026 7:50 PM GMT+0000
70 min
Siobhan McSweeney hosts Raku Week and the potters make parent and child animal sculptures, as well as taking on a sculpting spot test set by guest judge and master sculptor Nick Mackman. Whose creations will judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller go wild for, and whose Raku will get them through?
E05
Seaside Souvenir Sets & Candlestick Holders
Sun, Feb 1 2026 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
The remaining potters create retro holiday souvenir sets inspired by seaside towns and take on a surprise second challenge making candlestick holders. Who will make waves, and who can hold onto a place in the next round?
E06
Terracotta Tagines
Sun, Feb 8 2026 7:50 PM GMT+0000
70 min
Everyone's feeling peckish in the pottery as the seven remaining potters make terracotta tagines. Guest judge Gabriel Nichols sets a big throw as the second challenge. Siobhán McSweeney hosts, as judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller put the potters through their paces.
E07
Floral Posies and Vases
Sun, Feb 15 2026 7:50 PM GMT+0000
70 min
The remaining potters create floral posies and vases, before guest judge Jo Taylor sets a surprise embellishing second challenge. Who'll bloom into the next round, and whose posy isn't all rosy?
E08
Body Part Pots and Sculptures
Sun, Feb 22 2026 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
It's the quarter-final and the remaining potters make self-sculptures of their bodies in motion to fire in brick kilns that they've built themselves. Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller set a surprise second challenge concentrating on pot body parts. Whose fired-up figures will carve them out a place in the semi-final?
E09
Mosaics and Water Fountains
Sun, Mar 1 2026 7:45 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Siobhán McSweeney hosts the semi-final, where the four remaining potters make wall-mounted water fountains inspired by Rome's Trevi Fountain and take on guest judge and ceramic artist Cleo Mussi's surprise mosaic challenge. Whose fountain will make a splash and see them through to the final, and whose mosaic will leave them picking up the pieces?
E10
The Final: Mini Model Theatres
Sun, Mar 8 2026 9:00 PM GMT+0000
75 min
Siobhán McSweeney and judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller present the final, where the three remaining potters create miniature model theatres and take on a tricky throwing technique in their last surprise second challenge. Whose final curtain call will crown them as champion?
Cast
Keith Brymer Jones
as Judge
Richard Miller
as Judge
Siobhán McSweeney
as Presenter
Rose Schmits
as On Screen Technician
Richard Miller
as On Screen Technician
Princess Fingall
as On Screen Technician
Sara Cox
as Presenter
Kate Malone
as Judge
Melanie Sykes
as Presenter
Sue Pryke
as Judge
Ellie Taylor
as Presenter