UK KIDS TV : What we watched in the 1980s
FROM THE UNFORGETTABLE to the pretty much forgotten; this was the golden age of kids TV - creative, warm, natural, intelligent, playful.
All hail to the lovely worlds of Oliver Postgate, Tony Hart, Derek Griffiths, Johnny Morris, Floella Benjamin, Brian Cant, Johnny Ball etc etc
The list includes older programs that were broadcast during the 80s - plus some 90s shows that had 80s spirit.
Some notable shows not featured on IMDb:
Let's Pretend (1982-89)
Orm and Cheep (1983-85)
Mop and Smiff (1985)
Data Run (1983-84)
Watch (1967-2009) = How can this legend of edu-tainment not be on here? : Louise Hall-Taylor, James Earl Adair and Raewyn Blade were its classic 80s-era presenters.
They released an LP of songs which included the memorable 'Moses Suite'.
'Watch' later evolved into 'ZigZag'
(author's trivia: the 'ancient Greece Olympic games' episode of ZigZag was filmed at my north London primary school in the mid 1980s)
*p.s. The list is best read chronologically:
Regularly updated. Thanks for viewing. x
All hail to the lovely worlds of Oliver Postgate, Tony Hart, Derek Griffiths, Johnny Morris, Floella Benjamin, Brian Cant, Johnny Ball etc etc
The list includes older programs that were broadcast during the 80s - plus some 90s shows that had 80s spirit.
Some notable shows not featured on IMDb:
Let's Pretend (1982-89)
Orm and Cheep (1983-85)
Mop and Smiff (1985)
Data Run (1983-84)
Watch (1967-2009) = How can this legend of edu-tainment not be on here? : Louise Hall-Taylor, James Earl Adair and Raewyn Blade were its classic 80s-era presenters.
They released an LP of songs which included the memorable 'Moses Suite'.
'Watch' later evolved into 'ZigZag'
(author's trivia: the 'ancient Greece Olympic games' episode of ZigZag was filmed at my north London primary school in the mid 1980s)
*p.s. The list is best read chronologically:
Regularly updated. Thanks for viewing. x
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- CreatorOliver PostgatePeter FirminStarsOliver PostgateSandra KerrJohn FaulknerBagpuss and his friends are toys in a turn of the century shop for 'found things'. When young Emily brings them a new object, the toys come to life to work out what the strange new thing could possibly be.
- StarsOliver PostgateThe series chronicled the melancholically funny lives of the Clangers, a flutey-voiced family of woolen, knitted aliens living below the surface of a knobbly little planet far out in space. Their misadventures brought them into contact with such unlikely creatures as the Soup Dragon, the Froglets, the Iron Chicken and the Glow Buzzers.
- StarsOlwen GriffithsAnthony JacksonOliver PostgateIn the 'top, left hand corner of Wales' runs an archaic railway line staffed by such characters as Jones the Steam and Dai Station. Their pride is Ivor, the steam engine with a will of his own and a penchant for such things as looking after dragons in his firebox.
- StarsRonnie StevensOliver PostgateSandra Kerr"In the Lands of the North, where the black rocks stand guard against the cold sea, in the dark night that is very long, the men of the North Lands sit by their great log fires, and they tell a tale..."
- StarsKenneth WilliamsA series of 5 minute cartoons about a group of inhabitants of a forest. Willo the Wisp is a sprite formed from gas who narrates each story. Other characters included Evil Edna (a witch shaped like a TV), Mavis (a rather overweight fairy), The Moog, The Argonauts (strange alien things that flew around in a mushroom), etc.
- StarsJohn Le MesurierMaggie HendersonThe adventures of a little boy called Bod, who lives in a town with his friends Aunt Flo, P.C. Copper, Frank the Postman and Farmer Barleymow. Each episode also featured Alberto Frog and his Amazing Animal Band.
- StarsTony HartThe Gobbledygook spouting, shape-shifting little Plasticine man who first appeared in the 1977 arty TV show "Take Hart" gets his own series. Morph, his pet nailbrush and naughty "twin" Chas have all sorts of adventures.
- StarsRichard PearsonPeter SallisMichael HordernBased on the characters created by Kenneth Grahame, this award winning animated series follows the adventures of Mole (Richard Pearson) as he leaves home to discover the world. Mole finds friendship with Rat (Peter Sallis), Badger (Sir Michael Hordern), and Toad (David Jason), and together they face the terrors of the Wild Wood.
- StarsJohnny MorrisKeith ShackletonTony SoperChildren's series looking at the world of animals.
- StarsDerek GriffithsDerek Griffiths narrates and sings about animals, birds and insects.
- StarsDerek GriffithsDerek Griffiths, as himself and a host of other characters, introduces classic cartoons while explaining thier history and significance in the world of cinema.
- CreatorJim HensonJack BurnsStarsJim HensonFrank OzRichard HuntKermit the Frog and his fellow Muppets put on a vaudeville show at their theatre, bringing in a famous celebrity to help out for each episode.
- CreatorJoan Ganz CooneyLloyd Morrisett Jr.StarsJim HensonFrank OzCaroll SpinneyOn a special inner city street, the inhabitants, human and muppet, teach preschool subjects with comedy, cartoons, games, and songs.
- CreatorJim HensonStarsKaren PrellGerard ParkesKathryn MullenThe adventures of the various inhabitants of an underground civilization.
- CreatorJim HensonStarsJohn HurtBrian HensonFrederick WarderAn old storyteller tells European folk tales to his sarcastic dog.
- CreatorCharles E. Sellier Jr.StarsDan HaggertyDenver PyleBozo the BearAn innocent fugitive from the law lives in the wilderness with a grizzly bear companion and helps passers-by in the forest.
- StarsNiamh CusackEnn ReitelMary Jane BoweAn animated series, telling the story of many beloved Beatrix Potter characters.
- StarsEdmond BeauchampDominique BlondeauPaloma MattaMountain-based adventures of a young boy and his dog in a small village in the southern Alps.
- CreatorJulie HolderStarsGay SoperThe adventures of a family of cute, furry creatures - The Flumps. Grandpa Flump, Ma and Pa Flump, their eldest son Perkin, daughter Posie and youngest son Pootle. Each episode contains fun songs and a story from the 'Big Book'.
- StarsRobin ParkinsonIan AllenJohn ThirtleMr Spoon and his family live on Junk Planet. He travels in his baked bean tin spaceship across blanket sky to Button Moon. There he meets many strange characters and watches stories unfold on other planets using his telescope.
- CreatorSerge DanotStarsEric ThompsonPatricia DanotMicheline DaxCult classic children's animated series about a group of human and animal characters that gather at the roundabout / carousel in the park. Although the original series is French there are multiple dubbed versions from other countries.
- StarsEric ThompsonThe Magic Ball was yet another children's TV program from the early 1970's. It was all about " well a ball that was MAGIC " !!
- StarsRay BrooksMr Benn enters a magical costume shop where he travels to places dictated by his costume, and solves problems . The shopkeeper aids Mr Benn escape to the dressing room at moments of peril. Quantum Leap without Gooshie.
- CreatorPamela LonsdaleStarsGeoffrey HayesRoy SkeltonStanley BatesChildren's puppet programme featuring music and stories.
- CreatorEdward KayStarsBrian TruemanKate Murray-HendersonWhen Jamie shines his Magic Torch on the floor of his bedroom a hole appears, leading Jamie and Wordsworth the sheepdog to the psychedelic fantasy world of Cuckooland.
- CreatorGordon MurrayStarsBrian CantA sequel, of sorts, to Camberwick Green but set in the larger, nearby town of Trumpton. Each episode opens with the town hall clock and ends with the fire brigade band playing. Every show tells the story of one of the townsfolk.
- CreatorGordon MurrayStarsBrian CantIconic British children's animated series set in the fictional, picturesque village of the title. Each episode opens with a character emerging from a music box and they will be the central character of the forthcoming story.
- CreatorRoger HargreavesStarsArthur LoweCharlayne WoodardStuart K. RobinsonThe Mr Men are a whole host of brightly colored characters that live in Misterland. All of them have names like Mr Happy, Mr Clumsy and Mr Greedy and their appearance and personality match their name. Narrated by Arthur Lowe.
- StarsPauline CollinsJohn AldertonThe adventures of the Little Miss characters created by Roger Hargreaves as female counterparts to the original Mr Men. The personality and appearance of each character matches their name such as Little Miss Chatterbox.
- StarsCharles CollingwoodJudy BennettString-puppet series featuring the adventures of fruit and vegetable characters who escape from a greengrocer's shop and start a new home in a country garden.
- CreatorJames DriscollStarsPhilip WhitchurchJo WyattThis series follows the magical adventures of The Shoe People who live in their own magical land called Shoe Town.
- StarsGeorge LaytonJohn TelferMuch loved British animated series telling the stories of a recurring cast of characters such as a trucker called Long Distance Clara and Mr Baskerville the Detective who all live on Pigeon Street in an unnamed British city.
- StarsJoe LynchA wonderfully eccentric series about Chorlton, a happy-go-lucky dragon (named after a suburb of Manchester) who unintentionally foils the evil schemes of a mad Welsh 'Kettle Witch' who tries to stop wheelie people having fun.
- CreatorJohn Hunter BlairStarsJohn NoakesPeter PurvesValerie SingletonThe British children's magazine program, which has been running since the late 1950s, targets children between the ages of 6 and 14.
- StarsJohn ErwinAlan OppenheimerLinda GaryThe most powerful man in the universe, He-Man, goes against the evil forces of Skeletor to save the planet Eternia and to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull.
- CreatorCharles M. SchulzStarsBill MelendezJeremy SchoenbergAngela Lee SloanEvery Saturday morning The Peanuts Gang does skits, mostly taken from newspaper strips.
- StarsWaric SlyfieldJanet MilneVal LamondThe New Zealand version of the classic British childen's programme.
- CreatorHarry CorbettStarsMatthew CorbettMarjorie CorbettHarry CorbettChildren's slapstick show with the little bear glove puppet and his friends.
- StarsChic LittlewoodJokes and comical stories told by the red fox puppet "Basil Brush"
- StarsJames SaxonAnna KarenPatrick AllenComic stories involving the puppet "Roland the Rat" and his friends living under London's Kings Cross Railway Station.
- CreatorMark EvanierStarsWillie AamesDon MostAdam RichA group of kids are thrown into a fantasy world where they must search for a way home, armed with magic weapons that an evil tyrant wants.
- StarsJacqui McDonaldChristopher NeilBridie O'DonnellHumans and puppets interact, tell stories and have fun to provide entertainment to 4 and 5 year old pre-school viewers.
- CreatorBlanche HanalisStarsMelissa GilbertMichael LandonKaren GrassleThe life and adventures of the Ingalls family in the nineteenth century American Midwest.
- StarsDavid Bellamy
- StarsDenyse AlexanderIan KirkbyChristopher BigginsA series of plays for children which featured the supernatural frequently and science fiction occasionally.
- CreatorJohn WyndhamStarsJames HazeldineCarol DrinkwaterAndrew EllamsA story centered on a young schoolboy and his strange relationship with an extraterrestrial entity.
- StarsBrian TruemanCharming British animated series about two children, Robin and Rosie, who have moved with their family to the seaside town of the title in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. They open a guest-house.
- StarsBert HayesPeter GlazeJillian ComberThe shows were broadcast live in front of an audience largely of children, originally at the King's Theatre on Hammersmith Road until 1963, then at the BBC Television Theatre (now the Shepherds Bush Empire). The format of the programme included competitive games for teams of children, a music spot, a comedy double act, and a finale in which the cast performed a short comic play, adapting popular songs of the day and incorporating them into the action.
- StarsRichard HolianJane LoweSue DevaneyJonny Briggs centers on the exploits of a young boy, the eponymous hero (played by Richard Holian), his pet dog, Razzle, and his eccentric family members.
- CreatorBob BlockStarsMichael StaniforthEdward BrayshawAnn EmeryAfter his death, Fred Mumford wants a second chance at achieving the success that eluded him in life. Coming back to Earth as a spirit, he recruits a Victorian gent and a medieval jester to set up "Rentaghost".
- StarsJudy BennettCharles CollingwoodString-puppet series about the Byegones, who live in a medieval fort, and their enemies the Hasbeenes, who are determined to take control of Cloppa Castle.
- StarsStuart OrganGwyneth PowellLee CornesThe long running television series of the Grange Hill Comprehensive School, and the children's everyday lives.
- StarsTony HartColin BennettPatricia DodwellHost Tony Hart demonstrates various art projects along with cartoon sequences.
- StarsBrian CantJonathan CohenSpike HeatleySongs, jokes and sketches with Brian Cant and the Play Away crew.
- StarsBrian CantA children's TV series in which each episode is centred around a different letter of the alphabet.The old bloke who owns the shop rummages around to find things in the junk that start with that letter.
- StarsMichael RoddBrian TruemanMark CurryQuiz show for children, where they are asked a selection of observational questions on various films.
- StarsTommy BoydTimmy MallettJoanna FisherA variety show for children featuring comedy sketches, team challenges, celebrity guests and competitions.
- CreatorJoe RubyKen SpearsJoseph BarberaStarsDon MessickCasey KasemNicole JaffeA group of teenage friends and their Great Dane (Scooby-Doo) travel in a bright green van solving strange and hilarious mysteries, while returning from or going to a regular teenage function.
- CreatorJoseph BarberaWilliam HannaStarsScatman CrothersJoe E. RossKathy GoriA kung-fu-fighting pup and his snickering cat sidekick battle crime.
- StarsCasey KasemDon MessickHeather NorthThe adventures of the mystery solving dog and his nephew.
- CreatorJoseph BarberaWilliam HannaStarsAlan ReedMel BlancJean Vander PylThe misadventures of two modern-day Stone Age families, the Flintstones and the Rubbles.
- CreatorDuane PooleDick RobbinsStarsTed CassidyDon MessickHilly HicksThe crew of the research vessel, The Calico, investigate strange phenomena and often meet menaces that force them to summon Godzilla to help.
- StarsFrank WelkerHal SmithChuck McCannA bizarre but lovable shapeshifting creature and his young comic book creator friends investigate reports of the paranormal.
- StarsPaul WinchellJohn StephensonDave WillockThe participants of an unusual car race compete around America.
- CreatorJoseph BarberaWilliam HannaStarsJanet WaldoMel BlancPaul WinchellThe Ant Hill Mob has to protect Penelope Pitstop from a murderous lawyer who is after her inheritance.
- CreatorGerry AndersonSylvia AndersonStarsSylvia AndersonPeter DyneleyDavid GrahamIn the year 2065, the Tracy family run International Rescue - a top-secret organization whose ongoing mission is to rescue people trapped in extraordinarily dangerous situations using their advanced Thunderbirds machines.
- CreatorGerry AndersonSylvia AndersonStarsRay BarrettDavid GrahamRobert EastonFollows the adventures of the World Aquanaut Security Patrol, particularly the crew of its most advanced combat submarine called Stingray.
- CreatorGerry AndersonStarsJeremy HitchenDenise BryerAnne RidlerThe missions of a planetary defense organization dedicated to protecting Earth from a Martian menace.
- StarsAlan YoungKeye LukeRonnie SchellA five-member superhero team called G-Force fights to defend Earth and its space colonies from the threat of the planet Spectra.
- CreatorJim HensonJeffrey ScottStarsGreg BergKatie LeighLaurie O'BrienThe Muppets, as babies, have adventures with their imaginations inside their nursery.
- CreatorBob CampChuck TatelyStarsRich LittlePaul FreesDave BarryA classy, resourceful panther has plenty of hilarious misadventures, outwitting those who annoy him with his clever tricks.
- CreatorMichael ColeStarsRick JonesCharming finger puppet series with Yoffy (Jones) telling stories featuring Fingermouse, Scampi, Gulliver the Seagull, and other animal characters.
- StarsIain LauchlanJane HardyFeatures Fingermouse learning about different musical instruments from The Music Man, as well as having adventures with other paper finger-puppets.
- StarsDaws ButlerPaul WinchellWilliam CallawayAnimated series centering on three bears who live in a zoo. Every now and then they try to sneak out of the zoo. So the zoo keeper and his assistant try to stop them or apprehend them when they do. They also have schemes which the zoo keeper has to take care of.
- CreatorBrian CosgroveMark HallStarsDavid JasonTerry ScottEdward KelseyDanger Mouse, the greatest secret agent in the world, must follow Colonel K's orders (and try not to break Professor Squawkencluck's inventions) to foil Baron Greenback's and his henchman Stiletto's plans.
- CreatorJohn GeeringStarsGraeme GardenBill OddieTim Brooke-TaylorBananaman, a young boy named Eric, transforms into a super-strong hero by eating bananas. His crow friend provides bananas. As Bananaman, he battles villains while keeping his alter-ego secret from others.
- CreatorJean ChalopinAndy HeywardBruno BianchiStarsDon AdamsHolly BergerFrank WelkerA bumbling cyborg inspector outfitted with an array of bizarre gadgets pursues the criminal organization M.A.D., all while his precocious niece and dog do the real investigative work.
- StarsBarry ClaytonJack MayBrian TruemanThe misadventures of a vegetarian vampire duck and his servants.
- CreatorKate CanningStarsSean ArnoldAlistair McGowanRoberto ZencaAn over-privileged fat feline is forced to live in the wild, where he befriends the forest animals.
- DirectorBill MelendezStarsAnn AltieriChris DoranSally DryerDepressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
- CreatorTerry BrainCharlie MillsStarsWilliam RushtonNick Shipley3D plasticine animation, featuring Berk, a blue creature who lives as servant to the unseen 'Thing Upstairs' in an ancient castle. Every time the trap door opens a new adventure begins for Berk and his pals; Boni (a talking skull) and Drutt (a mischievous spider)!
- StarsMichael HordernJoel GreyThe misadventures of a little Peruvian bear living in London, England.
- CreatorJohn RyanStarsPeter HawkinsNoel ColemanThe adventures of Captain Pugwash and his crew aboard the pirate ship - the Black Pig.
- CreatorMary TourtelAlfred BestallJoy WhitbyStarsBernard CribbinsKenneth WilliamsMartin JarvisA celebrity reads a story, enhancing it in ways that will entice the most restless of children.
- StarsMike ReidBarbara DicksonMadnessChildren's quiz show where the kids would run to the answer then 'runaround' if they changed their minds at the last minute.
- StarsStephen BoxerDavid ClaridgeBeryl ReidGet Up and Go was the original title of this children's series, used for the first three seasons. Mooncat (a cat from the Moon, as his name suggests) visits Earth and befriends presenters Beryl Reid and Stephen Boxer, who invite him to share their home. Mooncat learns about life on Earth through stories and songs, and by watching real-world footage through the windows of his Moon Machine (a feature not unlike the "windows" used on the long-running BBC contemporary, Play School). Stephen moved out during series three to help run a playgroup, but he still found time to visit the others and appear in the programme each week. Beryl left after three seasons, so the series was changed slightly and renamed Mooncat and Co. Stephen and Mooncat now ran a second-hand store, and a rotating number of guests such as Patsy Rowlands and Pat Coombs played customers and basically acted as co-presenter for that episode, alongside Stephen. In the final short season, Stephen did not appear - the character described as being away on business - although his photo still appeared in the opening titles, suggesting that had the series continued, he may have returned. Stephen's brother in-universe, played by Berni Flint, took over the shop and with the help of the weekly customers, chiefly Patsy Rowlands in this case, looked after Mooncat and stopped him missing Stephen too much. It was never made obvious whether he ever missed Beryl, but it would be nice to think she visited him off-screen when she was able.
- StarsJohnny Ball
- StarsStanley BaxterClaire SawyerRoland MacLeodMr Majeika is a wizard, sent to "Britland" from the planet Walpurgis because he failed his O-level sorcery exam for the seventeenth time. He drops into the sleepy village of Much Barty, finding a post at St Barty's School in sleepy U.K.
- StarsGary MartinPaul DanielsDebbie McGeeA magical children's series about an alien magician called Wizbit who comes to Earth for a year and a day to learn all about our planet. Wizbit, a giant yellow magicians hat, mainly solved puzzles in the city of Puzzleopolis.
- 1973–19953 eps6.6 (90)TV SeriesStarsDelima BegumVenesha BrowneNathan DaviesThe TV show "Why Don't You" encouraged kids to turn off the TV and do something more enjoyable and productive.
- StarsChris TarrantSally JamesJohn AsherOriginally a Midlands-only "links" programme presented by Chris Tarrant and John Asher, Tiswas is chiefly remembered for evolving into a nationally broadcast comedy show with Chris joined by Sally James, Bob Carolgees and Lenny Henry.
- StarsSarah GreenePhillip SchofieldPeter SimonChildren's Saturday morning magazine/variety show featuring cartoons, sketches, games, music videos, special guests and features.
- CreatorRichard CarpenterStarsGeoffrey BayldonRobin DaviesGary WarrenA medieval wizard (though not a very good one) is transported to the modern age.
- StarsJon PertweeJeremy AustinCharlotte ColemanChildren's series about the adventures of Worzel Gummidge (Jon Pertwee), a scarecrow who comes to life.
- StarsGudrun UreIain CuthbertsonBill ShineThe adventures of a super-powered granny who fights crime in her community.
- CreatorDorrell McGowanStarsLondonHarvey AtkinAllan RoyalThe wandering adventures of an intelligent German shepherd dog.
- StarsRolf HarrisWendy Keay-BrightA British children's television show in the 90s where host Rolf Harris taught cartooning and animation.
- CreatorPeyoStarsDon MessickDanny GoldmanLucille BlissThe Smurfs are tiny blue creatures that live in mushroom houses in a peaceful forest. They repeatedly try to outwit Gargamel, an evil sorcerer, his apprentice, Scruple, and his mangy cat, Azrael.
- StarsEduardo JoverGloria CámaraManuel PeiróIn 17th century France, young Dogtanian travels to Paris to fulfill his ambition to become one of the King's Musketeers. He befriends Athos, Porthos and Aramis and falls in love with Juliette. A doggy version of the tale.