Step back into Balamory with this week's Radio Times kids' special issue
Miss Hoolie and the gang return, plus 10 more kids' favourites in this week's issue.
What TV programmes our children and grandchildren should be watching, and how often, is rarely far from the headlines these days. When many of us were young, television felt simpler and more magical.
Trumpton was a favourite of mine and, yes, I can still recite the roll call of the fire brigade. In fact, I fear that in the years to come as I forget other names those will be the ones that stick in my fading memory.
Which is why one hopes that today's young viewers are quietly building their own treasury of television moments, whether sparked by something educational, imaginative or simply silly. Those early encounters with storytelling, character and colour matter more than we sometimes realise.
In this week's Radio Times magazine, we celebrate the return of Balamory, a show that brought enormous joy when it first appeared. We go behind the scenes with Julie Wilson Nimmo, Miss Hoolie herself, as she reflects on stepping back into that world and how new viewers will discover its charms.
Anne Wood, the creator of Teletubbies, also offers her thoughts on children's television in the age of YouTube and TikTok – as viewing habits shift ever more rapidly, her opinions are timely and important.
Elsewhere, you'll find our pick of the 10 best children's shows on television right now, while RT's own human TV encyclopaedia, David Brown, casts a fond eye over a selection of classics from years gone by.
Enjoy the issue and, if the opportunity arises, watch something with the youngest members of your household.
The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here.
Also in this week's Radio Times:
- Presenter Alison Hammond talks to us about her latest gig hosting Channel 4's new singing competition, Your Song.
- Celebrity Traitors and Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed reveals his go-to childhood TV favourites and shares his excitement at hosting this year's Oliviers
- Sesame Street legend Oscar the Grouch shares what it takes to be the perfect party pooper
Did you know you can now order a previous edition of Radio Times magazine with our new back issues service?
Balamory returns on Monday 20 April on CBeebies and iPlayer. Add Balamory to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Shem Law is the brand editor of Radio Times, and the 20th person to hold that esteemed position in over 100 years. He wasn't allowed a television growing up, but over the years he has rather overcompensated for that fact.
