The 50 greatest children’s TV Shows of all time
RT’s stellar panel of experts have cast their votes for shows from Blue Peter to Clangers – but who came out on top?
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20. The Borrowers
1992, BBC
Based on Mary Norton’s books, this 1992 adaptation told the story of the Clocks, a tiny family living under the floorboards, and gave many young viewers their first taste of a proper cliffhanger.
19. How
1966–1981, ITV
This series did what it promised on the tin, answering “How…” — said in a distinctly dodgy Hiawatha accent — to thousands of questions on science, maths and history. First pitched at adults, it found children to be a more enthralled audience.
18. The Box Of Delights
1984, BBC
Based on John Masefield’s fantasy novel, this became the most expensive children’s drama ever made, costing £1 million to make, due to a mixture of live action, animation and the quaint sounding Quantel Paintbox.
17. Jackanory
1965–1996, BBC
For three decades, Jackanory was a sleepy, irreplaceable part of children’s TV. On paper, it was intended to inspire an interest in reading. In practice, it gave everyone time for a quick nap before Bagpuss.
16. Byker Grove
1989–2006, BBC
Celebrated primarily as the nursery slopes on which primetime supremos Ant and Dec learnt their trade, this drama’s alumni also include Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air and Charlie ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Hunnam — an eclectic roll call for a teenage soap set inside a Gateshead youth club.
15. Animal Magic
1962–1983, BBC
Grown-ups may have had David Attenborough, but children of the 70s could lay claim to Johnny Morris. His enthusiasm was contagious in a show that made stars of parrots Cocky and Brolly and literally gave gorillas a voice.
14. SM:TV Live
1998–2003, returning 2018, ITV
For five years, SM:TV Live ruled Saturday morning airwaves, tipping an innuendo-filled wink at older viewers while keeping kids entertained, too. It also made household names of Ant and Dec. They promise a revival for 2018 with former sparring partner Cat Deeley.
13. Rentaghost
1976–1984, BBC
From a potentially dark idea of unhappy ghosts trying to find work, a surprisingly successful comedy emerged, due in large part to unlikely screen icon Timothy Claypole and regular scene-stealing by Christopher Biggins.
12. Pingu
1986–2006, BBC
From his Antarctic home, the world’s most expressive claymation penguin claimed hearts all over the world, most recently inspiring a Japanese reboot, Pingu in the City .
11. Play Away
1971–1984, BBC
Play School’s wackier cousin, replete with songs, games and pranks. It made stars of the unfeasibly flexible Derek Griffiths, musical maestro Jonathan Cohen and the late, great Brian Cant.
