Greatest Kids' TV Shows from Channel 5
by john-35318 | created - 21 Mar 2018 | updated - 21 Mar 2018 | PublicCounting down the 50 best British kids TV shows of all time, from Blue Peter to Bagpuss, Captain Pugwash to Tiswas and Going Live to Peppa Pig.
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1. Blue Peter (1958– )
25 min | Family
The British children's magazine program, which has been running since the late 1950s, targets children between the ages of 6 and 14.
Stars: John Noakes, Peter Purves, Valerie Singleton, Simon Groom
Votes: 616
2. Tiswas (1974–1982)
110 min | Animation, Family, Game-Show
Originally 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.
Stars: Chris Tarrant, Sally James, John Asher, John Gorman
Votes: 218
3. Bagpuss (1974)
15 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Bagpuss 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.
Stars: Oliver Postgate, Sandra Kerr, John Faulkner, Emily Firmin
Votes: 1,092
4. Thunderbirds (1965–1966)
TV-G | 50 min | Action, Adventure, Family
In 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.
Stars: Sylvia Anderson, Peter Dyneley, David Graham, Shane Rimmer
Votes: 5,107
5. SM:TV Live (1998–2003)
125 min | Animation, Family, Talk-Show
Children's magazine mix of celebrity guests, competitions, features, sketches and chat.
Stars: Anthony McPartlin, Declan Donnelly, Cat Deeley, Helen Soraya
Votes: 286
6. Peppa Pig (2004– )
TV-Y | 9 min | Animation, Short, Adventure
A little pig named Peppa and her little brother George have journeys everyday with their family and friends.
Stars: John Sparkes, Morwenna Banks, Oliver May, Richard Ridings
Votes: 6,521
7. Rainbow (1972–1992)
22 min | Family, Talk-Show
Children's puppet programme featuring music and stories.
Stars: Geoffrey Hayes, Roy Skelton, Stanley Bates, Rod Burton
Votes: 980
8. Horrible Histories (2009–2024)
28 min | Comedy, Family, History
A group of British comedians show the sides of history they don't teach you in school. From the 'Savage Stone Age' to the 'Troublesome 20th Century', you see the full side to history.
Stars: Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas
Votes: 5,983
9. Danger Mouse (1981–1992)
TV-Y | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Danger 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.
Stars: David Jason, Terry Scott, Edward Kelsey, Victor Knight
Votes: 3,909
10. Play School (1964–1988)
20 min | Family
Stories, fun, and things to make and do for pre-school children.
Stars: Carol Chell, Brian Cant, Julie Stevens, Johnny Ball
Votes: 110
11. Rentaghost (1976–1984)
25 min | Comedy, Family, Fantasy
After 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".
Stars: Michael Staniforth, Edward Brayshaw, Ann Emery, William Perrie
Votes: 663
12. Grange Hill (1978–2008)
30 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
The long running television series of the Grange Hill Comprehensive School, and the children's everyday lives.
Stars: Stuart Organ, Gwyneth Powell, Lee Cornes, Sally Geoghegan
Votes: 1,652
13. Mr Benn (1971–2005)
15 min | Animation, Short, Family
Mr 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.
Star: Ray Brooks
Votes: 951
14. Vision On (1965–1976)
30 min | Family
A show presenting art projects and pantomime performances oriented for a hearing impaired youth audience.
Stars: Pat Keysell, Rex Hays, Ralph Thompson, Robin Pitman
Votes: 85
15. The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002–2006)
TV-PG | 15 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama
Tracy Beaker is a 10-year-old girl who has been placed in a children's home. Tracy makes new friends along the way and causes mischief wherever she goes.
Stars: Dani Harmer, Montanna Thompson, Ben Hanson, Ciarán Joyce
Votes: 1,818
16. Something Special (2004–2012)
Family
Something Special is a BBC children's TV program produced by Allan Johnston, a special needs teacher before joining the BBC in 1989. Aimed at children with delayed learning and ... See full summary »
Stars: Justin Fletcher, Lottie Tomlinson, Cassian Shooter
Votes: 136
17. The Clangers (1969–1974)
10 min | Animation, Family, Sci-Fi
The 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.... See full summary »
Star: Oliver Postgate
Votes: 730
18. Going Live! (1987–1993)
192 min | Comedy, Family, Game-Show
Children's Saturday morning magazine/variety show featuring cartoons, sketches, games, music videos, special guests and features.
Stars: Sarah Greene, Phillip Schofield, Peter Simon, Trevor Neal
Votes: 155
19. Crackerjack! (1955–2021)
45 min | Comedy, Family, Game-Show
The 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 ... See full summary »
Stars: Bert Hayes, Peter Glaze, Jillian Comber, Leslie Crowther
Votes: 116
20. Trumpton (1967)
15 min | Animation, Family
A 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.
Star: Brian Cant
Votes: 384
21. How (1966–1981)
Family
Series created by Jack Hargreaves, where children can write in and ask questions beginning with the statement "how". Helping Jack to demonstrate the answers are fellow presenters including Fred Dinenage, Jon Miller and Marian Davies.
Stars: Jack Hargreaves, Fred Dinenage, Jon Miller, Marian Davies
Votes: 66
22. Inigo Pipkin (1973–1981)
Family
Series about Inigo Pipkin (George Woodbridge) a puppet maker who ran his shop with help of talking animals and his assistant Wayne. When Woodbridge died during filming, the show was renamed "Pipkins".
Stars: George Woodbridge, Nigel Plaskitt, Elizabeth Lindsay, Wayne Laryea
Votes: 93
23. Teletubbies (1997–2001)
TV-Y | 28 min | Family, Fantasy, Musical
Four creatures with televisions in their stomachs have fun in their magical world.
Stars: Rolf Saxon, Jessica Smith, John Simmit, Nikky Smedley
Votes: 8,728
24. Captain Pugwash (1957–1975)
5 min | Animation, Family
The adventures of Captain Pugwash and his crew aboard the pirate ship - the Black Pig.
Stars: Peter Hawkins, Noel Coleman
Votes: 244
25. The Magic Roundabout (1964–1995)
5 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Cult 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.
Stars: Eric Thompson, Patricia Danot, Micheline Dax, Bernard Haller
Votes: 432
26. Roobarb (1974)
5 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Roobarb the green dog's enthusiasm for inventions and harebrained schemes to liven up life in the garden know no bounds. It's up to Custard the indolent, grinning purple cat, and the rest ... See full summary »
Star: Richard Briers
Votes: 276
27. Press Gang (1989–1993)
1,290 min | Family, Comedy, Drama
A bunch of kids are to make a newspaper for the young, named "Junior Gazette". The series follows these kids both on job and in private.
Stars: Julia Sawalha, Dexter Fletcher, Paul Reynolds, Mmoloki Chrystie
Votes: 1,092
28. Jackanory (1965–1996)
15 min | Family, Fantasy
A celebrity reads a story, enhancing it in ways that will entice the most restless of children.
Stars: Bernard Cribbins, Kenneth Williams, Martin Jarvis, John Grant
Votes: 422
29. EBC1: Emu's Broadcasting Company (1975–1980)
Comedy, Family
Children's sketch show with Rod Hull and Emu, based in Emu's own TV studio (EBC1).
Stars: Rod Hull, Barbara New, Billy Dainty, Tom Chatto
Votes: 38
30. Chorlton and the Wheelies (1976– )
12 min | Animation, Family
A 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.
Star: Joe Lynch
Votes: 229
31. Newsround (1972– )
10 min | Family, News
John Craven (and latterly other presenters) introduce news stories and other articles of interest to its young audience.
Stars: Ricky Boleto, Leah Gooding, Joe Tidy, Martin Dougan
Votes: 225
32. Metal Mickey (1980–1983)
30 min | Family, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Metal Mickey was a robot built by young Ken to do chores around the house. Ken was the eldest child of a typical British family--well, almost typical. Metal Mickey was endowed with a number... See full summary »
Stars: Michael Stainton, Georgina Melville, Ashley Knight, Lucinda Bateson
Votes: 257
33. Byker Grove (1989–2006)
30 min | Drama, Family, Romance
Byker Grove follows the lives and relationships of a group of young people who are members of a youth club.
Stars: Daymon Britton, Brett Adams, Kerry Ann Christiansen, Jody Baldwin
Votes: 931
34. Thomas & Friends (1984–2021)
TV-Y | 11 min | Animation, Short, Adventure
This series follows the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine and all of his engine friends on the Island of Sodor.
Stars: Michael Angelis, Keith Wickham, Michael Brandon, Kerry Shale
Votes: 6,421
35. The Basil Brush Show (1968–1980)
Comedy, Family
Jokes and comical stories told by the red fox puppet "Basil Brush" with the help of guests.
Stars: Basil Brush, Bert Hayes, Derek Fowlds, Roy North
Votes: 128
36. In the Night Garden... (2007–2009)
TV-Y | 30 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
In The Night Garden is about a magical picture-book place that exists between waking and sleeping in a child's imagination.
Stars: Derek Jacobi, Nick Kellington, Andy Wareham, Rebecca Hyland
Votes: 1,314
37. The Wombles (1973–1975)
5 min | Animation, Family
The misadventures of a fantasy folk community dedicated to cleaning up litter and putting it to their own use.
Stars: Bernard Cribbins, Dieter Hallervorden
Votes: 984
38. Tweenies (1999–2003)
40 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
Four preschool-aged best friends have fun together in their playgroup and learn about the world around them through engaging songs, stories, crafts, and more.
Stars: Colleen Daley, Justin Fletcher, Bob Golding, Jenny Hutchinson
Votes: 1,119
39. Mary Mungo & Midge (1969– )
15 min | Animation, Family
An animated children's series which followed the adventures of a little girl called Mary and her dog, Mungo, and her mouse, Midge.
Stars: Richard Baker, Isabel Ryan
Votes: 108
40. Multi-Coloured Swap Shop (1976–1982)
120 min | Family, Talk-Show
Saturday morning children's show which as well as having music and guests also had kids phone in and swap toys with each other.
Stars: Noel Edmonds, Keith Chegwin, John Craven, Maggie Philbin
Votes: 120
41. Record Breakers (1972–2001)
25 min | Documentary, Family
Contestants attempt to break records for various feats listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
Stars: Roy Castle, Norris McWhirter, Cheryl Baker, Fiona Kennedy
Votes: 95
42. The Sooty Show (1968–1992)
30 min | Family
Children's slapstick show with the little bear glove puppet and his friends.
Stars: Matthew Corbett, Marjorie Corbett, Harry Corbett, Brenda Longman
Votes: 486
43. Magpie (1968–1980)
25 min | Documentary, Family
Trendy kids' magazine programme--ITV's answer to Blue Peter.
Stars: Tony Bastable, Susan Stranks, Mick Robertson, Pete Brady
Votes: 67
44. Why Don't You Just Switch Off Your Television Set and Go and Do Something Less Boring Instead? (1973–1995)
15 min | Family
The TV show "Why Don't You" encouraged kids to turn off the TV and do something more enjoyable and productive.
Stars: Delima Begum, Venesha Browne, Nathan Davies, Leonard Davis
Votes: 90
45. Bob the Builder (1997–2018)
TV-Y | 10 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
Bob Builder and his machine team are ready to tackle any project. Bob and Can-Do Crew demonstrate power of positive thinking, problem-solving, teamwork,.
Stars: Rob Rackstraw, Kate Harbour, Neil Morrissey, Lorelei King
Votes: 5,579
46. Andy Pandy (1950–1957)
Family
Puppet series for young children.
Stars: Maria Bird, Gladys Whitred, Vera McKechnie, Julia Williams
Votes: 91
47. Think of a Number (1977–1984)
30 min | Documentary, Family
Science series presented by Johnny Ball.
Stars: Johnny Ball, William Blezard
Votes: 25
48. Fingerbobs (1972)
15 min | Animation, Family
Charming finger puppet series with Yoffy (Jones) telling stories featuring Fingermouse, Scampi, Gulliver the Seagull, and other animal characters.
Star: Rick Jones
Votes: 141
49. Postman Pat (1981–2017)
TV-Y | 15 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
This classic children's series follows the adventures of everyone's favourite postman as he carries out his mail rounds in the village of Greendale.
Stars: Ken Barrie, Carole Boyd, Melissa Sinden, Kulvinder Ghir
Votes: 3,216
50. Worzel Gummidge (1979–1981)
60 min | Family, Comedy, Drama
Children's series about the adventures of Worzel Gummidge (Jon Pertwee), a scarecrow who comes to life.
Stars: Jon Pertwee, Jeremy Austin, Charlotte Coleman, Mike Berry
Votes: 1,099
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