Children’s television has always done more than just pass the time. At its best, it sparks imagination, builds confidence and helps young viewers make sense of the world – all while delivering plenty of laughs along the way.
Of course, screens are now part of everyday life for most families, and the conversation has shifted from whether children should watch TV to what’s actually worth watching. Guidance for parents increasingly focuses on balance: choosing age-appropriate programmes, mixing screen time with play and conversation, and remembering that how children watch can matter just as much as what they watch.
The good news? Great children’s TV has never been more varied. From gentle, curiosity-led shows and clever educational favourites to gloriously silly, laugh-out-loud classics, the best programmes prove that screen time doesn’t have to be passive – or purely "good for you" – to be valuable.
With that in mind, here are 50 of the greatest children’s TV shows — the ones that entertain, inspire and, above all, are truly worth children watching.
1. Blue Peter
Six decades after a BBC producer first spied a flag on the side of a ship, everyone has a favourite Blue Peter memory, whether it’s John Noakes swinging from Nelson’s Column, Valerie Singleton battling with sticky-back plastic or a rogue animal stealing the show. At its peak, the programme received thousands of letters a week from viewers hoping to earn the coveted Blue Peter badge.
The world’s longest-running children’s TV show may no longer dominate the ratings, but its cultural significance remains unrivalled, continuing to evolve for new generations across broadcast and digital platforms.
When Phil Redmond first devised a drama set in a North London comprehensive, he couldn't have guessed it would become a cultural reference point for a generation. Celebrated for its gritty portrayal of school life, the show made heroes of pupils Tucker, Trisha and Roland, and balanced serious issues with lighter moments. Landmark plotlines included Zammo’s drug addiction, heralding a campaign telling the nation’s children to ‘Just Say No’ and, memorably, Gonch and Hollow making off with Mr Bronson’s hairpiece.
3. Newsround
There have been dozens of presenters of this pioneering news programme over its long run, though for many it will always be associated with its original host, John Craven. Newsround has broadcast continuously since 1972, adapting seamlessly to a fast-changing media landscape.
Whether covering major global events or issues closer to home, it continues to strike a careful balance — informing young viewers clearly and sensitively, without ever patronising its audience.
This influential TV landmark started out as a series of links between other children’s programmes, but soon eclipsed them, as millions tuned in for seemingly spontaneous mayhem. Armed with a running order but no script, presenters including Chris Tarrant and Sally James simply channeled the energy of a studio full of overexcited children, throwing buckets of water over parents, spoofing other TV shows and failing to dodge custard pies, while Lenny Henry built a career on impersonating Trevor McDonald.
5. Multi-Coloured Swap Shop
There is possibly no stronger image to epitomise children’s TV, or perhaps the entire late 1970s, than that of perennially-jumpered Noel Edmonds smiling into his red telephone, talking to a small child who wanted to shift her Kerplunk. For 146 episodes, Noel and cohorts Maggie Philbin, John Craven and the irrepressible Keith Chegwin presided over competitions, prize picks, maverick mascots and celebrity slots to create the template for youthful viewing. Will we ever see its like again? Answers on a postcard…
For 12 years, this BAFTA-winning programme drew a huge audience while maintaining its primary commitment to include deaf children. Embracing visual action over text or speech, presenters Pat Keysell and Tony Hart showcased art, animation, clowning, impressive stunts and the miming magic of a future Doctor Who, Sylvester McCoy. Taking its title from the sign in TV studios, ‘Vision On’ proved it was possible to be sensible and silly, anarchic and inclusive – a triumph of the creative imagination.
7. Live & Kicking
Like its preceding Saturday morning magazine shows, this featured a familiar mix of celebrity interviews, phone-ins, competitions, cartoons, comedy and capers, elevated by the chemistry between original hosts Emma Forbes and Andi Peters, and then Zoë Ball and Jamie Theakston who earned a BAFTA for their farewell episode. L&K highlights included the video review slot, ‘Hit, Miss or Maybe’, resident leprechaun puppets Sage, Onion, Shamrock and later appearances by a certain Mr Blobby.
For six years from 1987, no self-respecting pop star’s Saturday morning was complete without sitting on the sofa, fielding questions from a live audience, just one part of a packed magazine show, which included comic duo Trevor and Simon, ‘chef’ Emma Forbes, fashionista Annabel Giles, agony uncle Phillip Hodson and, at the helm, Phillip Schofield and Sarah Greene – all effortlessly upstaged by Gordon the Gopher squeaking his way into cult status.
9. Play School
In a world of simple pleasures for pre-schoolers, toys Humpty, Hamble and co played host to presenters who danced, pranced and painted a lot. Highlights included a film excursion through the round, square or arch window – often to a biscuit factory, a waste disposal unit or somewhere equally glam. Back in the studio, it was time for a story after checking the big clock, which once went on strike as two BBC unions fought over whose job it was to turn the hands.
It’s Friday, it’s five to five…. which could only mean one thing for young viewers, tuning in for competitions, comedy, catchphrases and semi-controlled chaos. During its 30-year run, presenters ranged from Max Bygraves to Basil Brush, Eamonn Andrews to Ed Stewart. Little and Large and the Krankies provided the funnies and Stu Francis gamely crushed a grape, but all played second fiddle to the show’s crown jewel, the much-coveted propelling pencil handed out to runners-up of Double or Drop.
11. Play Away
Play School’s wackier cousin, ‘Play Away’ brought youngsters to their feet with its irrepressible hosts, songs, games and pranks. It made household names of bendy Derek Griffiths, musical maestro Jonathan Cohen and the beloved Brian Cant.
The world’s most expressive stop-animation clay penguin first graced our screens in 1986. From his Antarctic home, Pingu claimed hearts all over the world, most recently inspiring a Japanese reboot Pingu in the City.
13. Rentaghost
From a potentially dark idea of unhappy ghosts trying to find work, this surprisingly successful comedy was created, due in large part to unlikely screen icon Timothy Claypole and regular scene-stealing antics by Christopher Biggins.
For five years, SM:TV Live ruled Saturday morning airwaves, blending irreverent humour with games, sketches and interviews that entertained children and adults alike. Hosts Ant & Dec, alongside Cat Deeley, became household names thanks to segments packed with chaos, catchphrases and just enough mischief to keep parents watching too.
15. Animal Magic
Grown-ups might have had David Attenborough, but children could lay claim to Johnny Morris. His enthusiasm was contagious in a show that made stars of parrots Cocky and Brolly and gave gorillas, quite literally, a voice.
16. Byker Grove
Celebrated as the nursery slopes of primetime supremos Ant & Dec, this drama’s alumni also includes Jill Halfpenny, Donna Air and Charlie ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Hunnam – an eclectic roll call for a teenage soap set inside a Gateshead youth club.
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.
18. Box of Delights
Based on John Masefield’s fantasy novel, this became the most expensive children’s drama ever made when it debuted in 1984, due to a mixture of live action, animation and the ever so quaint-sounding Quantel Paintbox.
From the mind of Gerry Anderson, Thunderbirds combined groundbreaking Supermarionation with big-screen ambition to create one of the most iconic children’s series of all time. Following the Tracy family and their high-tech rescue organisation, International Rescue, each episode delivered action, jeopardy and unforgettable set pieces.
20. How!
This series did what it promised on the tin, answering ‘How…’ to thousands of questions on science, maths and history. Originally pitched at adult viewers, it found children to be a more enthralled audience and lasted 15 years.
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 enthralled young viewers their first taste of a proper cliff-hanger. Now, they're asking again, what's that?
22. Record Breakers
The world record for best-suited TV host will always belong to Roy Castle, who tap-danced into history, claimed nine Guinness Book entries himself, and proved over and over again that dedication really is all you need.
23. Bagpuss
Bagpuss may not have been the most energetic of cloth cats, but with his striped coat and tall tales, he remains the most memorable. Only 13 episodes of his iconic show were ever made. His producers wanted to make more, but their title star wouldn’t take any calls.
Neil Buchanan’s endlessly inventive series turned everyday household items into works of art, inspiring generations of children to get creative. Whether it was giant outdoor masterpieces or simple kitchen-table crafts, Art Attack made creativity feel accessible to everyone.
Blending practical skills with imagination, it encouraged children to experiment, problem-solve and express themselves — a perfect example of television that actively gets its audience thinking and doing.
25. Horrible Histories
These tales of "history with the nasty bits left in" managed the unthinkable — making the past both factually accurate and laugh-out-loud funny. Blending sketch comedy, music and sharp writing, Horrible Histories has become a benchmark for educational entertainment.
Its continued success across revivals, specials and spin-offs underlines its enduring appeal, proving that learning can be as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Pat Clifton was a simple postman, but an inexhaustible supply of perils and parcels made him the star of his own TV series for more than 30 years, leaving just one question – exactly how old was the cat?
27. Bluey
Few children’s shows have achieved the universal acclaim of Bluey. This Australian animation follows an energetic Blue Heeler pup and her family, transforming everyday moments into imaginative adventures.
Celebrated for its warmth, humour and emotional intelligence, it has become a rare crossover hit — as beloved by parents as it is by children — and a defining show of modern children’s television.
28: Press Gang
Before he dazzled us with Sherlock and Doctor Who, Steven Moffat cut his writing teeth on this children’s drama, which earned plaudits for its honesty and humour, and made stars out of Julia Sawalha and Dexer Fletcher.
A simple setting and reed-thin plots, consisting mainly of them saying "Flobbalob" while friend Little Weed chimed in with "Weeeed", didn’t stop two little men in clay pots and straw hats exerting a unique grip on the nation’s imagination.
30. Rainbow
Many questions remain unanswered about this deceptively innocent show. Was Zippy our first small screen anti-hero? Did Geoffrey have any human friends? Was it all a psychedelic dream? And why did Bungle wear pyjamas?
A landmark for British children’s TV, JoJo & Gran Gran centres on the everyday adventures of JoJo and her grandmother, exploring family life, community and culture.
With its gentle storytelling and authentic representation, the series has earned critical acclaim and awards recognition, marking an important step forward for diversity and inclusion in preschool programming.
32. The Really Wild Show
Terry Nutkins led the team bringing their enthusiasm for wildlife to screen. Viewers tuned in for dancing with dolphins, cuddles with koalas, and the wildest living thing of all, young Chris Packham’s hair.
Children ganged up on an adult guilty of a ‘crime’ and made them take part in a humiliating series of games, before being gunged in the finale. Look out for the 21st century reboot, Get Your Own Therapist.
34. Wacaday
A man born for children’s TV, Timmy Mallett presided over an ambitious six series a year, with elements ranging from educational overseas cultural videos to the more simple delights of ‘ Drop Your Toast’ and Mallett’s Mallet.
Inspired by a theme tune every fan can still sing, teams of school children read out hobby suggestions from viewers who'd written in, and ended up riding horses or cutting out star-shapes. Definitely more innocent times.
36. Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons
Darker and more complex than many of its contemporaries, Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons saw Gerry Anderson push children’s television into more ambitious territory. With its striking visuals, tense storytelling and underlying themes of identity and conflict, it stood apart from more straightforward adventure shows.
An animation series set in Wheelie World, where the wheelies’ peace of mind was oft-threatened by a lack of wheels and the evil machinations of Fenella the Kettle Witch. Fortunately, they also had Chorlton, the happiness dragon.
38. ChuckleVision
The CBBC generation’s answer to Laurel and Hardy, the Chuckle Brothers got themselves into similar scrapes of slapstick farce, stepping into paint pots, standing on hosepipes and dishing out catchphrases for 21 series.
Designed for the very youngest viewers, The Baby Club offers a thoughtful mix of songs, sensory play and real-life interaction between babies and carers. Its research-led approach and emphasis on early development have made it a standout in preschool television, praised for creating a genuinely engaging experience for both children and their parents.
40. Take Hart
From the first notes of Stanley Myers's mournful 'Cavatina', every fan will think instantly of The Gallery, one memorable part of the world of supernaturally calm Tony Hart, his diminutive assistant Morph and angst-ridden caretaker Mr Bennett.
41. The Tomorrow People
This 1970s sci-fi drama followed a group of teenagers who all looked perfectly normal but were, in fact, superior beings, blessed with paranormal powers, including the ability to teleport at the touch of a belt buckle.
This series deliberately included the word ‘Mother’ to allay fears that TV would somehow replace parenting. It included the era-defining titles 'Andy Pandy', 'Rag, Tag and Bobtail' as well as giving the 'Flower Pot Men' their debut.
43. Finders Keepers
Teams had to raid rooms for hidden objects, clues and prizes. Highlights included children’s innate competitiveness, cameo celebrity appearances and, in Neil Buchanan, a host from the Timmy Mallett school of tireless enthusiasm.
Considered a cult classic of children’s TV, Noggin was a kindly, Viking-esque King of the Northmen, constantly fending off his uncle Nogbad the Bad to protect his citizens, his wife Nooka and his son Knut.
45. The Rottentrolls
More puppet action in the valley of Troller’s Ghyll, where young Roger fell off his bike and met the Rottentrolls – a charming bunch of three-foot-high creatures who stopped squabbling long enough to make him their king.
46. Mr Benn
Every morning, Mr Benn left his house at 52 Festive Road, walked into a fancy-dress shop, swapped his bowler hat for a costume, entered a magical world and secured his place as a children’s TV legend.
Adapted from the novel, this drama first came to screen in 1995, following the adventures of 10-year-old Harmony Parker after she received a present from her uncle, a magic coin granting her seven special wishes.
48. Hey Duggee
With its colourful animation and inventive storytelling, Hey Duggee has become one of the most celebrated preschool series of recent years. Each episode follows Duggee and the Squirrels as they earn badges through creative adventures.
Winner of multiple BAFTAs, the show’s playful humour and surprising wit give it cross-generational appeal, securing its place as a modern classic.
Despite speaking only in whistles, feeding on just green soup and blue string pudding on their faraway planet, this family of small pink knitted things have kept their curious and enduring hold on fans’ affections.
50. Peppa Pig
Since her debut in 2004, the animated adventures of Peppa, family and friends have aired all the over the world, turning her into a global superstar and a merchandising phenomenon with her own theme park.
To find out what's on TV visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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