20 Children’s TV Shows That You Watch As A Young Child

As children growing up in the 1990s and 2000s, television was a big part of our daily routine. Whether it was waking up early on a Saturday morning to catch our favourite shows or rushing home from school to catch the latest episode, these TV shows were a big part of our childhood. From sitcoms to cartoons, game shows to dramas, these TV shows captured our attention and kept us entertained for hours. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 20 TV shows you used to watch as a young child in the 1990s and 2000s. So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be filled with nostalgia as we delve into the shows that defined our childhoods.

Here are our top 20 children’s shows that you used to watch as a young child in no particular order, keep reading below for a reminder of what they are about and to see some of their best moments.

1. Brum
2. Pingu
3. Teletubbies
4. Bernard's Watch
5. Postman Pat
6. Kipper
7. Fireman Sam
8. Noddy’s Toyland Adventures
9. Sooty & Co
10. Tots TV
11. Rosie and Jim
12. Bodger and Badger
13. Spot
14. Maisy Mouse
15. Balamory
16. The Shiny Show
17. Numberjacks
18. Barbar
19. Come Outside
20. Rupert The Bear

Brum

Brum is a children's television series featuring a small, yellow vintage car named Brum, who solves various problems and mysteries in the town of Big Town. Children enjoyed watching the show because of Brum's cute and lovable character, as well as the imaginative and creative adventures he goes on.

Brum is a British children's television show that was first broadcast in 1991. The show was produced by Ragdoll Productions and originally aired on BBC One. It centres around the adventures of a small, fictional car named Brum who explores the town of Birmingham, England.

The show was created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport, who would later go on to create the popular children's show "Teletubbies." "Brum" quickly gained popularity among young audiences due to its colourful characters, simple storylines, and memorable theme song.

Each episode of Brum featured Brum getting into various escapades, such as foiling robberies and rescuing animals, all while trying to avoid being discovered by the adults in the town. The show also featured live-action segments, which highlighted different parts of Birmingham and its landmarks.

Brum ran for six seasons and a total of 61 episodes, ending in 2002. The show was well-received by both children and adults and has since been broadcasted in numerous countries around the world. Brum's popularity also led to the creation of spin-off merchandise, including books, toys, and even a stage show.

Pingu

Pingu is a stop-motion animated children's television series that follows the adventures of a young penguin named Pingu and his family and friends in their Antarctic village. Children enjoyed watching the show because of its charming characters, hilarious antics, and the relatable and entertaining stories that they could easily follow.

Pingu is a Swiss-British children's television series created by Otmar Gutmann. The show first aired on Swiss television in 1986 and quickly became popular around the world. The series centers around the adventures of a young penguin named Pingu and his family and friends in their arctic home.

The show is notable for its unique language, Penguinese, which was created by the show's producers and features a mix of nonsense words, gibberish, and sound effects. The show's stories are told primarily through visuals, with little dialogue.

Pingu was produced by Trickfilmstudio and originally aired in Switzerland and other European countries. In the United Kingdom, the show was broadcast on the BBC and gained a large following among young audiences.

The show was praised for its charming and imaginative storytelling, as well as its detailed stop-motion animation. "Pingu" continued to air new episodes and specials until 2006, and reruns of the show can still be seen on children's channels around the world.

Pingu has since become a beloved children's classic, and the character of Pingu has been featured in various merchandise, including toys, books, and DVDs. In 2018, a new series of Pingu was announced, titled "Pingu in the City," which features the character of Pingu exploring a new urban setting.

Teletubbies

Teletubbies is a British children's television series featuring colourful characters known as Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po. The show features simple stories and is designed to entertain and educate young children. Children enjoyed watching the show because of its colourful and lively characters, catchy songs, and interactive elements.

Teletubbies is a British children's television show created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport. The show first aired on BBC Two in 1997 and quickly became a global phenomenon. The series features four brightly coloured characters, named Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po, who live in a magical land called Teletubbyland.

The show is known for its unique approach to storytelling, which emphasises repetition, bright colours, and simple language. Each episode features the Teletubbies engaging in playful activities, such as dancing, singing, and playing games. The show also includes a "magical event," such as the appearance of a cloud or a group of rabbits, which serves as a central theme for the episode.

Teletubbies was an instant success with young children and their parents, with merchandise such as toys, books, and DVDs quickly becoming popular. The show has been broadcast in over 120 countries and translated into numerous languages.

Despite its popularity, Teletubbies was also controversial at times, with some critics accusing the show of being overly simplistic and others questioning the androgynous appearance of the characters.

In 2015, a new series of "Teletubbies" was produced, featuring updated animation and special effects. The show continues to air new episodes and remains a popular children's program around the world.

Bernard's Watch

Bernard's Watch is a children's television series about a young boy named Bernard who discovers a magical pocket watch that allows him to stop time. Children enjoyed watching the show because of the excitement and adventure that Bernard experienced through stopping time, as well as the themes of friendship, loyalty, and problem-solving.

Bernard's Watch is a British children's television series created by Andrew Norriss. The show first aired on CITV in 1997 and ran for five seasons until 2005. The series follows the adventures of a young boy named Bernard, who discovers a magical pocket watch that can stop time. With the help of the watch, Bernard is able to embark on various adventures and solve problems in his daily life.

Throughout the series, Bernard learns important life lessons about friendship, honesty, and responsibility. The show was praised for its positive messages and relatable storylines, as well as its inventive use of the time-stopping premise.

Bernard's Watch was a popular show among children and was also well received by critics. The series won multiple awards, including a BAFTA Children's Award for Best Drama in 1998.

The show's success led to the creation of several spin-off books and merchandise, including a board game and a range of toys. Although the original series ended in 2005, "Bernard's Watch" continues to be remembered fondly by fans and is often cited as a classic children's program from the late 90s and early 2000s.

Postman Pat

Postman Pat is a British children's television series about a friendly postman named Pat and his trusty black and white cat, Jess. The show follows Pat's daily adventures as he delivers mail to the people of Greendale. Children enjoyed watching the show because of the charming characters, relatable storylines, and simple yet engaging plotlines.

Postman Pat is a British children's television series created by John Cunliffe. The show first aired on the BBC in 1981 and has since become a beloved classic, with numerous spin-offs, merchandise, and adaptations.

The series follows the adventures of Postman Pat, a friendly postman in the fictional village of Greendale, who delivers letters and parcels to the residents. Along with his black and white cat Jess, Pat encounters various problems and dilemmas in his daily work, which he must overcome with the help of his friends and the community.

Postman Pat was praised for its wholesome and relatable storylines, engaging characters, and gentle humour, and quickly became a hit with children and parents alike. The show's success led to the creation of numerous spin-off series, including "Postman Pat Special Delivery Service" and "Postman Pat: SDS", as well as several feature films.

Over the years, Postman Pat has been broadcast in over 80 countries and has become a cultural icon in the UK. The show's theme tune, written by composer Bryan Daly, is instantly recognizable and has become a popular children's song in its own right.

Despite some controversy and changes in ownership over the years, Postman Pat remains a beloved children's program and a staple of British television.

Kipper

Kipper is a British children's television series featuring a playful and curious dog named Kipper and his animal friends. The show follows Kipper's adventures as he explores his world, makes new friends, and learns valuable life lessons. Children enjoyed watching the show because of the endearing characters, colourful animation, and relatable and educational stories.

Kipper is a British animated children's television series based on the books by author Mick Inkpen. The show first aired on ITV in the UK in 1997 and has since become a beloved classic.

The series follows the adventures of Kipper, a friendly and curious dog, and his animal friends including Tiger, Pig, Arnold, and Mouse. The stories are simple, yet engaging and often revolve around Kipper's exploration of the world around him and his experiences with his friends.

The animation style is gentle and colorful, with hand-drawn illustrations that complement the show's relaxed and easygoing atmosphere. The show's soundtrack, which features gentle music and sound effects, adds to the series' charm. Kipper was praised for its innocence and simplicity, as well as its ability to capture the attention of young children.

Fireman Sam

Fireman Sam is a British children's television series about a heroic firefighter named Sam and his team who work together to keep their community safe. Children enjoyed watching the show because of the exciting rescues and action-packed adventures that Sam and his team experienced, as well as the positive messages about bravery, teamwork, and community spirit.

Fireman Sam is a British animated children's television series that was first broadcast in 1987. The show follows the adventures of a firefighter named Sam and his colleagues in the fictional Welsh town of Pontypandy.

The series was created by two ex-firemen, Dave Gingell and David Jones, who wanted to educate children about fire safety and emergency procedures in a fun and entertaining way. The show was produced by Bumper Films and later by HiT Entertainment.

The original series consisted of 32 episodes and was broadcast on the Welsh language channel S4C before being picked up by the BBC in 1988. The show quickly became a hit with children and parents alike, and has since been broadcast in over 40 countries around the world.

Each episode of "Fireman Sam" features a different emergency or rescue situation that requires the skills and expertise of Sam and his team. The show emphasizes the importance of safety, teamwork, and problem-solving, and includes valuable lessons on fire prevention and emergency preparedness.

The animation style of "Fireman Sam" is simple and colorful, with lively characters and engaging storylines that captivate young audiences. The show's catchy theme song, "When he hears that fire alarm, Sam is always cool and calm", has become a classic and is instantly recognizable to fans of the show.

Noddy's Toyland Adventures

Noddy's Toyland Adventures is a British children's television series about a wooden toy named Noddy who lives in Toyland. The show follows Noddy's adventures as he solves mysteries, helps his friends, and learns valuable life lessons. Children enjoyed watching the show because of the colourful and imaginative world of Toyland, the charming and lovable characters, and the relatable and educational storylines.

Noddy's Toyland Adventures is a British children's television series based on the "Noddy" books by Enid Blyton. The series was first broadcast in 1992 on the BBC and ran for four seasons until 1999.

The show follows the adventures of Noddy, a little wooden boy with a red hat and blue scarf, as he navigates life in Toyland. The other inhabitants of Toyland include other toys, such as Big Ears, Tessie Bear, and Mr. Plod the Policeman.

The series was produced by Cosgrove Hall Films and animated using stop-motion animation techniques. Each episode featured a new adventure for Noddy, often involving solving a mystery or helping a friend in need.

The show was a huge success and quickly became a beloved part of many children's childhoods. It was praised for its bright and colorful animation, catchy theme song, and engaging storylines that taught valuable lessons about friendship, sharing, and being kind.

In addition to the television series, Noddy's Toyland Adventures has been adapted into numerous books, videos, and merchandise. The character of Noddy has become a beloved icon of British children's literature and remains popular with young audiences today.

Sooty & Co

This British show follows the adventures of a group of puppets led by the titular character, Sooty, a yellow bear who can perform magic. The show often involves Sooty and his friends solving problems or performing magic tricks, and it was popular with children for its cute and colourful puppets, catchy songs, and wholesome content.

Sooty & Co. is a British children's television series featuring the glove puppet character Sooty, created by Harry Corbett. The show first aired in 1981 on ITV and ran for more than a decade until 1992, and was revived for a short time in 1998.

The series was set in a toy shop in Manchester, England, and followed the adventures of Sooty, a yellow bear with black ears and nose, and his friends Sweep the dog and Soo the panda, as well as their human friend, Matthew Corbett. The show was known for its use of slapstick comedy and magic tricks, which Sooty was famous for performing.

Sooty & Co. was a popular show among children and families during its run, and the character of Sooty became a beloved icon of British children's television. The show was also successful in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and was broadcast in several languages.

In addition to the television series, Sooty also appeared in several stage shows and made numerous guest appearances on other TV shows. The character was later taken over by Richard Cadell, who continued to produce new episodes of Sooty & Co. and other spin-off shows featuring Sooty and his friends.

Tots TV

Another British show, Tots TV follows the adventures of three toy characters – a ragdoll named Tilly, a French doll named Tom, and a teddy bear named Tiny – as they explore the world around them. The show was popular with young children for its gentle and calming atmosphere, as well as its focus on imaginative play and exploration.

Tots TV is a British children's television series that first aired in 1993 and ran until 1998. The show was created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport, who would later go on to create the popular children's show Teletubbies.

The series followed three puppet characters - Tilly, Tom, and Tiny - who lived in a cottage in the countryside and explored the world around them. The characters communicated with each other in a made-up language, which was intended to encourage children to use their imaginations and develop their own language skills.

Tots TV was a popular show among young children and was praised for its gentle storytelling and charming characters. The show was broadcast on ITV in the UK and was also shown in several other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

In addition to the television series, Tots TV also spawned several spin-off books and videos. The success of the show led to the creation of a second series, Tots TV: Look, which aired from 1998 to 1999.

Rosie and Jim

This British show features two rag dolls named Rosie and Jim who live on a canal boat and go on adventures. The show was known for its catchy theme tune and the way in which it integrated live-action footage of real canals and boats with the animated adventures of the characters. Children enjoyed watching the show for its fun and adventurous tone, as well as the fact that the characters were relatable toys.

Rosie and Jim is a British children's television series that first aired in 1990 and ran until 2000. The show was created by John Cunliffe, who also created the popular children's show Postman Pat.

The series followed two rag dolls named Rosie and Jim, who came to life when nobody was watching and went on adventures on a narrowboat. Each episode featured the duo encountering new people and animals, as well as learning about the world around them.

One of the unique aspects of the show was that it was filmed entirely on location, with the narrowboat travelling along different waterways throughout the UK. The show was also notable for its use of live-action footage, as well as puppets and animation.

Rosie and Jim was a popular show among young children and was praised for its educational content and gentle storytelling. The show was broadcast on ITV in the UK and was also shown in several other countries, including Australia and Canada.

In addition to the television series, Rosie and Jim also spawned several spin-off books and videos. The show's success led to the creation of a stage show, as well as a feature-length film called Rosie and Jim's Seaside Special.

Bodger and Badger

A British show about a man named Simon Bodger and his mischievous pet badger, Badger. The show often revolved around the duo getting into trouble or causing chaos with Badger's love of mashed potatoes. Children enjoyed watching the show for its silly humor and the fun dynamic between Bodger and Badger.

Bodger and Badger is a British children's television programme that first aired on the BBC in 1989 and ran for ten series until 1999. The show was created by Andy Cunningham and produced by CBBC. It starred Andy Cunningham as Simon Bodger, a clumsy but lovable handyman, and a mischievous talking badger named Badger, operated and voiced by puppeteer and comedian Andy Collins.

The show followed the duo as they got into comedic mishaps while working at various locations, including Bodger's burger van, the seaside, and a theme park. The programme was known for its catchy theme song and the iconic mashed potato squirting scenes that often occurred during each episode.

Bodger and Badger became a beloved children's classic in the UK, earning two BAFTA nominations and spawning spin-off merchandise such as books, videos, and a stage show. The programme aired internationally in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Despite its popularity, the show ended in 1999 due to Andy Cunningham's desire to move on to other projects. However, it remains a nostalgic favourite for many who grew up watching the series.

Spot

Based on the popular children's books by Eric Hill, Spot is a British-American animated show about a lovable yellow puppy and his animal friends. The show was popular with young children for its cute characters, catchy theme tune, and gentle lessons about friendship and exploration.

Spot is a British-American animated children's television series based on the popular children's book series by Eric Hill. The series first aired in 1987 and ran for three seasons with a total of 52 episodes.

The show followed the adventures of a yellow puppy named Spot and his animal friends as they explored the world around them and learned new things. The episodes were short and simple, usually consisting of Spot and his friends going on a small adventure or learning a new skill.

The show was well received by both children and parents and was praised for its educational value, gentle humour and colourful animation. It has since become a beloved classic of children's television, and the books continue to be popular with young readers around the world.

"Spot" has been broadcast in over 80 countries and has been translated into numerous languages. 

Maisy Mouse

Based on the books by Lucy Cousins, Maisy Mouse is a British animated show about a lovable mouse and her animal friends. The show was popular with young children for its colourful animation, fun characters, and gentle themes about learning and exploration.

Maisy Mouse is a British animated children's TV series based on the book series by Lucy Cousins. The show features Maisy, a mouse who lives in a colourful world with her animal friends, as they go on various adventures and learn new things.

The series first aired in the UK on CITV in 1999 and was later broadcast in many countries worldwide. It ran for a total of 26 episodes over two seasons, with each episode being around 10 minutes long.

Maisy Mouse was praised for its gentle humour, bright and colourful animation, and positive educational messages for young children. It also became popular among parents as it was considered a safe and enjoyable show for young kids to watch.

The success of the TV series led to the creation of various merchandise such as books, toys, and clothing, making Maisy Mouse a well-known brand in the world of children's entertainment. The character remains popular today, and her books and TV shows continue to be enjoyed by children around the world.

Balamory

A Scottish show set in the fictional town of Balamory, this program follows the adventures of a group of colourful characters, each with their own unique personality and interests. The show was popular with young children for its catchy songs, bright colours, and relatable characters who taught valuable lessons about friendship, community, and problem-solving.

Balamory is a Scottish live-action television series for children. The show was created by Brian Jameson and first premiered on CBeebies in the UK on September 10, 2002. It ran for four seasons and 254 episodes, with the final episode airing on April 2, 2005.

The show was set in the fictional town of Balamory, located on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. It followed the daily lives of various characters in the town, including the primary school teacher Miss Hoolie and her students, as well as other members of the community. Each episode was centered around a specific character or theme, and included a mix of live-action segments and animated interludes.

Balamory was popular with both children and adults, receiving praise for its colourful sets, engaging characters, and educational content. The show was also known for its catchy theme song, "What's the Story in Balamory?", which became a hit among young viewers.

The Shiny Show

A British show where three animated characters, Tigs, Mukka, and Dogs, compete in games and quizzes to earn shiny things. The show was popular with young children for its interactive format, catchy songs, and fun games that encouraged participation and learning.

The Shiny Show was a British children's television series that aired on CBeebies from 2002 to 2005. It was created by Roger Beckett and produced by Wish Films for the BBC. The show featured three animated hosts, Tigs the Tiger, Mukka the Monkey, and Dogsby the Dog, who would ask questions and invite children to take part in games and quizzes.

Each episode also featured a guest who would bring an object related to a particular theme, such as animals, music, or food. The hosts would then lead the audience in guessing the object's purpose and how it worked. The show aimed to encourage children's curiosity and promote learning through interactive play and discovery.

The Shiny Show was popular among young children and received positive reviews for its educational content and engaging format. The show also released several DVDs and a range of merchandise, including books and toys. Although it is no longer in production, The Shiny Show remains a beloved children's program in the UK.

Numberjacks

A British show featuring a team of animated superheroes known as the Numberjacks, who solve problems involving numbers and patterns. The show was popular with young children for its colourful animation, catchy theme tune, and fun characters who taught valuable lessons about math and problem-solving.

Numberjacks is a British animated children's television series produced by Open Mind Productions and broadcast on CBeebies from 2006 to 2009. The show aimed to teach children aged 3-6 basic mathematical concepts through entertaining storylines.

Each episode followed the adventures of a team of animated superheroes known as the Numberjacks, who live in a hidden location inside a sofa and use their powers to solve mathematical problems and protect the world from the mischievous and troublesome Meanies. The show used a combination of computer animation and live-action to engage and educate young viewers.

The series was created by Christopher Ellis and produced by Chris Bernard and David Bonner. It received critical acclaim and won several awards for its educational content and creative approach to teaching mathematics. Numberjacks was praised for its use of engaging storylines, memorable characters, and relatable real-world scenarios, all designed to help children develop their numeracy skills.

Barbar

A British show featuring a group of puppet animals who live together in a treehouse and go on adventures. The show was popular with young children for its fun and imaginative storylines, catchy songs, and relatable characters who taught valuable lessons about friendship, sharing, and teamwork.

The Babar television series is a Canadian animated production created by Nelvana Limited and The Clifford Ross Company. It made its debut in 1989 on CBC and US HBO, and later re-aired on Qubo from 2006 until its closure in 2021. The show is an adaptation of Jean de Brunhoff's beloved Babar books, and marks Nelvana's inaugural international co-production. Babar has been translated into 30 different languages and has aired in over 150 countries around the world.

The first two seasons of Babar follow the story of Babar as he tells it to his children. The plot revolves around a young elephant named Babar, who is forced to flee from his forest home after witnessing his mother's murder by a hunter. He seeks refuge in the city, where he is adopted by a kind Old Lady who teaches him about human life. Upon returning to his forest, Babar comes up with a plan to rid the area of the hunter and his men after the previous elephant king dies from eating poisonous mushrooms. His bravery earns him the title of king of the elephants, and he sets out to build the city of Celesteville, where he raises his family and leads his people towards progress.

Come Outside

A British show featuring a lady named Auntie Mabel and her dog Pippin, who explore the world around them and learn about everyday objects and phenomena. The show was popular with young children for its gentle and informative format, catchy theme tune, and relatable characters who taught valuable lessons about curiosity and exploration.

Come Outside is a British educational children's television series that was first broadcast on the BBC in 1993. The show was created by the writer and producer Grange Calveley and was aimed at pre-school children. Each episode featured Auntie Mabel, played by actress Lynda Baron, and her dog Pippin exploring a different subject, such as how bread is made or how cars are built.

The show was notable for its use of live-action footage combined with stop-motion animation of the character Pippin. The show's educational content was praised, and it won several awards, including a BAFTA award for Best Children's Program in 1994.

Come Outside aired for eight seasons, with the last episode broadcast in 2006. It has since been repeated on CBeebies and is available on DVD. The show remains popular among children and parents alike for its engaging and informative approach to learning about the world around us.

Rupert The Bear

Based on the popular children's books by Mary Tourtel, Rupert The Bear is a British show about a lovable bear and his animal friends. The show was popular with young children for its bright animation, catchy theme tune, and fun characters who taught valuable lessons about friendship, adventure, and problem-solving.

Rupert the Bear is a children's comic strip character created by the English artist Mary Tourtel. The character first appeared in the Daily Express newspaper in 1920 and soon became very popular.

In 1970, a TV series based on the character was created by the British animation company Cosgrove Hall Films. The show featured 30-minute episodes that aired on the BBC from 1985 to 1991. The series was very popular and introduced Rupert to a whole new generation of children.

The show was narrated by actor and comedian Ray Brooks and followed Rupert and his friends on their adventures in the fictional village of Nutwood. The series was praised for its charming animation style and gentle storytelling, which appealed to both children and adults.

In addition to the TV series, Rupert has also been adapted into several books, annuals, and even a stage musical. 

These 20 shows have brought joy, laughter, and valuable lessons into our homes. While the way we consume media may have changed since we were kids, these shows continue to hold a special place in our hearts, and many of us still enjoy revisiting them from time to time. Ultimately, these shows remind us of the power of storytelling and how it can shape our childhoods and beyond.

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