One of the things I enjoy writing about are those old kids TV shows which are perhaps not as widely remembered as the likes of
Art Attack, Fun House or Tots TV. The shows where you feel like you're the only person who saw them or remembers them.
Here is a list of 10 such shows for me. I plan to write a few of these lists eventually and write about most of the shows featured in more details. There are bound to be some online nostalgia enthusiasts out there, like me. Who do remember these shows. But I like to think these have been forgotten by the wider general public at least.
10. Crazy Cottage (CITV 1996-1998)
Barmy kids gameshow which ran for three series on CITV. Two teams of kids played games with a backwards or back to front gimmick in the various rooms of the Crazy Cottage. Presented at first by
The Big Breakfast host Rick Adams and later by Jez Edwards. Who went on to present Saturday morning show
Mashed.
9. It's a Mystery (CITV 1996-2002)
Nothing to do with Toyah Wilcox. Investigative show presented by Neil Buchanan and a range of different co-hosts. Which explored the world of paranormal and strange goings on. Trying to solve some of the UK's biggest mysteries. The show was renamed as
Mystery for it's final series. With Steve Wilson and Shiarra Juthan taking over hosting duties.
8. Jamboree (CITV 1998-2000)
Pre-school educational programme presented by children's television legend Floella Benjamin and a series of
Tweenies style characters called The Bopkins.
7. Insides Out (CBBC 1999-2000)
Gameshow centred around body parts and bodily functions. With tons of gunge thrown in for good measure. Presented by Mark Speight and Marsali Stewart alongside Otis The Aardvark.
6. Snug & Cozi (CITV 1996-1997)
Comedy slapstick series about two clumsy spacemen who accidentally crash land on earth and have to adapt to human life. Causing chaos wherever they go. Much to the annoyance of the people around them.
5. Beachcomber Bay (Milkshake 2001-2003)
Puppet series set on a boat (which always seemed to be in dry dock and never actually in the sea). Featuring Salty Dog, Sam the Seagull and Bertha (A cat). Alongside co-host Jenny played by Casey-Lee Jolleys.
4. Cats Eyes (CBBC 1994-1995. Repeated until 2003)
Part of BBC's educational schools programmes but often shown on CBBC in the mornings. You wouldn't think a back alley pizza shop would be the setting for a show about Science. Featuring cats Jimmy and Juke and pizza shop owner Alf. Played by Rowland Rivron.
3. Pump It Up (CITV 1999-2000)
Awesome gameshow centred around inflatables. Featuring a large assault course at the end. Oh and like every kids gameshow of the time. Lots of gunge had to be featured. Presented throughout by Andy Collins. Joined in the first series by Julia Bradbury and in the second by Fearne Cotton. The show only got two series. A shame.
2. Twister (CITV 2001)
Another gameshow! (I seemed to watch a lot of them). A show which was basically like Fun House but on a smaller budget (well it was the exact same production crew). Featuring gunge fueled games, a race around the studio on mini quad bikes and a race around a large play area. With lots of cheap looking weather CGI effects dubbed on during the games. Fronted by Nigel Mitchell.
1. Bug Alert! (GMTV Kids 1996-1997. Channel 4 2000)
Wonderfully surreal series about a group of "ugly bugs" that live inside someones kitchen and only come out then they are gone (Someone call Rentokil). Featured songs, makes, sketches, jokes. That kind of thing.
So there's ten lesser remembered kids TV shows from the 90's and 00's. I'll definitely compile a few more lists over time as there's tons more shows that I remember that could qualify. Watch this space!
