The Best BBC iPlayer Shows for Kids (UK)
What's actually worth watching on BBC iPlayer? These are the best-rated shows for children available there in the UK.
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1. Bluey
Bluey is highly regarded for its sophisticated writing, beautiful animation, and its rare ability to be as emotionally resonant for adults as it is for children. It focuses on imaginative play and models healthy family relationships where mistakes are met with warmth and repair. Though some notes of concern exist regarding children copying the characters' mischievous antics, the show is overwhelmingly praised as a benchmark for modern children's television.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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2. CBeebies Bedtime Stories
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise this series for its high production values and the high calibre of its celebrity guest narrators. The show is frequently highlighted as a rare example of children's programming that is as enjoyable for adults as it is for its target audience. It is celebrated for its inclusive approach and its gentle, calming atmosphere that effectively supports evening routines.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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3. Charlie and Lola
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about the show, particularly praising the exceptionally patient and imaginative relationship between the two main characters. The unique, award-winning animation style and gentle humor make it a favorite for both children and parents, who find the calm pacing a welcome change from more frantic series.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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4. Clangers
Reviewers describe the show as a masterpiece of gentle storytelling, praised for its high production values and its calming, therapeutic effect on viewers. It is celebrated for its kind-hearted characters and sophisticated wit that makes it as enjoyable for adults as it is for young children.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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5. Deadly 60
Reviewers describe this as an exceptional wildlife series that balances high-stakes adventure with genuine educational value and a strong message of animal welfare. The presenter is highly regarded for his knowledge and enthusiasm, making the show a rare example of a children's programme that adults frequently choose to watch on their own.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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6. Hey Duggee
Hey Duggee is widely regarded as an exceptional preschool series that succeeds through its high production values, inclusive themes, and clever, multi-layered writing. It is particularly noted for being genuinely entertaining for adults, featuring sophisticated humor and cultural parodies alongside its gentle messages of cooperation. While most find the show calming, a minority of viewers find its vibrant geometric visual style to be somewhat intense.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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7. Kiri and Lou
Kiri and Lou is widely celebrated for its gentle pacing, artistic stop-motion animation, and emotionally intelligent storytelling. Reviewers frequently highlight the show's dry humor and sophisticated music as major draws that make it just as entertaining for adults as it is for its young audience.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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8. Little Lunch
Reviewers celebrate this mockumentary for its witty writing and authentic portrayal of primary school life. The series is a hit with both children and parents, who often enjoy the clever humor and natural acting just as much as the target audience. It is noted for handling playground drama with genuine heart and empathy without resorting to heavy-handed lessons.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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9. Arthur
This long-running series is highly regarded for its ability to tackle serious life lessons with wit and emotional honesty. While the animation quality dips in later seasons, its sophisticated humor and clever parodies ensure it remains as engaging for adults as it is for children.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 4/5
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10. Chuggington
Reviewers generally praise the show for its high-quality animation and positive social messages, noting that it teaches lessons about teamwork and responsibility in a way that feels natural for preschoolers. While a few find the series repetitive, many adults find the stories charming and well-paced. The series is particularly noted for its thoughtful world-building and the effective use of child performers.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 5/5
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11. Danger Mouse
This reboot is widely celebrated for its sharp wit and sophisticated humor, which reviewers say makes it just as entertaining for adults as it is for children. The production is noted for its high-quality animation and stellar voice cast, though some viewers are divided on whether the protagonist's personality is charmingly heroic or overly smug.
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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12. Malory Towers
Reviewers celebrate this series as a charming and emotionally resonant adaptation that offers positive depictions of female friendship and personal growth. The high production values, including beautiful coastal locations and authentic costumes, create a nostalgic atmosphere that adults find as appealing as children do. While some later episodes receive minor criticism for repetitive writing or stiff acting from newer cast members, the overall consensus is that it is a thoughtful and respectful modern take on a classic.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 4/5
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13. Balamory
Reviewers consistently praise the show for its gentle atmosphere and its portrayal of a kind, inclusive community where characters work together to solve problems. While it is designed for preschoolers, many adults find the witty writing and catchy music engaging, though some find the simple format repetitive.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 4/5
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14. Andy and the Band
Reviewers describe this as a high-quality musical comedy that successfully entertains both children and parents through its wit and classic rock influences. The show is highly regarded for its positive focus on anti-bullying, inclusivity, and celebrating individuality, all delivered through catchy, well-produced songs.
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made Not enough data
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15. Alphablocks
Reviewers highly praise the show for its exceptional craft, noting that it combines high-quality animation and songwriting with a systematic, expert-led approach to teaching phonics. While primarily educational, the series is described as charming and engaging for both children and parents, though some adults find the character voices to be grating.
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 5/5
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16. Horrible Histories
Horrible Histories is a highly acclaimed sketch show celebrated for its sharp writing, talented ensemble cast, and brilliant musical parodies that entertain adults as much as children. While its educational value and wit are outstanding, earlier episodes have been criticised for their lack of diversity and insensitive caricatures of non-European cultures. Overall, it is regarded as an exceptionally well-crafted series that successfully makes history engaging through irreverent and often dark comedy.
- Good influence 3/5
- Parent appeal 5/5
- Well made 5/5
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17. In The Night Garden
Reviewers widely regard the show as a masterfully crafted tool for helping toddlers wind down, frequently praising its soothing narration and orchestral music. While its surreal atmosphere and repetitive character sounds can be tedious or bizarre for adults, it is highly valued for its gentle pacing and research-based approach to early speech development.
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 3/5
- Well made 5/5
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18. Go Jetters
Go Jetters is a well-crafted educational series that earns praise for its detailed animation of global landmarks and its positive, diverse cast of heroes. While the show successfully models teamwork and introduces young viewers to geography, the highly repetitive plot structure and use of catchphrases can be wearing for adult viewers. Overall, it is seen as a thoughtful and engaging production with high-quality music and a strong emphasis on representation.
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 3/5
- Well made 4/5
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19. Gigglebiz
Reviewers generally praise the show as an entertaining introduction to sketch comedy, highlighted by a versatile lead performance that many parents find genuinely funny. While the show is enjoyed for its puns and classic slapstick, some find the character voices irritating and have raised concerns regarding the use of regional stereotypes. It is frequently described as a rare children's programme that adults can sit through and enjoy on its own merits.
- Good influence 2/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 4/5
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20. Bing
Bing is a highly polished production that pairs award-winning animation with a caregiver character who models exemplary patience and emotional guidance for toddlers. However, the show is frequently described as a difficult watch for parents due to the protagonist's persistent whining and habit of throwing tantrums over minor setbacks. While it offers constructive social lessons, many adults find the lead character's vocal mannerisms and behavior so grating that they actively avoid the program.
- Good influence 3/5
- Parent appeal 1/5
- Well made 5/5
How we picked
This list is made by filtering the shows on this site. On BBC iPlayer in the UK, and averaging 3 or more. See more like these and adjust the filters yourself, or read how we score.