The Best BBC iPlayer Shows for 9 Year Olds (UK)
What's actually worth watching on BBC iPlayer? These are the best-rated shows for 9 year olds available there in the UK.
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1. 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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2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. 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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7. Dragons: The Nine Realms
This modern spin-off earns praise for its inclusive cast of characters and its focus on teamwork and supportive family dynamics. However, reviewers are sharply divided on its quality, with many criticizing the animation as stiff and unpolished compared to the original movies. While the musical score is a highlight, some adults find the simplified storytelling and repetitive plots difficult to engage with.
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 3/5
- Well made 2/5
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. Every show is made for 9 year olds. See more like these and adjust the filters yourself, or read how we score.