Postman Pat
A great pick
Ages 3–6First shown 1981
Postman Pat was based on a series of books by John Cunliffe, the program is about a rural postman who helps his friends in the village of Greendale, based supposedly in Cumbria, England. The first series of thirteen 15-minute episodes was produced by Woodland Animations and broadcast by the BBC in 1981. Ivor Wood, a veteran of animations like The Magic Roundabout, was at the helm as producer. Ken Barrie sang the well known theme tune and provided the narration. The stories were very successful and have seen endless repeats over the years. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show in 1991, the old production crew was reunited for two one-off 25 minute specials, again shown by the BBC. Two more came in 1995, and these were followed by a second full series of 13 adventures. Then, after almost 10 years of absence from our screens, Postman Pat returned in 2004 for his third series. This consisted of 25 new episodes and several specials. The charming model animation was a far cry from the simple look of the early 80's, with brighter sets, much smoother puppet movements and characters voices lip-synched. Ken Barrie is still the voice of our favourite postman, but he is also joined by a cast of other talented voice artists, like Carole Boyd. More episodes are promised to be on the way, so it looks like Postman Pat may still be with us in another 20 years!
Our verdict
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 5/5
Calm and gentle No grating audio
This classic series is highly regarded for its beautiful stop-motion animation and its gentle, wholesome depiction of a supportive rural community. While some modern viewers find the slow pacing and simple plots a bit tedious, most appreciate it as a calming and high-quality show for young children. Some criticism exists regarding the lead character's competence, but this is largely directed at later versions of the program rather than the 1981 original.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
5out of 5
The show is widely praised for its wholesome depiction of a kind, helpful, and community-minded protagonist who solves problems through common sense and patience. While many reviews celebrate these positive values, some modern viewers find the character incompetent or unprofessional, though these criticisms often refer to later, more action-oriented iterations of the series rather than the 1981 original. Overall, the series is seen as a model of neighborly support and honest communication.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
4out of 5
Many adults find the show to be an incredibly calming and nostalgic experience, appreciating its gentle atmosphere and charming visual style. However, opinions are somewhat divided; while some enjoy the 'slice-of-life' realism, others find the simple plots boring or are frustrated by the nonsensical internal logic found in later episodes.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
5out of 5
The original stop-motion animation is frequently described as a masterpiece, noted for its tactile detail and beautiful depiction of the English countryside. The production is lauded for its thoughtful pacing and high-quality music, including its iconic theme song, earning it a reputation as a 'labour of love.'
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
Reviewers consistently describe the show as exceptionally calm, slow-paced, and meditative, often contrasting it with the frantic nature of modern children's programming.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
No grating audio
The audio is generally praised as being relaxing and pleasant, with the theme song described as a classic that children enjoy. Aside from a single dissenting voice, there are no reports of whiny voices or irritating sound effects.
Where to watch
Stream for free
- Not that we know of
Stream with a subscription
- Not that we know of
Rent or buy
- Not that we know of
DVD and Blu-ray
Last updated 15 October 2026.