Teletubbies
Worth a closer look
Ages 2–4First shown 1997
In this television show for babies, the four colorful Teletubbies coo and play in idyllic Teletubbyland. They repeat fun, infant-pleasing activities such as rolling on the ground, laughing, running about, and watching real children on the televisions on their bellies. Mysterious pinwheels and telephones rise out of the meadow to loosely direct the day's activities. The Sun, featuring a baby's face, comments on the proceedings with baby noises, and it rises and sets to begin and end the show.
Our verdict
- Good influence 4/5
- Parent appeal 1/5
- Well made 5/5
Calm and gentle Toy-led: mixed views
Reviewers praise the show as a carefully crafted tool for early childhood development, noting its gentle pace and focus on kindness. However, the same qualities that make it suitable for toddlers—such as extreme repetition and baby talk—make it notoriously difficult and even unsettling for adults to watch. While the characters model affectionate behavior, the show remains a subject of debate regarding its commercial nature.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
4out of 5
The characters are consistently kind and affectionate, modeling cooperative play and curiosity for the youngest viewers. While some reviewers are concerned that the characters' baby talk provides a poor model for speech, the overall behavior is viewed as sweet, non-violent, and wholesome.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
1out of 5
Commentary from parents and reviewers is overwhelmingly negative regarding the adult experience, with many describing the show as unbearable, tedious, and even creepy. The extreme repetition and lack of a traditional storyline make it a difficult show for anyone over the age of five to sit through.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
5out of 5
The show is highly regarded for its specialized construction, having been developed with child psychologists to specifically target the cognitive needs of toddlers. Its high production quality and thoughtful pacing have been recognized with multiple prestigious industry awards.
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
Reviews consistently describe the show as exceptionally slow-paced and gentle. Parents and critics agree that the calm rhythms and predictable structure are designed to be soothing rather than overexciting.
Toy-led: mixed views
There is a notable disagreement regarding the show's commercial intent; while it originated with a public broadcaster and does not feature product pushes within the episodes, some international critics have condemned it for being an intensely market-driven product.
Grating audio: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
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 11 October 2026.