The Adventures of Paddington Bear
A great pick
Ages 3–7First shown 1997
After bidding farewell to his Aunt Lucy in darkest Peru, Paddington Bear sails off and eventually finds himself alone in Paddington Station. The label around his neck reads simply: "Please look after this bear. Thank You." When the Brown family takes him in, they get a lot more than they bargained for. Paddington is a stranger in a strange land and much of the charm of his adventures comes from his unique way of looking at the world. Many things others take for granted are exactly what he finds so fascinating and worthy of investigation. Paddington Bear has a knack for turning everyday life into an all-out adventure. Helpful and curious, Paddington always puts his paws where he shouldn't and inevitably finds himself in sticky situations. He doesn't go looking for adventure, it just seems to find him! But that's part of his charm: Who else could take first prize at the dance contest without knowing the first thing about dancing? Who else could win the Tour de France — on a tricycle? And who else could inadvertently become a guest speaker at the White House? Why Paddington, of course!
Our verdict
- Good influence 5/5
- Parent appeal 4/5
- Well made 4/5
Calm and gentle
The series is widely celebrated for its gentle pacing and respectful treatment of both its source material and its young audience. Reviewers frequently highlight the lead character's politeness and kindness as excellent examples for children, while noting that the dry humor and high production quality make it genuinely enjoyable for adults too.
Why these scores
Good influence
Does it show behaviour you'd be happy to see copied?
5out of 5
Paddington is consistently praised as a superb role model who embodies kindness, honesty, and impeccable manners even when faced with difficulties. Reviewers highlight the show's focus on selfless love and the importance of a supportive family environment, where the characters' worth is not tied to their productivity.
Parent appeal
Will you enjoy watching it with them?
4out of 5
The series is highly regarded as a family-friendly watch that offers plenty for parents, including nostalgic value and dry British wit. Discussions frequently mention that the clever writing and wholesome charm make it a pleasant experience for adults rather than something they simply have to endure.
Well made
Are the writing, animation and sound made with care?
4out of 5
The production is noted for its high-quality animation that stays faithful to the original book illustrations while respecting the intelligence of young viewers through sophisticated vocabulary. Commentary also singles out the excellent voice acting and a thoughtfully orchestrated theme song as signs of the care put into the series.
Watch-outs
Calm and gentle
Reviewers describe the show as a calm and gentle alternative to more frantic modern children's media, noting its slow pacing and soothing atmosphere.
Toy-led: not enough data
We haven't found enough independent sources to say yet.
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 16 October 2026.