Blue Peter, the world’s longest-running children’s television show, is doing something radical. It will, for the first time, move from its electrifying in-person shows to a completely pre-taped production. The beloved program has engaged and inspired generations of young viewers since its debut in 1958. It will still be made in Salford and shown on CBBC, BBC Two, and iPlayer. If it goes through, the change would be a break from its decades-long practice of mixing live and pre-recorded segments.
Our new adult learner presenting team, Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney, Abby Cook, and Henry the dog. These presenters are sure to keep exciting audiences with their cutting edge material but this time in a pre-recorded package. The move to forgo live broadcasts in favor of pre-recording them has met intense backlash. All of our former presenters recall the special energy that live television injected into their shows.
Janet Ellis, who was part of the Blue Peter team from 1983 to 1987, reminisces about the camaraderie and teamwork that characterized the live broadcasts.
"It's the best example of teamwork I can think of because you are just as important as everyone else in the studio." – Janet Ellis
In its current home, Blue Peter has been the jewel in the crown of British live television, forging unforgettable connections with millions of children for decades. Another former presenter, Richard Bacon, recalls well the energy that the unpredictability of broadcasting live added to the show.
"Being live is what made it alive." – Richard Bacon
Once upon a time on CBBC: former presenter Simon Thomas recalls how children’s television has changed. In particular I liked his admission that the glory days of big audiences for coordinated live broadcasts are over.
"We probably didn't realise it at the time, but we were working in the last years of the golden age of children's TV, a time when children's programmes filled the afternoons and Saturday mornings on BBC One and ITV." – Simon Thomas
That choice to pre-record represents the best of all possible worlds that is increasingly behind the camera on television. Creators are leaning into non-traditional production schedules and lengths to adapt to condensed viewing times. Many mourn the era of live undertakings. Others hail it as a critical response to a media ecosystem that is changing before our eyes.
"I don't say golden in an arrogant way; but everything has fragmented now and the way children consume entertainment has changed forever. There will never be another era like it again." – Simon Thomas
Blue Peter’s history as a trailblazing kids ‘show and tell’ lives on through this reimagined format. Even after 191 episodes, the show is still committed to consistently providing the best material possible. It still remains true to current production values, but retains the magical spirit that has enthralled fans for more than six decades.
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