I never had my own TV in my room when I was growing up. So really, my only time for real kids TV was after school before dad would want to watch the news – aka the 30 minute begging and pleading session to watch Neighbours. You Tube is amazing as we are now able to revive so many memories that could be quite easily forgotten.
It was when I was going through some old You Tube clips tonight that I came to the realization that I was so lucky to grow up with some amazing television. Not influenced by people from the Jersey Shore, Teen Mom or The Hills. There were some shows that were realistic, other based on pure imagination and some based on books… but for the most part they were all fantastic.
I thought I would share some and see if they jog some memories for you as well!
Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High
The most influential show growing up for me was Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High. No doubt about it. Funnily enough, I still watch the DVDs regularly. I loved that the kids in these shows were normal. The school was normal, their clothes (except Stephanie’s) were normal and I think I was fascinated with the Canadian accent and Arthur and Yik calling each other broomheads.
Of course, for us in Australia, Degrassi was part of the Afternoon Show and before every Degrassi show Michael Tunn or James Valentine would give a warning about the show!
Pugwall
I was absolutely obsessed with Pugwall. For such a short series, it really has always stayed with me. I had the books so when the show finished I’d just read the books over and over again. I knew all of the words to all the songs (yes, even Uptown Tokyo) and thought the Orange Organics were the coolest.
There are so many clips on You Tube – their songs were epic. Nothing beats the opening song though… you KNOW you know all the words!
Grange Hill
Grange Hill was on ABC for quite a while. I also managed to pick up a few of the books and I always re-read them long after the show ended on Australian TV. This was the only show that I know of that showed English kids in school so it was all very new to me! It always felt a bit grittier than Degrassi. The kids seemed older. Once you hear the song, you’ll remember the show!
Elly and Jools
This was only a one season show from what I can remember, but I never could forget it. It had a fantastic theme song and it had a bit of everything. Ghosts, big old houses, a bit of a love story. It was such a cute show and really imaginative!
The Girl From Tomorrow
This was another one where I had the books to the show as well. This was about as sci-fi as I would get and the show always stuck with me. I would put my headband on around my head and pretend it was a transducer just like Alana.
Touch the Sun and Winners series
These were great little telemovies for kids that covers a wide range of stories. Check out Nicole Kidman here!
Heartbreak High
Oh come on – it had Alex Dimitriades, Tony Martin and Scott Major in it. It HAD to be good.. and then Drazic came along! Whoa! Check it out here!
The Curiosity Show
I think this show was every parents nightmare. Experiments, how things were made and scientific theories.. and you could do a lot of them at home. “HEY MUM CAN I HAVE A GLASS, SOME STRING, VINEGAR, A COIN AND A BOILED EGG?!??! I WANNA TRY SOMETHING!!” There are a stack of clips on You Tube of the show… their experiments were awesome. They made science so much fun and the theme song was one you could not get out of your head!
Game shows for kids were awesome!
Big Square Eye
I loved Big Square Eye that was on before Degrassi.. I would watch it every day! As you can see from the opening credits, it was really quite hip!
Now You See It
I was SO jealous of the awesome prizes the kids would get on Now You See It. Especially the Dick Smith Electronic Kits! I would always yell at the TV “LINE 4, POSITION 6!!!” I am sure I wasn’t the only one who wanted to have a robot like Melvin.
Double Dare
I think everyone loved the host Gerry Sont!! Double Dare was basically compulsory viewing… nothing better than going through wading pools full of slime. Listen to one of the girls here.. she loves writing to pen pals. Just like me! Awwww!
Vidiot
From what I remember, Vidiot came on to the scene after Big Square Eye! How vintage… drawing letters out to see who the guest would play for and oh my gosh.. Dieter Brummer and Robyn from Girlfriend. Hooray!
I know there are a stack I have left out – did you have any others that were favourites? Ahhh it was so much fun getting home at 4pm and just vegging out!