The Golden Age of Children's TV

A complete overview of an extraordinary and hugely varied creative era in the history of television combined with deep-dives behind the scenes of key programmes.

All examined in the context of the social and political times that both influenced the programmes and which they sought to give children protection from. Divided into twelve chapters covering such areas as: Saturday and Sunday Morning TV, Pre-School, Dramas, Factual Shows, Game shows and cult shows from Europe as well as chapters on key creators such as Oliver Postage and Gerry Anderson. Chapters will provide an overview over their subject as well as a detailed look into the history and behind-the scenes stories of key programmes, such as: Thunderbirds, The Clangers, Blue Peter and Magpie, Camberwick Green, The Singing Ringing Tree and The Magic Roundabout. Written with affection but also with a wry appreciation of the shortcomings this is a lively and complete history of a hugely influential part of pop culture; a culture of shared watching before video, streaming and the internet diffused the audience.