30 years ago there was a much different attitude to kids TV. No thought was given to whether shows were too “shocking” or not “fit for purpose”. We as kids were just exposed to the stuff that kept us awake at night. Today is much different. It’s all about cartoons that are so bright they give you a migraine!
With no further ado I take you on a trip down memory lane, where you were so shocked by what you saw, you hid under the closest duvet. (ok..maybe that was only me)
1. Jigsaw
Supposedly this was meant to be an easy-to-watch puzzle show for under 7’s. So could someone explain Mr Noseybonk to me? This horryfying creature was something of nightmares. He pranced around in white gloves like some sort of obsessed serial killer.
2. Ludwig (1977)
So in a nutshell this was a fairly surreal cartoon about an egg shaped jewel with no face that helped children. All whilst this was going on Beethoven was playing in the background and he was being stalked by a birdwatcher. Yeh, not quite what you had in mind for ‘child friendly’
3. The Witches and The Grinnygog (1983)
Ill sum this up in a few simple words. A garygolye comes to life and makes small children do bad things by getting into their heads. In one particular episode people are enjoying the summer fare when suddenly the camera pans up and the stalls are set out in the shape of a pentangle. Gulp!
4. Chocky (1984)
Little Matthew didn’t just have an invisible friend he had an alien! Basically a wobbly green “thing” that appeared in his room and gave him powers but not without consequence.
Even the credits opened with a scream that made you shudder.
5. The Adventure Game (1980 – 1986)
This fantasy game show was hosted by shape-shifting Argonds. After being teleported through a vortex running the risk of evaporation we were all left very concerned for their well-being.
6. The Phoenix & The Carpet (1976)
A fantastical adventure ended tragically.
The magical Phoenix who used to bestow gifts on ungrateful children became worn out and self sacrificed in the kids nursery.
Not an easy watch.
7. The Children Of The Stones (1977)
As I type I can barely face recreating this in my mind. Chanting, stones that turned into humans. Not sure where the producer was going with this one.
8. Worzel Gummidge (1979 – 1981)
This scarecrow had no qualms about the killing of other. With no thought he’d take his own head off and swap it over. Yes – he took his own head off.
9. The Boy From Space (1980)
This colour update from the 1971 is still damn creepy.
10. Terrahawks (1980s)
Remember Moid? You know, The Master Of Infinite Disguise that didn’t have any real face and could be anyone, anywhere.
That kept you up at night. It could even have been your mum..
11. Knightmare (1987 – 1994)
This was a completely inappropriate game show where kids were guided through odd puzzels by adults dressed as dungeon keepers, elves and skeletons.
12. The Trap Door (1984)
I wouldn’t open that trap door. There’s something down there…
Poor little Berk lived in a deserted castle that housed a petrifying door that opened to let out scrabbling spiders and random crawling creatures that made his life even more hellish than it already was.
13. The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (1988)
The BBC took great pleasure in upsetting children of the 80s..
14. The Box of Delights (1984)
This show was set at Christmas complete with howling wolves, a spooky train ride, dangerous vicars, grim Punch & Judy puppets. I needn’t say more.
