Top Five Forgotten Kids’ TV Shows That Deserve a Rewatch

Everyone remembers Blue Peter, Grange Hill and SM:TV Live. But what about the oddball kids’ shows that aired once or twice, burrowed into our memories, and then seemed to vanish into the ether? For years, people thought they’d imagined them — until a stray YouTube clip or old VHS tape proved they were real after all.

Here are five forgotten kids’ TV shows from the ’80s and ’90s that deserve a proper rewatch.

5. Mike & Angelo (ITV, 1989–2000)

The premise: A clumsy alien (Angelo) comes to live with a single mum and her son Mike, causing endless slapstick chaos.

Why it deserves a rewatch: It ran for over a decade, yet somehow feels like it’s vanished from collective memory. Angelo’s upside-down antics and dodgy special effects were pure Saturday tea-time comfort.

4. The Queens Nose (BBC, 1995–2003)

The premise: Harmony Parker discovers a magical 50p coin that grants wishes — with predictably chaotic results.

Why it deserves a rewatch: Based on Dick King-Smith’s beloved book, this was wish-fulfilment TV at its finest. The moral lessons, daft misunderstandings, and distinctly ’90s fashions make it ripe for a nostalgic binge.

3. Zzzap! (CITV, 1993–2001)

The premise: A comic book comes to life, with bold sketches including The Handymen, Daisy Dares You, and yes — that terrifying gallery mime, Cuthbert Lilly.

Why it deserves a rewatch: Equal parts fun and nightmare fuel, Zzzap! was unlike anything else on TV. Its silent, visual gags meant kids of any age could follow along — though many are still recovering from Cuthbert’s grin.

2. Moondial (BBC, 1988)

The premise: A girl discovers a magical sundial that transports her back in time to meet children from the Victorian and Georgian eras.

Why it deserves a rewatch: Genuinely atmospheric and spooky, this six-part drama blended history with ghostly chills. Perfect for fans of Children of the Stones and Century Falls.

1. Knightmare (CITV, 1987–1994)

The premise: Kids guided a blindfolded friend (wearing the legendary “Helmet of Justice”) through a CGI dungeon, avoiding traps and riddles.

Why it deserves a rewatch: Way ahead of its time, this was part live-action roleplay, part video game. The wobbly graphics and tense encounters still hold up as some of the most inventive kids’ TV ever.