This programme is a great institution and part of childhood for anyone growing up in the UK in the second half of the 20th century or the early 21st century. It is full of interesting items and coveys the message that nothing in life is dull or uninteresting. It is a programme that can be watched over the evening meal and it only lasts for 25 minutes. But what a knack they have of cramming a lot into 25 minutes. I think it's fair to say that many people will have visited places that have been featured on Blue Peter, both at home and abroad, and taken up activities that have been featured in the programme (such as free fall parachuting, but rather them than me). It also features practical advice on matters like dog care. Teaching kids cookery is another good aspect of the programme. But the makes! They are so cheesy. I mean, who ever made anything useful that was featured on Blue Peter. Aren't you better buying something at the shops rather than making it out of Fairy Liquid bottles and sticky back plastic. And making a model of the Blue Peter studio? This is the aspect of the show that the comedians always pounce on. But the show has a good sense of humour. John Noakes first introduced humour to the show. He was a good counter to the rather stuffy Christopher Trace who acted and looked middle-aged even though he was only in his 20s. Featuring Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean and Catherine Tate as her Lauren character have been good ideas in more recent times. Presenters seem to have got younger and this is not entirely like policemen getting younger. In the 70s presenters were older and John Noakes was still presenting the show in his 40s. Today presenters tend to be mid to late 20s which is I think a bit more kid friendly. A great programme and more educational daytime TV than Richard and Judy (and the competition questions are harder than those on Richard and Judy)
Review of Blue Peter
Blue Peter
(1958– )
Throw away the sticky back plastic and you've got a great programme
23 March 2006