Children’s television has always straddled a fine line between entertainment and eerie. While the 1970s and 1980s brought a host of beloved programmes to young viewers, there was also a darker side to children’s TV in Britain—shows that, intentionally or otherwise, terrified their audience. From surreal imagery to unsettling themes, these nightmare-inducing classics linger in the minds of those who grew up watching them. Here are ten of the most unsettling children’s television shows from those decades.
1. The Boy From Space (1971, repeated in 1980)
Originally part of the BBC’s Look and Read educational series, The Boy From Space terrified children with its surreal atmosphere and haunting characters. The story follows a pair of siblings who encounter an alien boy pursued by a sinister, skeletal figure known as the Thin Man. The eerie music and unsettling tone made this educational programme a surprisingly scary experience, leaving a lasting impression on its young audience.
2. Children of the Stones (1977)
This British drama is often hailed as one of the most unnerving children’s shows ever made. Set in the fictional village of Milbury, where inhabitants behave in an eerily cult-like manner, Children of the Stones explores themes of ancient magic, astrophysics, and psychological control. The ominous chanting that punctuates the series still haunts the memories of those who watched it.
3. The Singing Ringing Tree (1957, repeated in the 1970s)
This East German fairy-tale adaptation made its way to British screens during the 1970s, leaving a trail of traumatised children in its wake. With a grotesque dwarf, a terrifying fish, and surreal landscapes, The Singing Ringing Tree felt like a fever dream. Its moralistic undertones and unsettling visuals made it a far cry from the saccharine fairy tales children were used to.
4. Worzel Gummidge (1979–1981)
While ostensibly a whimsical series about a sentient scarecrow, Worzel Gummidge veered into unsettling territory with its grotesque character designs and the scarecrow’s penchant for swapping heads. Played by Jon Pertwee, Worzel’s gruff voice and unpredictable behaviour could be both endearing and unnerving, ensuring the show left a lasting impression on its young audience.
5. Pipkins (1973–1981)
Designed as an educational programme, Pipkins featured a cast of puppets that were anything but cuddly. Chief among them was Hartley Hare, a threadbare, slightly sinister rabbit whose unsettling appearance and sardonic tone made him the unlikely star of the show. While the educational content was well-meaning, the puppets’ uncanny designs often overshadowed the lessons.
6. The Tomorrow People (1973–1979)
This science fiction series followed a group of teenagers with psychic powers who defended humanity from various threats. While its premise was intriguing, the show’s often bleak and dystopian tone, combined with eerie sound effects and a haunting theme tune, gave it an unsettling edge. Episodes frequently explored heavy themes, making it a thought-provoking but unnerving watch.
7. Chocky (1984)
Based on John Wyndham’s novel, Chocky tells the story of a young boy who begins communicating with a mysterious alien presence. While the concept is more cerebral than outright terrifying, the show’s minimalistic approach and psychological tension created an atmosphere of dread. The alien’s voice, calm yet unnerving, still lingers in the minds of those who tuned in.
8. Dramarama (1983–1989)
Dramarama was an anthology series that showcased a variety of children’s dramas, many of which ventured into eerie or unsettling territory. Its Dramarama: Spooky spin-offs were particularly chilling, featuring ghost stories and supernatural tales that left young viewers clutching their blankets. The series’ ability to blend relatable childhood experiences with elements of the macabre made it a staple of nightmare-inducing TV.
9. Terrahawks (1983–1986)
This sci-fi puppet series from Gerry Anderson introduced children to Zelda, one of the most terrifying villains in children’s television. With her grotesque face and rasping voice, Zelda’s menacing presence overshadowed the show’s more light-hearted moments. Terrahawks combined surreal humour with unsettling visuals, making it both fascinating and frightening for its young audience.
10. King of the Castle (1977)
This ITV drama followed a boy who becomes trapped in a nightmarish fantasy world where every character represents a warped version of someone in his life. The surreal, Kafkaesque setting and bizarre character designs made King of the Castle one of the more unsettling children’s programmes of its time. Its themes of power, control, and fear resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.
Why Were These Shows So Scary?
The 1970s and 80s were a time of experimentation in British children’s programming, often resulting in content that pushed boundaries. Unlike the sanitised fare of later decades, these shows didn’t shy away from exploring complex themes or unsettling imagery. The result was a generation of viewers left both fascinated and mildly traumatised by their childhood television experiences.
While these programmes might not have been designed to terrify, their combination of low-budget effects, surreal storytelling, and eerie soundscapes ensured they became a memorable—if occasionally nightmarish—part of growing up. Today, they stand as a testament to an era when children’s television dared to be different, for better or worse.
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