Live & Kicking (1993)
The iconic BBC Saturday morning children's magazine show that defined weekend mornings for a generation of British kids throughout the 1990s.
Live & Kicking - Series Information
- Original Title: Live & Kicking
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 2001
- Type: TV Series
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (188 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 8
- Number of Episodes: 256
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Networks: BBC One
Live & Kicking - Plot
Live & Kicking was a BBC Saturday morning children's magazine programme, running from 1993 to 2001. The fourth in a succession of Saturday morning shows, it was the replacement for Going Live!, and took many of its features from it, such as phone-ins, games, comedy, competitions and the showing of cartoons. Once Live & Kicking had become established in series two, it reached its height in popularity during series four, when it was presented by Zoë Ball and Jamie Theakston; their final episode won a BAFTA award. After this the series ratings dropped with the launch of SMTV Live on ITV and was eventually cancelled in 2001.
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Live & Kicking - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Trevor Neal
- Simon Hickson
- Jamie Theakston
- Zoë Ball
- Emma Forbes
- Andi Peters
- John Barrowman
- Sarah Cawood
- Katy Hill
- Trey Farley
Live & Kicking - FAQs
What was Live & Kicking about?
Live & Kicking was a BBC Saturday morning children's magazine show that blended phone-ins, games, comedy sketches, competitions, and cartoons into a lively weekly broadcast. It succeeded Going Live! and became a staple of British childhood viewing throughout the 1990s, running for eight series between 1993 and 2001.
Who were the most popular presenters on Live & Kicking?
Zoë Ball and Jamie Theakston are widely regarded as the show's most iconic presenting duo, fronting the series during its peak popularity in series four. Their chemistry and energy made Saturday mornings unmissable for a generation of British children, and their final episode together even won a BAFTA award.
Did Live & Kicking win any awards?
The show earned BAFTA recognition at the height of its popularity. The final episode presented by Zoë Ball and Jamie Theakston won a BAFTA award, cementing that era of the programme as its creative and cultural peak. It remains one of the most celebrated chapters in British children's television history.
Where can I watch Live & Kicking online?
Streaming availability for Live & Kicking is limited given its age, but you can check JustWatch for the most up-to-date viewing options in your region. Some clips and episodes may also surface on YouTube or through BBC archive resources for those feeling nostalgic for Saturday morning television.
Why was Live & Kicking cancelled in 2001?
Ratings declined significantly after ITV launched SMTV Live, which quickly became a fierce competitor for the Saturday morning children's audience. The rivalry drew viewers away from BBC One, and despite efforts to maintain its appeal, Live & Kicking could not recover its earlier dominance and was eventually cancelled in 2001.
How many seasons and episodes does Live & Kicking have?
Live & Kicking ran for eight seasons and a total of 256 episodes across its eight-year run from 1993 to 2001. Individual seasons ranged from 29 to 30 episodes, with the final eighth season being the longest at 48 episodes, reflecting the show's ambitious scope in its closing years.
What show did Live & Kicking replace on BBC One?
Live & Kicking replaced Going Live!, which had itself been a hugely popular Saturday morning fixture on BBC One. The new show inherited many of Going Live!'s core elements — phone-ins, games, cartoons, and competitions — while developing its own identity and presenter lineup throughout the 1990s.
What shows are similar to Live & Kicking?
Fans of Live & Kicking's lively variety format may enjoy Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, which captures a similar spirit of energetic live entertainment. Celebrity Juice offers irreverent fun for older audiences, while classic variety shows like The Carol Burnett Show provide a taste of the genre's rich television heritage.
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