Rainbow (1972)
The classic British children's puppet series that brought Zippy, George, and Bungle into living rooms across the UK for over twenty years.
Rainbow - Series Information
- Original Title: Rainbow
- First Air Year: 1972
- Last Air Year: 1992
- Created by: Pamela Lonsdale
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Kids
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 18 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 23
- Number of Episodes: 1,044
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: October 16, 1972 (United Kingdom - U)
- Networks: ITV1
- Production Companies: Thames Television
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Rainbow - Plot
Children's puppet programme featuring music and stories. Join George, Bungle, Zippy, and all their friends at the Rainbow House, always an exciting place to be.
Where to Watch Rainbow
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Rainbow - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Pamela Lonsdale
Main Cast
- Geoffrey Hayes
- Roy Skelton
- Stanley Bates
- Jane Tucker
- Rod Burton
- Freddy Marks
- Matthew Corbett
- Roger Walker
- David Cook
- Hugh Portnow
Writers
- Stanley Bates
- Roy Skelton
- Geoffrey Hayes
- Christopher Lillicrap
- Freddy Marks
Rainbow - FAQs
Who are the main characters in Rainbow?
Rainbow's most iconic characters are Zippy, a bossy zip-mouthed puppet voiced by Roy Skelton; George, a gentle pink hippo also voiced by Skelton; and Bungle, a large bear suit character. They were joined by human presenter Geoffrey Hayes, who appeared throughout most of the series' run.
Where can you watch Rainbow online?
Streaming availability for Rainbow varies by region. You can check current viewing options, including any subscription services or digital rental platforms carrying the series, via JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming and purchase options for your location.
When did Rainbow first air on television?
Rainbow first aired on October 16, 1972, in the United Kingdom on ITV1. The series ran for over two decades, concluding in 1992 after 23 seasons and more than 1,000 episodes, making it one of British children's television's longest-running programmes.
How many seasons and episodes does Rainbow have?
Rainbow ran for 23 seasons and produced a total of 1,044 episodes, plus 2 special episodes. Individual season lengths varied considerably, ranging from 16 episodes in Season 19 to 80 episodes in Season 8, reflecting its long and prolific production history on ITV1.
Who created the children's series Rainbow?
Rainbow was created by Pamela Lonsdale and produced by Thames Television for ITV1. Lonsdale developed the format as an educational and entertaining puppet programme aimed at young children, combining original music, storytelling, and colourful characters to engage its pre-school audience.
Is Rainbow suitable for young children?
Yes, Rainbow was specifically designed for young children and pre-schoolers. The series blends gentle comedy, original songs, and simple storytelling featuring puppet characters Zippy, George, and Bungle. Its UK broadcast classification was rated U (Universal), confirming it is suitable for all ages.
What genre is the TV series Rainbow?
Rainbow is a children's comedy and kids' entertainment series. It combines puppet performance, original music, and lighthearted storytelling to create an educational yet fun experience. The show's blend of humour and warmth made it a defining fixture of British pre-school television throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Did Rainbow win any awards during its run?
Rainbow earned recognition as one of Britain's most enduring and beloved children's television programmes. While it did not accumulate a prominent awards record, its cultural impact was significant: it ran for over 20 years on ITV1 and remains fondly remembered as a cornerstone of British pre-school broadcasting.
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