Teletubbies (1997)
The iconic British pre-school series that introduced Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po to generations of young viewers around the world.
Teletubbies - Series Information
- Original Title: Teletubbies
- First Air Year: 1997
- Last Air Year: 2001
- Created by: Anne Wood, Andrew Davenport
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Kids, Animation
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 369
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 31, 1997 (United Kingdom - U), March 31, 1997 (France - NR), March 31, 1997 (Australia - C), March 31, 1997 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: PBS Kids, BBC Two
- Alternative Titles: Telebajski (SI), 新天线宝宝 (CN)
- Production Companies: Ragdoll Productions, BBC
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Teletubbies - Plot
Pre-school fun, fantasy and education with colourful rotund characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po in a magical land called Teletubbyland.
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Teletubbies - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Anne Wood
- Andrew Davenport
Main Cast
- Pui Fan Lee
- John Simmit
- Nikky Smedley
- Jessica Smith
- Simon Shelton
- Dave Thompson
Teletubbies - FAQs
Who are the four main Teletubbies characters?
The four Teletubbies are Tinky Winky (purple, voiced by Dave Thompson and Simon Shelton), Dipsy (green, voiced by John Simmit), Laa-Laa (yellow, voiced by Nikky Smedley), and Po (red, voiced by Pui Fan Lee). Each character has a unique antenna shape and a screen on their tummy.
Where can you watch Teletubbies online?
Teletubbies is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, The Roku Channel, Xumo Play, Tubi TV, Hoopla, and Plex at no extra cost. Episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Video and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current regional availability.
When did Teletubbies first air?
Teletubbies first aired on March 31, 1997, in the United Kingdom on BBC Two. The show subsequently reached international audiences, including a PBS Kids broadcast in the United States, and quickly became a globally recognized pre-school television phenomenon.
Who created the Teletubbies series?
Teletubbies was created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport. Anne Wood co-founded Ragdoll Productions, the UK production company behind the show, while Andrew Davenport served as the primary writer. The series was produced in partnership with the BBC.
How many seasons and episodes does Teletubbies have?
The original Teletubbies series ran for 5 seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 369 episodes. Season 1 had 118 episodes, Season 2 had 126, Season 3 had 56, Season 4 had 34, Season 5 had 35, and the specials collection contained 19 episodes.
Is Teletubbies educational for young children?
Yes. Teletubbies was specifically designed as an educational programme for pre-school children aged one to four. The show uses repetition, simple language, bright colours, and gentle storytelling to support early childhood development, language acquisition, and imaginative play in very young viewers.
What genre is Teletubbies and who is it for?
Teletubbies is a Family, Kids, and Animation series aimed primarily at toddlers and pre-school children. Its blend of live-action landscapes, costumed characters, and animated sequences creates a gentle, immersive viewing experience designed to engage the youngest television audience.
Did Teletubbies spark any controversy after its debut?
Yes. Shortly after its 1997 debut, Teletubbies attracted widespread media debate when commentator Jerry Falwell suggested Tinky Winky's purple colour and triangular antenna carried a hidden message. The BBC and Ragdoll Productions firmly dismissed the claims, and the show continued to air without interruption worldwide.
More About Teletubbies
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