9 Australian Kids' Shows And 9 British Kids' Shows RankedSkip To ContentHomepageSign InSearch BuzzFeedSearch BuzzFeedlol Badge Feedwin Badge Feedtrending Badge FeedCalifornia residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data.Do Not Sell My Personal Information 2022 BuzzFeed, Inc PressRSSPrivacyConsent PreferencesUser TermsAd ChoicesHelpContactSitemapPosted on 28 Jun 2021 We Watched The Most Iconic British And Australian Kid s TV Shows Ever And Here Are Our Thoughts I spot a young Chris Hemsworth!by by Sam ClealBuzzFeed Staff, by Isha BassiEntertainment ProducerFacebookPinterestTwitterMailLink Hi I m Sam from BuzzFeed UK and this is my friend Isha who works at BuzzFeed Oz BuzzFeed We ve been chatting away about the weird overlap between our country s children s TV shows – examples include Jeopardy Round The Twist and Grizzly Tales For Gruesome Kids And that got us wondering which kids shows did we *not* share Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF ABC / BBC One Well as it turns out A LOT And what better way to celebrate this cultural disparity than by getting each other to watch our respective childhood faves and rate them Let s kick off with the best Australia has to offer BuzzFeed 1 Parallax ABC What it's about (Isha): It's hard to describe Parallax because so much of it feels like a fever dream. There were alternative universes, terrifying creatures called "Krelliks", and a complex storyline involving the different personalities of the characters in those universes. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: I'm a little confused – who exactly are we supposed to be following in this series? There are a lot of characters and they're all sort of pulling in different directions. I'm intrigued by the whole different personalities in different worlds thing – I feel like that could be a great Black Mirror episode! Una is serving some serious fashion in this episode, but apart from that, I'm not that fussed, I'm afraid. Ranking: 3/10 2 Silversun ABC What it's about: Silversun is iconic, especially because it had a banger of a theme song. The show took place in the year 2052 on-board the Star Runner, an interstellar spaceship carrying cryonically suspended colonists to their new home called Silver Sun. The crew were mostly teenagers with odd names like Cinnamon and Degenhardt. Oh, and EVERYONE had a crush on Sheng, the dude with the frosted tips. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: OMG the theme tune is jokes – it's like an old-school ringtone mixed with a B-side disco track from the '90s! From this episode alone it's clear that there is a lot of tension between everyone on the ship, some good and some bad. Great to see everyone ganging up on the ONLY non-white person on the ship... wow. Leonella is a total mood – I love how she spends most of her time just doing yoga! I gotta say though, there's not much going on here and I'm not overly drawn into the story, I'm afraid. Ranking: 4.5/10 3 Lift Off ABC What it's about: I couldn't show you Australian kids' shows without delving into the cooked side of things. Lift Off is a perfect example of that — it was aimed at young children and featured short animation, puppetry, and other segments to help navigate issues encountered while growing up. Except it kind of had the opposite effect and instead traumatised a generation of Australians with this nightmarish faceless puppet called EC. Enjoy! View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: Cute intro! Oh... I thought it was over and then it just kept on coming! So... what's going on? OMG, there's an eyeless puppet baby trying to kill that little girl! This is like if Derek Jarman made a kids' TV program! There's no structure, it just flows from one vignette into the next and some are truly bizarre... or "cooked". I don't hate it though. Ranking: 5/10 4 Tracey McBean ABC What it's about: Tracey loves inventing devices and contraptions, so much so that her parents have given her an old caravan to tinker in. Alongside her best friend Shamus, Tracey's inventions are often used to solve problems to varying levels of success. Oh, and special mention must go to the McConnelly brothers, in particular Jim whose face is always covered by a beanie and a high-necked sweater. I can't remember if the show ever gave a reason for that or did a face reveal. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: Aw, I like that Tracey is such a role model for kids! She's smart and ambitious – we love to see it! I like this show, but it's pretty simple. I guess if you were a kid it would be easy watching, but it doesn't set my world on fire. Unfortunately, there's only one "Tracy" in my heart! (Read on for more details). Ranking: 6/10 5 The Sleepover Club Nine Network What it's about: Thinking about it, The Sleepover Club was sort of an Australian version of The Baby-Sitter's Club — except instead of minding kids in the neighbourhood, they just had sleepovers instead. I remember it being super wholesome, but also relatable as the girls were all ~tweens~ dealing with everyday problems. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: Okay, GREAT theme tune! I'm kind of getting like a Bratz vibe from the cast, which I'm not mad about. This is definitely one of the most '00s series I've ever seen – all of the references and fashion is painfully '00s! I really recognise Francesca but I don't know why. Also, the P.E. teacher is fiiiiit. Gotta love all these Aussie hunks showing up in these shows. It's generally an okay program, but it's a little dry – I guess it's better viewing when you're young! Ranking: 6.5/10 6 Blue Water High ABC What it's about: Even though it premiered way back in 2005, Australians are still obsessed with Blue Water High. There were three seasons, with each focusing on a group of students selected for a year-long elite surfing program at Solar Blue. I don't know if it was the theme song (iconic), or the cast which spawned sexual awakenings in Australian teenagers such as myself (Adam Saunders, the guy who plays Heath can still get it), but there was something about Blue Water High that made it addictive. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: It's shows like this that cement the stereotype that Australians all love surfing and are super hot tan beach bums! Seriously, this feels like SUCH an Australian show to me, if that makes any sense. Like, this would never translate to the UK. There's a lot of drama (even within the first ten minutes), but I'm not sure I care for the set-up that much. Dear GOD I am obsessed with Heath/Adam though. I've actually had to follow him on Insta and now I'm watching this video. I can see why teen girls (and gays) would watch this! My last question is, what's a "grommit"? Ranking: 7.5/10 7 The Saddle Club ABC What it's about: The Saddle Club is an Australian-Canadian classic — it's right up there with being one of the best kids' show of all time. The series revolved around the adventures of Carole, Stevie, and Lisa at their horse riding school called Pine Hollow Stables. There was friendship, there was drama, but most important of all, there was Max and, of course, a young Chris Hemsworth. Like Silversun, the show also had a very, very catchy theme song – in fact, I feel like this is a trend with Australian kids' shows. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: This show seems like an Australian national treasure, so I don't want to be mean... and good thing I don't have to! I like this series, it has a good wholesome energy. I definitely would've watched it as a kid, I think. It's interesting that some of them have Aussie accents and some are Canadian. And OMG look at young Chris! I could see how if you loved horses you'd be super into this show but yeah, Max is definitely the real stallion of the series. Ranking: 8/10 (only cos I'm not a horse girl, tbh) 8 H20 Just Add Water Jonathan M. Shiff Productions What it's about: Even if you're not Australian, you're bound to be familiar with H20: Just Add Water. The show premiered in 2006, but it experienced a huuuuge international resurgence a couple years ago when it landed on Netflix, leading American kids to find it, fall in love, and also roast the hell out of the Australian accents. But what's it about? Well, Rikki, Emma, and Cleo are three teenage Australian girls who become mermaids after a mysterious island transforms them and gives them special powers. The kicker? They change into their mermaid alter egos whenever they come into contact with water. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: Straight off the bat, this reminds me of that Aquamarine movie with JoJo, remember? I've gotta say I LOVE the concept. My young gay ass would've been all over this as a kid – dressing up as them, the whole nine yards! This series really digs into the real issues, like how inconvenient it would be to turn into a mermaid suddenly. Also, I love how when they turn, they don't keep what they were wearing on top: are you really a mermaid if you don't having a matching shimmery bralette? It's not the most engaging show, but I do kind of want to know what happens next. Ranking: 9/10 9 Mortified Nine Network What it's about: Mortified really wasn't anything flashy, but what made it so good was how relatable Taylor, the main character, was. Like all of us, she was just trying to make it through her teen years without getting embarrassed by her family. Although, of course, that doesn't happen. The show frequently broke the fourth wall, resulting in you feeling all that relatable cringe Taylor goes through. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Sam's thoughts: I know Mortified!! I've definitely seen this a few times before and I loved it. You're right, it's not really about anything in particular in that Seinfeld kind of way, but it's still really good. Hector is super cute with the way he's obviously into Taylor, and I can't believe I forgot Maia Mitchell was in this! What an icon. Taylor is a relatable queen, and I love her hippy-dippy parents and sassy sister too. Ranking: 9.5/10 BuzzFeed 10 Raven BBC What it's about (Sam): Raven is a lowkey cultural institution in the UK. The medieval-themed adventure series pitted six contestants against each other in a sequence of challenges all watched over by their guide, Raven (who was smoking hot, but I obviously didn't realise that at the time). The best thing about this show was its old-timey vibe, and obviously "The Way of the Warrior". View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: Okay, so I watched the clip and I'm confused. Is this...a fictional show? Or is it not? Either way, I couldn't help but laugh, I'm so sorry. Everything was so SERIOUS, like the whole process of watching this kid wear his armour and get ready for battle (to do an obstacle course). And then at the end of it, he casually disappears into a portal. Righto. You can keep this one, as well as Raven, Sam. Haha! Ranking: 3/10 11 Get Your Own Back BBC What it's about: This show was absolute CLASS. Two kids would compete against each other in a series of absurd challenges to win the privilege of punishing an adult in their life that they deemed lame or irritating – usually a parent or teacher. The predominant theme of the show was people getting covered in "gunge", which is obviously incredibly thrilling as a kid. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: This is, in a word, wild. I need to know more about the application process for this show because in the clip you showed me a neighbour nearly got gunged for playing her drums too loud. Like, just imagine a bratty kid calling you up and saying, "hey, wanna come on this show with me? You might get dunked because you're annoying!" lol. It's fun, although the giant cockroaches and other bugs are a big no-no. I don't think we had anything similar in Oz! Ranking: 4/10 12 Dick and Dom in da Bungalow BBC What it's about: If you told me this show was a fever dream I had, I would 100% believe you. I don't even really know how to describe this show. It was basically a two hour festival of surreal nonsense on Saturday mornings, in which a group of young participants maybe competed for a prize..? Who knows! Nonetheless, IT. WAS. HILARIOUS. So please enjoy! View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: SAM, WHAT IS THIS? WHAT AM I WATCHING???? Why are they walking in like that? Why is there a faceless man speaking about marriage? WHY ARE THEY SUDDENLY DANCING??????? AND THIS GOES ON FOR TWO HOURS??? This is definitive fever dream territory and I'm really not quite sure what to think of it. On one hand, it gives me a headache, but on the other I can appreciate that the hosts are genuinely having a good time and getting lots of laughs. Ranking: 5/10 13 Stupid BBC What it's about: I guess this might be a more niche show, but British kids the land over will at the very least know the phrase "devil finger" (02:12) – that's for sure! The premise of this ludicrous sketch show is that there is a basically a mythical king somewhere living in the sky who causes people to do stupid things IRL. I think some of the sketches are really funny, but I'll let you be the judge. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: British humour, a snapback crown, and a kid shouting "devil finger" — this show really had it all. I like how it was a collection of different stories, but that intro part with the gremlin and king was kind of weird, NGL. Stupid! does score points for making me laugh so hard that I coughed during the devil finger part though. Ranking: 6/10 14 Jungle Run CITV What it's about: UHH, was there a British kid around in the noughties who DIDN'T want to go on Jungle Run? This adventure game show is kinda like Jumanji meets The Crystal Maze. Basically, a trio of kids would compete in challenges to earn time on the clock that they could use to take on the Temple of the Jungle King and win prizes. It was high stakes competition in a jungle setting – what's not to love? View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: I frothed over Jumanji as a kid (the original one, not the remake), so it's no surprise that I found this show really cool and creative. It reminds me a lot of Escape From Scorpion Island, which was basically a kids' version of Survivor with challenges, obstacles, and what not. If they had an adult version of this, I would apply instantly. Also, I'm going to ignore the humans in monkey costumes because they were terrifying. Ranking: 7/10 15 My Parents Are Aliens ITV/REX/Shutterstock What it's about: This was probably, dare I say it, one of the best kids TV show ever! It's about an extra-terrestrial couple who crash land to Earth and adopt three very different siblings in order to blend in. Also, they can shape-shift. Honestly, this show had everything – fashion, comedy, heart. And Mel is a total icon! It's probably one of my all-time faves!! View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: I'm not a huge fan of laugh tracks as it makes a show feel very sitcom-esque and staged. Skimming through the episode though, My Parents Are Aliens seems like a lot of fun. I loved the intro, I laughed at some of the jokes told by the parents ("I wish I had a social life" LMAO), and I absolutely would have crushed on Trent as a teen. Ranking: 7.5/10 16 The Story of Tracy Beaker BBC What it's about: This is THE '00s British kids show, tbh. It's basically about a feisty young girl in care who dreams of becoming a famous writer and one day being reunited with her absent mother. Fair warning Isha, coming for Tracy Beaker is like a hate crime in Britain! View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: A HATE CRIME? Sir, I just wanted to have a good time watching some British kids' shows and now I'm scared. Luckily though, this seems like a good one. I love Tracey's sass – she has to be an Aries or a Leo like me! I mean, she has a whole YouTube video dedicated to her most iconic moments. The animated bits are cute too — it actually reminds me a lot of Mortified. Anyway, this one gets a tick from me, so pls don't chuck your tea and biscuits at my house. Ranking: 8/10 17 Mona the Vampire YTV/France 3/BBC What it's about: Looking back, Mona was likely a really troubled child, but as a kid she was a queen of make-believe! She and her best friends Lily and Charley would dress up as supernatural vigilantes and fight the crimes Mona made up in her head... or did she??? Also, if you don't LOVE the theme tune to this show, are you even listening to it right? FYI, this is technically a Canadian show but it was HUGE over here. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: Oh my god, this show seems vaguely familiar, but I can't ever remember watching it. Or maybe I did? Anyway, the theme song slaps and I love how out of everything, Mona chose to be a vampire. That's some real Twilight shit right there. She was a budding goth, and I definitely would have been glued to the screen watching this a kid. Ranking: 9/10 18 Kerching BBC What it's about: Ah, Kerching! What a moment in time! This wholesome dramedy followed entrepreneur Taj Lewis trying to a make a million pounds in order to support his single mother and younger brother. And how did he intend to do that, you ask? By selling ringtones, of course! Dear god, we've come a long way since 2003. View this video on YouTube youtube.com Isha's thoughts: Wow, this simultaneously brings back memories of customising ringtones AND makes me feel super old. This is a dope show though, there's so much to love. The story is wholesome, the set design is sick (Taj's purple bedroom is a vibe), and we love that POC representation — which wasn't huge when I was growing up in Australia. Although, once again, I feel the need to point out the laugh track. You Brits sure love 'em! Ranking: 9.5/10 FINAL THOUGHTS Sam: I don't know if you found this Isha, but the accents were SO distracting. Like, I couldn't stop hearing them. Saying that, we had a lot of Aussie kids' shows become quite big over here, so I don't know why I'm acting so pressed by that. A few of these shows were very good – I could see myself getting into Blue Water High and H20: Just Add Water as a kid – but mostly I think we had better kids' shows! ;) Isha: Funnily enough, I had the exact same reaction! I also noticed that British kids' shows are just different to what we had in Australia – and I really didn't expect that. Like, the humour, the storylines, and generally what was available... so that was really interesting. I'm obviously biased as I think Australian kids' shows can top yours any day of the week (hehe), but as an olive branch I'll say that Jeopardy (an Australian-British children's show) knocks all of these out of the park. Teamwork makes the dream work! What did you think of our ranking And did we miss out any of your favourites Let us know in the comments below Share This ArticleFacebook PinterestTwitterMailLink TV and MoviesGet all the best moments in pop culture & entertainment delivered to your inbox.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.