Before CBBC and Saturday morning chaos, there was a softer, slightly surreal corner of early 90s telly that quietly shaped who I became.
Before I was old enough for SMILE, Xchange or Raven, there was a whole other world of TV: gentle pacing, handmade sets, and theme tunes that still live rent-free in my head. Looking back, these shows probably say more about me than any careers questionnaire ever couldâŠ
đ Playdays
That big blue bus! I swear every 90s kid can still hear âNext stop⊠the Why Bird Stop!â. Playdays felt like a hugâcheerful presenters, puppets with personality, and songs that made the living room feel safe. I think thatâs where my love of âcomfort TVâ began.
𧔠Rosie and Jim
Two rag dolls on a narrowboat, causing chaos while a writer (John, Pat, or Neil!) turned their mischief into stories. It was whimsical but quietly creativeâproof that everyday adventures can become pages. That spark absolutely nudged me toward writing and, eventually, blogging.
đ©âđŸ Tots TV
âWeâre the Tots! Weâre the Tots!â Still a banger. Tilly, Tom and Tinyâs tiny cottage, the FrenchâEnglish mix, the pop-in/pop-out magicâpure 90s imagination. It taught me that small worlds can be huge if you fill them with wonder.
đ Brum
My introduction to Birmingham long before I ever went there. Brum was basically a mini action movie for preschoolersâno dialogue, all heart. The ultimate underdog hero rolling out to save the day⊠Iâm pretty sure thatâs where my soft spot for underdog stories started.
đ The Poddington Peas
âDown at the bottom of the gardenâŠâ Tell me that theme isnât a bop. A whole community of peas with jobs and harmonies? Ridiculous on paperâiconic on screen. It proved you can make anything sing if you commit to the bit.
đ The Shoe People
Early-90s delightful weirdness: shoes with personalities. Somehow it worked. I definitely assigned traits to my own shoes after watchingâan early lesson in finding character in everyday things.
đ Looking Back
These shows didnât rely on flashy CGI or TikTok-speed cuts. They were slow, soft, and full of charm. They taught me patience, imagination, and that stories can grow from the simplest moments. Before CBBC shaped my tween years, these gentle little worlds shaped me.
Your turn: Which early 90s preschool show lives in your head rent-free? Drop it in the comments (bonus points for theme tune lyrics) âš
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Asten Does Nostalgia 
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