Legendary BBC kids’ show set to return to TV 38 years after axe

| Deputy TV editor Published September 25, 2026 10:56am Updated September 25, 2026 10:56am Humpty and th Play School lot are back! (Picture: BBC) After 38 years, the BBC is bringing back one of the most beloved kids’ shows ever: Play School. The Beeb is reportedly looking for a ‘new and modern take on the classic programme’ and has asked production companies to pitch a reboot of the series. But I know what you’re thinking. Are Humpty, Jemima, Big Ted, Little Ted and Hamble involved? Well, I’m delighted to say that all pitches must include the original toys. ‘The toys remain some of the most cherished elements of Play School and are fondly remembered by generations of viewers,’ the show’s pitch document reads. ‘We would like the new version of the programme to bring to life a version of the toys in a contemporary capacity aligned to the expectations of today’s children. The show ran for more than 6,000 episodes (Picture: BBC Archives) It came to an end in 1988 (Picture: BBC Archives) ‘We are open to exploring different approaches, whether that involves bringing back the full original line-up or introducing new characters alongside them and representing them through different media, including animation.’ Running for 6,866 episodes between 1964 and 1988, the show helped launch the careers of presenters Dame Floella Benjamin and Brian Cant. Responding to the news, Dame Floella, who now sits in the House of Lords, wrote about how excited she was on X. ‘I’m so thrilled to hear this fantastic news as the new #Playschool will inspire the nation’s children and future generations for life just as before because “Childhood lasts a lifetime.”‘ And the announcement has gone down very well with fans. @KKathcrane wrote: ‘I’m 54 now and can still remember how much I loved that programme; amazing there will be a new one.’ ‘This makes me very happy,’ added @SallyResearch. ‘Play School was the best; I can still remember your soothing tones almost 50+ years later.’ Dame Floella Benjamin was a fan-favourite Play School presenter (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images) Meanwhile @Mxyzptl40701782 claimed the show ‘should never have left our screens… Play School was an institution.’ Still, between the well-wishers and those demanding Floella return to present the show, not everyone is convinced Play School can succeed in the 2020s. @alisondrury wrote: ‘I hope the BBC gets this one right and sticks to the original format, Floella. Play School is too important to children’s development to mess around with.’ The Guardian’s media editor Michael Savage meanwhile asked: In a world of global content, can it work? And does anyone under 40 have a clue what it is?’ I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, Michael! Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale Arrow MORE: Rory Stewart is the internet’s new favourite meme after bizarre Newsnight moment Arrow MORE: BBC star Mark Doyle dies aged 67 after short illness Arrow MORE: Strictly star confirmed to be joining Gladiators as part of major cast shake-up TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.