The iconic kids' TV shows that practically raised us and we still miss today

We can't help but feel a little sad that our little ones will never know the true origin of "Hurry Uuuuup!"

These are the iconic kids' shows we grew up with. Images: Supplied

Before streaming services and endless YouTube rabbit holes, we grew up with TV shows that aired at set times, often paired with an after-school snack of two-minute noodles. 

We celebrate some of the most iconic shows we grew up with in the 80s and 90s. How many do you remember? 

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Mr Squiggle

“Upside down! Upside down!” rang the familiar catchphrase of Mr Squiggle, the moon-dwelling puppet with a pencil for a nose. Created by Norman Hetherington, this beloved Aussie character turned children's random squiggles into delightful drawings, teaching kids that imagination could turn anything into art.

Miss Jane and Blackboard (always grumbling “Hurry uuuuup!”) were staples in Aussie homes, making Mr Squiggle as much about creative thinking as it was about wholesome entertainment.

Mum Liz says: "Mr Squiggle was a childhood favourite. I found it on YouTube and played it to my kids, and they just didn't get it. I was more excited than they were!"

Cassidy also loved the show as a little one, saying: "Mr Squiggle, I believe had already finished airing by the time I was born, but I remember the angry Blackboard so vividly."

Mr Squiggle. Image: Supplied

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Romper Room

Long before Play School or The Wiggles, Romper Room was where many Aussie preschoolers first learned about manners, shapes, and sharing. With a rotating roster of hosts and the magical Mr Do Bee (the bee puppet) encouraging good behaviour, it felt like a mix between a schoolroom and a playdate.

But the moment that stuck with us most? The end segment where the host looked through the “magic mirror” and called out names: “I see Jenny… I see Michael…” If your name was mentioned, it was like winning the lottery.

"I can tell you that I have trauma from waiting for Ms Helena to say my name on Romper Room," mum Rebel remembers. 

Romper Room. Image: Supplied

Humphrey B. Bear

He didn’t speak a word, but Humphrey B. Bear didn’t have to, his lovable presence, fuzzy brown costume and waistcoat (but no pants....) made him an instant favourite.

Humphrey went on gentle adventures, danced, and learned about the world alongside children. His show combined storytelling, music, and positive messages. For many, Humphrey was the ultimate non-threatening, friendly bear figure - full of gentle kindness.

Humphrey B Bear. Image: Supplied

Fat Cat and Friends

Speaking of silent stars, Fat Cat was another mute-but-memorable TV icon. With his shaggy orange fur and slightly sleepy expression, Fat Cat would signal bedtime for many Aussie kids. He literally put kids to bed on Channel 10! Alongside characters like Percy Panda and the slightly chaotic Wilbur Worm, Fat Cat was a warm reminder of routine, rest, and winding down.

"Fat Cat wasn't such a big deal here in Sydney, but all I can think about when I see this show is how on earth the TV networks got away with the name!" Kat says. 

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Fat Cat and Friends. Image: Supplied

Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting

It might seem odd to include an American painter with a soothing voice in a kids’ list, but Bob Ross had a strange and calming magic - no matter what age you were. With his gentle encouragement ("There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents"), his landscape paintings unfolded like magic before our eyes.

Somehow, kids found his quiet energy mesmerising. Maybe it was the brush sounds or the squirrels in his pocket. Either way, he taught us more than just painting. He taught patience, mindfulness, and creativity.

Dad Jerry says he lived for this show growing up and gives Bob credit for his own creativity now as an adult. 

"I would watch him after school, at night, whenever it was on. It was the only show my parents were actually happy for me to watch for hours and hours," he said. 

Bob Ross. Image: Supplied

Bear in the Big Blue House

Premiering in the late ’90s, Bear in the Big Blue House was like a warm hug in show form, and was a favourite for many. Bear welcomed viewers into his home to explore themes like friendship, emotions, and growing up. He talked directly to kids, just like a trusted friend or big brother. The farewell song “Goodbye, goodbye, good friends, goodbye…” still brings a nostalgic lump to the throat. It was a show that made even big feelings feel safe.

Mum Lauren says: "If you don't find yourself singing the goodbye song from Bear in the Big Blue House randomly - you're lying."

Rebel also has fond memories of the show: "My Dad, who was a big gruff and grumpy fella, for some reason loved watching this show, which was on when my eldest daughter was a toddler. He's passed on now, and one of my fondest memories is of him chasing her around the backyard playing 'Where oh where, oh where is shadow?"

Cassidy also says it was a favourite of hers: "Bear in the Big Blue House was truly the backbone of my childhood in the early 2000s. I used to watch it all the time and it's to blame for my first word."

Bear in the Big Blue House. Image: Supplied

Art Attack

For crafty kids, Art Attack was an absolute favourite. Hosted by the energetic Neil Buchanan, it inspired us to raid the recycling bin and glue together cereal boxes, toilet rolls, and string.

The highlight was always the massive floor artworks made from unexpected objects, shot from above. It was bold, messy, and full of creative energy. Bonus points if you tried to replicate something and ended up in a PVA glue disaster.

Lauren remembers: "Art Attack impressed me SO incredibly much. It pissed my mum off but because I was constantly asking her for crafting supplies despite a lack of crafting abilities."

Art Attack. Image: Supplied

Double Dare

Double Dare was the messiest, wildest show on kids’ TV. It combined trivia questions with messy physical challenges - think slime slides, whipped cream pies, and foam obstacle courses. Watching kids dive into vats of goo for prizes was the dream, and let’s be honest, we all wanted a go. It brought physical play to the screen in the most outrageous way.

Personally, I loved this show so much and always hoped my school would enter us into the show. I would also spend so many school holidays pretending to be on the show, mum always hated the mess I created!

Double Dare. Image: Supplied

The Amanda Show

Before iCarly or Drake & Josh, Amanda Bynes was a comedic powerhouse in The Amanda Show. A mix of sketch comedy, fake commercials, and silly characters (remember Judge Trudy and Penelope Taynt?), it was quirky, energetic, and totally weird in the best way. It was our first taste of absurdist humour... and it stuck!

"The Amanda Show was my FAVOURITE! I say AmandaPlease.com way too often to be considered healthy," mum Lauren laughs. 

The Amanda Show. Image: Supplied

Fraggle Rock

Created by Jim Henson, Fraggle Rock was more than just a puppet show. It had layers - Fraggles, Doozers, and Gorgs lived in an intricately crafted world that tackled everything from friendship to environmental responsibility. The music was catchy and it had enough heart to win over both kids and adults. Plus, who didn’t want to dance their cares away?

"These guys were such a crazy bunch - perfectly suited my vibe growing up," mum Kat laughs. 

Fraggle Rock. Image: Supplied

Sooty

A glove puppet with a wand and a penchant for mischief, Sooty was pure British silliness. Alongside Sweep and Soo, Sooty delivered gentle slapstick and chaotic fun. The humans always ended up in trouble, and the magic wand ("Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy!") rarely went to plan.

It was a timeless mix of puppetry and physical comedy that still holds up.

"I don’t remember much of the show except he was a super cute hand puppet and I loved him! No bells and whistles, just wholesome vibes," mum Emily shares. 

Snooty. Image: Supplied

Brum

Brum, the little vintage car that came to life and snuck out of his garage to help people in trouble, was strangely compelling. Set in “the Big Town,” Brum would toot around doing good deeds with no dialogue, only cheerful music and physical storytelling. It was simple, imaginative, and oddly comforting to watch.

"Brum was adorable!! I loved that little car. It's a show I really want to show my little one when he's old enough to understand!" mum Lauren says. 

Brum. Image: Supplied

These shows were more than just entertainment. They were our companions, babysitters, teachers, and friends. In a world where everything now streams on demand, there’s something extra special about remembering a time when we had to wait for our favourites, and when characters like Mr Squiggle, Mr Doo Bee, and Humphrey felt like real members of the family.

Originally published as The iconic kids' TV shows that practically raised us and we still miss today