Today marks the return of The Clangers to children’s television – 46 years after the original show first launched.
Michael Palin is narrating the updated version of the British animated TV show on CBeebies, and while the pink creatures and their high pitched tooting voices remain the same, they have been updated for modern kids.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok6CoIwcJ-E&feature=oembed
The Clangers is the latest in a long line of kids’ shows to get a contemporary makeover.
Here’s a look at some other new takes on some old favourites...
Danger Mouse
The new Danger Mouse (FremantleMedia Limited)
This 80s cartoon about a secret agent mouse and his hamster friend Penfold was originally voiced by David Jason and Terry Scott.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMXYJwjL51w&feature=oembed
But now he is making a comeback in HD, no doubt armed with all the latest gadgets, voiced by Pointless host Alexander Armstrong.
Paddington Bear
Michael Bond’s adorable bear from darkest Peru was first brought to life on TV in the 70s in stop-motion animation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdVPymvBCm8&feature=oembed
He was then updated to munch his marmalade sandwiches in cartoon form in the 90s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVQ-KdxmkP4&feature=oembed
Then last year Studio Canal brought him to life on the big screen using CGI and voiced by James Bond star Ben Whishaw.
(StudioCanal)
Some people found this latest version of him terrifying – prompting many horror movie memes.
I can see why people think the #PaddingtonBear movie pictures are a little scary. pic.twitter.com/mSlTbzWjF6
— Dave McG (@CaptainWavey) June 11, 2014
My Little Pony
Back in 80s, My Little Pony was the colourful equine toy aimed at young girls.
How My Little Pony used to look (PA)
Then in 2010, Hasbro launched generation four of the ponies, and their 'friendship is magic'message became a hit with male fans in the teens and twenties – sparking a Brony cult sensation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejmHJSIDMk&feature=oembed
Thunderbirds
Although people joked about the awkward puppets who lived on Tracy Island, the 60s superheroes were massively popular.
The original Lady Penelope and her chauffeur Parker (Andy Butterton/PA)
So some fans were a little miffed when they relaunched earlier this year in cartoon form.
Thunderbirds are go! (ITV Studios/Pukeko Pictures/Weta)
Postman Pat
Back in the 80s Postman Pat drove his van around the Yorkshire Dales and helped out the local people of Greendale along his way.
Postman Pat (BBC)
But since the privatisation of the Royal Mail, Pat and cat Jess have had to up their game, as their new special delivery series – complete with air mail - shows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OzjxIMli_s&feature=oembed&start=63
They also made it to the big screen last year in Postman Pat: The Movie.
The Flower Pot Men
Bill and Ben first tiptoed onto TV screens in 1952, and kept several generations of children enraptured with their puppetry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozp8uwUWtBY&feature=oembed
But these days they have been cut free of their strings, thanks to the power of animation.
Bill and Ben as they are today (CBBC)
Teletubbies
When Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-laa and Po first popped up from behind a hill in the 90s, they were pretty radical for their time.
Tinky Winky carried a handbag and was said to be gay, and some parents complained their broken baby talk was not a good learning experience for children. But they were a hit – especially with students.
Tinky Winky, Po, Laa-Laa and Dipsy (BBC)
Then last year it was announced the Teletubbies were coming back with a new modernised Teletubby land. Should we be worried?
The new Teletubbies (DHX Worldwide Limited)
Basil Brush
Basil Brush (BBC)
This cheeky fox has appeared on kids TV shows since the 60s, and though he has evolved over the years, unlike some of his original contemporaries he has never really gone away.
Boom boom!
