Blue Peter—one of Britain’s most beloved children’s TV shows—has aired its final live episode. The BBC has confirmed that the long-running program, which aired weekly on Fridays, will no longer be broadcast live.
The first episode was aired on October 16, 1958, and it featured both live and pre-recorded shows since then. However, the broadcaster has now opted to discontinue the live episodes in response to shifting viewing habits.
The transition has caught former presenters and fans off guard, leading many to label it the ‘end of an era.’ Although the show will continue to air on CBBC, BBC Two, and iPlayer, this decision highlights evolving viewing trends and a pronounced shift towards digital content.
Former star Simon Thomas shared his sadness on Instagram after hearing about the change. On Friday, he wrote:
“Apparently (I had no idea) today is the last ever LIVE Blue Peter on television.
The show isn’t finishing, there is apparently going to be a show online; just not live on the TV anymore.”
He looked back on his time on the show and shared what he is ‘grateful’ for. He recalled how it ‘took a chance’ on him when he had no experience.
“We probably didn’t realize it at the time, but we were working in the last years of the golden age of children’s TV, a time when children’s programs filled the afternoons and Saturday mornings on BBC1 and ITV,” he reminisced.
Responding to Thomas’ post on X, Richard Bacon, a former presenter of the show, said he “loved” Blue Peter and that “being live is what made it alive.”
“I remember walking from one side of the studio to the other – doing a piece to camera – and seeing the whole crew, five cameras, and another on a crane, track with me,” he wrote.
“I know that doesn’t sound like much – but the first time it happened it was mind-blowing. It was just a big, well-made, lovingly made, really well-resourced live kids’ TV show.
“That had been live in that building for decades. It was a magical experience (for, you know, all of 20 months).”
Bacon was removed from Blue Peter in the 1990s after admitting to drug use. However, he later returned and received a Blue Peter badge on the show’s 60th anniversary.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that Blue Peter will not be limited to online streaming. It will still air on CBBC and BBC Two, as well as be available on BBC iPlayer and Sign Zone.
“The program has been a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for decades and has transitioned to a pre-record model as viewing habits change,” the BBC spokesperson said.
“Blue Peter continues to be loved by generations across the UK.
“As we continue to navigate a challenging market and young audience viewing habits evolve, it is necessary to make some changes to ensure that BBC Studios Kids and Family Productions delivers a dynamic, digital-first brand that will future-proof the show and sustain its legacy for years to come.”
The current lineup of presenters features Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney, and Abby Cook.