Blue Peter, the world’s longest-running children’s television program, is moving from a live to a pre-recorded format, according to a statement from the BBC. The show, which began on October 16, 1958, with its presenters and characterful pets, has been a mix of live and pre-recorded episodes for decades. The BBC announced the change in response to evolving viewing habits.

Blue Peter will continue to air on CBBC, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer. Former presenters Richard Bacon and Simon Thomas have expressed their sadness at the shift from live television, reflecting on the show’s significant impact and its place in a bygone era of children’s programming when audiences were measured in millions. Both Bacon and Thomas shared their fond memories and the profound influence Blue Peter had on their lives and careers.

Bacon, who was fired from Blue Peter in the 1990s for admitting to drug use but later returned for the show’s 60th anniversary, lauded the program’s unique, live production experience. Thomas, now a presenter on Sky Sports, noted the golden era of children’s TV and how the way children consume entertainment has irrevocably changed.

The BBC spokesperson confirmed that while Blue Peter will heavily utilize pre-recording, it will still be accessible across various platforms, including online. The spokesperson also emphasized the show’s continued popularity and the ongoing commitment to adapt the program to meet the needs of modern, digitally-oriented audiences. The current presenters, Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney, and Abby Cook, will continue to be part of the show’s legacy, ensuring its future relevance and appeal for generations to come.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/mar/23/end-of-an-era-as-bbc-axes-live-episodes-of-blue-peter-after-decades