You can knock it, you can rock it, you can go to Timbuktu, but you’ll never find
a nessie in the zoo…
There was time when the opening theme of your favourite cartoon or kids show was a thing of beauty. They were at least 30 seconds long and you enjoyed them almost as much as they actual programme.
But what were the best kids’ theme tunes of all time? We’ve picked twelve of our favourites from the glory years of CBBC/CITV…
Thundercats
This is like the start of sci-fi blockbuster, introducing the main characters with fast-paced graphics and 80s electric guitar. Wonderful stuff…
Around the World with Willy Fog
This jaunty number was full of really bad accents and people who couldn’t really sing, but it’s an absolute belter nonetheless…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nqN_7eGItM
Mysterious Cities of Gold
Something a bit more exotic here. The ‘Aaaaah-ahhh-ah-aaaaaah’ bit in particular transported you to somewhere magical…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtyXnr5XV_A
The Family-Ness
Nothing like a bit of stereotyping. Man in kilt – check. Ginger – check. Bagpipes – check. We’re not sure but we think this classic was set in Scotland…
Grange Hill
There’s been a few versions of this iconic opening over the years, but the punchy funk wah’s and comic strip original remains the definitive version…
Jossy’s Giants
Less well known but every bit as brilliant. The legendary Sid Waddell was the brains behind this football-based weekly caper and it shows…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQSbK3xdBY
Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds
This was not so much a theme tune as a code to live by. ‘One for all and all for one, helping everybody’ – what a wonderful message…
Bananaman
One of the most famous addresses in television history. Not actually a song, more a man talking over music – but still magic…
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
These half-shelled rascals were the definition of cool in their day. The CBBC changed their name to ‘hero turtles’ to protect our innocent minds…
Muppet Babies
One for the early risers. Saturday morning, before breakfast TV started in earnest, there was this gem for the those of us dedicated to pre-7am viewing…
Transformers
There’s almost a rock opera vibe going on here. You could imagine it being sung by a musical cast in the West End. Or by actual robots in disguise…
Supergran
It’s a testament to this opening number that Supergran has endured in the national consciousness. As a show it was a bit boring, but what an absolute tune…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NClF7D7Gjyc
