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Paddington (TV series) facts for kids

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For the 1989 television series, see Paddington Bear (TV series). For the 1997 television series, see The Adventures of Paddington Bear. For the 2019 television series, see The Adventures of Paddington (2019 TV series).
Quick facts for kids
Paddington
In this animation title card, the name "Paddington" is scrawled on a drawing of a brick wall. A bicycle leans against the wall, and a sliver of blue sky and tall buildings are visible over the wall's top edge.
Based on See text
Story by Michael Bond
Directed by Ivor Wood
Voices of Michael Hordern
Narrated by Michael Hordern
Opening theme "Size Ten Shuffle" performed by Boyfriends
Composer(s) Herbert Chappell
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 2
No. of episodes 56 (and 3 specials)
Production
Executive producer(s) Pepper Weiss
Production location(s) London
Production company(s) FilmFair London
Release
Original network BBC1
Audio format Monaural
Original release 5 January 1976 (1976-01-05) – 18 April 1980 (1980-04-18)
Chronology
Related shows

Paddington is a classic animated TV show that aired from 1976 to 1980. It's based on the super popular Paddington Bear books by Michael Bond. Michael Bond himself wrote the scripts for the show!

The series was made by a company called FilmFair. A talented actor named Michael Hordern was the narrator. He also did all the voices for every single character in the show.

Paddington used a cool animation style called stop motion. This means Paddington was a real puppet. He moved around in a 3D world. But other characters were flat paper cut-outs. They were moved frame by frame to look like they were moving. Later, for the final TV special, they tried a slightly different method. They used 2D drawings that were fully animated.

The show first started on BBC1 in January 1976. The first series finished in May. But then, two special Christmas episodes came out in December. A second series, called The Adventures of Paddington, began in October 1979. It ran until April 1980. In total, there were 56 episodes. Plus, there were three extra television specials: Paddington Goes to the Movies (1983), Paddington Goes to School (1984), and Paddington’s Birthday Bonanza (1987).

This Paddington series was the very first TV show made from the Paddington Bear stories. Other shows came later, like Paddington Bear in 1989 and The Adventures of Paddington Bear in 1997.

The Books That Inspired the Show

The Paddington TV series brought many of Michael Bond's beloved stories to life. Each episode was based on adventures from his famous books.

Here are some of the books that inspired the episodes:

  • A Bear Called Paddington (1958)
  • More About Paddington (1959)
  • Paddington Helps Out (1960)
  • Paddington Abroad (1961)
  • Paddington at Large (1962)
  • Paddington Marches On (1964)
  • Paddington at Work (1966)
  • Paddington Goes to Town (1968)
  • Paddington Takes the Air (1970)
  • Paddington's Blue Peter Story Book (1973)
  • Paddington at the Tower (1973)
  • Paddington on Top (1974)
  • Paddington Takes the Test (1979)

Who Are the Main Characters?

The show features many fun characters from the books. Of course, there's Paddington Bear himself! He's a polite bear from Peru who loves marmalade.

He lives with the kind Brown family:

  • Mr. Brown
  • Mrs. Brown
  • Their children, Jonathan and Judy

Paddington also has a good friend, Mr. Gruber, who is an antique dealer. And then there's their grumpy neighbor, Mr. Curry.

Where Was the Show Broadcast?

Paddington (1975) meeting Mr and Mrs Brown
Paddington meets Mr and Mrs Brown for the first time after arriving in London Paddington station.

FilmFair finished making the first series in 1975. This first series had 30 episodes. It first aired on BBC1 in 1976.

The second series, with 26 episodes, was called The Adventures of Paddington. These episodes were shown in 1978 and 1979. After that, special episodes aired in 1980, 1984, and 1986.

Later, the show was also seen on Channel 4 in a kids' block called Take 5. It also aired on ITV as part of CITV from 1997 to 2000. And you could even catch episodes on Milkshake! on Channel 5.

In the United States, Paddington was shown on many channels. These included PBS, Nickelodeon (as part of Pinwheel), and USA Network (on Calliope). It also appeared on The Disney Channel, HBO, ABC, and Freeform.

The Famous Theme Music

The catchy Paddington Bear theme song was composed by Herbert Chappell. It actually started as background music for a different TV show in 1972. It was called "Size Ten Shuffle" back then.

The music became linked to Paddington in a 1973 theatre show. Herbert Chappell's wife, Brenda Johnson, wrote lyrics for it. Then it was simply called "Paddington Bear." A version sung by Bernard Cribbins was released in 1974.

For the TV show, the theme was re-recorded. One of these versions was on the 1976 album "Paddington's Party Record." This record is the only place to find the original TV show version of the theme song.

Episode Guide

The Paddington TV series had two main seasons and three special episodes. Each episode brought a new adventure for Paddington.

Series 1: Paddington (1976)

No.
overall		 No. in
series		 Title Adapted from the book Original air date
1 1 "Please Look After This Bear" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 5 January 1976 (1976-01-05)
This is the very first story! Mr. and Mrs. Brown meet Paddington at a railway station. This is how he gets his name.
2 2 "A Bear in Hot Water" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 6 January 1976 (1976-01-06)
Paddington arrives at the Brown's house. Judy tries to teach him how to take a bath. Paddington struggles, but the Browns decide to keep him anyway.
3 3 "Paddington Goes Underground" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 7 January 1976 (1976-01-07)
Paddington rides the underground train with Mrs. Brown and Judy. He gets into a bit of trouble with a ticket inspector.
4 4 "A Shopping Expedition" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 8 January 1976 (1976-01-08)
Mrs. Brown takes Paddington to buy pajamas. He gets lost and thinks a shop window is a changing room!
5 5 "Paddington and the Old Master" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 9 January 1976 (1976-01-09)
Paddington's friend, Mr. Gruber, shows him a special old painting. Paddington then helps Mr. Brown win a painting contest.
6 6 "A Spot of Decorating" More About Paddington (1959) 12 January 1976 (1976-01-12)
Paddington tries to decorate the Browns' attic. He makes a big mess and accidentally wallpapers over the door.
7 7 "A Family Group" More About Paddington (1959) 13 January 1976 (1976-01-13)
Paddington tries to take a photo of the Brown family using his old-fashioned camera.
8 8 "Paddington Makes a Bid" Paddington Helps Out (1960) 14 January 1976 (1976-01-14)
Mr. Gruber takes Paddington to an auction. Paddington accidentally buys some items but ends up with a great deal.
9 9 "Do-It-Yourself" Paddington Helps Out (1960) 15 January 1976 (1976-01-15)
Paddington tries to do some D.I.Y. work. He tries to make a magazine rack for Mr. Curry.
10 10 "A Disappearing Trick" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 16 January 1976 (1976-01-16)
It's Paddington's first birthday with the Browns! He gets a magic set and uses it to entertain everyone.
11 11 "Something Nasty in the Kitchen" Paddington Helps Out (1960) 19 January 1976 (1976-01-19)
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are sick. The rest of the family is away. Paddington is in charge of the house!
12 12 "Trouble at the Launderette" Paddington Helps Out (1960) 20 January 1976 (1976-01-20)
Paddington takes the clothes to the launderette. Things don't go quite as planned.
13 13 "Too Much Off the Top" Paddington at Work (1966) 22 January 1976 (1976-01-22)
Paddington gets a job at a barber's shop. The barber leaves Paddington in charge, which leads to some funny haircuts.
14 14 "A Visit to the Dentist" Paddington Takes the Air (1970) 23 January 1976 (1976-01-23)
Paddington goes to see the dentist. It's an interesting visit!
15 15 "Paddington Cleans Up" Paddington on Top (1974) 3 May 1976 (1976-05-03)
Paddington makes a mess in Mr. Curry's room to test a new vacuum cleaner. Then he finds out Mr. Curry uses gas, not electricity!
16 16 "Trouble at Number Thirty Two" More About Paddington (1959) 23 December 1976 (1976-12-23)
Paddington has a snowball fight. A snowball breaks Mr. Curry's window. Later, Paddington accidentally locks Mr. Curry out of his house.
17 17 "Paddington and the Christmas Shopping" More About Paddington (1959) 4 May 1976 (1976-05-04)
Paddington goes on a Christmas shopping trip. He tries to find the perfect gifts.
18 18 "Christmas!" More About Paddington (1959) 29 December 1976 (1976-12-29)
It's Paddington's first Christmas with the Browns. He gets lots of presents and gives lovely gifts to his new family.
19 19 "Mr. Curry Takes a Bath" Paddington Takes the Test (1979) 5 May 1976 (1976-05-05)
The Browns get a sauna. Mr. Curry decides to try it out. Paddington accidentally locks him in!
20 20 "Paddington Turns Detective" More About Paddington (1959) 6 May 1976 (1976-05-06)
One night, Paddington sees a light flash back from his torch. He decides to investigate and become a detective.
21 21 "Paddington and the Cold Snap" Paddington Marches On (1964) 7 May 1976 (1976-05-07)
Paddington tries to fix Mr. Curry's frozen pipes. The plumber won't help because Mr. Curry still owes him money.
22 22 "Trouble at the Wax Works" N/A 10 May 1976 (1976-05-10)
Paddington goes to a museum with Mr. Gruber. He is mistaken for one of the wax statues!
23 23 "Paddington Makes a Clean Sweep" Paddington Marches On (1964) 11 May 1976 (1976-05-11)
Paddington tries to clean a chimney. He breaks a chimney brush and gets his head stuck.
24 24 "A Sticky Time" Paddington at Large (1962) 12 May 1976 (1976-05-12)
Paddington tries to make some toffees. He accidentally gets some of his fur stuck in the process.
25 25 "Paddington Hits the Jackpot" Paddington at Large (1962) 13 May 1976 (1976-05-13)
Paddington appears on a quiz show called Lucky For Some. He wins money in a very unusual way.
26 26 "Paddington Hits Out" Paddington Goes to Town (1968) 17 May 1976 (1976-05-17)
Paddington goes to a golf tournament. Mr. Curry is there too. Paddington is surprised when he wins because his ball landed on a train track.
27 27 "A Visit to the Hospital" Paddington Goes to Town (1968) 14 May 1976 (1976-05-14)
Paddington visits Mr. Curry in the hospital. He decides to get his own head checked. He plays a funny game with the doctor.
28 28 "Paddington Recommended" Paddington Takes the Air (1970) 18 May 1976 (1976-05-18)
Paddington is mistaken for a famous food critic in a restaurant. He enjoys a huge meal, then faces the consequences.
29 29 "Fortune Telling" N/APaddington Abroad 19 May 1976 (1976-05-19)
Paddington visits a funfair. He gets his fortune told by Madame Zaza.
30 30 "An Unexpected Party" Paddington Marches On (1964) 20 May 1976 (1976-05-20)
Paddington comes downstairs for tea and finds a surprise party for him! Mr. Gruber gives him a book on paper tearing.

Series 2: The Adventures of Paddington (1979–80)

No.
overall		 No. in
series		 Title Adapted from the book Original air date
31 1 "Paddington in Court" Paddington on Top (1974) 22 October 1979 (1979-10-22)
Mr. Gruber takes Paddington to court to watch a case. A misunderstanding happens when a "Mr. Brown" is called to the stand.
32 2 "Paddington Bakes a Cake" N/A 7 November 1979 (1979-11-07)
Paddington tries to bake a cake for Mr. Curry. Getting it in and out of the oven is harder than he thought. He decides to decorate the oven like a cake!
33 3 "A Picnic on the River" Paddington Helps Out (1960) 25 October 1979 (1979-10-25)
The Browns go punting on the river. Disaster strikes when Paddington is in charge of the pole.
34 4 "Paddington's Patch" N/A 26 October 1979 (1979-10-26)
Paddington decides to build a rock garden. It's a big project for a small bear.
35 5 "In and Out of Trouble" Paddington Takes the Test (1979) 29 October 1979 (1979-10-29)
Paddington has some trouble using Mr. Curry's old hammock. He gets himself into a bit of a tangle.
36 6 "Paddington at the Tower" Paddington at the Tower (1973) 1 November 1979 (1979-11-01)
Mr. Gruber takes Paddington on a trip to the Tower of London. They explore the historic site.
37 7 "A Visit to the Bank" Paddington Abroad (1961) 2 November 1979 (1979-11-02)
Paddington goes to the bank to take out his savings. It's his first time, and he's not sure what to do.
38 8 "Paddington Clears the Coach" Paddington's Blue Peter Story Book 5 November 1979 (1979-11-05)
Paddington empties a restaurant car on a train. He misunderstands a chef's comment about the fish.
39 9 "Picture Trouble" N/A 8 November 1979 (1979-11-08)
Paddington decides to have his picture taken at the seaside. It doesn't go as smoothly as he hoped.
40 10 "Trouble at the Beach" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 2 January 1979 (1979-01-02)
Paddington tries to enjoy another day at the beach. His sandcastle making goes wrong.
41 11 "Keeping Fit" Paddington on Top (1974) 9 January 1979 (1979-01-09)
Paddington tries bodybuilding to keep fit. It's much harder than he thought it would be.
42 12 "Paddington in the Hot Seat" Paddington on Screen (1980) 9 November 1979 (1979-11-09)
Paddington visits a TV studio. He ends up in the "hot seat" on a show. People start calling in asking him to be the "Sage of Britain."
43 13 "Paddington and the Mystery Box" N/A 23 January 1979 (1979-01-23)
Paddington sees some people burying a mysterious box. He decides to investigate.
44 14 "Paddington's Puzzle" Paddington on Screen (1980) 30 January 1979 (1979-01-30)
Paddington uses his neighbors' painting to make a puzzle. It's a unique way to enjoy art.
45 15 "Paddington Weighs In" Paddington's Blue Peter Story Book (1973) 12 November 1979 (1979-11-12)
Paddington visits a health center. He gets weighed and learns about staying healthy.
46 16 "Paddington Takes a Snip" Paddington on Screen (1980) 15 November 1979 (1979-11-15)
Paddington tries to trim Mr. Curry's hedge into a peacock shape. He has trouble tidying up the loose ends.
47 17 "A Visit to the Theatre" A Bear Called Paddington (1958) 16 November 1979 (1979-11-16)
Paddington goes to see a play with the Browns. He helps out when an actor forgets his lines.
48 18 "Paddington Buys a Share" Paddington at Work (1966) 8 April 1980 (1980-04-08)
Paddington buys a share in the Portobello Rd Oil Company. He learns about investments.
49 19 "Paddington in a Hole" Paddington at Work (1966) 6 March 1979 (1979-03-06)
Mr. Curry asks Paddington to make a serving hatch. Everything seems fine until the very end.
50 20 "Paddington and the Finishing Touch" Paddington Goes to Town (1968) 13 March 1979 (1979-03-13)
Paddington wants to thank Mr. Gruber. He tries to find a "finishing touch" for his patio.
51 21 "Trouble in the Bargain Basement" Paddington Takes the Air (1970) 14 April 1980 (1980-04-14)
Paddington visits a bargain basement. He tries to demonstrate a frying pan but flips batter all over the audience.
52 22 "An Outing in the Park" Paddington at Large (1962) 27 March 1979 (1979-03-27)
Paddington goes to the park to hear a brass band. He discovers that Schubert's symphony was unfinished.
53 23 "Paddington Dines Out" Paddington Helps Out (1960) 8 April 1980 (1980-04-08)
The Browns go to a fancy restaurant to celebrate Paddington's birthday.
54 24 "Paddington Takes the Stage" N/A 10 April 1979 (1979-04-10)
Paddington helps the Drama Society with a play. During the break, the actor loses the play's important plans.
55 25 "Paddington in Touch" Paddington on Top (1974) 15 April 1980 (1980-04-15)
Paddington goes to a rugby match. He watches the Peruvian Reserves play. Even Aunt Lucy joins in!
56 26 "Coming and Goings at Number Thirty Two" N/A 18 April 1980 (1980-04-18)
Paddington's Aunt Lucy comes to visit. Trouble starts when she goes shopping for a thank-you gift for Mr. Brown.

Special Episodes (1980–86)

Three special TV episodes aired on BBC between 1980 and 1986.

Title Original air date
"Paddington Goes to the Movies" 1980 (1980)
Paddington visits the cinema for the first time. He even performs a famous dance from the movie Singin' in the Rain.
"Paddington Goes to School" 1984 (1984)

A school officer says Paddington must go to school because of his age. Paddington plays "Flight of the Bumblebee" on his violin.

Note: Colour was added to the 2-D animation and backgrounds in this special.
"Paddington’s Birthday Bonanza" 1986 (1986)

Paddington becomes a one-man band to earn money. He wants to buy a birthday present for Mr. Brown.

Note: Colour was added to the 2-D animation and backgrounds. This is the only time the animated characters' mouths moved when they spoke.

Home Video Releases

You can find Paddington episodes on DVD and VHS tapes.

DVD Releases

In the UK, Abbey Home Media Group released the whole series on DVD in 2008. This 2-disc set has all 56 short episodes and the 3 TV specials.

In the United States, Mill Creek Entertainment released the complete series on DVD in 2011. It was a 3-disc set called Paddington Bear - The Complete Classic Series.

VHS Releases

Many VHS tapes of Paddington were released over the years. Thorn EMI Entertainment, Walt Disney Home Video, HBO Video, Screen Legends, Kids Klassics, GTK, Inc., Abbey Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures (UK) Ltd, and BMG Video all put out different collections of episodes.

Images for kids

  • Paddington (1975) meeting Mr and Mrs Brown

    Paddington meets Mr and Mrs Brown for the first time after arriving in London Paddington station.

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