Since October 1958, a single television programme has entertained, informed, and inspired generations of British children. Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s TV show in the world, a flagship of the BBC that has evolved from a live weekly magazine into a multi-platform brand. From its famous badge, which grants free access to hundreds of UK attractions, to its roster of beloved presenters, the show remains a cultural institution that continues to adapt for a new era on CBBC and iPlayer.
Despite its longevity, many people are unsure if the programme is still on air. It is. The show continues to produce new episodes, though it has changed formats and timeslots. This guide covers everything from the show’s origins and its maritime-inspired name to the current line-up of presenters and exactly how viewers can earn a badge.
The information here is based on verified records, BBC archives, and programme history, providing a clear, factual overview of one of Britain’s most enduring television exports.
What is Blue Peter and When Did It Start?
Blue Peter was created by John Hunter Blair and first broadcast on 16 October 1958. It began as a simple 15-minute weekly programme designed for younger children but quickly grew into a core part of the BBC’s children’s output. The show’s name is taken from the blue Peter flag, a maritime signal flown by ships about to depart from port. This symbol was chosen to represent a voyage of adventure and discovery for the audience at home.
Show Name
Blue Peter
First Aired
1958
Network
BBC (currently CBBC)
Current Presenters
Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, Shini Muthukrishnan, Hacker T. Dog (and pet Henry)
The programme originally aired live, a tradition it maintained for decades. However, in March 2025, reports confirmed a shift to a fully pre-recorded format. Now, episodes premiere on BBC iPlayer before airing on CBBC on Fridays at 5 p.m. There are also repeat broadcasts on BBC Two and a dedicated BSL version on Tuesdays.
- Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s TV show in the world, airing since 1958.
- The Blue Peter badge offers free entry to over 200 attractions across the UK for children aged 15 and under.
- The show has been rebooted multiple times and now airs on CBBC with a new generation of presenters.
- Episodes are available on BBC iPlayer, the official CBBC website, and the Blue Peter YouTube channel.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Broadcast | 16 October 1958 |
| Network | BBC (now CBBC) |
| Current Presenters | Abby, Joel, Shini, Hacker T. Dog |
| Badge Benefit | Free entry to over 200 UK attractions for under-16s |
| Episodes Available | BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
How to Get a Blue Peter Badge and Free Entry
The Blue Peter badge was launched on 17 June 1963 and has since become one of the most sought-after awards in British childhood. It is not a single badge, but a system of different colours, each tied to a specific type of achievement or participation.
What are the different badge types?
The badge system rewards viewers for a range of activities. According to BBC sources and Yahoo News reports, the main categories include a standard Blue badge for appearing on the show or achieving something notable, a Silver badge for further creative contributions from existing badge holders, and a Green badge for environmental or nature-related work. Orange badges are awarded to competition winners and runners-up. The highest honour is the Gold badge, reserved for those who have demonstrated outstanding bravery, courage, expertise, or represented their country internationally.
How to apply for a Blue Peter badge
The application process is managed through the official Blue Peter badge page on the BBC website. The precise criteria for each badge are published there. Generally, children who achieve something in their community, school, or a competition can be nominated. Once awarded, the badge and certificate can provide free admission to around 200 venues across the UK for children aged 15 and under, as detailed by the BBC press office.
A Blue Peter badge can be a significant financial help for families. The BBC states that badge holders aged 15 and under receive free entry to over 200 attractions across the UK, including castles, museums, wildlife parks, and stately homes.
What is the Blue Peter badge for?
More than just a key to free attractions, the badge is a reward for engagement. It encourages children to participate in the show’s challenges, contribute creative work, undertake environmental projects, and demonstrate personal bravery. The badge is a tangible symbol of the programme’s ethos of adventure and achievement.
Blue: For viewers who appear on the show or achieve something notable. Silver: For further creative contributions from existing badge holders. Green: For environmental or nature-related achievements. Orange: For competition winners and runners-up. Gold: For outstanding bravery, courage, expertise, or international representation.
Who Are the Current and Past Blue Peter Presenters?
The presenters are the face of the show, and their line-up has constantly evolved since the first presenters, Christopher Trace and Leila Williams, welcomed viewers in 1958. Over its history, the programme has had dozens of presenters, with sources offering different counts depending on how temporary hosts are classified.
Current presenters in 2025
As of 2025, the main presenting team consists of Joel Mawhinney, Abby Cook, Shini Muthukrishnan, and Hacker T. Dog (along with his dog Henry). According to Wikipedia, Abby Cook joined the team in March 2023, and Shini Muthukrishnan joined in January 2024. Hacker T. Dog, a puppet character, joined in September 2025.
Famous past presenters
Many presenters have gone on to become major names in British television. Figures such as John Leslie, Anthea Turner, and Joe Swash are among the most recognisable. You can read more about Joe Swash’s career in our dedicated biography. Similarly, Chris Evans DJ also began his broadcasting career on the show before becoming a major radio and television personality. You can explore his journey in a separate feature. The show has launched the careers of numerous actors, presenters, and journalists, cementing its role as a springboard for British talent.
Where to Watch Blue Peter: Episodes, Website, and iPlayer
Blue Peter is still in active production. This is a key point for anyone searching with the question “when did it end.” The answer is that it has not ended. It has simply moved platforms and changed its broadcast schedule. The confusion likely stems from the show moving from BBC One to the digital channel CBBC, and from older episodes no longer being repeated on mainstream television.
Current broadcast schedule
New episodes are released on BBC iPlayer first, then broadcast on CBBC on Fridays at 5 p.m. There are also repeat airings on BBC Two. A dedicated BSL version for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers airs on Tuesdays. You can watch episodes directly via the BBC iPlayer page for the show.
Blue Peter has NOT ended. It continues to air on CBBC and is available on iPlayer. The question ‘when did it end’ likely comes from confusion with the show moving from BBC One to CBBC, or from older episodes no longer being broadcast. The show is still in production with new episodes weekly.
Online and on-demand
You can catch up on past episodes and clips on several platforms. The official Blue Peter YouTube channel features highlights, challenges, and full episodes. The show also has a dedicated page on the CBBC website where viewers can find games, quizzes, and badge information. For a complete listing of episodes and cast details, the show is catalogued on IMDb.
Timeline of Key Milestones
The history of Blue Peter is marked by several significant events that shaped the programme and its place in British culture.
- 1958 – Blue Peter first airs on BBC, presented by Christopher Trace and Leila Williams.
- 1963 – The very first Blue Peter badge is introduced, launching a cultural phenomenon.
- 1974 – The show is broadcast in colour for the first time.
- 1980s – Iconic presenters like John Leslie and Anthea Turner join the team, growing the show’s popularity.
- 2000s – The programme moves to CBBC and begins expanding its digital presence online.
- 2023-2025 – A new generation of presenters (Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, Shini Muthukrishnan, Hacker T. Dog) takes over, and the show moves to a fully pre-recorded format.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
While the history of the show is well-documented, some aspects of its past and present are less certain. The following table clarifies the established facts versus areas where information is incomplete or contested.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The show first aired on 16 October 1958. | The exact total number of episodes ever produced is uncertain; sources cite over 5,000 editions, but precise counts vary. |
| The Blue Peter badge was launched on 17 June 1963. | The full current application process for all badge types is not consistently detailed across all official sources. |
| Current presenters in 2025 are Joel Mawhinney, Abby Cook, Shini Muthukrishnan, and Hacker T. Dog. | Several patchier sources list different totals for the number of presenters the show has had, due to inconsistent counting of temporary hosts. |
| The show has moved to a fully pre-recorded format as of March 2025. | Whether the live format will return for special episodes has not been confirmed. |
What Does the Blue Peter Flag Mean?
The name and logo of the show are lifted directly from the world of maritime signalling. The “blue Peter” flag is a simple blue flag with a white square in the centre. According to BBC material, the name was chosen because the flag signals that a ship is about to leave port. The programme was imagined as a voyage of adventure and discovery for its young viewers, with the flag symbolising that journey. This nautical theme has carried through the show’s branding and identity for over six decades.
Sources and Quotes
The information in this guide is drawn from several authoritative sources. The BBC itself describes the programme as “the longest-running children’s television show in the world,” a fact that sets the foundation for its cultural significance.
“Blue Peter is the longest-running children’s television show in the world.”
— BBC Website
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview, stating that the show was created by John Hunter Blair. The official BBC Blue Peter page remains the definitive source for badge application details and current broadcast information.
“Blue Peter is a British children’s television entertainment programme created by John Hunter Blair.”
— Wikipedia
What is the Future for Blue Peter?
Blue Peter continues to be a relevant and beloved part of the BBC’s children’s output. With a new team of presenters, a digital-first release strategy on iPlayer, and a badge system that still holds immense appeal, the show is positioned to continue its voyage for years to come. Whether you are a parent looking to apply for a badge, a nostalgic adult wanting to revisit old episodes, or a young viewer discovering the show for the first time, the resources are available online. To keep exploring British television history, you might also find the biography of Joe Swash, a former presenter, of interest. The journey of discovery that began in 1958 continues, one episode at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blue Peter logo?
The logo features the programme’s name in a bold, custom font, often accompanied by a stylised version of the blue Peter maritime flag (a blue square with a white centre).
Can adults get a Blue Peter badge?
The badge is primarily aimed at children. The free entry benefit is for under-16s, but adults are occasionally awarded Gold badges for exceptional achievements or bravery.
How many Blue Peter badges have been awarded?
The exact number of badges awarded is not publicly reported by the BBC, but given the show’s 60+ year history and the number of children who have appeared or achieved notable things, it is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.
What does the Blue Peter flag look like?
It is a solid blue flag with a white square in the centre. It is known as the “blue Peter” flag in maritime code, signalling that a ship is about to depart.
Are there any Blue Peter competitions currently running?
The show regularly runs competitions. Check the official CBBC website or the Blue Peter YouTube channel for the latest announcements and entry details.
Is Blue Peter still on BBC One?
No. The show moved from BBC One to the CBBC digital channel many years ago. It now airs on CBBC and BBC Two.
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Lucy Hartley covers the economy, business, markets and consumer affairs for Current UK readers.