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{{Short description|British children's television series}}
{{Infobox Television
{{Redirect|Dipsy|the football player|Dipsy Selolwane}}
| show_name = Teletubbies
{{pp|small=yes}}
| image = ]
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2022}}
| caption = From left: Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po, and Tinky Winky
{{Use British English|date=June 2011}}
| format = ]
{{More citations needed|date=April 2024}}
| runtime = 25 minutes
{{Infobox television
| starring =
| creator = ]<br/>Andrew Davenport | image = Teletubbies Logo.png
| developer = ] | caption =
| creator = ]<br />]
| executive_producer = David G Hiller <br/> Vic Finch
| developer = ] (original series)<br />] (revival series)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.c21media.net/nickelodeon-takes-teletubbies-reboot/|title=Nickelodeon takes Teletubbies reboot|publisher=C21 Media|date=6 November 2015|last=Franks|first=Nico|access-date=27 May 2016}}</ref>
| narrated = ], ], ]
| currently_airs = ] | writer = ]<br>Catherine Williams
| director = David G Hillier<br>Vic Finch<br>Nigel P Harris<br>Bob Jacobs<br>Martin Scott<br>Paul Gawith<br>Nicky Hinkley<br>Jack Jameson<br>Richard Bradley<br>Dermot Canterbury<br>Iwan Watson<br>Matt Rene
| formerly_airs = ]<br>]
| starring = '''Original series:'''<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />Nikky Smedley<br />]<br />Mark Dean<br />Jess Smith<br />]<br />]<br />'''Revival series:'''<br />]<br />]<br />Rebecca Hyland<br />Rachelle Beinart<br />Olly Taylor<br />Berry Smith<br />Victoria Jane<br />Luisa Guerreiro
| country = {{UK}}
| voices = '''Original series:'''<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />Gary Stevenson<br />Alex Hogg<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />Mark Heenehan<br />] (US)<br />] (US)<br />] (US)<br />] (US)<br />Dena Davis (US)<br />'''Revival series:'''<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br />]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/teletubbies2|title=It's time for series two of Teletubbies!|access-date=20 September 2017}}</ref><br />Ralph Reay
| narrated = '''Original series:'''<br />]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32201894|title=Teletubbies voices revealed for new series|publisher=]|date=7 April 2015|access-date=27 May 2016}}</ref><br />Toyah Willcox (titles and credits only)<br />] (US)<br />'''Revival series:'''<br />]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-06-16/from-bt-adverts-and-teletubbies-to-undercover---the-screen-journey-of-daniel-rigby|title=From BT adverts and Teletubbies to Undercover – the screen journey of Daniel Rigby|magazine=]|date=16 June 2015|last=Fullerton|first=Huw|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127204747/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-06-16/from-bt-adverts-and-teletubbies-to-undercover---the-screen-journey-of-daniel-rigby|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />] (titles and credits only)<br />] (US version of 2015 reboot)
| opentheme = "]"
| composer = Andrew McCrorie-Shand (original series)<br />Robert Hartley<br />]<br />]<br />Matt Katz (revival series)
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English | language = English
| num_series = 5 (original series)<br />4 (revival series)
| network = ]| first_aired = ], ]
| num_episodes = 365 (original series)<br />120 (revival series)<br />Total: 485
| last_aired = ], ]<br>] - ]
| list_episodes = List of Teletubbies episodes
| num_episodes = 365
| location = ], England (1997–2001)<ref name="ourwarwickshire-org">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ourwarwickshire.org.uk/content/article/geology-landscape-tellytubbyland|title=The Geology and Landscape of Teletubbyland}}</ref><br />], West London, England (2015–18)
| imdb_id = 0142055
| executive_producer = Anne Wood<br />David G Hillier<br />Vic Finch (original series)<br />]<br />] (revival series)
| runtime = '''Original series:'''<br />25 minutes (series 1-5)<br />'''Revival series:'''<br />15 minutes (series 1-4)
| company = '''Original series:'''<br />]<br />]<br />'''Revival series:'''<br />]<br />]<br />Ingenious
| network = ]
| network2 = ]
| first_aired = {{Start date|1997|03|31|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2001|02|16|df=y}}
| first_aired2 = {{Start date|2015|11|09|df=y}}
| last_aired2 = {{End date|2018|10|12|df=y}}
}} }}
'''''Teletubbies''''' is a ] ], primarily aimed at ] viewers, produced from 1997 to 2001 by ]. It was created by ] ], Ragdoll's creative director, and Andrew Davenport, who wrote each of the show's 365 episodes. Narrated by ], the programme rapidly became a critical and commercial success in Britain and abroad, particularly notable for its high production values; it won a ] in 1998.


'''''Teletubbies''''' is a British ] created by ] and ] for the ]. The programme focuses on four differently coloured characters known as the Teletubbies, named after the television screens on their bellies. Recognised throughout ] for the uniquely shaped antenna protruding from the head of each character, the Teletubbies communicate through gibberish and were designed to bear resemblance to toddlers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bridging real world and toddler fantasy, Teletubbies reaches youngest audience|url=http://current.org/files/archive-site/ch/ch803t.html|access-date=20 May 2016|work=Current.org|date=16 February 1998|last=Everhart|first=Karen|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817235434/http://current.org/files/archive-site/ch/ch803t.html|archive-date=17 August 2016}}</ref>
Although the show is aimed at children between the ages of one and four, it has been a substantial ] hit with older generations, including ].<ref>.Accessed: 2007-09-03.</ref> "]", a single based on the show's theme song, reached number 1 in the ] in December 1997 and remained in the Top 75 for 32 weeks, selling over a million copies.


The series rapidly became a commercial success in Britain and abroad. It won multiple ] awards and was nominated for two ] throughout its run.<ref name="BBC News Entertainment: Tubbies toast another three years">{{cite news|title=Tubbies toast another three years|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/287940.stm|access-date=3 June 2015|publisher=BBC News|date=1 March 1999}}</ref><ref name="bafta-2002">{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2002|title=Past Winners and Nominees&nbsp;– Children's&nbsp;– Awards&nbsp;– 2002|publisher=]|access-date=13 January 2010}}</ref> A ] reached number 1 in the ] in December 1997 and remained in the Top 75 for 32 weeks, selling over a million copies.<ref name="Spilsbury2012">{{cite book|author=Richard Spilsbury|title=Simon Cowell|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xzHagb095xgC&pg=PA16|date=1 July 2012|publisher=Heinemann Library|isbn=978-1-4329-6434-4|pages=16–}}</ref> By October 2000, the franchise generated over £1{{nbsp}}billion ({{US$|{{To USD|1|GBR|year=2011}} billion|long=no}}) in merchandise sales.<ref>{{cite book |last=Jones |first=Tim |title=Innovating at the Edge |date=2012 |publisher=] |isbn=9781136395352 |page=203 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2ocABAAAQBAJ&pg=PA203}}</ref>
==Overview==


Though the original run ended in 2001,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/multi-platform/news/cbbc-wants-first-tenders/1177573.article|title=CBBC wants first tenders &#124; News &#124; Broadcast|publisher=Broadcast now.co.uk|date=29 June 2001|access-date=10 July 2010}}</ref> a rebooted series was green-lit in 2014.<ref name="The Guardian">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jun/13/bbc-cbeebies-orders-new-teletubbies-episodes|first=Mark|last=Sweeney|title=BBC's CBeebies orders 60 new Teletubbies episodes|date=13 June 2014|work=]}}</ref> The reboot premiered on ] in the United Kingdom and on the ] in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|title=Teletubbies Reboot Coming to Nickelodeon|url=http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/06/nickelodeon-gets-american-rights-for-bbc-teletubbies-reboot|date=12 June 2015|access-date=20 May 2016|work=]|publisher=Complex Media, Inc.|archive-date=14 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914130818/http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/06/nickelodeon-gets-american-rights-for-bbc-teletubbies-reboot|url-status=dead}}</ref> The reboot ran for 120 episodes, with the last episode airing on the Nick Jr. Channel on 17 August 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/teletubbies/listings/|title=Shows A-Z - teletubbies on nick jr &#124; TheFutonCritic.com|website=www.thefutoncritic.com}}</ref>
The programme features four colourful characters: '''Tinky Winky''', '''Dipsy''', '''Laa-Laa''' and '''Po''' who live in a futuristic dome (the "Tubbytronic Superdome"), set in a landscape of rolling hills. The environment is dotted with unusually talkative flowers and periscope-like "voice trumpets". The only natural fauna are ]s (although birds are often heard, particularly ]s and ]s). The climate is always sunny and pleasant save for occasional inclement days, with rain and puddles, and snow at ] time.


The original series returned to the United States on 25 May 2016, when every episode was added to the ] streaming service,<ref name="DHX"/> including episodes that had never aired in America before.
The Teletubbies are played by actors dressed in bulky costumes, although the sets are designed to give no sense of scale. The costumes vaguely resemble large spacesuits, although the Tubbies appear not to wear real clothes. They are instead furry, and have metallic silver-azure rectangular "screens" adorning their ]s. These screens are used to segue into short film sequences, which are generally repeated at least once. When the series is shown in different countries around the world, the film inserts are to be tailored to suit local audiences. (The ] inserts are default).


==Plot==
The Teletubbies have the body proportions, behaviour and language of ]s. The pacing and design of the show was developed by ] Andrew Davenport, who structured the show to fit the attention spans of the target audience. The repetition of practically every word is familiar to everyone who has ever worked with young children. There was also help from Shatarra Willis the stage manager who helped the show to become a success.
The programme takes place in a grassy, floral landscape populated by rabbits with bird calls audible in the background. The main shelter of the four Teletubbies is an ] known as the "Tubbytronic Superdome" implanted in the ground and accessed through a hole at the top or an especially large semicircular door at the dome's foot. The Teletubbies co-exist with a number of strange contraptions such as the Voice Trumpets and the group's anthropomorphic blue ] ("Noo-Noo"). The show's colourful psychedelic setting was designed specifically to appeal to the attention spans of infants and unlock different sections of the mind while also educating young children of transitions that can be expected in life.


An assortment of rituals is performed throughout the course of every episode, such as the playful interactions between the Teletubbies and the Voice Trumpets, mishaps caused by the Noo-Noo, the footage of children displayed on the screens on the Teletubbies' stomachs, and the magical event that occurs once per episode. The event differs each time; it is often caused inexplicably and is frequently strange yet whimsical. Each episode is closed by the Voice Trumpets and the narrator. The disappointed, reluctant, but eventually obedient Teletubbies bid farewell to the viewer as they go back to the Tubbytronic Superdome while the Sun Baby sets.
The Teletubbies speak in a gurgling baby language which is the subject of some controversy among educationalists, some of whom argue that this supposedly made-up talk is not good for children.<ref> regarding a study which found Teletubbies had a negative impact on toddlers in both vocabulary size and expressive language use.</ref> (A similar complaint was made forty years previously about another children's series, '']''). Tubbies are at the stage of understanding speech but not yet fully capable of articulating it, exactly like their target audience. They often simply groan in disapproval in situations where a human toddler would throw a tantrum. The Teletubbies' catch-phrases are ''Eh-oh'' (]), as in: ''Eh-oh, Laa-Laa,'' to which Laa-Laa will respond, ''Eh-oh, ''; "Uh-oh", a common toddler response to anything untoward; "Run away! Run away!", especially from Dipsy; and "Bye-bye" at least four times in a row. Laa-Laa, when flustered, will explode with "Bibberly cheese!", which is as angry as they get. Perhaps the most common exclamation, however, is "Big hug!" which one or more of the Teletubbies will invariably call for during the course of an episode, resulting in an enthusiastic group hug.


==Characters==
All the Teletubbies say "Bye-Bye" three times. The narrator bids each Teletubby goodbye, and they disappear, but reappear a moment later saying "Boo!". The narrator then says "No", and proceeds to say goodbye to each Teletubby again. The sun is then shown setting, and the Teletubbies each say goodbye again, before jumping down a hole in the roof of their house. Finally, one Teletubby says goodbye a fourth time- they pop out of a hole in the house and say "Bye-bye!". For special episodes, and at the end of the "Fun With The Teletubbies" cassette, all four Teletubbies say "Bye-bye" in this way. Many of the occurances of the show, including the end sequence, and the scene preceding the the short film broadcast on a characters tummy were shot only once, and the same scenes are used in each episode.
]


===Main characters===
The ] environment is an evocation of a ]'s perception of the world, where they are ordered about and told to go to sleep, while wonderful and mysterious things happen without explanation. A prominent feature of each episode is a radiant ] that has an image of a smiling baby superimposed upon it. The baby in the sun occasionally laughs out loud in short bursts. To adults the laughter does not seem to be in response to any stimulus or humorous developments in the plot line of the episode.
* {{anchor|Tinky Winky}}'''Tinky Winky''' (played by ] and ] in the original series and by ] in the revival series)<ref>{{cite news|last=Krage|first=Jeremiah|title=Showreel: Jeremiah Krage|url=http://www.jeremiahkrage.com|url-status=dead|access-date=22 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404182836/http://www.jeremiahkrage.com/|archive-date=4 April 2016}}</ref> is the first Teletubby, as well as the largest and oldest of the group. He is covered in purple ] and has a ] ] on his head. He often carries a red bag.
* {{anchor|Dipsy}}'''Dipsy''' (played by ] in the original series and by ] in the revival series)<ref name="Zap2it Cast">{{cite web|title=Teletubbies Cast – Zap2it|url=http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/teletubbies/cast/EP00224776?aid=zap2it|publisher=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530124458/http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/teletubbies/cast/EP00224776?aid=zap2it|archive-date=30 May 2013}}</ref> is the second Teletubby. He is green and named after his antenna, which resembles a ]. Dipsy is the most stubborn of the Teletubbies, and will occasionally refuse to go along with the others' group opinion. His face is notably darker than the rest of the Teletubbies, and the creators have stated that he is ].<ref name="16things">{{cite news| title=Teletubbies: 16 things you didn't know|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10903566/Teletubbies-16-things-you-didnt-know.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10903566/Teletubbies-16-things-you-didnt-know.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=24 December 2014|access-date=5 April 2016|work=]|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He often wears a large hat with a black and white pattern.
* {{anchor|Laa-Laa}}'''Laa-Laa''' (played by Nikky Smedley in the original series and by Rebecca Hyland in the revival series)<ref name="Zap2it Cast" /> is the third Teletubby. She is yellow and has a curly antenna. Laa-Laa is very sweet, likes to sing and dance, and is often shown looking out for the other Teletubbies. Her favourite toy is an orange rubber ball.
* {{anchor|Po}}'''Po''' (played by ] in the original series and by Rachelle Beinart in the revival series)<ref name="Zap2it Cast" /> is the fourth Teletubby, as well as the shortest and youngest. She is red and has an antenna shaped like a stick used for blowing ]s. Po normally speaks in a soft voice and has been stated by the show's creators to be ];<ref name="16things" /> she sometimes speaks ]. Her favourite toy is a blue and pink scooter.


===Supporting characters===
The Teletubbies' diet seems to consist exclusively of Tubby Custard (which is sucked through a spiral straw bowl) and Tubby Toast (circular toast with a smiley face on it). One of their companions is the Noo-Noo, a sentient, self-propelled ].
* '''Noo-Noo''' (operated by Mark Dean in the original series and Victoria Jane and Olly Taylor in the revival series)<ref name="Teletubbies Credits">{{cite book |title=Teletubbies Authors|oclc = 60547993}}</ref> is a sentient vacuum cleaner who acts as both the Teletubbies' guardian and housekeeper. He hardly ever ventures outside the Tubbytronic Superdome, instead remaining indoors and constantly cleaning with his sucker-like nose. He communicates through a series of slurping and sucking noises. He occasionally misbehaves and sucks up anything from tubby toast to blankets, which prompts the Teletubbies to call him "Naughty Noo-Noo" and give chase. He was blue in the original series and had orange, pink and yellow stripes in the revival series.
* The '''Voice Trumpets''' (voiced by ], ], ], Gary Stevenson, Alex Hogg, ], ] and ] in the original series, ], ], ] and ] used in the US series from PBS, and ], ], ], ], ] and ] in the revival series)<ref name="Teletubbies Characters">{{Cite web|url=https://us.teletubbies.com/about-teletubbies/|title=About Teletubbies|website=Teletubbies}}</ref> are several devices resembling periscopes that rise from the ground and interact with the Teletubbies, often engaging in games with them and serving as supervisors. They are the only residents of Teletubbyland who speak in complete sentences.
* The '''Sun Baby''' (played by Jess Smith in the original series and Berry (surname unknown) in the revival series)<ref name=TDT>{{cite news|title=The baby from Teletubbies reveals herself|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11310883/The-baby-from-Teletubbies-reveals-herself.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/11310883/The-baby-from-Teletubbies-reveals-herself.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=23 December 2014|author=Agency|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|date=23 December 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> appears at the beginning and end of each episode. She acts as a wake-up call for the Teletubbies.
* Numerous '''rabbits''' are found throughout Teletubbyland, and are depicted by several ] rabbits. The Teletubbies enjoy watching them hop and play. The rabbits are the only type of Earth animal found in the land, and take residence in rabbit holes and bushes. They are hardly ever seen in the Magical Events, apart from the Lion and Bear (edited sketch).
* The '''Tubby Phone''' (voiced by ])<ref name="Teletubbies Characters" /> is a character in the revival series. Tubby Phone has the ability to make "Tubby Phone dance" and Teletubbies dance after they push the button on the phone. At one point, it has the ability to make Tubby photos.
* The '''Tiddlytubbies''' (voiced by ]) are baby Teletubbies appearing in the revival series. Their names are Mi-Mi, Daa Daa, Baa, Ping, RuRu, Nin, Duggle Dee and Umby Pumby.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dhx-media-announces-teletubbies-season-two-574465461.html|title=DHX Media Announces Teletubbies Season Two|agency=]|date=4 April 2016|access-date=24 May 2016}}</ref> The Tiddlytubbies would get their own spin-off animated web series in 2018.


==Release==
Machines like the Noo-Noo, voice trumpets, and the televisions in the Teletubbies' stomachs were designed to show small children, who are born into a world surrounded by strange and powerful electronic gadgets, that technology is benevolent and helpful, not something to be afraid of.
On 31 March 1997, the first episode of ''Teletubbies'' aired on ] on the ] programming block. It filled a time slot previously held by '']''. This schedule change initially received backlash from parents, but the show was not moved.<ref name="Tegna">{{cite news| title=To Teletubby or not to Teletubby|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/to-teletubby-or-not-to-teletubby-1235645.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220526/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/to-teletubby-or-not-to-teletubby-1235645.html |archive-date=26 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=12 October 1997|access-date=27 May 2016|publisher=]|work=]}}</ref> The programme's unconventional format quickly received attention from the media, and it was attracting two million viewers per episode by August.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/teletubbies-to-get-grown-up-help-with-their-baby-talk-1247240.html|title=Teletubbies to get grown-up help with their baby talk|newspaper=]|date=24 August 1997|access-date=24 May 2016|last=McCann|first=Paul|archive-date=30 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730172633/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/teletubbies-to-get-grown-up-help-with-their-baby-talk-1247240.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 1998, '']'' noted that it had "reached cult status" in less than a year on the air.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/120712794/|title=Padded sells|work=]|via=Newspapers.com|date=1 February 1998|access-date=24 May 2016}}</ref>


''Teletubbies'' has been aired in over 120 countries in 45 different languages.<ref>{{cite news|date=11 June 2015|title=Nickelodeon snaps up broadcast and on-demand rights to new Teletubbies|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/nickelodeon-snaps-up-us-broadcast-and-on-demand-rights-to-new-teletubbies/042196|url-status=dead|access-date=23 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613073530/http://www.licensing.biz/news/read/nickelodeon-snaps-up-us-broadcast-and-on-demand-rights-to-new-teletubbies/042196|archive-date=13 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/teletubbies-will-return-to-tv-after-14-years-which-actor-will-star-201584|title=Teletubbies Will Return After 14 Years: See Which British Actor Will Star in New TV Show!|work=]|publisher=]|date=4 August 2015}}</ref> In the United States, the series airs on ]'s sister channel, the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/11/teletubbies-reboot_n_7561434.html|title=Nickelodeon Is Rebooting The 'Teletubbies'|publisher=]|work=]|date=11 June 2015|access-date=24 June 2015|last=Whitney|first=Erin}}</ref><ref name="DHX">{{cite web|url=http://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/major-tv-deal-for-brand-new-incarnation-of-hit-preschool-series/|title=DHX Media's ''Teletubbies'' heads to the US with Nick Jr. and the Noggin app|work=DHX Media|date=11 June 2015|access-date=31 March 2016|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127183651/http://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/major-tv-deal-for-brand-new-incarnation-of-hit-preschool-series/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Episodes were also released through the Nick Jr. mobile application and on-demand services.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/11/bbcs-teletubbies-reboot-picked-nickelodeon|title=Teletubbies reboot picked up by Nickelodeon|magazine=]|publisher=]|date=11 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Teletubbies: Where to Watch|url=http://us.teletubbies.com/about-teletubbies/where-to-watch/|work=Teletubbies.com|publisher=]|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref> The original series is available as part of the ] subscription service in North America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.streamingmedia.com/PressRelease/Noggin-Nickelodeons-Preschool-Video-Subscription-Service-Expands-to-New-Platforms-and-Adds-Eight-Premium-Series-to-Content-Slate_40093.aspx|title=Noggin, Nickelodeon's Preschool Video Subscription Service, Expands to New Platforms and Adds Eight Premium Series to Content Slate|work=Streaming Media|publisher=]|date=11 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Noggin's Teletubbies|url=http://nutmegcreative.com/work/noggin-teletubbies/|work=Nutmeg Creative|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528213348/http://nutmegcreative.com/work/noggin-teletubbies/|archive-date=28 May 2016|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref> It aired on ] in the United States from 6 April 1998 to 29 August 2008. ] channels carry the series in most of Africa, Asia and Poland.<ref name="animation">{{cite web|url=http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/dhx-inks-ten-teletubbies-broadcast-deals/|title=DHX inks ten ''Teletubbies'' broadcast deals|work=AnimationMagazine.net|date=24 March 2016}}</ref> A Spanish dub airs on ] in Spain.<ref name="newswire">{{cite web|url=http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/dhx-media-adds-10-more-broadcast-deals-for-the-new-teletubbies-573339351.html|title=DHX Media adds 10 more broadcast deals for the new ''Teletubbies''|work=Newswire.ca}}</ref> In Greece, the series airs on ].<ref>{{cite news| title=Teletubbies – Nickelodeon Greece|url=http://www.nickelodeon.gr/seires/teletubbies|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506052613/http://www.nickelodeon.gr/seires/teletubbies|archive-date=6 May 2016|access-date=23 May 2016|publisher=]}}</ref> ] carries the show in the Netherlands and ] airs it in Hungary.<ref name="animation" /> In Australia and New Zealand, the series airs on CBeebies Australia<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbeebies.com/australia/teletubbies|title=Teletubbies – CBeebies Australia|publisher=BBC|access-date=30 June 2015|archive-date=12 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812093452/http://www.cbeebies.com/australia/teletubbies|url-status=dead}}</ref> and ]. ]'s Benelux feed airs the series and ] airs it in Serbia.<ref name="newswire" /> ''Teletubbies'' also airs on ] in Portugal and ] in the Middle East.<ref name="animation" /> In ], the series aired over-the-air on ] six days a week, attracting by mid-1998 an audience of 78,000 viewers, and twice a week on cable, on the ]. The series also gave a notable subscription drive for Singapore Television Twelve's magazine, owing to Teletubby plush toys sweepstakes.<ref>{{cite news |date=2 August 1998 |title=It's a roly-poly gang hold-up |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19980802-1.2.65.4 |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=The Straits Times}}</ref>
In 2001, production was cancelled and it was announced that no new episodes would be produced.
(However, BBC ran a few in the can episodes from mid 2001 to early 2002) It is often alleged that this was due to substantial pay rise demands by the previously anonymous actors portraying the Teletubbies. However, since the four years of production had exceeded the target audience's age span, it was deemed that continuation was unnecessary, and the existing 365 episodes will be played in re-runs for years to come.


A redubbed version of the 2015 reboot premiered on ] on 14 November 2022 featuring ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|title='Teletubbies' Reboot With Tituss Burgess Set at Netflix|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/netflix-teletubbies-reboot-tituss-burgess-1235213235/|website=]|date=7 September 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}}</ref>
The Teletubbies' landscape is an outdoor set located in rural ], ], at Sweet Knowle Farm, Redhill Bank Rd, Whimpstone, CV37 8NR (between ] and ], close to the ]<ref>Sweet Knowle Farm is at coordinates {{coord|52.125515|-1.703446|type:landmark|name=Sweet Knowle Farm}}</ref>). It was reported that by 2002 the set had become overgrown, and pending the 2003 lease expiry it was expected to become farmland again.


==Production==
Tinky Winky has a red handbag, Dipsy has a cow-print hat, Laa-Laa an inflatable orange ball and Po a scooter.
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
The show was created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport after the BBC requested their pitch for a show aimed at preschoolers. Inspired by Davenport's interest in ]s, specifically ] and the first ], as well as their concern about "how children were reacting to the increasingly technological environment of the late 1990s", the two put together a pitch which the BBC picked up.<ref name="Howwemade">{{cite news |last1=Tims |first1=Anna |title=How we made: Teletubbies |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/jun/03/how-we-made-teletubbies |newspaper=The Guardian |date=3 June 2013 |access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref>


Finding a shooting location was a challenge, as they wanted to film the production outside but was unable to locate a place "with a suitable bowl-like dip". They ended up filming on a farm in ],<ref name="ourwarwickshire-org"/> where they had previously shot '']''.<ref name="Howwemade"/> Due to problems with a previous television show shooting at the location, the shooting was protested by the locals, although they calmed down after being assured that "it was a low-key children's programme and no one would be aware of the filming".<ref name="Howwemade"/> After the show took off, though, its popularity caused the land to be overrun by the press. In 2013, due to the continued trespassing, its owner, Rosemary Harding, had the location filled with water and turned into a small pond: "People were jumping fences and crossing cattle fields. We’re glad to see the back of it."{{CN|date=April 2024}}
== Character summary ==
===Tinky Winky (purple)===
(], Mark Heenehan, Simon Shelton): Male. He is the largest of the Teletubbies, with a triangular antenna on his head. Tinky Winky is notable for the red luggage (described by the show as a "magic bag", but often described by other media as a ]<!-- Not a "purse", which is something else in UK English. -->) he carries. His character has caused much controversy due to allegations that his character's behaviour carried homosexual undertones. He is also found dancing in a ballet-style tutu from time to time, which is also often worn by La-La.


According to Davenport, the press was particularly interested in getting photos of the actors in their Teletubby costumes without their heads on. Eventually, the team took measures to secure their privacy, including blindfolding visitors coming to the set and creating a tent for the actors to change in secret.<ref name="Howwemade"/>
===Dipsy (green)===
(John Simmit): Male. He has a straight ] antenna on his head, hence his name. His favorite item to wear and carry with him is his black and white hat. Dipsy is the most obstinate of the characters, and will sometimes refuse to go along with the other Tubbies' group opinion. His face is also notably darker than the rest of the Teletubbies.


The artist who originally drew the characters that would become the Teletubbies was the illustrator and caricaturist Jonathan Hills, who also designed digital images for television programmes including '']''.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2020/08/30/jonathan-hills-artist-drew-figures-became-teletubbies-obituary/ | title=Jonathan Hills, artist who drew the figures that became the Teletubbies – obituary | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=30 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/people-and-business-tubby-rewards-1081599.html | title=People and Business: Tubby rewards | newspaper=] | date=19 March 1999}}</ref> In 2022 a sample from a collection of original drawings were presented by Hills' widow Lucy on the BBC show '']''. The collection was valued, by expert ], at up to £80,000.{{CN|date=April 2024}}
===Laa-Laa (yellow)===
(Nikky Smedley): Female. She has a curly antenna and is very concerned with the welfare of all. She's the best singer of all the teletubbies. "Drama queen", party-girl and mother type. Her favourite thing is a bouncy, orange ball which is almost as big as her.


===Po (red)=== ==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Teletubbies episodes}}
(]): Female. Her antenna is short with a circle on top. Po is the smallest of all the Teletubbies and often the one who gets into innocent trouble. Her favorite thing is her scooter as she calls it ("Po 'cooter!"). Of all the Teletubbies, Po usually becomes most involved with the audience.
{{:List of Teletubbies episodes}}


===Noo-Noo=== ==Promotion==
===Merchandising===
No gender specified. Noo-Noo seems to be the Teletubbies housekeeper or cleaner, due to his resemblance to a ], which is his initial purpose in the house. He hardly ventures outside, instead remaining indoors and constantly cleaning with his sucker-like nose. He does not speak like the other characters, instead communicating through a series of slurping and sucking noises. At times, Noo-Noo gets annoyed with the Teletubbies antics and can vacuum their food or toys. This usually prompts the Teletubbies to scold Noo-Noo through a cry of "Naughty Noo-Noo!". Usually after this, Noo-Noo flees and the Teletubbies pursue him comically around the house until they grow tired, are distracted by something, or forgive Noo-Noo. This sequence ends with them hugging him, or with him shooting out their absorbed objects.
]
] distributed the first line of ''Teletubbies'' dolls shortly after the programme's debut.<ref>{{cite news| title=Start young, work hard and keep on trusting in success|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/2876392/Start-young-work-hard-and-keep-on-trusting-in-success.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/2876392/Start-young-work-hard-and-keep-on-trusting-in-success.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=9 February 2004|access-date=14 April 2016|work=]|location=London|last=Tyler|first=Richard}}{{cbignore}}</ref> They were sold internationally, with talking toys available in multiple languages.<ref>{{cite news| title=Achtung, Teletubby is teaching baby to speak German|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1313325/Achtung-Teletubby-is-teaching-baby-to-speak-German.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1313325/Achtung-Teletubby-is-teaching-baby-to-speak-German.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=5 January 2001|access-date=14 April 2016|work=]|location=London|last=Stokes|first=Paul}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ] signed on to develop a new range of products in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|title=Toy store pulls Teletubby doll|url=http://lubbockonline.com/stories/102398/LA0773.shtml#.V0rlNJMrI_U|date=23 October 1998|access-date=25 May 2016|work=]|publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701095359/http://lubbockonline.com/stories/102398/LA0773.shtml#.V0rlNJMrI_U|archive-date=1 July 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1999, ] released a set of interactive "ActiMates" toys based on the characters.<ref>{{cite news| title=Eh-oh! What is Bill Gates doing to our Tubbies?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/1999/jan/31/life1.lifemagazine3|date=31 January 1999|access-date=29 May 2016|work=]|last=McClellen|first=Jim}}</ref> The Rasta Imposta company introduced ''Teletubbies'' costumes for children and adults in the same year.<ref name="Blythe2011">{{cite book|author=Daniel Blythe|title=Collecting Gadgets and Games from the 1950s–90s|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nLhiBwAAQBAJ&pg=PA167|date=13 December 2011|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-1-84468-105-1|pages=167–}}</ref> Two educational ]s featuring the characters were also released throughout the series' run.<ref>{{cite web|title=Teletubbies 2: Favourite Games|url=http://www.museumofplay.org/online-collections/22/66/109.10907|publisher=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528205014/http://www.museumofplay.org/online-collections/22/66/109.10907|archive-date=28 May 2016|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Play with the Teletubbies: Early Childhood Game Review|url=http://www.ign.com/games/play-with-the-teletubbies/ps-15049|website=]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528204915/http://www.ign.com/games/play-with-the-teletubbies/ps-15049|archive-date=28 May 2016|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref>


''Teletubbies'' dolls were the top-selling Christmas toy in 1997.<ref>{{cite news| title=Top-selling Christmas toy from each of the past 30 years revealed|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/family/top-selling-christmas-toy-each-6940354|date=3 December 2015|access-date=14 April 2016|work=]}}</ref><ref name="Holland2004">{{cite book|author=Patricia Holland|title=Picturing Childhood: The Myth of the Child in Popular Imagery|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TEsBAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA67|date=23 January 2004|publisher=I.B.Tauris|isbn=978-0-85771-564-7|pages=67–}}</ref> Demand outstripped supply at most retailers, reportedly prompting many shops to ration them to one per customer.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/30764.stm|title=Teletubbies bigger than Buzz|date=13 November 1997|access-date=14 April 2016|publisher=]}}</ref> In some cases, shoppers camped outside stores overnight in hopes of purchasing ''Teletubbies'' merchandise.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailypress.com/1998/03/29/toy-stores-preparing-for-the-inevitable-craze-for-teletubby-items/|title=Toy Stores Preparing for the Inevitable Craze For Teletubby Items|last=Lenz|first=Kimberly|date=29 March 1998|access-date=14 April 2016|work=]|publisher=]|archive-date=27 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127183925/http://articles.dailypress.com/1998-03-29/features/9803270293_1_teletubby-items-toys-plush|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ghouri|first=Nadene|date=26 December 1997|title=Toy stories 1997|work=]|publisher=TGP Capital|url=https://www.tes.com/article.aspx?storycode=74716|url-status=dead|access-date=14 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817084934/https://www.tes.com/news/tes-archive/tes-publication/toy-stories-0|archive-date=17 August 2016}}</ref> Fights over the toys broke out among parents and collectors on occasion.<ref name="Company2012">{{cite book|author=Official Charts Company|title=Million Sellers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0zQDAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT311|date=20 November 2012|publisher=Music Sales Group|isbn=978-0-85712-882-9|pages=311–}}</ref><ref name="Brewer2013">{{cite book|author=Susan Brewer|title=Famous Character Dolls|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y95laWk98uoC&pg=PA64|year=2013|publisher=Casemate Publishers|isbn=978-1-84468-094-8|pages=64–}}</ref> Over one million dolls were sold in Britain by 25 December of that year, with Golden Bear representatives estimating that sales could have reached three million if supplies had been available.<ref>{{cite news| title=Teletubbies are top toy|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/news/teletubbies-are-top-toy-1.140411|date=24 December 1997|access-date=14 April 2016|newspaper=]}}</ref> The plush toys were named "Toy of the Year" by the ] in 1998.<ref>{{cite web| title=Toy of the Year 1997: Eh-oh! It's the Teletubbies!|url=http://www.toyretailersassociation.co.uk/toy-year-1997|access-date=14 April 2016|publisher=]}}</ref>
==Teletubbies and the instruments==
*]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]
*]: ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]
*]: ], ], ], ], ]s, ], ]s, ]s, ], and ]
*]: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]


Kids' meal tie-ins have been released at ]s throughout North America. In May 1999, ] distributed a set of six ''Teletubbies'' plush toys.<ref>{{cite web| title=Fries with your Teletubby? Fast food titans fight for market share with toys|url=https://money.cnn.com/1999/05/21/busunu/fast_food_pkg/|date=21 May 1999|publisher=]}}</ref> They also included ]s shaped like the characters on their menu for a brief period of time.<ref name="RubinRubin2008">{{cite book|author1=Jordan Rubin|author2=Nicki Rubin|title=Great Physician's Rx for Children's Health|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GTBoaJPAIkoC&pg=PA7|date=1 January 2008|publisher=Thomas Nelson Inc|isbn=978-1-4185-7240-2|pages=7–}}</ref> Keychains modelled after the characters were available at ] in April 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Time for Teletubbies. at McDonald's, April 2000|url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/time-teletubbiesat-mcdonalds-april-2000|date=14 April 2000|work=QSR Magazine|publisher=QSR}}</ref> These promotions became controversial among adults who believed they were intended to attract toddlers to high-fat food.<ref name="Schor2014">{{cite book|author=Juliet B. Schor|title=]|date=19 August 2014|publisher=Scribner|isbn=978-1-4391-3090-2|pages=–}}</ref> Psychiatrist ] considered the deals "troubling."<ref>{{cite magazine| title=Is advertising to kids wrong? Marketers respond|url=http://kidscreen.com/2000/11/01/30304-20001101/|date=1 November 2000|magazine=]}}</ref> He voiced his opinion on the matter publicly, but did not take action against the companies.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.br-online.de/jugend/izi/english/e-elliott.htm|title=Television and the Teletubbies: A reflection from early childhood service providers in Australia|last=Elliott|first=Roslyn|publisher=]}}</ref>
==Teletubbies 10th Anniversary events==
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the premiere of Teletubbies, a series of events took place at the end of March through the beginning of April 2007. <ref name="tenth anniversary"> {{cite news | author=Rusak, Gary | date=], ] | title=Teletubbies celebrate 10th anniversary in high style | publisher=KidScreen Magazine | url=http://www.kidscreen.com/articles/daily/20070312/teletubbies.html}} </ref>
*The characters appeared outside of Teletubbyland for the first time on ], ] in London, England at an invitation-only event to officially begin the programme's tenth anniversary year sponsored by BBC Worldwide, the programme's licensees.
*They appeared in the United States for the first time. They made appearances in ] ], ], and ]. They also appeared on ] on ] ]. The episode included the first ever televised interview with the actors outside of their costumes.
*A partnership was formed with ] in which Isaac designed Teletubbies-inspired bags to be ]ed off to benefit the ] and ] charities.
*A new line of clothing was launched to be sold in the Pop-Up Shop and other specialty stores.
*] ] announced ], ] "Teletubbies Day" and gave the ] to the Teletubbies.
]


Two ]s featuring the characters were manufactured by Jolly Roger.<ref>{{cite web|title=New licensed character ride for Jolly Roger|url=http://yourguides.net/vending/companies/jolly-roger-amusement-rides-ltd/news|publisher=YourGuides|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619235606/http://yourguides.net/vending/companies/jolly-roger-amusement-rides-ltd/news|archive-date=19 June 2010|access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref> They were available at some amusement parks and arcades, such as ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Teletubbies Carousel Ride|url=http://www.photo-me.co.uk/retailers/kiddies-rides/carousels/teletubbies-carousel/|publisher=Photo-Me|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029125329/http://www.photo-me.co.uk/retailers/kiddies-rides/carousels/teletubbies-carousel/|archive-date=29 October 2014|access-date=29 May 2016}}</ref>
===TakeTheTeletubbiesTest.com===
launched on ] ]. On the website, users can create profiles, take "tests", ask Po questions, and submit their own pictures and videos. There was also a station set up at the Teletubbies Pop-Up Shop where visitors could record themselves giving their reactions to the Teletubbies programme and upload it onto the website.


Overseas ''Teletubbies'' merchandise sales throughout the 1990s delivered €136 million in profits for the BBC.<ref>{{cite news| title=Mini millionaires: Five who made their fortunes from children's cartoons|url=http://www.thejournal.ie/mini-millionaires-five-who-made-their-fortunes-from-childrens-cartoons-147125-Jun2011/|date=1 June 2011|access-date=5 April 2016|work=]|publisher=Distilled Media}}</ref> By the time of the programme's cancellation, ''Teletubbies'' toys had generated over £200 million in revenue for co-creator Anne Wood alone.<ref>{{cite news| title=Ragdoll puts sales joint venture with BBC Worldwide on the market|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2013/jan/29/ragdoll-end-sales-joint-venture-bbc-worldwide|date=29 January 2013|access-date=27 May 2016|work=]|last=Sweney|first=Mark}}</ref> In 2005, Chris Hastings and Ben Jones of '']'' called ''Teletubbies'' "the most lucrative show in BBC television history."<ref>{{cite news| title=Teletubbies top BBC overseas sales at £120m|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1499688/Teletubbies-top-BBC-overseas-sales-at-120m.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1499688/Teletubbies-top-BBC-overseas-sales-at-120m.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=2 October 2005|access-date=5 April 2016|work=]|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
===Pop-Up Shop===
]
*A Pop-Up Shop opened in ] ] from ] to ], ].<ref name="popup shop"> {{cite news| title=Teletubbies Pop-Up Shop | url=http://www.taketheteletubbiestest.com/love_it/}} </ref> The opening night party was DJ'ed by MisShapes. A percentage of the store's profits went to the ] and ] charities.
*DJs from all different genres of music (], ], ], ], ] and ]) played in the store in the evenings. Some evenings included DJ ] lessons and record spin art.
*On ], ], the store held a 12-hour Teletubbies viewing ].


In 2021, WildBrain, who owns the Teletubbies brand, launched a , with merchandise proceeds going towards efforts to expand LGBTQ images and inclusion in children’s and family programming.
===Teletubbies live events===
Following the Teletubbies' appearance in ], they went on their first live European tour, performing shows in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].


===Are You the 5th Teletubby?=== ===Live events===
]
Also in celebration of the Teletubbies' 10th anniversary, a contest is being held at where fans can create videos of themselves as the "5th Teletubby," a character of their own creation. Audio and video clips from the show are available on the website for the entrants to use in creating their videos.
To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the premiere of ''Teletubbies'', a series of events took place from March to April 2007.<ref name="tenth anniversary">{{cite news | author=Rusak, Gary | date=12 March 2007 | title=Teletubbies celebrate 10th anniversary in high style | publisher=KidScreen Magazine | url=http://www.kidscreen.com/articles/daily/20070312/teletubbies.html}}</ref> The characters headlined an invitation-only event in ] on 21 March 2007. They appeared in ]'s ], ], and ]. They were also interviewed on ] '']'' in an episode that included the first televised appearance of the actors without their costumes. A partnership was formed with ] in which Mizrahi designed Teletubbies-inspired bags to be ]ed off to benefit charities. A new line of clothing was launched at the Pop-Up Shop<ref name="popup shop">{{cite news|title=Teletubbies Pop-Up Shop|url=http://www.taketheteletubbiestest.com/love_it/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510045401/http://www.taketheteletubbiestest.com/love_it/|archive-date=10 May 2007}}</ref> and other speciality stores. ] ] announced 28 March 2007 "Teletubbies Day" and gave the ] to the Teletubbies. Following their show in New York, the Teletubbies went on their first live European tour, performing in London, ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news| title=Teletubbies reunite for free tour|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/6014858/Teletubbies-reunite-for-free-tour.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/6014858/Teletubbies-reunite-for-free-tour.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=12 August 2009|access-date=20 May 2016|work=]|location=London}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


In January 2016, costumed ''Teletubbies'' characters appeared at the ].<ref>{{cite news|title=TOY FAIR 2016: Teletubbies join Character Options for toy unveiling|url=http://www.toynews-online.biz/news/read/toy-fair-2016-teletubbies-join-character-options-for-toy-unveiling/045926|date=26 January 2016|access-date=17 April 2016|publisher=ToyNews|archive-date=12 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212084124/http://www.toynews-online.biz/news/read/toy-fair-2016-teletubbies-join-character-options-for-toy-unveiling/045926|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April 2016, the series' premiere on the Greek Nickelodeon channel was advertised with a series of appearances by the Teletubbies at malls throughout ].<ref>{{cite news|date=13 April 2016|title=Eλάτε να γνωρίσετε τα Teletubbies από κοντά το Σάββατο 16/04 στο Avenue!|trans-title=Come and meet Teletubbies up close on Saturday 16/04 at Avenue!|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://www.nickelodeon.gr/nea/story/3127/elate-na-gnorisete-ta-teletubbies-apo-konta-to-savvato-16-04-sto-avenue|access-date=29 May 2016|archive-date=29 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529191138/http://www.nickelodeon.gr/nea/story/3127/elate-na-gnorisete-ta-teletubbies-apo-konta-to-savvato-16-04-sto-avenue|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=16 April 2016|title=Ραντεβού με τα Teletubbies|language=el|trans-title=Appointment with Teletubbies|publisher=Athinorama|url=http://www.athinorama.gr/child/article/rantebou_me_ta_teletubbies__-2513592.html|access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> This began with a live show at Avenue Mall on 16 April, which featured both the Teletubbies and a host from the network.<ref>{{cite news|date=16 April 2016|title=Τα TELETUBBIES αποκλειστικά για μια μέρα στην ΑΘήνα|language=el|trans-title=TELETUBBIES exclusively for one day in Athens|work=Pamebolta.gr|publisher=Avenue Mall Athens|url=https://pamebolta.gr/event/2016/04/14613/ta-teletubbies-apokleistika-gia-mia-mera-stin-athina|access-date=23 May 2016}}</ref> Throughout May 2016, the characters appeared on various ] to promote the upcoming series debut on the Nick Jr. Channel in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 May 2016|title=Teletubbies Takeover Chicago's WGN Morning News|newspaper=]|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/community/chi-ugc-article-teletubbies-takeover-chicagos-wgn-morning-ne-1-2016-05-19-story.html|url-status=dead|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520113942/http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/community/chi-ugc-article-teletubbies-takeover-chicagos-wgn-morning-ne-1-2016-05-19-story.html|archive-date=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=18 May 2016|title=The Teletubbies return to TV|work=]|publisher=]|url=http://www.wtsp.com/entertainment/television/studio10/the-teletubbies-return-to-tv-1/198776346|access-date=27 May 2016}}{{Dead link|date=August 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
==Tinky Winky controversies==
One of the Teletubbies, Tinky Winky, started a still hinted-at controversy in 1999 due to his carrying a bag that looks much like a woman's handbag<!--not "purse", which has a different meaning in UK English--> (although he was first "]" by the academic and cultural critic Andy Medhurst in a letter of July 1997 to '']'').


==Reception==
A February 1999 article in the ''National Liberty Journal'', published by evangelical pastor ], warned parents that Tinky Winky could be a hidden ] symbol, because "he is purple, the ] colour, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle, the gay pride symbol".
===Critical reception===
]'s Emily Ashby found that "while the show's examples of cooperative play, wonder, and simple joys are gentle and pleasing, the creatures can still be a little grating to parents watching along."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/teletubbies-2016|title=Teletubbies TV Review – Common Sense Media|work=]|last=Ashby|first=Emily|date=17 May 2016|access-date=28 May 2016}}</ref> Caryn James of '']'' stated in her review that the episodes "offer a genuinely appealing combination: cute and slightly surreal."<ref>{{cite news| title=TELEVISION REVIEW; Teletubbies Say Eh-Oh, And Others Say Uh-Oh|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/06/arts/television-review-teletubbies-say-eh-oh-and-others-say-uh-oh.html|date=6 April 1998|access-date=5 June 2014|last=James|first=Caryn|work=]}}</ref>


Upon the show's release, some critics feared that the characters' use of babbling in place of complete sentences would negatively affect young viewers' ability to communicate. The '']'' reported in 1997 that many parents objected to its "goo-goo style" and "said the show was a bad influence on their children."<ref>{{cite news|title=TELETUBBIES: Are They Harmless Fun or Bad for Our Children?|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-61096732|work=]|date=23 May 1997}}{{dead link|date=July 2021}}</ref> Marina Krcmar, a professor of communication at the ], told interviewers in 2007 that "toddlers learn more from an adult speaker than they do from a program such as ''Teletubbies''."<ref>{{cite news| title=Teletubbies can't beat people in teaching first words|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-education-toddlers-teletubbies-idUSL2889488920070701|date=1 July 2007|access-date=27 May 2016|publisher=]|work=]}}</ref> However, Paul McCann of '']'' defended this aspect of the show, stating that "''Teletubbies'' upsets those who automatically assume that progressive and creative learning is trendy nonsense. Those who believe that education should be strictly disciplined and functional, even when you're 18 months old. Thankfully ''Teletubbies'' isn't for them. It's for kids."<ref name="Tegna" />
A spokesman for Itsy Bitsy Entertainment Co., who licenses the characters in the ], said that the bag was just a ] bag. "The fact that he carries a magic bag doesn't make him a homosexual. It's a children's show, folks. To think we would be putting sexual innuendo in a children's show is kind of outlandish", he added.


===Tinky Winky controversy===
In May 2007, Polish Ombudsman for Children ] revisited the matter, and planned to order an investigation.<ref> on the Polish gay Tellytubby controversy</ref> She said in the ] ] edition of ] magazine '']'' that the woman's handbag-carrying Tinky Winky could promote ].
], 1999.]]
]s from ''Wprost'' mentioned claims the Teletubbies promote homosexuality, to which Sowińska replied that she had heard of the issue. The journalists then asked about Tinky Winky. "I noticed that he has a woman's handbag, but I didn't realize he's a boy", Sowińska told the magazine in an interview her office approved before publication, adding: "Later I learned that there could be some hidden homosexual undertones." Sowińska said she would ask her office's ]s to look into the allegations "and judge whether it can be shown on public television and whether the suggested problem really exists."
Controversy arose in 1999 concerning Tinky Winky and him carrying a bag that looks much like a woman's ]<!--not "purse", which has a different meaning in British English--> (although he was first "]" by the academic and cultural critic Andy Medhurst in a letter from July 1997 to '']'').<ref>{{cite news| title=The Outing of Tinky Winky|url=http://priceonomics.com/the-outing-of-tinky-winky/|access-date=27 May 2016|publisher=Priceonomics}}</ref> He aroused the interest of ] in 1999 when Falwell alleged that the character was a "] role model". Falwell issued an attack in his ''National Liberty Journal'', citing a '']'' "In/out" column which stated that ] comedian ] was "out" as the chief national gay representative, while trendy Tinky Winky was "in". He warned parents that Tinky Winky could be a covert homosexual symbol, because "he is ], the ] colour, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle: the ]."<ref>{{cite news| title=Falwell Sees Gay in a Teletubby | work=The New York Times| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/11/us/national-news-briefs-falwell-sees-gay-in-a-teletubby.html|date=11 February 1999|access-date=6 November 2010| agency=Agence France-Presse}}</ref> The BBC made an official response, explaining that "Tinky Winky is simply a sweet, technological baby with a magic bag."<ref name="Kraidy2007">{{cite book|author=Kraidy|title=Hybridity, OR the Cultural Logic of Globalization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z7-c1qL_VMIC&pg=PA106|date=1 September 2007|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-1100-2|pages=106–|via=]}}</ref> Kenn Viselman of Itsy-Bitsy Entertainment commented, "He's not gay. He's not ]. He's just a character in a children's series."<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3Ms7azOI8UgC|pages=106–107|title=Hybridity, Or the Cultural Logic of Globalization|author=Marwan Kraidy|isbn=978-1-59213-144-0|year=2005|publisher=Temple University Press|via=]}}</ref>


But on ] ], Sowińska said in a public statement that she no longer suspected the Teletubbies of promoting homosexuality. She said: "The opinion of a leading ], who maintains that this series has no negative effects on a child's psychology, is perfectly credible. As a result I have decided that it is no longer necessary to seek the opinion of other psychologists."<ref>"Polish watchdog backs away from Teletubbies probe", ''cbc.ca'', ] ], , retrieved ] ]</ref> In May 2007, ] ] revisited the matter, and planned to order an investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6698753.stm|title=Poland targets 'gay' Teletubbies|author=Adam Easton|work=BBC News|date=28 May 2007}}</ref> "I noticed that he has a woman's handbag, but I didn't realise he's a boy", Sowińska said in a public statement. She asked her office's ]s to look into the allegations. After the research in late 2007, she stated: "The opinion of a leading ], who maintains that this series has no negative effects on a child's psychology, is perfectly credible. As a result, I have decided that it is no longer necessary to seek the opinion of other psychologists."<ref>{{Cite news|date=30 May 2007|title=Polish watchdog backs away from Teletubbies probe|publisher=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/polish-watchdog-backs-away-from-teletubbies-probe-1.685924|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601222610/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tv/story/2007/05/30/teletubby-poland-noprobe.html|archive-date=1 June 2007}}</ref>


Despite the objections, the '']''{{'}}s editors included Tinky Winky as the only fictional character in the 2008 inaugural "]", alongside 99 real-life adults recognised for making Britain a better and happier place.<ref name="list2009">{{cite news|title=The IoS Happy List 2008 – the 100|newspaper=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-ios-happy-list-2008--the-100-816335.html|url-status=dead|access-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422160042/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/the-ios-happy-list-2008--the-100-816335.html|archive-date=22 April 2009}}</ref>
In an unrelated incident reported in 2000, a girl's Tinky Winky toy reportedly said "I got a gun". Kenn Viselman, then chairman of the Itsy Bitsy Entertainment Co., claimed the toy actually said "Again, again!", a catchphrase from the show. <ref name="tinky gun">{{cite news | author=Dotinga, Randy | date= ], ] | title= Lawsuit to Target Teletubbies for Gun Talk | publisher= APBNews| url=http://web.archive.org/web/20000510155551/www.apbnews.com/newscenter/breakingnews/2000/04/12/teletubbies0412_01.html}}</ref>


In response to this controversy, the gay community embraced the Teletubbies, with Tinky Winky leading pride parades<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herscher |first=Elaine |date=1999-02-12 |title=S.F. Gays Like Idea of Parading Tinky Winky / Teletubby gets votes to be grand marshal |url=https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/s-f-gays-like-idea-of-parading-tinky-winky-2947221.php |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}</ref> and being featured on restaurant menus with themed items.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-08 |title=The Wholly Unsurprising Story Behind Tinky Winky's Elevation As A Gay Icon |url=https://junkee.com/gay-icon-tinky-winky/192924 |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Junkee}}</ref> In 2021, WildBrain, owner of the Teletubbies brand, declared their support for the LGBTQ+ community with the statement "Teletubbies Love Pride." The company released a limited collection of merchandise with proceeds supporting ]. In a statement, WildBrain said, "The Teletubbies have always embraced their own offbeat quirkiness and sense of style. This Pride Month, we're celebrating that 'love who you are' spirit through our Collection of ready-to-rave fashion that makes Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po very proud."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-20 |title=The Teletubbies embrace Pride, more than two decades after 'gay' Tinky Winky scandal |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/teletubbies-embrace-pride-gay-tinky-winky-scandal-120005359.html |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=Yahoo Life}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=TELETUBBIES CELEBRATE THEIR "LOVE WHO YOU ARE" SPIRIT WITH BIG HUGS AND READY-TO-RAVE FASHION DURING 2021 PRIDE MONTH |url=https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/wildbrains-teletubbies-celebrate-their-love-who-you-are-spirit-with-big-hugs-and-ready-to-rave-fashion-during-2021-pride-month/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=WildBrain |archive-date=30 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430174941/https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/wildbrains-teletubbies-celebrate-their-love-who-you-are-spirit-with-big-hugs-and-ready-to-rave-fashion-during-2021-pride-month/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was followed up by a 30-piece gender-fluid adult fashion collection commemorating Pride 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WILDBRAIN'S TELETUBBIES CELEBRATE PRIDE 2022 WITH COLORFUL ELLESSE AND GOGUY FASHION COLLABORATION |url=http://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/wildbrains-teletubbies-celebrate-pride-2022-with-colorful-ellesse-and-goguy-fashion-collaboration/ |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=WildBrain|date=27 June 2022 }}</ref>
In September, ], in a hazing ritual for the ], pitcher ] and his translator, Masa Hoshino, dressed as Dipsy and Tinky Winky, respectively.<ref></ref>


===''The Lion and the Bear'' controversy===
==Alternative names==
{{More citations needed section|date=April 2024}}
Teletubbies has been ]ed for many different countries, sometimes involving a change of title.
The "magical event" that features a cut-out ] chasing a cut-out ] was criticised for its unsettling cinematography, music, and character design and was deemed inappropriate for children. It was subsequently banned in several countries.<ref>{{Cite web|last=SickChirpse|date=2018-09-17|title=There Was An Episode of Teletubbies That Was So Creepy It Was Banned From Television|url=https://www.sickchirpse.com/episode-teletubbies-so-creepy-banned-television/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Sick Chirpse|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=WATCH: This episode of Tellytubbies was so creepy it was banned from TV|url=https://www.joe.ie/movies-tv/watch-episode-tellytubbies-creepy-banned-tv-615007|access-date=2021-02-19|website=JOE.ie|date=4 February 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In 2000, a revised version of the sketch was aired with adjusted editing, sound design, and voice acting to improve the tone;<ref>{{Cite web|last=quackersaurusrex|date=2018-12-04|title=The Lion and Bear – a masterpiece in horror without even trying|url=http://willdoartforfood.com/the-lion-and-bear-a-masterpiece-in-horror-without-even-trying/|access-date=2021-02-19|website=Will Do Art For Food|language=en-US|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927195109/http://willdoartforfood.com/the-lion-and-bear-a-masterpiece-in-horror-without-even-trying/|url-status=dead}}</ref> both versions have been posted online several times.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
*텔레토비 - ] title
*Teletubbies (テレタビーズ) - ] title (])
*ტელეღიპუცები - ] title
* تيليتابيز - ] title
*טלטאביז - ] title
*天線得得B - ] title
*天線寶寶 - ] title (tiānxiànbǎobǎo)
*天线宝宝 - ] title (tiānxiànbǎobǎo)
*Teletupsud - ] title
*Teletapit - ] title
*Les Télétubbies - ] title
*Stubbarnir - ] title
*Teletubbanna - ] title
*Teletubbiene - ] title
{{Col-break}}
*Teletubisie - ] title
*Телепузики (Telepuziki) - ] title
*Telebajski -]
*Teletobi (꼬꼬마 텔레토비) - ] title
*Teletabiai - ] title
*Los Teletubbies (pronounced /te.leˈtub.bis/) - ]n title
*Телетабиси - ] title
*Teletabiler - ] title
*Teledo'mboqlar - ] title
*เทเลทับบี้ - ] title
*Teletubbies- Swedish title
*Teletybis - ] title
*Τελετάμπις - Greek title
{{Col-end}}


===Cult following===
== Broadcasters around the world ==
Although the programme is aimed at children between the ages of one and four, it had a substantial ] with older generations, mainly ] and ] ]s.<ref name="Company2012"/><ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=Gutenko |first=Gregory |url=https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED419257 |title=Deconstructing Teletubbies: Differences between UK and US college students' reading of the children's television programme. |date=1998 |publisher=College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City |location=Kansas City, Missouri, USA |pages=1 |quote=(The campus activities calendar at Imperial College in London includes the airtimes and episode highlights for each show) .}}</ref><ref name="Brewer2010">{{cite book|author=Susan Brewer|title=Collecting Classic Girls' Toys|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=J92wBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA153|date=19 July 2010|publisher=Remember When|isbn=978-1-78337-521-9|pages=153–}}</ref> The mixture of bright colours, unusual designs, repetitive non-verbal dialogue, ritualistic format, and occasional forays into physical comedy appealed to many who perceived the programme as having ] qualities.<ref>{{cite news| title=Uh-Oh! The 'Teletubbies' Are Making A Psychedelic Comeback|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/16/teletubbies-bbc-_n_5499988.html|date=16 June 2014|access-date=27 May 2016|work=]|last=Toomer|first=Jessica|publisher=]}}</ref> Shortly after the premiere of the show, at ], the campus activities calendar included airtimes and episode highlights.<ref name=":0" />
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
*Spain: ]
*Korea: ]
*France: ]
*Switzerland: ], ] and ]
*Netherlands: ]
*New Zealand: ]
*UK: ] and ]
*China: ]
*Denmark: ]
*Norway: ]
*Finland: ]
*Estonia: ] (Formerly ])
*USA: ]
*Malaysia: ]
*Russia: ]
{{Col-break}}
*Poland: ] and ]
*Brazil: ]
*Australia: ]
*Canada: ], ] and ]
*Sweden: ]
*Italy: ]'s RAISat Yo-Yo (Italian website: )
*Israel: ],]


===Awards and nominations===
*Singapore: ]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:99%"
*Greece: ]
|-
*Bulgaria ]
! Year !! Presenter !! Award/Category !! Nominee !! Status !! Ref.
*Iceland: ]
|-
*Germany: ]
| rowspan="3" | 1997
*Japan: ]
| ]
*Dominican Republic: Telecentro
| Best Midlands-Produced Children's Television Production
*Hong Kong: ] World
| rowspan="4" | ]
*Portugal: ]
| rowspan="4" {{won}}
*Belgium: ]
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbcworldwide.com/report/highligh/awards/page00.htm|title=BBC worldwide awards 97/98|publisher=]|access-date=27 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908193655/http://www.bbcworldwide.com/report/highligh/awards/page00.htm|archive-date=8 September 2015}}</ref>
{{Col-end}}
|-
| ]
| Grand Prize (Pre-School Education)
| <ref>{{cite web|title=1997 Japan Prize Winners|url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/jp-prize/english/1997/gprix.html|work=NHK.or.jp|publisher=]|access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Children's Entertainment Award
| <ref>{{cite web|title=Educational Television Award Winners 1997|url=https://rts.org.uk/award/educational-television-awards-1997|work=RTS.org.uk|date=24 January 2011|publisher=]|access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" | 1998
| ]
| Best Pre-School Programme
| <ref name="bafta-1998">{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=1998|title=Past Winners and Nominees&nbsp;– Children's&nbsp;– Awards&nbsp;– 1998|publisher=]|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-date=23 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523180502/http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=1998|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| New Product of the Year
| ]
|
| <ref>{{cite news|title=Teletubbies win award|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60918943.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911025738/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-60918943.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2016|work=]|date=25 April 1998}}</ref>
|-
| Online Film & Television Association
| Best Children's Series
| rowspan="10" | ]
| rowspan="2" {{nominated}}
| <ref name="Awards-17">{{cite news|title=Ragdoll Productions Awards|url=http://www.ragdoll.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Awards-17-Nov-15.pdf|work=Ragdoll.co.uk|date=17 November 2015|access-date=30 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701102800/http://www.ragdoll.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Awards-17-Nov-15.pdf|archive-date=1 July 2016}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming
| <ref name="Awards-17" />
|-
| UK Independent Television Productions Awards
| NATS Children's Award
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/dhx-media-announces-licensing-deals-in-china-for-teletubbies-and-in-the-night-garden/|title=DHX Media Announces Licensing Deals in China for Teletubbies and In the Night Garden...|publisher=]|date=24 April 2014|access-date=2 December 2014|archive-date=7 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607181251/http://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/dhx-media-announces-licensing-deals-in-china-for-teletubbies-and-in-the-night-garden/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" | 1999
| ]
| Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series
| {{nominated}}
| <ref>{{cite news| title=Teletubbies Nominated for Emmy Award|url=http://www.cwn.org.uk/business/a-z/r/ragdoll/1999/04/990408-emmy.htm|date=8 April 1999|access-date=4 January 2014|publisher=Coventry & Warwickshire|last=Bates|first=Chris}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Overall License of the Year
| rowspan="2" {{won}}
| <ref>{{cite news|title=Itsy Bitsy fulfills license 'Po'-tential|url=https://business.highbeam.com/2012/article-1G1-54852759/itsy-bitsy-fulfills-license-potential|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805013513/https://business.highbeam.com/2012/article-1G1-54852759/itsy-bitsy-fulfills-license-potential|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 August 2016|work=]|date=8 June 1999}}</ref>
|-
| Independent Television Productions Awards
| Nickelodeon UK Children's Award
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/agreements-signed-with-bbc-worldwide-asia-and-shanghai-v-pop-for-china/|title=Agreements signed with BBC Worldwide Asia and Shanghai V-Pop for China|publisher=]|date=24 April 2014|access-date=2 December 2014|archive-date=12 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712015309/http://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/agreements-signed-with-bbc-worldwide-asia-and-shanghai-v-pop-for-china/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming
| {{nominated}}
| <ref>{{cite news|title=TV Notes: WPXI to add anchor; where is Avedesian?|url=http://old.post-gazette.com/tv/19990615tv4.asp|work=]|date=15 June 1999|access-date=30 December 2015|last=Owen|first=Rob|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304065930/http://old.post-gazette.com/tv/19990615tv4.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2000
| Independent Television Productions Awards
| Audiocall Indie Children's Award
| {{won}}
| <ref name="Publications2003">{{cite book|author=Europa Publications|title=The International Who's Who 2004|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sR4Ch1dMe8IC&pg=PA1830|year=2003|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-1-85743-217-6|pages=1830–}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series
| {{nominated}}
| <ref>{{cite magazine| title=Teletubbies shortlisted for daytime Emmy|url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/teletubbies-shortlisted-for-daytime-emmy/1192638.article|date=29 March 2000|access-date=4 January 2014|magazine=]}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Education Award
| rowspan="5" {{won}}
| <ref>{{cite web|title=Educational Television Award Winners 2000|url=https://rts.org.uk/award/educational-television-awards-2000|work=RTS.org.uk|date=24 January 2011|publisher=]|access-date=12 January 2015}}</ref>
|-
| ]
| Outstanding Contribution in Children's Television and Film
| ]
| <ref>{{cite news| title=Children's favourites honoured|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1020282.stm|date=12 November 2000|access-date=4 January 2014|publisher=]}}</ref>
|-
| 2002
| ]
| Best Pre-School Live Action Series
| rowspan="3" | ]
| <ref name="bafta-2002" />
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2014
| rowspan="2" | Prix Jeunesse
| "Most Edgy" Programme of the Last 50 Years
| <ref name="PJWinners">{{cite news|date=12 November 2000|title=PRIX 2014 Prize Winners|publisher=Prix Jeunesse International|url=http://prixjeunesse.de/images/PDF/PRIX_2014_PrizeWinners.pdf|url-status=dead|access-date=4 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127190114/http://prixjeunesse.de/images/PDF/PRIX_2014_PrizeWinners.pdf|archive-date=27 January 2016}}</ref>
|-
| Greatest Impact Programme of the Last 50 Years
| <ref name="PJWinners" />
|}


== See also == ==Other media==
===In popular culture===
*]
* In 2012, during both the second and third series of ]'s '']'', the programme was referenced as ''] Teletubbies'' (여의도 텔레토비) to portray the ]. This experimental skit caused the popularity of SNL Korea's "Crew", ] and ], who acted major candidates respectably, to skyrocket.<ref>, Kyunghyang Shinmun, 7 November 2012, Retrieved on 19 January 2013.</ref>
*]
* A parody of the series was featured in the 2013 '']'' episode "]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Regular Show: "Sleep Fighter"|url=https://www.avclub.com/regular-show-sleep-fighter-1798177516|access-date=2021-06-18|website=The A.V. Club|date=30 July 2013 |language=en-us}}</ref>
*], the type of building they live in
* On 28 May 2022, to promote the franchise's 25th anniversary, the Teletubbies made an appearance on '']'' in the ], where they "auditioned" by performing covered songs from their "Ready, Steady, Go!" album, as well as other songs such as Beyonce's “]” and One Direction's “]”.<ref>{{cite web|title=WILDBRAIN'S TELETUBBIES SURPRISE SIMON COWELL WITH A TUBBY-TASTIC AUDITION ON THIS WEEK'S "BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT" TO CELEBRATE THEIR 25TH ANNIVERSARY|url=https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/wildbrains-teletubbies-surprise-simon-cowell-with-a-tubby-tastic-audition-on-this-weeks-britains-got-talent-to-celebrate-their-25th-anniversary/ |website=]|access-date=8 September 2023|language=en |date=28 May 2022}}</ref> At the end of the performance, they gave ], who helped them release their song that got to number 1, a big hug onstage.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Tina |title=Britain's Got Talent: The Teletubbies surprise Simon Cowell by auditioning for show |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/britains-got-talent-2022-the-teletubbies-audition-simon-cowell-b1002881.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=9 January 2023 |language=en |date=29 May 2022}}</ref>
*]


==References== ===CD single===
{{Main|Teletubbies say "Eh-oh!"}}
<references/>
In December 1997, ] released a CD single from the series, based on the show's theme song, called "Teletubbies say 'Eh-oh!{{' "}} It is the only single from ''Teletubbies'', making the characters a ] in the United Kingdom. The song was written by ] and ], and produced by McCrorie-Shand and Steve James. The single reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1997, and remained in the Top 75 for 32 weeks after its release.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/37712.stm|title=Teletubbies top the charts|publisher=]|date=7 December 1997|access-date=29 December 2008}}</ref>


==External links== ===Games===
In 1998, ] released '']'' for ]. It was later ported to the ] in 2000, and was later released in the United States by ].
* '''Official:''' ,
* '''Broadcaster:''' (UK), (US)
*{{imdb title|id=0142055|title=Teletubbies}}
*


In December 2017, ''Teletubbies Play Time'' was released worldwide for mobile devices by ].<ref>{{cite web |title=IT'S PLAY TIME WITH THE NEWEST TELETUBBIES APP FROM DHX BRANDS |url=https://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/play-time-newest-teletubbies-app-dhx-brands/ |website=dhxmedia.com |access-date=3 October 2018 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003221121/https://www.dhxmedia.com/newsreleases/play-time-newest-teletubbies-app-dhx-brands/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*
*


==Spinoffs==
* , a licensee
===''Teletubbies Everywhere''===
'''''Teletubbies Everywhere''''' is a spin-off of ''Teletubbies'' that aired on ] on 1 July 2002. In the United States, the segment premiered on 20 January 2003 on PBS Kids,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-08-15 |title=New Teletubbies series to debut in January |url=https://www.giftsanddec.com/business-news/new-teletubbies-series-to-debut-in-january/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Gifts & Decorative Accessories |language=en-US}}</ref> usually replacing the original first half of the Teletubbies episodes.

''Teletubbies Everywhere'' are 10-minute episodes that teach about colours, shapes, numbers, simple concepts such as up and down or big and small, and culture.

''Teletubbies Everywhere'' does not take place in Teletubbyland. Instead, it takes place in a variety of coloured backgrounds that change between segments. Each episode follows the same format which includes 4-5 segments (between the intro and ending).

===''Tiddlytubbies'' animated web series===
{{primary sources section|find=Tiddlytubbies |find2=animated series |date=April 2021}}
In 2018, a spin-off animated web series featuring the Tiddlytubbies characters debuted on the official Teletubbies ] channel.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=Teletubbies ★ NEW Tiddlytubbies Cartoon Series! ★ Episode 1: The Baby Bouncer ★ Cartoons for Kids| date=20 April 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwCXCyR9hdQ| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/zwCXCyR9hdQ| archive-date=2021-10-30|publisher=]|language=en|access-date=2020-02-13|via=]}}{{cbignore}}</ref> These shorts are animated by ], a subsidiary of ] that produces content for the ] network.

===''Teletubbies: Ready, Steady, Go!''===
A CGI-animated music-focused spin-off titled ''Teletubbies: Ready, Steady, Go!'', produced by WildBrain Spark Studios, premiered in September 2021 and was eventually pre-sold overseas.<ref name="wildbrain.com">{{cite web | url=https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/wildbrain-says-eh-oh-to-the-enduring-popularity-of-the-teletubbies-celebrating-a-wave-of-new-partnerships-and-activations/ | title=Wildbrain Says "Eh Oh!" to the Enduring Popularity of the Teletubbies, Celebrating a Wave of New Partnerships and Activations| date=16 May 2023}}</ref>

The series tied into an album that was released digitally and on CD on 15 October 2021, and was made to prepare for the franchise's 25th Anniversary. Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services handled global distribution rights to the album.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/teletubbies-rsg/ | title=Wildbrain's Teletubbies Get Ready to Rave with New Music Album Ready, Steady, Go! | access-date=8 September 2023 | archive-date=8 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908192257/https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/teletubbies-rsg/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

===''Teletubbies: Let's Go!''===
A CGI-animated spin-off called ''Teletubbies: Let's Go!'' was announced by WildBrain on 15 September 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.c21media.net/news/wildbrain-says-teletubbies-lets-go-in-cg-animated-preschool-spin-off/ | title=WildBrain says Teletubbies, Let's Go! In CG-animated preschool spin-off}}</ref> and premiered in October of that year on the show's YouTube channel. As with the other online spin-offs, it was produced by WildBrain Spark Studios, and consists of 52 five-minute shorts.

The spin-off was also pre-sold internationally, with ] obtaining UK broadcast rights.<ref name="wildbrain.com"/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{BBC programme}}
{{Sister project links|v=no|s=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|d=Q41403|n=Category:Teletubbies|b=no}}
* {{facebook|teletubbies}}
* {{twitter|teletubbieshq}}
* {{instagram|teletubbieshq}}
*
*
*
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616121956/http://www.nickpress.com/series/teletubbies|date=16 June 2017}}
* {{IMDb title|0142055}}


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Latest revision as of 18:46, 25 December 2024

British children's television series "Dipsy" redirects here. For the football player, see Dipsy Selolwane.

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Teletubbies" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (April 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Teletubbies
Created byAnne Wood
Andrew Davenport
Developed byRagdoll Productions (original series)
Darrall Macqueen (revival series)
Written byAndrew Davenport
Catherine Williams
Directed byDavid G Hillier
Vic Finch
Nigel P Harris
Bob Jacobs
Martin Scott
Paul Gawith
Nicky Hinkley
Jack Jameson
Richard Bradley
Dermot Canterbury
Iwan Watson
Matt Rene
StarringOriginal series:
Dave Thompson
Simon Shelton
John Simmit
Nikky Smedley
Pui Fan Lee
Mark Dean
Jess Smith
Robin Stevens
Toyah Willcox
Revival series:
Jeremiah Krage
Nick Kellington
Rebecca Hyland
Rachelle Beinart
Olly Taylor
Berry Smith
Victoria Jane
Luisa Guerreiro
Voices ofOriginal series:
Toyah Willcox
Penelope Keith
John Simmit
Gary Stevenson
Alex Hogg
Alex Pascall
Rudolph Walker
Eric Sykes
Mark Heenehan
Sandra Dickinson (US)
John Schwab (US)
Toni Barry (US)
Rachael Lillis (US)
Dena Davis (US)
Revival series:
Jane Horrocks
Jim Broadbent
Fearne Cotton
Antonia Thomas
Teresa Gallagher
Rob Rackstraw
David Walliams
Rochelle Humes
Ralph Reay
Narrated byOriginal series:
Tim Whitnall
Toyah Willcox (titles and credits only)
Rolf Saxon (US)
Revival series:
Daniel Rigby
Antonia Thomas (titles and credits only)
Tituss Burgess (US version of 2015 reboot)
Opening theme"Teletubbies say 'Eh-oh!'"
ComposersAndrew McCrorie-Shand (original series)
Robert Hartley
BBC Philharmonic
Richie Webb
Matt Katz (revival series)
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series5 (original series)
4 (revival series)
No. of episodes365 (original series)
120 (revival series)
Total: 485 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producersAnne Wood
David G Hillier
Vic Finch (original series)
Maddy Darrall
Billy Macqueen (revival series)
Production locationsWimpstone, England (1997–2001)
Twickenham Studios, West London, England (2015–18)
Running timeOriginal series:
25 minutes (series 1-5)
Revival series:
15 minutes (series 1-4)
Production companiesOriginal series:
Ragdoll Productions
BBC
Revival series:
DHX Media
Darrall Macqueen
Ingenious
Original release
NetworkBBC Two
Release31 March 1997 (1997-03-31) –
16 February 2001 (2001-02-16)
NetworkCBeebies
Release9 November 2015 (2015-11-09) –
12 October 2018 (2018-10-12)

Teletubbies is a British children's television series created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport for the BBC. The programme focuses on four differently coloured characters known as the Teletubbies, named after the television screens on their bellies. Recognised throughout popular culture for the uniquely shaped antenna protruding from the head of each character, the Teletubbies communicate through gibberish and were designed to bear resemblance to toddlers.

The series rapidly became a commercial success in Britain and abroad. It won multiple BAFTA awards and was nominated for two Daytime Emmys throughout its run. A single based on the show's theme song reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1997 and remained in the Top 75 for 32 weeks, selling over a million copies. By October 2000, the franchise generated over £1 billion ($1.6 billion) in merchandise sales.

Though the original run ended in 2001, a rebooted series was green-lit in 2014. The reboot premiered on CBeebies in the United Kingdom and on the Nick Jr. Channel in the United States. The reboot ran for 120 episodes, with the last episode airing on the Nick Jr. Channel on 17 August 2018.

The original series returned to the United States on 25 May 2016, when every episode was added to the Noggin streaming service, including episodes that had never aired in America before.

Plot

The programme takes place in a grassy, floral landscape populated by rabbits with bird calls audible in the background. The main shelter of the four Teletubbies is an earth house known as the "Tubbytronic Superdome" implanted in the ground and accessed through a hole at the top or an especially large semicircular door at the dome's foot. The Teletubbies co-exist with a number of strange contraptions such as the Voice Trumpets and the group's anthropomorphic blue vacuum cleaner ("Noo-Noo"). The show's colourful psychedelic setting was designed specifically to appeal to the attention spans of infants and unlock different sections of the mind while also educating young children of transitions that can be expected in life.

An assortment of rituals is performed throughout the course of every episode, such as the playful interactions between the Teletubbies and the Voice Trumpets, mishaps caused by the Noo-Noo, the footage of children displayed on the screens on the Teletubbies' stomachs, and the magical event that occurs once per episode. The event differs each time; it is often caused inexplicably and is frequently strange yet whimsical. Each episode is closed by the Voice Trumpets and the narrator. The disappointed, reluctant, but eventually obedient Teletubbies bid farewell to the viewer as they go back to the Tubbytronic Superdome while the Sun Baby sets.

Characters

The main characters. From left to right: Dipsy, Laa-Laa, Po, and Tinky-Winky

Main characters

  • Tinky Winky (played by Dave Thompson and Simon Shelton in the original series and by Jeremiah Krage in the revival series) is the first Teletubby, as well as the largest and oldest of the group. He is covered in purple terrycloth and has a triangular antenna on his head. He often carries a red bag.
  • Dipsy (played by John Simmit in the original series and by Nick Kellington in the revival series) is the second Teletubby. He is green and named after his antenna, which resembles a dipstick. Dipsy is the most stubborn of the Teletubbies, and will occasionally refuse to go along with the others' group opinion. His face is notably darker than the rest of the Teletubbies, and the creators have stated that he is Black. He often wears a large hat with a black and white pattern.
  • Laa-Laa (played by Nikky Smedley in the original series and by Rebecca Hyland in the revival series) is the third Teletubby. She is yellow and has a curly antenna. Laa-Laa is very sweet, likes to sing and dance, and is often shown looking out for the other Teletubbies. Her favourite toy is an orange rubber ball.
  • Po (played by Pui Fan Lee in the original series and by Rachelle Beinart in the revival series) is the fourth Teletubby, as well as the shortest and youngest. She is red and has an antenna shaped like a stick used for blowing soap bubbles. Po normally speaks in a soft voice and has been stated by the show's creators to be Cantonese; she sometimes speaks the language. Her favourite toy is a blue and pink scooter.

Supporting characters

  • Noo-Noo (operated by Mark Dean in the original series and Victoria Jane and Olly Taylor in the revival series) is a sentient vacuum cleaner who acts as both the Teletubbies' guardian and housekeeper. He hardly ever ventures outside the Tubbytronic Superdome, instead remaining indoors and constantly cleaning with his sucker-like nose. He communicates through a series of slurping and sucking noises. He occasionally misbehaves and sucks up anything from tubby toast to blankets, which prompts the Teletubbies to call him "Naughty Noo-Noo" and give chase. He was blue in the original series and had orange, pink and yellow stripes in the revival series.
  • The Voice Trumpets (voiced by Eric Sykes, Toyah Willcox, John Simmit, Gary Stevenson, Alex Hogg, Alex Pascall, Tim Whitnall and Rudolph Walker in the original series, Sandra Dickinson, Toni Barry, Rachael Lillis and John Schwab used in the US series from PBS, and Fearne Cotton, Jim Broadbent, Antonia Thomas, Teresa Gallagher, David Walliams and Rochelle Humes in the revival series) are several devices resembling periscopes that rise from the ground and interact with the Teletubbies, often engaging in games with them and serving as supervisors. They are the only residents of Teletubbyland who speak in complete sentences.
  • The Sun Baby (played by Jess Smith in the original series and Berry (surname unknown) in the revival series) appears at the beginning and end of each episode. She acts as a wake-up call for the Teletubbies.
  • Numerous rabbits are found throughout Teletubbyland, and are depicted by several Flemish Giant rabbits. The Teletubbies enjoy watching them hop and play. The rabbits are the only type of Earth animal found in the land, and take residence in rabbit holes and bushes. They are hardly ever seen in the Magical Events, apart from the Lion and Bear (edited sketch).
  • The Tubby Phone (voiced by Jane Horrocks) is a character in the revival series. Tubby Phone has the ability to make "Tubby Phone dance" and Teletubbies dance after they push the button on the phone. At one point, it has the ability to make Tubby photos.
  • The Tiddlytubbies (voiced by Teresa Gallagher) are baby Teletubbies appearing in the revival series. Their names are Mi-Mi, Daa Daa, Baa, Ping, RuRu, Nin, Duggle Dee and Umby Pumby. The Tiddlytubbies would get their own spin-off animated web series in 2018.

Release

On 31 March 1997, the first episode of Teletubbies aired on BBC2 on the CBBC programming block. It filled a time slot previously held by Playdays. This schedule change initially received backlash from parents, but the show was not moved. The programme's unconventional format quickly received attention from the media, and it was attracting two million viewers per episode by August. In February 1998, The Sydney Morning Herald noted that it had "reached cult status" in less than a year on the air.

Teletubbies has been aired in over 120 countries in 45 different languages. In the United States, the series airs on Nickelodeon's sister channel, the Nick Jr. Channel. Episodes were also released through the Nick Jr. mobile application and on-demand services. The original series is available as part of the Noggin subscription service in North America. It aired on PBS Kids in the United States from 6 April 1998 to 29 August 2008. BBC Studios channels carry the series in most of Africa, Asia and Poland. A Spanish dub airs on Clan in Spain. In Greece, the series airs on Nickelodeon Greece. NPO Zappelin carries the show in the Netherlands and MTVA airs it in Hungary. In Australia and New Zealand, the series airs on CBeebies Australia and ABC Kids. JimJam's Benelux feed airs the series and Ultra airs it in Serbia. Teletubbies also airs on SIC in Portugal and e-Junior in the Middle East. In Singapore, the series aired over-the-air on Premiere 12 six days a week, attracting by mid-1998 an audience of 78,000 viewers, and twice a week on cable, on the Eureka Learning Channel. The series also gave a notable subscription drive for Singapore Television Twelve's magazine, owing to Teletubby plush toys sweepstakes.

A redubbed version of the 2015 reboot premiered on Netflix on 14 November 2022 featuring Tituss Burgess.

Production

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (April 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

The show was created by Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport after the BBC requested their pitch for a show aimed at preschoolers. Inspired by Davenport's interest in astronauts, specifically Apollo 11 and the first Moon landing, as well as their concern about "how children were reacting to the increasingly technological environment of the late 1990s", the two put together a pitch which the BBC picked up.

Finding a shooting location was a challenge, as they wanted to film the production outside but was unable to locate a place "with a suitable bowl-like dip". They ended up filming on a farm in Wimpstone, Warwickshire, where they had previously shot Tots TV. Due to problems with a previous television show shooting at the location, the shooting was protested by the locals, although they calmed down after being assured that "it was a low-key children's programme and no one would be aware of the filming". After the show took off, though, its popularity caused the land to be overrun by the press. In 2013, due to the continued trespassing, its owner, Rosemary Harding, had the location filled with water and turned into a small pond: "People were jumping fences and crossing cattle fields. We’re glad to see the back of it."

According to Davenport, the press was particularly interested in getting photos of the actors in their Teletubby costumes without their heads on. Eventually, the team took measures to secure their privacy, including blindfolding visitors coming to the set and creating a tent for the actors to change in secret.

The artist who originally drew the characters that would become the Teletubbies was the illustrator and caricaturist Jonathan Hills, who also designed digital images for television programmes including Poirot. In 2022 a sample from a collection of original drawings were presented by Hills' widow Lucy on the BBC show Antiques Roadshow. The collection was valued, by expert Mark Hill, at up to £80,000.

Episodes

Main article: List of Teletubbies episodes
SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
111831 March 1997 (1997-03-31)31 December 1997 (1997-12-31)
21261 January 1998 (1998-01-01)31 December 1998 (1998-12-31)
3561 January 1999 (1999-01-01)17 December 1999 (1999-12-17)
43031 July 2000 (2000-07-31)22 December 2000 (2000-12-22)
5351 January 2001 (2001-01-01)16 February 2001 (2001-02-16)
SeriesEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
1159 November 2015 (2015-11-09)27 November 2015 (2015-11-27)
24518 January 2016 (2016-01-18)4 November 2016 (2016-11-04)
34014 March 2017 (2017-03-14)20 October 2017 (2017-10-20)
4204 June 2018 (2018-06-04)12 October 2018 (2018-10-12)

Promotion

Merchandising

A kiddie ride featuring the Teletubbies characters

Golden Bear Toys distributed the first line of Teletubbies dolls shortly after the programme's debut. They were sold internationally, with talking toys available in multiple languages. Hasbro signed on to develop a new range of products in 1998. In 1999, Microsoft UK released a set of interactive "ActiMates" toys based on the characters. The Rasta Imposta company introduced Teletubbies costumes for children and adults in the same year. Two educational video games featuring the characters were also released throughout the series' run.

Teletubbies dolls were the top-selling Christmas toy in 1997. Demand outstripped supply at most retailers, reportedly prompting many shops to ration them to one per customer. In some cases, shoppers camped outside stores overnight in hopes of purchasing Teletubbies merchandise. Fights over the toys broke out among parents and collectors on occasion. Over one million dolls were sold in Britain by 25 December of that year, with Golden Bear representatives estimating that sales could have reached three million if supplies had been available. The plush toys were named "Toy of the Year" by the British Association of Toy Retailers in 1998.

Kids' meal tie-ins have been released at fast-food restaurants throughout North America. In May 1999, Burger King distributed a set of six Teletubbies plush toys. They also included chicken nuggets shaped like the characters on their menu for a brief period of time. Keychains modelled after the characters were available at McDonald's in April 2000. These promotions became controversial among adults who believed they were intended to attract toddlers to high-fat food. Psychiatrist Alvin Francis Poussaint considered the deals "troubling." He voiced his opinion on the matter publicly, but did not take action against the companies.

Two kiddie rides featuring the characters were manufactured by Jolly Roger. They were available at some amusement parks and arcades, such as Chuck E. Cheese's and Fantasy Island.

Overseas Teletubbies merchandise sales throughout the 1990s delivered €136 million in profits for the BBC. By the time of the programme's cancellation, Teletubbies toys had generated over £200 million in revenue for co-creator Anne Wood alone. In 2005, Chris Hastings and Ben Jones of The Daily Telegraph called Teletubbies "the most lucrative show in BBC television history."

In 2021, WildBrain, who owns the Teletubbies brand, launched a Teletubbies Pride Collection, with merchandise proceeds going towards efforts to expand LGBTQ images and inclusion in children’s and family programming.

Live events

Teletubbies in the Hamley's Toy Parade in 2016

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the premiere of Teletubbies, a series of events took place from March to April 2007. The characters headlined an invitation-only event in London on 21 March 2007. They appeared in New York City's Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and Apollo Theater. They were also interviewed on NBC's The Today Show in an episode that included the first televised appearance of the actors without their costumes. A partnership was formed with Isaac Mizrahi in which Mizrahi designed Teletubbies-inspired bags to be auctioned off to benefit charities. A new line of clothing was launched at the Pop-Up Shop and other speciality stores. New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg announced 28 March 2007 "Teletubbies Day" and gave the key to the city to the Teletubbies. Following their show in New York, the Teletubbies went on their first live European tour, performing in London, Paris, Bremen, Darmstadt, Halle, Hamburg, Köln, and Hannover.

In January 2016, costumed Teletubbies characters appeared at the American International Toy Fair. In April 2016, the series' premiere on the Greek Nickelodeon channel was advertised with a series of appearances by the Teletubbies at malls throughout Athens. This began with a live show at Avenue Mall on 16 April, which featured both the Teletubbies and a host from the network. Throughout May 2016, the characters appeared on various breakfast television programmes to promote the upcoming series debut on the Nick Jr. Channel in the United States.

Reception

Critical reception

Common Sense Media's Emily Ashby found that "while the show's examples of cooperative play, wonder, and simple joys are gentle and pleasing, the creatures can still be a little grating to parents watching along." Caryn James of The New York Times stated in her review that the episodes "offer a genuinely appealing combination: cute and slightly surreal."

Upon the show's release, some critics feared that the characters' use of babbling in place of complete sentences would negatively affect young viewers' ability to communicate. The Daily Mirror reported in 1997 that many parents objected to its "goo-goo style" and "said the show was a bad influence on their children." Marina Krcmar, a professor of communication at the Wake Forest University, told interviewers in 2007 that "toddlers learn more from an adult speaker than they do from a program such as Teletubbies." However, Paul McCann of The Independent defended this aspect of the show, stating that "Teletubbies upsets those who automatically assume that progressive and creative learning is trendy nonsense. Those who believe that education should be strictly disciplined and functional, even when you're 18 months old. Thankfully Teletubbies isn't for them. It's for kids."

Tinky Winky controversy

A group of people in Tinky Winky costumes at Mardi Gras, 1999.

Controversy arose in 1999 concerning Tinky Winky and him carrying a bag that looks much like a woman's handbag (although he was first "outed" by the academic and cultural critic Andy Medhurst in a letter from July 1997 to The Face). He aroused the interest of Jerry Falwell in 1999 when Falwell alleged that the character was a "gay role model". Falwell issued an attack in his National Liberty Journal, citing a Washington Post "In/out" column which stated that lesbian comedian Ellen DeGeneres was "out" as the chief national gay representative, while trendy Tinky Winky was "in". He warned parents that Tinky Winky could be a covert homosexual symbol, because "he is purple, the gay pride colour, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle: the gay pride symbol." The BBC made an official response, explaining that "Tinky Winky is simply a sweet, technological baby with a magic bag." Kenn Viselman of Itsy-Bitsy Entertainment commented, "He's not gay. He's not straight. He's just a character in a children's series."

In May 2007, Polish Ombudsman for Children Ewa Sowińska revisited the matter, and planned to order an investigation. "I noticed that he has a woman's handbag, but I didn't realise he's a boy", Sowińska said in a public statement. She asked her office's psychologists to look into the allegations. After the research in late 2007, she stated: "The opinion of a leading sexologist, who maintains that this series has no negative effects on a child's psychology, is perfectly credible. As a result, I have decided that it is no longer necessary to seek the opinion of other psychologists."

Despite the objections, the Independent on Sunday's editors included Tinky Winky as the only fictional character in the 2008 inaugural "Happy List", alongside 99 real-life adults recognised for making Britain a better and happier place.

In response to this controversy, the gay community embraced the Teletubbies, with Tinky Winky leading pride parades and being featured on restaurant menus with themed items. In 2021, WildBrain, owner of the Teletubbies brand, declared their support for the LGBTQ+ community with the statement "Teletubbies Love Pride." The company released a limited collection of merchandise with proceeds supporting GLAAD. In a statement, WildBrain said, "The Teletubbies have always embraced their own offbeat quirkiness and sense of style. This Pride Month, we're celebrating that 'love who you are' spirit through our Collection of ready-to-rave fashion that makes Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po very proud." This was followed up by a 30-piece gender-fluid adult fashion collection commemorating Pride 2022.

The Lion and the Bear controversy

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The "magical event" that features a cut-out lion chasing a cut-out bear was criticised for its unsettling cinematography, music, and character design and was deemed inappropriate for children. It was subsequently banned in several countries. In 2000, a revised version of the sketch was aired with adjusted editing, sound design, and voice acting to improve the tone; both versions have been posted online several times.

Cult following

Although the programme is aimed at children between the ages of one and four, it had a substantial cult following with older generations, mainly university and college students. The mixture of bright colours, unusual designs, repetitive non-verbal dialogue, ritualistic format, and occasional forays into physical comedy appealed to many who perceived the programme as having psychedelic qualities. Shortly after the premiere of the show, at Imperial College London, the campus activities calendar included airtimes and episode highlights.

Awards and nominations

Year Presenter Award/Category Nominee Status Ref.
1997 City of Birmingham Awards Best Midlands-Produced Children's Television Production Ragdoll Productions Won
NHK Japan Prize Grand Prize (Pre-School Education)
Royal Television Society Children's Entertainment Award
1998 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Pre-School Programme
Marketing Society Awards New Product of the Year Golden Bear Toys
Online Film & Television Association Best Children's Series Ragdoll Productions Nominated
Television Critics Association Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming
UK Independent Television Productions Awards NATS Children's Award Won
1999 Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series Nominated
Licensing Industry Merchandiser's Association Overall License of the Year Won
Independent Television Productions Awards Nickelodeon UK Children's Award
Television Critics Association Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming Nominated
2000 Independent Television Productions Awards Audiocall Indie Children's Award Won
Daytime Emmy Awards Outstanding Pre-School Children's Series Nominated
Royal Television Society Education Award Won
British Academy of Film and Television Arts Outstanding Contribution in Children's Television and Film Anne Wood
2002 British Academy of Film and Television Arts Best Pre-School Live Action Series Ragdoll Productions
2014 Prix Jeunesse "Most Edgy" Programme of the Last 50 Years
Greatest Impact Programme of the Last 50 Years

Other media

In popular culture

CD single

Main article: Teletubbies say "Eh-oh!"

In December 1997, BBC Studios released a CD single from the series, based on the show's theme song, called "Teletubbies say 'Eh-oh!'" It is the only single from Teletubbies, making the characters a one-hit wonder in the United Kingdom. The song was written by Andrew McCrorie-Shand and Andrew Davenport, and produced by McCrorie-Shand and Steve James. The single reached number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in December 1997, and remained in the Top 75 for 32 weeks after its release.

Games

In 1998, BBC Multimedia released Play with the Teletubbies for Microsoft Windows. It was later ported to the PlayStation in 2000, and was later released in the United States by Knowledge Adventure.

In December 2017, Teletubbies Play Time was released worldwide for mobile devices by Built Games.

Spinoffs

Teletubbies Everywhere

Teletubbies Everywhere is a spin-off of Teletubbies that aired on CBeebies on 1 July 2002. In the United States, the segment premiered on 20 January 2003 on PBS Kids, usually replacing the original first half of the Teletubbies episodes.

Teletubbies Everywhere are 10-minute episodes that teach about colours, shapes, numbers, simple concepts such as up and down or big and small, and culture.

Teletubbies Everywhere does not take place in Teletubbyland. Instead, it takes place in a variety of coloured backgrounds that change between segments. Each episode follows the same format which includes 4-5 segments (between the intro and ending).

Tiddlytubbies animated web series

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In 2018, a spin-off animated web series featuring the Tiddlytubbies characters debuted on the official Teletubbies YouTube channel. These shorts are animated by WildBrain Spark Studios, a subsidiary of WildBrain that produces content for the WildBrain Spark network.

Teletubbies: Ready, Steady, Go!

A CGI-animated music-focused spin-off titled Teletubbies: Ready, Steady, Go!, produced by WildBrain Spark Studios, premiered in September 2021 and was eventually pre-sold overseas.

The series tied into an album that was released digitally and on CD on 15 October 2021, and was made to prepare for the franchise's 25th Anniversary. Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Label & Artist Services handled global distribution rights to the album.

Teletubbies: Let's Go!

A CGI-animated spin-off called Teletubbies: Let's Go! was announced by WildBrain on 15 September 2022. and premiered in October of that year on the show's YouTube channel. As with the other online spin-offs, it was produced by WildBrain Spark Studios, and consists of 52 five-minute shorts.

The spin-off was also pre-sold internationally, with ITV obtaining UK broadcast rights.

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