Children’s television, in my opinion, has had the soul sucked out of it. From the mid-90s, the soundtracks and incidental music became cheap and synthesized and the characters all had to tick boxes created by know-nowts in suits whose eyes looked harder at remits and educational needs rather than creativity and humour. Where we once had the strange and enchanting Clangers, we now have Dora the Explorer. So, after trawling YouTube yesterday for some of my favourite (and more obscure) kids shows, I discovered that I had a fondness for the bizarre and psychedelic. The kinds of kids shows that would never ever be allowed on TV in the current climate. My favourite shows taught me absolutely nothing. They were filled will weird creepy clarinet music and picked guitars bubbling under witty narration… and I still love it! So with that, let’s have a look at 5 of my favourite… and most out-there kids shows. Let’s see which you remember.

1. Mio Mao

Absolutely bonkers Italian claymation starring two curious kittens that could change shape at will. Lessons learned? None. The theme tune is splendid however!

2. Murun Buchstansangur

Quite possibly the most depressing cartoon of all time. Pathos, world weariness, nihilism… I’m not even sure if this was meant for children… but I loved watching it all the same.

3. Ludwig

One of the strangest cartoons ever made. A crystal lives up a tree whilst playing classical music.

4. Crystal Tipps and Alistair

Unfortunately, there’s no sound with this as it’s been replaced with a Talking Heads song. Strangely apt. Psychedelic colours and weird hair… what more could an overactive imagination need?

5. Henry’s Cat

Bob Godfrey is a genius. Anarchic, wild and crude, Henry’s Cat was a trip into the surreal mind of one of Britain’s greatest animators. Henry’s Cat was Monty Python for kids. The shows made no sense and was all the better for it.