Sky Kids channel goes live
February 13, 2023
By Nik Roseveare
Iconic children’s TV franchises Morph, Miffy and Where’s Wally are the subject of a trio of giant artworks on display in London to mark the launch of the new Sky Kids channel.
A three-metre-high statue of the timeless TV character Morph is on display at Potters Fields, next to Tower Bridge. An illuminated Miffy sculpture can be found in Observation Point on Southbank, and a huge Where’s Wally mural was uncovered in Shoreditch.
The characters have been installed to celebrate the launch of a new Sky Kids TV channel which brings 24-hour ad-free programming, curated to follow the rhythm of a child’s day.
Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small, Where’s Wally and The Epic Adventures of Morph are all airing on the new channel, alongside a variety of new Sky Original kids programmes that tackle themes such as climate change, emotional resilience, and mindfulness.
The pop-up experience follows new research by Sky Kids which reveals the nation’s favourite British TV children’s characters of all time. The poll of 2,000 Brits revealed Sky Original character Morph claimed the bronze medal with 19 per cent of the votes, with much-loved puppet duo, Sooty and Sweep, topping the list with 28% of the votes, and Basil Brush in second place (20 per cent).
The nation’s top 20 favourite British children’s characters of all time:
- Sooty and Sweep
- Basil Brush
- Morph
- Winnie the Pooh
- Paddington Bear
- The Wombles
- Bagpuss
- Wallace and Gromit
- The Clangers
- Thomas the Tank Engine
- Postman Pat
- Teletubbies
- Bob the Builder
- Tweenies
- Brum
- Fireman Sam
- Mr Blobby
- Where’s Wally
- Horrid Henry
- Peppa Pig
Half of those surveyed (50 per cent) claim the shows they adored as a child could teach the current crop of youngsters’ important lessons. In fact, of those polled who have kids, 57 per cent have shown their little one’s episodes with their own favourite characters – and 54 per cent said their children enjoyed it. Over two thirds (68 per cent) of parents surveyed also admit to enjoying the TV shows that their children currently watch.
Lucy Murphy, Director of Kids Content at Sky, said: “The new Sky Kids TV channel is finally here with a breadth of new Sky Originals and familiar favourites set to air. Alongside premium entertainment, the new channel will have shows that span important themes including emotional resilience, positive well-being, saving the planet and so much more, providing children and families alike with content that both inspires and entertains at all times of the day.” What better way to mark the occasion than by bringing some of Sky Kids’ most iconic characters to life, because we know when you fall in love with a show when you’re little, it quickly becomes part of everyday family life. The Sky Kids channel will also introduce new faces that will soon be loved just as much.”
Peter Lord, co-founder of the Academy Award-winning Aardman studios and co-creator of Morph, said: “It’s put a huge smile on my face seeing Morph rank so highly on this list of the nation’s favourite TV characters – it’s fantastic that his mischievous-self is loved today just as much as when I created him. Morph was there when today’s parents were kids, and he’ll be there for future generations in the same way. I can’t wait to see him even more on Sky Kids screens for families to enjoy together.”
The Sky Kids package is currently home to over 10,000 episodes on demand and a variety of linear partner channels such as Nick Jr, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. The brand new linear channel is now available at no extra cost for existing Sky Kids customers and NOW Entertainment members.