Paddington (TV series)

The series was produced by FilmFair for the BBC, with animation directed by Ivor Wood, who had previously worked on The Herbs and The Wombles. It used stop-motion animation with cut-out style figures, a technique that gave the show a distinctive, handcrafted look. The narration was provided by Michael Hordern, whose warm, avuncular voice became synonymous with the character for many viewers.

The first series of 28 episodes aired in 1976, followed by a second series of 28 episodes in 1980. Episodes were typically 10 minutes long, fitting the BBC's children's programming slots. The show was later broadcast internationally, including in the United States on PBS and in Canada, introducing Paddington to a global audience.¹

Michael Hordern voiced all the characters, including Paddington, the Browns, and Mrs. Bird, using different vocal inflections. This one-man approach was a hallmark of the series, allowing for a consistent and intimate storytelling style. The animation design was based on Peggy Fortnum's original illustrations, with Paddington's blue duffle coat and red hat faithfully reproduced.

The series introduced original characters and situations not in the books, such as the villainous Mr. Curry, who often clashed with Paddington. The show also featured the voices of other actors in later episodes, but Hordern remained the central narrator throughout.

Each episode adapted one of Michael Bond's stories, often combining elements from multiple books. The plots typically involved Paddington's well-meaning but chaotic attempts to help, leading to humorous mishaps. For example, in "Paddington and the Christmas Shopping," he causes a department store display to collapse, while in "Paddington and the Old Master," he mistakes a valuable painting for a repair job.

The series also included original episodes written specifically for television, such as "Paddington and the Finishing Touch," which expanded on the books' world. These new stories maintained the gentle humor and moral tone of the source material, emphasizing kindness and the importance of family.

The series was praised for its faithful adaptation and charming animation, and it won a BAFTA in 1977 for Best Children's Programme. It has been credited with introducing Paddington Bear to a wider audience, cementing his status as a British cultural icon. The show's theme music, composed by Herbert Chappell, is also fondly remembered.²

The 1976 series influenced later adaptations, including the 1997 animated series and the live-action films. It remains a nostalgic favorite, with episodes released on DVD and streaming platforms. In 2016, a special episode was produced to mark the 40th anniversary, featuring new animation but retaining the original style.

One little-known fact is that the series was initially rejected by the BBC due to concerns about the animation style, but it was later accepted after a change in management. Another is that Michael Bond himself made a cameo appearance in one episode, voicing a passerby. The series also featured a rare instance of Paddington speaking directly to the camera, breaking the fourth wall in the episode "Paddington and the Mystery."

The show's production used a technique called "replacement animation," where each frame was photographed with slightly different cut-out pieces, a labor-intensive process. This gave the animation a unique, slightly jerky quality that has become endearing to fans. The series also included a character named Mr. Gruber, who was based on a real antique dealer Bond knew.³

Stop-motion

An animation technique where objects are physically manipulated and photographed frame by frame to create movement.

Cut-out animation

A form of stop-motion using flat characters, props, and backgrounds cut from materials like paper or card.

FilmFair

A British animation studio known for producing children's television programs in the 1960s–1980s.

Ivor Wood

A French-British animator and director, known for his work on Paddington, The Wombles, and Postman Pat.