Blue Peter, the world's longest-running children's TV show, has undergone a major revamp to attract a new generation of viewers. The most notable change is the addition of Hacker T Dog, a puppet, as a presenter. Hacker, who previously appeared on CBBC, is the show's first non-human host and brings a comedic edge. 'I'm the first Blue Peter presenter who can't blink,' he joked during a behind-the-scenes tour.
The show has moved to a new studio in central Manchester, featuring a cosy 'apartment style' set with exposed brick walls, upcycled furniture, and greenery. Co-host Joel Mawhinney said the new set 'feels a lot more like an apartment where we're all just having fun,' contrasting with the old studio that felt dated to younger viewers.
Another significant change is that Blue Peter is no longer filmed live, a decision that sparked controversy among fans who feared losing spontaneous moments. However, former presenter Konnie Huq noted that many classic moments, like the infamous 1969 elephant incident, were pre-recorded anyway. Current presenter Abby Cook said the shift to pre-recorded, 'as live' episodes allows for more relaxed performances and potentially more viral content.
The revamp reflects a 'digital first' strategy, targeting the TikTok generation. Last year, 1.8 million under-16s watched Blue Peter weekly, up 13%, with nearly half viewing on iPlayer. The show's YouTube channel saw a 400% increase in views. Episodes now air on CBBC at 5pm on Fridays, but individual segments are also released as box sets on iPlayer and YouTube.
Show editor Ellen Evans explained that the changes respond to how children consume media: 'We've noticed a real shift. More and more kids are watching stuff on demand.' The revamp aims to ensure the 67-year-old show evolves rather than dies, blending its heritage with modern formats.
