14. Mr Benn
Originally aired in 1971 and 1972, it must have been repeated a brave lot of times because I can remember watching it circa 1983-1985. Mr Benn has evidently had an impact on those who have watched it as it was voted 6th best ever children's programme in a poll for Channel 4 A man with a black suit and black bowler hat leaves his house - 52 Festive Street - and enters a fancy dress shop where a moustachioed, fez hat wearing guy invites him to try on different clothes. As soon as he has the clothes put on, he enters out the back via a magic door and enjoys moral-based capers depending on what he is wearing. When the story is over - Mr Benn goes back to his ordinary life equipped with a momento of where he has just been. A pretty simple concept yields great adventures as Mr Benn visits all sorts of periods in time and all sorts of cultures. A great example of an intelligent and engaging children's show, Mr Benn's bowler hat is a token for times when TV shows for kids were brilliant.