Livewire is a kids' talk show on the U.S. television cable network, Nickelodeon which began in September 1980 and ended in 1985. Livewire was a talk show for kids of all ages, and the show's main focus discussed true current events and stories during those times. The show was taped at the Ed Sullivan Theatre in New York through Reeves Teletape Studios of Sesame Street fame. Livewire was filmed 'live on tape' with a participating audience of about 20-30 teenagers and was hosted initially by Mark Cordray, but Fred Newman eventually replaced Cordray as host. The show was a CableACE Award winner, the first Nickelodeon talk show to achieve that feat. Livewire was the #1 rated show on Nickelodeon in 1982, and never went below #7 in the ratings during the 5 year span of the show.
The show was most famously known for giving relatively unknown bands and singers their first television appearance. Bands and celebrities who got their start on Livewire and those who had made an appearance on Livewire included:
⁕Bow Wow Wow
Freetime was a twice-weekly children's television programme shown on ITV between 1981 and 1985. Produced by Thames Television, it was a magazine format show devoted to hobbies and interests, and was designed to encourage viewers to get out and about rather than staying at home and watching television. It was hosted by the former Magpie presenter Mick Robertson.
He was initially joined on set by Trudy Dance, but she was soon replaced by Kim Goody until it was axed by the network in 1985. On 16 September 1988, Thames Television briefly re-launched Freetime, this time fronted by Andi Peters, but the series was cancelled after its fifteenth and final edition on 23 December 1988.
Lovingly brought to life in this beautifully animated series, Aesop is a friendly wolf who writes and directs plays for a travelling theatre group. Among the members of his company are a would-be writer fox, some mischievous pigs and a tough little rabbit. At first, they do not always get along, since they have to live together in a cramped carriage. However, while spending time working together in the theatre they get to know and understand each other better.
Barney is a short-lived CBBC television programme about an Old English Sheepdog called Barney who has many adventures with best friend Roger the mouse who is constantly seeking fame and fortune and always living on the top of Barney's head inside his hair. Despite attracting a cult following in the UK, it was considered a relative commercial failure and canceled after its first series.
Board the train on which each stop is an opportunity to meet new friends, play games, and practice basic mathematical skills. It’s fun to count, match, sort and help BabyTV’s friendly characters solve simple riddles on the train journey.