Blue Peter Ends Live Broadcasts After 66 Years, Adopts Pre-Recorded Format

The BBC transitions the iconic children’s show to a digital-first strategy, citing changing viewer habits and declining audience numbers.

Blue Peter, the world’s longest-running children’s TV show, aired its final live episode on March 21, 2025, after 66 years on air.
The show will now exclusively feature pre-recorded episodes, continuing to air on CBBC, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, and Sign Zone.
The decision reflects a significant decline in viewership, with current weekly audiences dropping to 37,700 from millions at its peak.
Former presenters and the show’s outgoing director have expressed nostalgia and sadness, calling the end of live episodes the 'end of an era.'
The BBC aims to sustain Blue Peter’s legacy by adapting it into a dynamic, digital-first brand to align with evolving audience preferences.