Yonderland

At last, a TV show that everyone can enjoy
Michael-Moran1What’s missing from today’s TV schedules is a show that the whole family can watch together. Doctor Who filled that slot for a while, but it’s become a shade too self-referential and pleased with itself for younger viewers.

Pretenders such as Primeval, Atlantis and Merlin are all very well for the under-13s, but struggle to retain the interest of the more seasoned viewer. Yonderland (Sky 1, 6.30pm on Sunday) is the show that the BBC should have made for the crucial Saturday teatime slot. The fact that it’s on Sky TV is, frankly, a national disgrace. Created by the group of actors that made Horrible Histories a children’s TV hit, Yonderland takes the basic idea of 1980s movie Labyrinth and spins it into near-perfect family viewing.

Stressed parents will identify with Debbie Maddox (Martha Howe-Douglas), the mum with a suddenly empty nest who wonders if the elf in her larder is a sign of mental collapse. Teens will be thrilled to be reunited with Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick and Simon Farnaby. The very young will just adore the puppets and the silly voices. And people of my age will just be pleased that everyone else is being quiet for once.

There might possibly be funnier shows launching this autumn. But it seems improbable that there will be one with such finely judged, cross-generational appeal. Be sure to visit a family member this Sunday – but make sure they have a Sky dish first.

NOT TO BE MISSED

TV-Nov08-NotToBeMissed-590

ELVIS COSTELLO: MYSTERY DANCE (BBC Four, Sat, 9pm)
A loving portrait of Costello, one of our finest songwriters, and some rare footage of his dad performing with Joe Loss.

HEBBURN (BBC Two, Tues, 10pm)
This likeable family comedy  starts with a funeral, with classic malingering from Vic Reeves.

TIMESHIFT: BOUFFANTS, BEEHIVES AND BOBS (BBC Four, Wed, 9pm)
Relive your favourite tonsorial gaffs with this social history of the hairdo. Worth watching for Mr Teasy Weasy alone.