Channel 4: 100 Greatest Kids' TV Shows

Knightmare achieved a creditable 16th place on The 100 Greatest Kids' TV Shows, broadcast on Channel 4 in 2001.

The 100 Greatest Kids' TV Shows was broadcast on 27 August 2001, from 8.30pm to 12.05am. It was presented by Jamie Theakston.

The order was voted for by the public on the Channel 4 website from a shortlist of 100 selected by the producers. This proved controversial since many popular shows were never considered for review.

Knightmare finished in 16th place, ranking above shows such as The Flintstones, Postman Pat, Thunderbirds and Thomas The Tank Engine.

After the show, Channel 4 posted an 'updated' list of the Top 100 where Knightmare had mysteriously fallen five places to 21. But Knightmare fans are happy to claim the higher position on the broadcast.

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The broadcast

Iain Lee: "This is the most exciting thing. It was virtual reality on TV. I think it was first time that had been done. It was sort of Dungeon and Dragons and goblins and trolls and nerdy Pratchett stuff like that. And it was quite witty as well."

A few clips of the first episode of Knightmare were used. Treguard's debut is shown as the badge of 16th place is awarded to Knightmare.

Treguard: "Welcome Watchers of Illusion, to the Castle of Confusion."

Iain Lee: "You'd have jobbing actors coming in, who I'm sure are more than embarrassed by it, pretending to be a jester and stuff, and being a bit wacky and giving clues and stuff."

Treguard: "There is no correct route through the dungeon..."

The first team is shown starting their quest, and tackling various bomb rooms that they encountered in the early stages.

It was the first intelligent game show for kids, I would say. The first one where kids actually had to think.

Iain Lee: "It was actually kids having to work out logistical problems and doing things. It was good, I think."

Treguard: "Farewell, David! You did well, but I'm afraid you came an awful cropper."

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The Top 100

1. The Simpsons
2. The Muppet Show
3. Dangermouse
4. Bagpuss
5. Grange Hill
6. Mr Benn
7. Rainbow
8. Scooby Doo
9. Doctor Who
10. He-Man
11. The Magic Roundabout
12. Rentaghost
13. The Clangers
14. Tom and Jerry
15. Wallace & Gromit
16. Knightmare
17. Hong Kong Phooey
18. The Wombles
19. The Flintstones
20. Worzel Gummidge
21. Maid Marian and her Merry Men
22. Trumpton
23. Postman Pat
24. Thunderbirds
25. Jim'll Fix It
26. Thomas The Tank Engine
27. SM:tv Live
28. Top Cat
29. Jamie and the Magic Torch
30. Roobarb and Custard
31. Blue Peter
32. Sesame Street
33. The Basil Brush Show
34. Chorlton and the Wheelies
35. Banana Splits
36. The Adventure Game
37. Roland Rat
38. The Sooty Show
39. Crackerjack
40. Battle of the Planets
41. Byker Grove
42. Play School
43. Why Don't You
44. Captain Pugwash
45. Multi-Coloured Swap Shop
46. The Tomorrow People
47. Press Gang
48. Batman
49. Tiswas
50. Fingerbobs
51. Captain Scarlet
52. Wide Awake Club
53. Pipkins
54. The Herbs
55. Flowerpot Men
56. Wind in the Willows
57. Animal Magic
58. Metal Mickey
59. Newsround
60. Pob's Programme
61. Black Beauty
62. Andy Pandy
63. Jackanory
64. Lassie
65. Record Breakers
66. The Double Deckers
67. The Snowman
68. The Famous Five
69. Mary, Mungo and Midge
70. How?
71. Michael Bentine's Potty Time
72. Noggin The Nog
73. Pokemon
74. Bob The Builder
75. Skippy
76. Catweazle
77. We Are The Champions
78. Vision On
79. Tales of the Riverbank
80. The Adventures of Robin Hood
81. The Secret Garden
82. Cheggers Plays Pop
83. The Tweenies
84. Just William
85. Pinky and Perky
86. Button Moon
87. Runaround
88. The Woodentops
89. Hector's House
90. Teletubbies
91. Bod
92. Screen Test
93. White Horses
94. HR Pufnstuf
95. Magpie
96. The Singing Ringing Tree
97. Muffin the Mule
98. Chystal Tipps
99. Junior Showtime
100. Do Not Adjust Your Set