Jackanory
Series Overview
Jackanory is a long-running BBC children's television series that was designed to stimulate an interest in reading. The show was first transmitted on 13 December 1965, the first story being the fairy-tale Cap-o'-Rushes read by Lee Montague. Jackanory continued to be broadcast until 1996, clocking up around 3,500 episodes in its 30-year run. The final story, The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne, was read by Alan Bennett and broadcast on 24 March 1996. The show returned on 27 November 2006 for two one-off stories. The show's format, which varied little over the decades, involved an actor reading from children's novels or folk tales, usually while seated in an armchair. From time to time the scene being read would be illustrated by a specially commissioned still drawing, often by Quentin Blake. Usually a single book would occupy five daily fifteen-minute episodes, from Monday to Friday.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
5 Seasons • 87 Episodes
15 min per episode
1965 – Present
Premiered: Mon, Dec 13, 1965
Latest Aired Episode
Season 29, Episode 3: “Surprises”
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Paul Stone
Angela Beeching
Department Leadership Roster
Paul Stone
Director
Angela Beeching
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Jackanory.
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Shows sharing similar genres, audiences, and storylines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackanory
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Jackanory about?
Jackanory is a long-running BBC children's television series that was designed to stimulate an interest in reading. The show was first transmitted on 13 December 1965, the first story being the fairy-tale Cap-o'-Rushes read by Lee Montague. Jackanory continued to be broadcast until 1996, clocking up around 3,500 episodes in its 30-year run. The final story, The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne, was read by Alan Bennett and broadcast on 24 March 1996. The show returned on 27 November 2006 for two one-off stories. The show's format, which varied little over the decades, involved an actor reading from children's novels or folk tales, usually while seated in an armchair. From time to time the scene being read would be illustrated by a specially commissioned still drawing, often by Quentin Blake. Usually a single book would occupy five daily fifteen-minute episodes, from Monday to Friday.
How many seasons does Jackanory have?
Jackanory comprises 5 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Jackanory?
Key cast members in Jackanory include Not specified.
Who created or directed Jackanory?
Jackanory was developed and directed by Paul Stone.