'Yes, B2, we’re featured on the home page of australianscreen this week with all the other super duper children’s television on the site.’

In fact B1 never uttered such a long sentence in his life. But the simple-souled Bananas (B1 and close companion B2) proved unexpectedly popular for the ABC in the early 1990s, becoming their number one money spinner. Bananas in Pyjamas bibs, eating bowls, place mats, face washers, spoons, and plush toys leapt off the shelves for a decade. Young men and women born 1990–2000 may now be on a lifelong search for their dream companion – a tall yellow bald gentleman who stays in pyjamas all day.

Many of the kids’ titles on australianscreen are produced by The Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF), a non-profit organisation that’s made a huge contribution to children’s television in Australia. The faceless ‘EC’ from Lift Off was a contemporary of the Bananas and matched them for weirdness AND popularity.

The ACTF have also produced an extensive range of teaching resources to accompany their programs. Have a look at their Learning Centre.