The 1970s brought us some unforgettable kids’ shows—though many were unforgettable for how strange or downright creepy they felt! From peculiar puppets to surreal visuals, these programs had a distinct vibe that was often as eerie as it was engaging. Here’s a look back at some ‘70s kids’ shows that left us wondering if they were really for children, even though they were a huge part of our childhoods.
1. H.R. Pufnstuf
Nothing says “strange” quite like a giant talking dragon and a villain with a flying hat. H.R. Pufnstuf was full of larger-than-life puppets, odd landscapes, and a psychedelic atmosphere that could be unsettling for little kids. The bizarre visuals, from Witchiepoo’s crooked grin to the garishly painted sets, made us question what was really going on.
2. Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
This show introduced us to a talking sea monster who befriends two boys—a strange concept by itself. But Sigmund’s squishy, googly-eyed appearance, along with his strange sea-monster relatives, had an eerie quality that made some kids wary of what might be lurking in the ocean.
3. The Banana Splits Adventure Hour
With costumes that were far from cuddly, The Banana Splits felt like an endless fever dream. The animal characters were vaguely unsettling, with exaggerated facial features and clunky movements that gave them a lifeless, robotic vibe—yet they played in a rock band. Throw in a strange laugh track, and it’s no wonder it creeped us out.
4. Land of the Lost
This sci-fi adventure show had some impressive effects for its time, but the dinosaurs and lizard-like Sleestaks were enough to scare us. The Sleestaks’ hissing sounds and glowing eyes created a sense of danger, while the plot’s time-travel mystery kept us on edge. Even today, those creatures can still give a chill!
5. The Bugaloos
With characters like a giant pink butterfly and a rock band of winged kids, The Bugaloos combined whimsy with a dose of surrealism. Its kooky villain Benita Bizarre, played by Martha Raye, had a makeup look that seemed more suitable for a Halloween fright-fest. The trippy sets and outfits added to the slightly disorienting experience.
6. Lidsville
This was one of Sid and Marty Krofft’s strangest creations—if you can believe that. A boy falls into a giant hat and finds himself in a world of living hats, complete with a villain named Hoo Doo who was both goofy and menacing. The surreal imagery and odd concept made this show feel more like a bizarre dream than a kids’ show.
7. The New Adventures of Pinocchio
Though it was an adaptation of the classic tale, this puppet-animated show gave Pinocchio a stiff, mechanical look that felt more haunting than friendly. The jerky movements and lifeless eyes of the characters made many kids look away, especially since Pinocchio’s journey often took unexpectedly dark turns.
8. Dr. Shrinker
Here, a mad scientist miniaturizes a group of kids, trapping them on an island in constant peril. The concept itself was unsettling, and Dr. Shrinker’s maniacal laughter, combined with the strange effects and constant danger, made us wonder if it was really just for fun—or if we might get shrunk next!
9. Incredible Hulk
This wasn’t exactly a kids’ show, but we all tuned in anyway. Watching Bill Bixby transform into Lou Ferrigno’s Hulk was both fascinating and frightening. The transformation scenes, with the growing muscles and green skin, were like something out of a monster movie—yet we couldn’t look away.
10. The Electric Company
Though it was educational, The Electric Company had segments that seemed downright creepy. The dark, simple backgrounds and some trippy animations could feel oddly intense, especially with dramatic narrators like Morgan Freeman giving us the “power” to read. The “Silent E” segment alone had visuals that left an odd impression.
11. Space: 1999
While not exactly a kids’ show, many of us tuned in with our families and found it thrilling yet disturbing. The lonely space station, strange alien encounters, and eerie sound effects made it feel like we were watching something far beyond our years. It was one of those early introductions to sci-fi weirdness.
12. Jabberjaw
This shark-based cartoon had us wondering why our cartoon buddy looked like such a goofy yet oddly toothy figure. Jabberjaw’s constant riffing on Curly from the Three Stooges made him funny, but there was also something slightly strange about a giant, laughing shark who seemed to be everywhere all at once.
13. Sesame Street’s Yip-Yip Martians
Though generally a beloved show, the recurring Sesame Street aliens with their “Yip-yip-yip” and “nope-nope-nope” refrains had a strange quality that could be unsettling, especially for the littlest viewers. Their jerky movements and deadpan delivery gave them an eerie feel, even if they were just visiting Earth for a laugh.
The ‘70s were a unique era for children’s television, blending creativity and the surreal in ways that were equal parts delightful and eerie. For those of us who grew up with these shows, they hold a special place in our memories, reminding us of the simple joys (and occasional frights) of childhood. It was a time when anything seemed possible on TV—even if that meant leaving us with more than a few lingering chills.
