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Hacker Time
GenreChildren's sketch talk show
Created byCBBC
Presented byHacker T Dog
Opening themea modified and truncated version of U Can't Touch This
ComposerGuy Rowland
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series6
No. of episodes63
Production
Executive producerAnnette Williams
ProducerSid Cole
Camera setupVideo, multiple-camera setup
Running time30 minutes
Production companyBBC In-House Children's Production
Original release
NetworkCBBC
Release21 September 2011 (2011-09-21) –
19 August 2016 (2016-08-19)

Hacker Time is a British children's sketch comedy talk show, broadcast by CBBC,[1][2] starring Hacker T Dog. In each episode, Hacker interviews a celebrity, and plays games and the show also includes recurring segments, such as sketches.[3][4] Six series of the show were produced, which were aired from 2011 to 2016.

Production

[edit]

Series 1 of Hacker Time was filmed in 2011 at BBC Television Centre in studio TC9, which was decommissioned shortly after production finished. Subsequent series were filmed at MediaCityUK.

In December 2014 it was announced that there would be a fifth series, consisting of ten episodes.[5] It started on 27 July 2015 at 9:00am.

The final episode aired on 19 August 2016. In 2017, it was confirmed that the show had been cancelled and would not return for a seventh series that year. Reruns stopped airing in 2018 and the show has not been available on BBC iPlayer since then.

Episodes

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
11321 September 2011 (2011-09-21)16 December 2011 (2011-12-16)
2106 August 2012 (2012-08-06)17 August 2012 (2012-08-17)
31022 July 2013 (2013-07-22)2 August 2013 (2013-08-02)
41011 August 2014 (2014-08-11)22 August 2014 (2014-08-22)
51027 July 2015 (2015-07-27)7 August 2015 (2015-08-07)
6108 August 2016 (2016-08-08)19 August 2016 (2016-08-19)

Series 1 (2011)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal release date [6]UK viewers
(millions)
11"Anton Du Beke"21 September 2011 (2011-09-21)N/A
Hacker explores the world of dance, tricking Anton Du Beke into being his studio guest and challenging the Strictly star to a dance-off.
22"Dani Harmer"28 September 2011 (2011-09-28)0.32
Hacker tries to break into the acting world and tricks CBBC's Dani Harmer into being a studio guest. Plus a return trip to Downstairs Abbey.
33"Danny Anthony and Anjli Mohindra"5 October 2011 (2011-10-05)N/A
Hacker gives us his unique take on aliens from galaxies far away and tricks Danny Anthony and Anjli Mohindra from The Sarah Jane Adventures into the studio. Plus we return to Downstairs Abbey.
44"Steve Backshall"12 October 2011 (2011-10-12)N/A
Hacker offers his unique take on animal programmes and tricks 'Deadly' Steve Backshall into the studio. Plus, a trip back to Downstairs Abbey.
55"Carol Kirkwood"19 October 2011 (2011-10-19)N/A
Hacker presents his unique take on the world's weather and tricks Carol Kirkwood from BBC Weather into the studio. Plus, a visit to the Dogs in Space.
66"Ore Oduba"26 October 2011 (2011-10-26)N/A
Hacker shares his unique take on sports and tricks CBBC's Ore Oduba, from Sportsround, into the studio. Plus another visit to the Dogs in Space.
77"Pollyanna Woodward"2 November 2011 (2011-11-02)N/A
Hacker shares his unique take on the world's best gadgets, and tricks Pollyanna Woodward from The Gadget Show into the studio to stay with his wacky new invention. Plus a return trip to Downstairs Abbey.
88"JK and Joel"9 November 2011 (2011-11-09)N/A
Hacker introduces viewers to the world of double acts, and fools Hider in the House duo JK and Joel into the studio. With comedy guests and outtakes from other programmes, plus another trip to the hysterically historical Downstairs Abbey.
99"Stefan Gates"16 November 2011 (2011-11-16)N/A
Hacker explores the tasty world of food. He cooks up trouble when he invites Gastronuts presenter Stefan Gates into the studio. Plus a trip to see those Dogs in Space.
1010"Bill Turnbull and Sian Williams"23 November 2011 (2011-11-23)N/A
Hacker tricks BBC Breakfast presenters Bill Turnbull and Sian Williams into appearing on his own new programme idea, Dog's Breakfast. Plus a visit to the Dogs in Space.
1111"Jedward"30 November 2011 (2011-11-30)N/A
Hacker attracts Jedward into the studio. Plus some great Jedward mess-ups and a trip to Downstairs Abbey.
1212"Helen Skelton"11 December 2011 (2011-12-11)N/A
Hacker shares his unique take on television adventurers. He tricks Blue Peter's Helen Skelton into the studio to see if she knows as much as him. Featuring a return to those Dogs in Space.
1313"Iain Stirling"16 December 2011 (2011-12-16)N/A
In the last of the series, Hacker tries to trick a huge teenage heartthrob into the studio. It goes horribly wrong, and CBBC's Iain Stirling has his part to play in it!

Series 2 (2012)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal release dateUK viewers
(millions)
141"Dick and Dom"6 August 2012 (2012-08-06)N/A
This time Dick and Dom are Hacker's special guests. Amongst the inevitable chaos, mayhem and gunge, there's Hacker's new crime serial Sherlock Bones, and many funny clips.
152"Sue Barker"7 August 2012 (2012-08-07)N/A
Hacker T. Dog is joined by the Queen of Sport, Sue Barker in a sport-tastic Hacker Time. Also featuring new crime drama, Sherlock Bones, a dancing lemon and Hacker's pick of the funniest Howlers from around the world.
163"Naomi Wilkinson"8 August 2012 (2012-08-08)N/A
Naomi Wilkinson is tricked on to the set to prove that she's neither Deadly nor 60! Hacker also finds out exactly how much Naomi knows about animal poo.
174"Barney Harwood"9 August 2012 (2012-08-09)N/A
Blue Peter bloke Barney Harwood finds himself on Hacker's chat show. He's used to appearing on TV, but Hacker Time is not like any other TV show... Also features a cameo appearance from Harwood's Bear Behaving Badly co-star Nev the Bear.
185"Gerran Howell and Clare Thomas"10 August 2012 (2012-08-10)N/A
Young Dracula actors Gerran Howell (Vlad) and Clare Thomas (Ingrid) are spooktacularly tricked into the Hacker Time studio... Prepare to be scared.
196"Jennie McAlpine"13 August 2012 (2012-08-13)N/A
Hacker is fizzing over with excitement when he secures top drawer Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine to appear on his show. There'll be acting LOLs, another ridiculous song - and doggy detective Sherlock Bones.
207"Ed Petrie"14 August 2012 (2012-08-14)N/A
Ed Petrie feels All Over the Place when Hacker T Dog tricks him into appearing as a guest on his tiny, tiny little TV show. Ed's used to appearing on CBBC, but Hacker Time is not like any other TV show he's done.
218"Connor Byrne and Kay Purcell"15 August 2012 (2012-08-15)N/A
Hacker will be causing more trouble than Tracy Beaker - when he tricks Connor Byrne and Kay Purcell (aka Mike and Gina) from Tracy Beaker Returns into appearing on his show.
229"Ricky Boleto"16 August 2012 (2012-08-16)N/A
News just in! Ricky Boleto has been inadvertently tricked in to appearing on Hacker Time! Expect news-based chaos! Bong!
2310"Ceallach Spellman"17 August 2012 (2012-08-17)N/A
Ceallach Spellman from Friday Download gets uploaded into the studio. Also featuring Hacker's new crime serial Sherlock Bones, and many funny clips.

Series 3 (2013)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal release dateUK viewers
(millions)
241"Sam and Mark"22 July 2013 (2013-07-22)
Hacker is back with his own unique brand of top line entertainment - games, music, and comedy, all with a canine twist. Hacker tries to wind up his special guests, Sam and Mark.
252"Susanna Reid"23 July 2013 (2013-07-23)
More top notch comedy from Hacker, plus the hard hitting medical docu-drama, Casually. Hacker hones his interviewing skills with BBC Breakfast's Susanna Reid.
263"Joe Pasquale"24 July 2013 (2013-07-24)
More chaotic canine comedy capers from Hacker and his production team, plus there is a familiar face in Quarter Past 4 O'Clock Club. His guest is Joe Pasquale.
274"Saira Khan"25 July 2013 (2013-07-25)
Hacker and his rather woolly team attempt to keep another show on air. But don't worry, if Hacker Time falls apart then Derek Time is always on standby. Hacker's guest is business guru Saira Khan.
285"Robbie Savage"26 July 2013 (2013-07-26)
More top line entertainment from the pooch with pedigree, including the tension-fuelled game of strategy, What's In 'Em?. Hacker tackles Robbie Savage with some football banter.
296"Khalil and Jason"29 July 2013 (2013-07-29)
More comedy capers from our pedigree pooch, plus top dollar drama from the folk of Cockers' Creek. Hacker's guests are Khalil Madovi and Jason Callender from 4 O'Clock Club.
307"Matt Allwright"30 July 2013 (2013-07-30)
More entertainment from Hacker T. Dog and his rather unique production team. Comedy, music, and games, plus Watchdog's very own Matt Allwright as he's never been seen before.
318"Fran Scott"31 July 2013 (2013-07-31)
More canine comedy capers from the host who's barely house trained. Hacker's inventive skills are really put to the test, as his guest is scientist Fran Scott from Absolute Genius with Dick and Dom.
329"Andrew Whyment"1 August 2013 (2013-08-01)
More flea-bitten fun from the legendary four-legged friend. Hacker's guest is actor Andrew Whyment. But he ends up in a lather after meeting Accordion George.
3310"Shannon Flynn"2 August 2013 (2013-08-02)
Hacker goes out on a howling high note in the final show of the series. His guest is Friday Download's very own Shannon Flynn, plus a cameo appearance from Alesha Dixon.

Series 4 (2014)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal release dateUK viewers
(millions)
341"Bobby Lockwood"11 August 2014 (2014-08-11)
Chat, music and comedy from Hacker T. Dog, all with a canine curveball. In this episode, Hacker tries to outfox Wolfblood's Bobby Lockwood.
352"Perri and Jordan"12 August 2014 (2014-08-12)
More chat, music and comedy from Hacker T. Dog, plus the historical drama A Knight's Tail. Will our magical mutt also have the right moves to impress Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo from Diversity?
363"Deborah Meaden"13 August 2014 (2014-08-13)
Chat, music and comedy from Hacker T. Dog and another tune from Quarter Past Four O'Clock Club. Also, Hacker hopes Dragons' Den star Deborah Meaden will invest her time and effort in his flea-ridden ideas.
374"Ben Shires"14 August 2014 (2014-08-14)
Hacker tries to keep another show on air. Also Wilf and Herman attempt to present in the Opinion Parlour. His guest is the Officially Amazing Ben Shires.
385"Martin Lewis"15 August 2014 (2014-08-15)
Chat, music and comedy from Hacker T Dog. Also featuring the lift-based quiz that works on many levels. In this episode, Hacker's guest is financial guru Martin Lewis.
396"Simon Rimmer"18 August 2014 (2014-08-18)
Comedy capers from Hacker T Dog, as well as the start of his top flight documentary, Aeroport. Also, has Hacker bitten off more than he can chew with TV chef Simon Rimmer?
407"Radzi and Lindsey"19 August 2014 (2014-08-19)
More flea-bitten fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, but what will he make of Blue Peter presenters Radzi Chinyanganya and Lindsey Russell?
428"Maisie Smith"20 August 2014 (2014-08-20)
Fun, chat and music with a cockney twist as Hacker's guest is EastEnders star Maisie Smith. Will he win her over or will she be on the dog and bone to her agent?
429"Sally Nugent"21 August 2014 (2014-08-21)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, plus another uninvited appearance from Derek's mother. His guest is BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent. She loves sport. He does not. What could possibly go right?
4310"Ortis Deley"22 August 2014 (2014-08-22)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring a trip to the future inspired by this episode's guest, Ortis Deley from The Gadget Show. Is the future clad in silver foil? It is just one of the pooch's many predictions!

Series 5 (2015)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal release dateUK viewers
(millions)
441"Kia Pegg and Amy-Leigh Hickman"27 July 2015 (2015-07-27)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring actresses Kia Pegg and Amy-Leigh Hickman.
452"Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock"28 July 2015 (2015-07-28)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring The Sky at Night and Stargazing Live presenter Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
463"Millie & Jeremy"29 July 2015 (2015-07-29)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring Millie Inbetween actors Millie Innes and Jeremy Edwards.
474"Rav Wilding"30 July 2015 (2015-07-30)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring Hero Squad and Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding.
485"Kevin Clifton"31 July 2015 (2015-07-31)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring Strictly Come Dancing's professional dancer Kevin Clifton as Hacker's special guest.
496"Chris van Tulleken and Xand van Tulleken"3 August 2015 (2015-08-03)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring Operation Ouch! presenters Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken.
507"Ellie Simmonds"4 August 2015 (2015-08-04)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog, featuring sketches The Next Step but One and Quarter Past 4 O'Clock Club. Hacker's special guest is gold medal-winning Paralympian Ellie Simmonds.
518"Tim Warwood"5 August 2015 (2015-08-05)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T Dog. Hacker's special guest is CBBC's Tim Warwood.
529"Sonia"6 August 2015 (2015-08-06)
Featuring sketches via The Next Step but One and Quarter Past 4 O'Clock Club. Hacker's special guest is 80s singer Sonia, star of the West End and Eurovision.
5310"Jay Rayner"7 August 2015 (2015-08-07)
Fun, chat and music from Hacker T. Dog. His special guest is celebrity food critic and TV presenter Jay Rayner.

Series 6 (2016)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
series		TitleOriginal release dateUK viewers
(millions)
541"Kimberly Wyatt"8 August 2016 (2016-08-08)
Hacker interviews Taking The Next Step judge, Kimberly Wyatt.
552"Leona Vaughan and Louis Payne"9 August 2016 (2016-08-09)
Hacker interviews Wolfblood stars, Leona Vaughan and Louis Payne.
563"Lauren Layfield"10 August 2016 (2016-08-10)
Hacker interviews The Dengineers presenter, Lauren Layfield.
574"Alison Hammond"11 August 2016 (2016-08-11)
Hacker interviews ITV television personality and actress, Alison Hammond.
585"Isabel Clifton and Matthew Ashforde"12 August 2016 (2016-08-12)
Hacker interviews Hetty Feather stars, Isabel Clifton and Matthew Ashforde.
596"Steph McGovern"15 August 2016 (2016-08-15)
Hacker interviews BBC Breakfast and Pocket Money Pitch presenter, Steph McGovern.
607"Michelle Hardwick"16 August 2016 (2016-08-16)
Hacker interviews Emmerdale star, Michelle Hardwick.
618"Luis Troyano"17 August 2016 (2016-08-17)
Hacker interviews The Great British Bake Off contestant, Luis Troyano.
629"Paul Martin"18 August 2016 (2016-08-18)
Hacker interviews Flog It! presenter, Paul Martin.
6310"Ricky Martin"19 August 2016 (2016-08-19)
Hacker interviews Art Ninja presenter, Ricky Martin.

Segments

[edit]

Each episode has a distinct format. At the start is a cold open featuring what goes wrong in the studio where the show takes place. There is then a title sequence. Often episodes feature an interview with a celebrity (usually a BBC star). The episodes consist of a fact file, a comedic chat about the star of the show, a fictional commercial break (in some episodes), a song, a specific themed segment (usually in the style of a soap opera), more chatting, a parody of the show the special guest stars in, and another sketch. In four series, the show's final sequence is a game, either 'What's In 'Em?' in series 3, 'Get Out!' in series 4, ‘Sit on the Lav Lav and Answer My Questions’ in series 5, and 'Beam My Guest' in series 6. The show ends a goodbye song, reminding viewers to tune in to the next edition.

In all of the episodes there are many segments. In series 1, one of the recurring extras are a spoof of Downton Abbey called Downstairs Abbey starring Hacker T. Dog and Dodge T. Dog as maids and Ed Petrie as their master.[7] It stars two maids (Hacker the Dog and Dodge the Dog) who are in love with Lord Percy (Ed Petrie) but to their dismay he is in love with another woman Lady Sarah (Isabel Fay). Whenever Lady Sarah comes to the Abbey, Lord Percy tries to do something nice for her involving the maids and it all goes disastrously wrong. Then Lord Percy asks the maids to clear up after him.

There is also the 'Betterer Arena' in which Hacker attempts to perform better than the celebrity/s at their profession, be it acting or sport and then fails spectacularly. This features Warrick Brownlow-Pike as various different assistants for Hacker.

In Series 2 of Hacker Time, The Adventures of Sherlock Bones (a parody of Sherlock Holmes) replaces Downstairs Abbey, in which Hacker goes around the land of Teapot solving mysteries, often making silly conclusions at the end of each episode. Each episode of Sherlock Bones is about 2–4 minutes long.

In Series 2, Derek, one of Hacker's assistants, shows a part of the episode called Derek Time in which he shows three clips, and when Hacker says no he threatens to show the viewers at home "the photograph".

In Series 3, The Adventures Of Sherlock Bones is replaced with the "hard hitting medical docu-drama", "Casually", a spoof of Casualty, in which all the doctors and nurses give the wrong treatment. "Tales of the Mild West" also appears, where Hacker becomes the mayor of an old western town.[8]

In Series 4 the first 5 episodes featured "A Knight's Tale". The last 5 episodes contained "Areoport", a mockumentary set in an airport.

In Series 5 episode 1-5, there was "Ms Marbles Mysteries" (a parody of Miss Marple), where Ms Marbles (played by Hacker) finds many mysteries and solves them. In episodes 6-10 there is "The Next Step But One", a parody of The Next Step. This was replaced in subsequent series by "Lost and Found (And Lost Again)", a parody of The Next Step's spinoff show Lost and Found.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Hacker Time

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hacker Time is a British children's entertainment series that aired on from 21 September 2011 to 19 August 2016, consisting of six series and 63 episodes in a format hosted by the puppet character . The show features Hacker interviewing celebrity guests, engaging in comedic sketches, playing games, and including outtakes, all presented as if produced by an incompetent puppet team. Produced at Dock10 in MediaCityUK, the series stars Phil Fletcher as the voice and puppeteer for Hacker T. Dog, with additional performers including Warrick Brownlow-Pike as Dodge T. Dog and Ed Petrie as a regular co-host. Each approximately 30-minute episode revolves around a celebrity guest from the worlds of television, music, and entertainment, whom Hacker comically interrogates and involves in absurd scenarios. The programme's humour derives from Hacker's naive and mischievous personality as a "mongrel" dog, often leading to chaotic interactions with guests and the studio crew, blending live-action sketches with . Notable guests included figures like , , and various stars, contributing to its appeal among young audiences.

Overview

Premise and format

Hacker Time is a BAFTA-nominated British children's that aired on the channel from 21 September 2011 to 19 August 2016, spanning six series and 63 episodes. The programme blends elements of a traditional with comedic sketches, targeting children aged 6 to 12 through its lighthearted, energetic presentation. Its core premise revolves around a dog host who lures celebrities from children's television into a makeshift studio under false pretenses, leading to humorous interviews filled with misunderstandings and playful chaos. This setup parodies adult chat formats while incorporating improvised elements and frequent fourth-wall breaks, where characters acknowledge the show's artificiality to heighten the absurdity. Each episode follows a structured yet flexible format lasting approximately 30 minutes, designed to maintain young viewers' attention through rapid shifts between segments. The show typically opens with the host greeting the tricked guest and conducting an initial , probing their career highlights with comically inept "forensic-style" questions that often derail into silliness. This is followed by interspersed games, sketches, and occasional musical performances, or brief songs tying into the theme. Episodes conclude with a collaborative group game involving the guest and supporting puppets, emphasizing teamwork amid escalating comedic mishaps produced by the host's bumbling puppet crew. The unique format emphasizes chaotic, family-friendly humor through visual gags, interactions, and guest participation, distinguishing it as a of polished talk shows tailored for a juvenile audience. By combining scripted sketches with ad-libs, Hacker Time fosters an inclusive, unpredictable atmosphere that encourages laughter at everyday absurdities.

Hosts and style

serves as the primary host of Hacker Time, portrayed as a yet enthusiastic with a thick Northern English accent from . Voiced and operated by , the character is a known for his loud, brash, and energetic demeanor, frequently delivering quickfire gags rooted in regional humor. The hosting approach revolves around Hacker's quirky, forensic-style interviews with celebrities, often interrupted by the bumbling antics of his incompetent puppet production team, which adds layers of meta-humor through character breaks and on-set chaos. This dynamic emphasizes Hacker's enthusiastic but inept grasp of television production, enhancing the show's playful disruption of traditional formats. The comedic tone is absurdist and light-hearted, featuring puns on and gentle satire of , all designed to engage a young audience with its chaotic energy. Visual elements support this style through a colorful, studio-based setup with puppets and video clips, evoking a low-budget of a disorganized broadcast environment.

Cast and characters

Puppet characters

The puppet characters in Hacker Time form the core of the show's anarchic humor, with their expressive designs and lively performances driving much of the and spontaneous banter that defines the series. Central to this is , a scruffy brown puppet characterized by his chaotic personality and accent, who serves as the program's host and instigates most of the comedic mishaps through improvised antics and routines. Voiced and puppeteered by , Hacker's design allows for exaggerated movements, such as floppy ears and wagging tail, that amplify his role as the unpredictable force propelling sketches and interviews forward. Supporting the lead character are recurring puppets like Dodge T. Dog, Hacker's laid-back half-brother, who occasionally substitutes as host during Hacker's absences and contributes to the humor through contrasting calm demeanor and sibling rivalries in joint sketches. Puppeteered by Warrick Brownlow-Pike, Dodge features a sleeker, more composed design that highlights visual gags involving the brothers' dynamic, such as competitive games or mock arguments. Occasional one-off puppets, including versions of celebrities and thematic figures for specific segments, add variety, often appearing in short skits to mock pop culture or tie into episode themes with exaggerated traits for quick laughs. The puppetry techniques employed are primarily hand-operated, using live manipulation inside the puppet's body to achieve fluid, reactive motions that enable seamless interactions with human co-hosts and guests during interviews and games. This method, influenced by traditional British television puppetry traditions, occasionally incorporates visible mechanical elements like rods or strings in comedic sketches to emphasize , such as when puppets "malfunction" for effect. These techniques facilitate the puppets' contributions to approximately the majority of the show's humor, with as the chaotic anchor fostering ad-libbed exchanges that blur the line between scripted bits and improvised chaos, enhancing the program's appeal to young audiences through relatable, energetic puppet-human collaborations.

Human cast and guests

The human cast of Hacker Time primarily consisted of recurring performers who served as co-hosts, s, reporters, or ensemble players to complement the puppet-led format. was a key recurring human presence across all six series (2011–2016), often appearing as a co-host or unwitting tricked by into participating in sketches and games, contributing to the show's chaotic energy through his exasperated reactions. From series 3 (2013) onward, additional recurring humans like Neil Sterenberg joined as ensemble actors, portraying various roles such as reporters or players in segments, while Simon Lowe and became regulars from series 4, enhancing the live-action interactions with improvised . Celebrity guests were a central feature, with over 60 unique appearances across the 63 episodes, drawn mainly from -affiliated stars and external British celebrities to appeal to young audiences. Selection emphasized performers from shows like (e.g., as in series 1) and (e.g., Danny Anthony and in series 1), alongside sports figures and entertainers such as (series 2), who engaged in tennis-themed games. External guests included wildlife expert (series 1) and Paralympian (series 5), totaling more than 100 individual guest spots when accounting for multi-guest episodes. Notable examples highlight the show's blend of humor and participation, where guests avoided formal interviews in favor of active involvement in games and sketches. Broadcaster (series 6) joined chaotic challenges like gunge-filled relays, while The Dengineers presenter (series 6) participated in engineering-themed antics, her improvised responses to puppet mishaps becoming a viral highlight of the series. Guests from Young Dracula, such as and Clare Thomas (series 2), brought supernatural parody elements to sketches, always tying into the episode's comedic premise. Human performers often acted as the "straight man" to the puppets' over-the-top antics, with their genuine, unscripted reactions adding authenticity and relatability for child viewers. This dynamic was evident in ensemble scenes where actors like Petrie or Sterenberg feigned frustration at 's disruptions, fostering a sense of spontaneous fun without overshadowing the puppet hosts.

Production

Development

Hacker T. Dog, the central character of the show, originated in the CBBC series Scoop in 2009, where he initially appeared as a non-speaking mascot character who communicated through barks and growls. Puppeteer , who took over the role that year, improvised dialogue for during a live link segment at Wimbledon, marking the character's first spoken words and establishing his distinctive Wigan-accented personality. This development built on 's prior appearances in continuity announcements alongside presenter , where the duo's natural chemistry—stemming from their real-life friendship—helped popularize the character among young audiences. The concept for Hacker Time emerged from this growing popularity, with commissioning the format in 2011 to capitalize on Hacker's appeal as a chaotic, improvisational host. Devised by the creative team, including writers who shaped the episodic structure around celebrity interviews and sketches, the series centered on expanding 's persona from brief sketches into a full program. Fletcher's involvement was pivotal, as he provided both the and voice while ad-libbing much of Hacker's dialogue to maintain an authentic, unscripted feel, though the production balanced this with structured segments to fit broadcast needs. Early challenges included navigating the tension between scripted outlines and Fletcher's improvisational style, ensuring the remained engaging within the constraints of live-action filming for a children's audience.

Filming and crew

Hacker Time was filmed at Dock10 studios in , , , following the BBC's relocation of children's output there in 2011. The show spanned six series from 2011 to 2016, totaling 63 episodes with approximately 10 to 13 episodes per series. Production was managed by In-House Children's, focusing on efficient scheduling to support the weekly broadcast format on . Key behind-the-scenes personnel included a rotating team of directors and producers from Children's. Directors comprised Jamie Wilson for series 2 through 4, Jason Garbett for series 5, and Iwan Watson for series 6, with location directors such as Mark Reynaud for series 4 and Emma Carroll for series 5 and 6. Series producers were Sid Cole for series 1 and 2, Lee English for series 3 and 4, Jason Garbett for series 4, John Harkins for series 5, and Jamie Wilson for series 6. Executive producers included Annette Williams for series 1 and 2, Sid Cole for series 3 through 5, and David Beardsell for series 6. Puppet operations were handled by Phil Fletcher, the show's lead puppeteer, puppet maker, and voice artist for the titular character Hacker T. Dog, working from his workshop in Wigan.

Segments and features

Interviews

The interviews segment serves as the central element of each Hacker Time episode, featuring host Hacker T. Dog engaging celebrity guests in a studio setup that mimics a traditional talk show couch configuration. Hacker's approach parodies professional celebrity interviews through his enthusiastic yet bumbling persona, often tricking guests into the studio under false pretenses, which heightens the comedic tension from their surprised or reluctant participation. This structure typically unfolds with Hacker posing a series of questions that start somewhat relevant to the guests' careers or shows but quickly veer into absurdity via interruptions, tangential prompts, and nonsensical detours, creating chaotic and unpredictable dialogue. The humor derives from Hacker's "forensic questioning" style, which blends earnest inquiries about guests' professional lives with quirky, off-topic interjections that provoke genuine, unscripted reactions of bemusement or discomfort from the celebrities, all while maintaining a child-friendly tone free of innuendos. For instance, discussions might shift abruptly from a guest's television role to whimsical or irrelevant topics, emphasizing through the puppet's exaggerated expressions and the guests' improvised responses rather than scripted punchlines. These exchanges prioritize lighthearted over depth, fostering laughs through the contrast between the guests' polished demeanor and Hacker's irreverent, dogged persistence. In later series, the format evolved to include group interviews with multiple guests, such as duos from shows like or Leona Vaughan and Louis Payne, allowing for amplified chaos through cross-talk and collective bewilderment. Additionally, episodes occasionally incorporated pre-recorded cameo appearances by other celebrities to interject humorous commentary or extend the absurdity beyond the live studio interaction. This segment typically transitions into subsequent games or sketches, bridging the interview's verbal humor with more performative elements.

Games and sketches

The games and sketches in Hacker Time occupy the latter portion of each episode, providing high-energy interactivity and visual humor to complement the interview segments. These elements typically involve the host, cast, and celebrity guests in competitive challenges and short comedic vignettes, emphasizing , quick punchlines, and absurd scenarios designed to appeal to young audiences. Prizes for games often consist of novelty items like oversized trophies or silly props, encouraging enthusiastic participation from guests. Recurring games highlight guest talents while incorporating puppet antics for laughs. A prominent example is the dance-off, where Hacker T. Dog challenges celebrities to improvised dance battles, as seen in the series premiere with guest Anton Du Beke, where the host attempts to out-dance the Strictly Come Dancing professional. Another staple is "Sit on the Lav Lav and Answer My Questions," a quiz game introduced in later series, in which guests perch on a toilet prop and respond to quirky questions under time pressure, evolving from simpler interrogation formats in earlier episodes to more chaotic variants like "GET OFF!!!" for heightened physical humor. These games foster direct interaction, with Hacker often "cheating" or causing mishaps to ensure comedic resolutions. Sketches consist of brief, puppet-driven parodies that tie loosely to the guest's theme or standalone absurd narratives, often featuring the incompetent production team led by Hacker. Notable recurring vignettes include "Downstairs Abbey," a spoof of Downton Abbey from series 1, depicting Hacker and Dodge T. Dog as bumbling maids aiding the hapless Lord Percy in romantic pursuits that devolve into cleaning disasters. Other examples encompass medical mishaps in "Casually" (series 3), a parody of Casualty with inept doctors administering ridiculous treatments, and detective spoofs like "The Adventures of Sherlock Bones" (series 2), where Hacker solves trivial mysteries in a whimsical setting. Fake news reports and cooking failures appear in various puppet-led shorts, such as outtake-style bloopers from fictional shows, amplifying the theme of behind-the-scenes chaos. Over the six series, the format evolved from sketch-dominant episodes in the early years, with multiple parody vignettes per installment, to incorporating more musical elements in later seasons, including guest performances and Hacker's humorous songs that blend into game resolutions for a lighter, performance-oriented close. This shift maintained the show's emphasis on quick, family-friendly entertainment while adapting to broader trends.

Broadcast and episodes

Series overview

Hacker Time is a British children's that aired on for six series from 21 September 2011 to 19 August 2016, comprising a total of 63 episodes. The first series consisted of 13 episodes, while series 2 through 6 each featured 10 episodes. The programme included occasional holiday-themed specials, such as pantomimes like Hackerella in 2015 and Hack and the Beanstalk in 2016, which were produced separately from the main series runs. New episodes were typically broadcast weekly during school term time, often in afternoon or morning slots such as 4:30 PM, 5:45 PM, or 10:00 AM, depending on the series and scheduling adjustments. Repeats of episodes were regularly shown on the channel and made available on-demand via , allowing viewers extended access to the content. The show was produced exclusively for CBBC, the BBC's children's programming strand, and did not receive international syndication during its original run. Its broadcast pattern aligned with 's focus on engaging young audiences through a mix of original content and strategic repeat airings to maximize viewership.

Series 1 (2011)

The first series of Hacker Time, consisting of 13 episodes broadcast from September to December 2011, introduced the core format of chaotic celebrity interviews, parody sketches, and simple games led by host . Notable guests included professional dancer , who joined Hacker for a comedic dance-off exploring the world of ballroom, alongside recurring elements like the spoof Downstairs Abbey. actress appeared in the second episode, where Hacker attempted to break into acting, highlighting the show's blend of self-deprecating humor and behind-the-scenes parodies. Other standout moments featured wildlife presenter discussing animals and weather reporter on forecasts, establishing the variety of celebrity interactions while incorporating puppet-led comedy sketches and outtakes. The series focused on building the show's playful, unpredictable tone through guest-tricking antics and light-hearted challenges.

Series 2 (2012)

Series 2, airing 10 episodes starting in August 2012, expanded the comedic scope with more physical games, gunge-based challenges, and new serialized sketches like the detective parody Sherlock Bones. The premiere featured as guests, delivering episodes filled with mayhem, pranks, and audience participation clips that amplified the chaotic energy. A highlight was the appearance of actor in October 2012, where Hacker incorporated sci-fi themes into interviews and games, tying into the show's growing affinity for pop culture crossovers. Guests like presenter added variety through adventure-themed segments, while the series emphasized Hacker's bumbling host persona in musical performances and comedy routines. Memorable moments included puppet mishaps during live-feeling interactions, solidifying the format's appeal to young audiences.

Series 3 (2013)

Comprising 10 episodes from July to August 2013, Series 3 deepened the integration of and extended sketches, earning a BAFTA Children's Award nomination in the category for its innovative canine-hosted variety. The season opened with and as guests, where Hacker wound them up through games and a canine-twisted take on pop , including segments. Deeper parody sketches evolved, such as historical and spoofs, alongside guests like comedian for slapstick-heavy episodes. Standout moments featured more collaborative performances with celebrity duets and improvised , enhancing the show's rhythmic elements while maintaining its core interview structure. The nomination reflected the series' polished production and humorous depth, with episodes like those with actors emphasizing ensemble sketches.

Series 4 (2014)

Series 4, with 10 episodes broadcast in 2014, showcased peak guest diversity, including sports figures and performers, while introducing more interactive elements like audience-voted challenges. Highlights included Diversity members Perri Kiely and Jordan Banjo, where Hacker attempted dance impressions and group games to impress the duo. Blue Peter sports presenters Radzi Chinyanganya and Lindsey Russell appeared for athletic-themed segments, incorporating physical contests and future-inspired sketches with guest Ortis Deley from The Gadget Show. Other notable guests like EastEnders actress Maisie Smith brought soap parody depth, with phone-call gags and music numbers. The series highlighted Hacker's evolving rapport with high-energy celebrities, featuring moments of synchronized sing-alongs and puppet-led improvisations.

Series 5 (2015)

Airing 10 episodes in 2015, Series 5 refined humor for a slightly older audience through witty and topical guests, including holiday-timed specials with festive sketches. Key appearances featured Paralympian for inspirational chats and swimming games, alongside astronomer Dr. Maggie discussing space with stargazing parodies. Strictly Come Dancing's joined for dance challenges, while Operation Ouch! hosts Chris van Tulleken and added medical sketches. stars and highlighted family-themed humor, with interactive elements like viewer questions. Standout moments included guest-led sing-alongs and occasional puppet glitches for laughs, balancing education with entertainment.

Series 6 (2016)

The final series of 10 episodes, concluding in August 2016, adopted a reflective tone with ensemble casts and farewell nods to past segments, ending in a star-studded finale. Guests included member for pop music parodies and actors and Louis Payne for school-life sketches. Showbiz reporter brought high-energy interviews with flushing gags and comedy routines, while presenter featured in news-themed chaos. Highlights encompassed collaborative games, musical medleys revisiting show history, and humorous malfunctions during the wrap-up episodes. The season celebrated the program's legacy through guest tributes and an ensemble finale uniting recurring characters.

Reception

Critical response

Hacker Time received positive critical acclaim for its innovative use of puppetry and ability to engage young audiences through chaotic, humorous sketches. Television critic Jack Seale of The Guardian described the show as a "masterpiece" and a "firecracker through a letterbox," highlighting Hacker T. Dog's disruptive energy and the program's lively sensibility that captivated children. The series holds a moderate audience rating on IMDb, averaging 6.3 out of 10 based on 59 user votes, reflecting its appeal primarily to its target demographic of children despite a limited number of reviews. The show's niche focus on British children's television limited its broader adult appeal.

Awards and nominations

Hacker Time received significant recognition from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), earning a total of eight nominations between 2012 and 2015 across the Children's , , and Performer categories. Despite these nominations, the show did not win any BAFTA awards. These nominations highlighted the show's innovative puppet-hosted format, which competed against established series such as in the category. BAFTA juries praised its originality and engaging blend of interviews, sketches, and games tailored for young audiences.
YearCategoryNomineeOutcome
2013Children's ComedyHacker Time (Production Team)Nominated
2013Children's PerformerPhil Fletcher as Hacker T. DogNominated
2014Children's EntertainmentHacker Time (Production Team)Nominated
Beyond BAFTA, Hacker Time was nominated for a Royal Television Society (RTS) North West Award in 2015 for Best Comedy Programme, underscoring its regional impact within the UK broadcasting landscape. The series did not secure major international awards, with recognition largely confined to British children's television honors. The accolades contributed to heightened visibility for CBBC programming, facilitating renewals and extensions of the show through its 2016 conclusion.

Legacy

Character continuations

Following the conclusion of Hacker Time in 2016, the show's central character, , maintained a prominent presence within Children's programming. He continued to host continuity links and appear in specials and promotional content, including Christmas-themed segments and blooper compilations released as late as 2022. In May 2024, Hacker celebrated 15 years on , reflecting on his enduring role in engaging young audiences through chaotic humor and celebrity interactions. Hacker's television career was highlighted in a 2020 interview with K9 Magazine, where he discussed his 11-year tenure on by that point, spanning from his debut in Scoop in 2009 through ongoing presenting duties, including remote links filmed from his kennel during the lockdown. This extension underscored his versatility, with appearances in events like Wimbledon coverage and quiz shows such as , where he placed second as a specialist. In July 2025, officially joined Blue Peter as its first non-human co-presenter, alongside human hosts Abby Cook, Joel Mawhinney, and Shini Muthukrishnan, as well as the program's resident dog, Henry. Phil Fletcher, who has voiced and operated since his inception, continued in this role for the revamped series, which debuted a new studio and format aimed at revitalizing the long-running children's show for modern viewers. Other characters from Hacker Time, such as Dodge T. Dog and Nev the Bear, have seen limited continuations, primarily through minor cameos in continuity and specials rather than standalone projects. No significant extensions were developed for guest puppets or side characters beyond these occasional appearances under BBC Children's productions.

Cultural impact

_Hacker T. Dog, the central character of Hacker Time, has left a notable mark on British children's television through its blend of , , and absurd humor, contributing to the enduring appeal of chaotic, live-feeling kids' programming. A pivotal example of its cultural resonance is a 2016 clip from the show featuring and co-presenter , where the puppet's nonsensical line—"We're just normal men, we're just innocent men"—prompted Layfield to burst into uncontrollable laughter, creating an 18-second moment of hilarity. This segment resurfaced and went viral in April 2022, amassing widespread shares on social platforms and being hailed as a "pop culture touchstone" akin to major entertainment events like the 2022 Oscars slap, with singer among those amplifying its reach. The show's influence extends to reinforcing the tradition of irreverent puppet hosts in children's TV, positioning alongside icons like and as a chaotic antidote to polished . By , marking 15 years since his debut in 2009, Hacker had become "arguably Wigan's most famous export," entertaining generations through spontaneous sketches and interviews that emphasized unfiltered fun over scripted perfection. This legacy has helped sustain viewer engagement in an era dominated by and , with compilations of the show's bloopers and outtakes drawing millions of views and underscoring its role in fostering nostalgic, shareable moments. In 2025, Hacker T. Dog's appointment as a host on the long-running further cemented his cultural footprint, embodying the "dog embodiment of chaos" to revitalize the program for modern audiences. This move highlights Hacker Time's broader impact in bridging traditional broadcast TV with contemporary , ensuring puppet-driven comedy remains a vibrant force in shaping children's media experiences.

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