In a cultural moment dominated by 90s and early 2000s nostalgia, one of the unlikeliest icons is making a vibrant comeback: the Teletubbies.
First appearing on UK screens in 1997, the surreal preschool series quickly became a global phenomenon. Now, decades later, it’s winning over the grown-ups who once watched it from their playpens.
From ironic fashion statements and art-world collaborations to collectible toys and a rebooted series, the Teletubbies are riding the retro revival wave with surprising style.
The Standard investigates how a show once dismissed as gibberish-filled children’s TV has become a comforting, surreal symbol of simpler times — and how it’s finding new life in the hands of nostalgia-hungry millennials and Gen Z.
Cross-generation merch magic
There seems to be no shortage when it comes to Teletubbies merchandise and clearly there’s a demand for it.
The Loyal Subjects, known for collectible figures and vibrant redesigns of classic characters, has launched a new line of Teletubbies toys aimed at both today’s children and grown-up collectors.
Featuring high-quality sculpting and stylised packaging, the figures appeal to nostalgia seekers and kids discovering the characters for the first time.
They are even peddling an exclusive CheeBee collector 5-pack at this year’s San Diego Comic Con.
But they’re not stopping with the Teletubbies, they’re also reimagining Rainbow Brite, Jem and the Holograms, Strawberry Shortcake, Popples and My Pet Monster for modern collectors and a new generation of fans.
Other nostalgic brands have cottoned on too with Loungefly adding colourful Teletubbies backpacks, wallets and crossbody bags that merge fashion-forward design with childhood joy.
Cult favourite Cakeworthy offers apparel collections with the fab four in oversized graphic tees, rainbow-hued flannels, and statement loungewear.
Plus, nostalgia champions Truffleshuffle.co.uk have introduced exclusive tees featuring prints of the original Teletubbies.
A Teletubbies-inspired afternoon tea
Phone and accessory brand CASETiFY recently unveiled their Tubby-tastic range, including personalised phone cases and blind box charms. To celebrate, they teamed up with Brigit’s Bakery to host a 90s-inspired Teletubbies Afternoon Tea aboard a double-decker bus touring London’s sights.
The Standard was invited to experience a themed menu featuring Laa Laa’s Passionfruit Panna Cotta, Po’s Mini Strawberry Tart, Tinky Winky’s Mini Cupcake and Noo Noo’s Decadent Chocolate Brownie, alongside finger sandwiches, mini pizzas and drinks served in specially made keepsake cups.
Though Tubby Custard and Tubby Toast were missing, guests enjoyed a nostalgia trip with 90s bangers, trivia games and even got to say “Eh Oh” to costumed Teletubbies characters who were absolute heroes for donning plush suits during London’s recent heatwave.
The event perfectly captured the playful charm that made the original show a cult hit, reimagined for those who grew up with it while welcoming younger fans.
A new series for a new generation
The Teletubbies revival isn’t just aesthetic; it’s happening on screen too.
In 2022, Netflix launched a rebooted series narrated by Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess. It stays true to the show's iconic format- sunny landscapes, baby-faced sunshine, giggles and catchphrases - with fresh visuals and modern touches for today’s youngest viewers.
Following that, Teletubbies Let’s Go!, a 5-minute CGI animated series, was released. It brings the characters into a lively, animated style designed to engage preschoolers with short episodes capturing the whimsy and fun of the original.
For parents who watched the original in the late 90s and early 2000s, it’s a chance for generational bonding, watching again with their own children.
Celebrity fans helping to keep the Teletubbies firmly in the Spotlight
The revival has drawn celebrity interest with some surprising ties.
Lil Nas X has embraced his Teletubbies obsession, joking on Twitter about co-parenting with Tinky Winky and wanting to cast them in his MONTERO video. The official Teletubbies account played along, and the tweet went viral.
Dua Lipa made headlines when a childhood photo of her holding a Laa Laa doll resurfaced, boosting her Y2K-friendly image.
Surreal pop icons Doja Cat and Billie Eilish haven’t collaborated with the brand but share aesthetics that fit the whimsical Teletubby world.
Jess Smith, who played the original Sun Baby, recently became a parent herself, bringing the character full circle.
Music mogul Simon Cowell has a surprising Teletubbies connection, having produced their novelty single Teletubbies Say Eh-Oh back in 1997. The track spent two weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart, narrowly missing out on the Christmas number one spot to the Spice Girls’ Too Much in a fiercely competitive battle.
Despite Cowell’s “Mr. Nasty” reputation from his early reality TV days, the Teletubbies clearly still have a soft spot for him — surprising him by auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent in 2022.
Although they didn’t make it to the BGT finals, their popularity remained undented.
The Teletubbies may have started as simple children’s entertainment, but their joyful, surreal charm is proving timeless and a vibrant symbol of nostalgia, creativity and intergenerational fun.
