Strange Hill High is a British children's puppet-animated television series for CBBC. The show is a co-production between CBBC, FremantleMedia and Factory.
Out of the many writers, it was noted that Josh Weinstein (who worked on The Simpsons, Futurama and Disenchantment) would be involved in the series, with its visuals created using an animation technique combining puppets, Japanese vinyl toys and digital effects. The show continued to air reruns until 2020.
Premise Strange Hill High mainly follows a group of three diverse students: Mitchell Tanner, an African-Caribbean-British pupil with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who comes up with plans to resolve various conflicts, while avoiding studying for tests; Becky Butters, a conscientious schoolgirl who tries her best to get out of whatever problems she gets involved in; and the sometimes dull and robotic Templeton, who comes up with bizarre quips and interpretations, as they explore their extraordinary school, uncovering absurd and outrageous occurrences as they go.
The students meet a variety of people involved in the oddities of their school, but have to be wary of some of the students and faculty members - mainly Mr. Abercrombie, who is easily angered by any disturbance.
Cast
Ben Bailey Smith as Mitchell Tanner, one of the main protagonists and a quick-witted boy. He is an avid rule breaker and hates the authority of the teachers. His attempts to break the rules and get out of schoolwork often cause the strange events he and his friends get into trouble. /Bishop, a boy who dresses up and talks like a gangster.
Emma Kennedy as Rebecca "Becky" Butters, one of the main protagonists who is often the voice of reason. She is conscientious, positive and always tries to do the right thing and follow the rules.
Richard Ayoade as Templeton, one of the main protagonists and a self-proclaimed “genius”. He is very eccentric and somewhat robotic.
Caroline Aherne as Stephanie Bethany, a rather mean girl and a lover of fashion.
Episodes
Series overview
Series 1 (2013)
Series 2 (2014)
Ratings Episode ratings from BARB.
Episode No. Airdate Viewers CBBC Weekly Ranking1 8 May 2013 Under 244,000 Outside Top 102 15 May 2013 298,000 83 22 May 2013 360,000 34 29 May 2013 317,000 65 5 June 2013 Under 205,000 Outside Top 106 12 June 2013 Under 248,000 Outside Top 107 19 June 2013 224,000 108 26 June 2013 283,000 49 3 July 2013 Under 198,000 Outside Top 1010 10 July 2013 294,000 211 17 July 2013 Under 262,000 Outside Top 1012 24 July 2013 Under 212,000 Outside Top 1013 31 July 2013 278,000 6
App game An app game titled Merchant of Menace was released for iOS and Android in 2014, though it could also be played online.
Awards and nominations
Awards Award Category Result67th British Academy Film AwardsBest Animated SeriesKidscreen AwardsBest Animated SeriesBritish Academy Children's Awards Animation
See also Grange Hill – unrelated 1978–2008 British television children's drama series that also takes place at a school Strange Hill – unrelated British comic strip with a similar name that also takes place at a school
References
External links