Barbapapa

The adventures of Barbapapa and Barbama and their seven children, where they search for their place in the world, while helping humans and animals.

Barbapapa (1974-1977) is a French-American animated children's series created by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor. The show follows Barbapapa and Barbama, a pair of shape-shifting creatures, and their seven children, who search for their place in the world while helping humans and animals they meet. Voice work includes Bruno Magne as Barbapapa, Nathalie Karsenty as Barbamama, Youna Noiret as Barbidur, Lucille Boudonnat as Barbotine, and Bernard Alane as the narrator. Across two seasons and roughly one hundred episodes, each brief five-minute story stands alone, built around a simple problem a young viewer can follow and a gentle resolution. The engine is the family's easy transformations, which let them become whatever a situation needs, from a bridge to a shelter. The tone is warm, cozy, and sincere, with a soft, rounded visual world that feels nostalgic for older viewers. Fans of The Clangers, The Moomins, and Bluey will find a similar kindness and simplicity in its episodic, child-friendly charm.

• The Clangers (1969)gentle animated family adventure, shape-shifting characters, kindly tone for young children
• Blueygentle animated kids series, simple moral lessons, friendly creatures helping others
• The Moominsgentle animated kids series, whimsical tone, small friendly creatures in everyday adventures

Created by

Annette Tison, Talus Taylor

Release Date

1974-01-01

Episode runtime

5 min

Rating

7.0 / 10 (30)

What is Barbapapa about?

A shape-shifting pink family of Barbapapa and Barbama and their seven children help humans and animals while searching for their place in the world.

What is Barbapapa like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Barbapapa as measured, its intensity as subtle and its storytelling as simple.

Is Barbapapa violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Barbapapa.

Which shows are like Barbapapa?

Shows with a similar feel include The Clangers (1969), Bluey, and The Moomins.

How long is Barbapapa?

Barbapapa: 2 seasons, 100 episodes.

Is Barbapapa still running?

No, Barbapapa has ended.

Where can I watch Barbapapa?

In United States, Barbapapa streams on France Channel Amazon Channel, The Roku Channel.