Topsy and Tim

Topsy and Tim are twins based on characters created by Jean and Gareth Adamson, though updated for the 21st century compared with their post-war origins. After an administrative error, the eponymous twosome are forced to attend nursery and subsequently infants' school at about twice the age of their supposed peers, whilst being dutiful grandchildren to their dog-obsessed grandmother. Googling the show quickly reveals some controversy on Mumsnet and in the Daily Fail over the sexism engrained within, which to be fair isn't, well, fair – apart from that one accursed and little-shown episode with the quad-bike and the cupcakes, but they're allowed one blip now and then aren't they? Designed as much for parents as for children, with all kinds of subliminal tips sneaking in, such as encouraging use of specific praise and it being OK to be a complete ass – especially if you're Dad. Hmm, maybe there is more sexism in there than initially realised... — David

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