Art Attack was more than just a television show—it was a gateway into a world of creativity for millions of children. For 17 years, from its debut in 1990 to its final episode in 2007, the British programme invited its young audience to look at ordinary household objects and see extraordinary artistic potential. Hosted by the calm and encouraging Neil Buchanan, it became a staple of after-school viewing on CITV and left a lasting mark on British popular culture.
Each episode typically guided viewers through three separate projects, using materials like cardboard, paint, string, and old clothes. The format was simple but effective: break down each creation into clear, repeatable steps. Children watching at home could follow along in real time, often turning their kitchens and living rooms into temporary art studios.
The show’s influence extended far beyond its UK broadcast. It spawned international adaptations, a series of companion books, a digital software product, and a sustained online life through fan uploads and social media. For those who grew up with it, Art Attack remains a defining part of childhood television.
Where can I watch Art Attack episodes?
Finding full episodes of the original Art Attack series today requires a little digging, as the programme is not currently available on any major UK streaming platform. The original run aired on CITV from 1990 to 2007, and those are the episodes most fans are looking for.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show Name | Art Attack |
| Original Network | CITV (UK) |
| Original Run | 1990 – 2007 |
| Host | Neil Buchanan (UK) |
| Notable Character | The Head |
| International Versions | Yes (e.g., Indian version hosted by Gaurav) |
| Available Media | YouTube episodes, Amazon Digital software, Facebook clips |
| Target Audience | Children (ages 6–12) |
Key insights about Art Attack availability
- Art Attack ran for 15 series over 17 years, making it one of the longest-running children’s art shows.
- Neil Buchanan also created The Head, a puppet that became a cultural icon.
- The show inspired a generation of children to create art using everyday materials.
- International adaptations exist, including an Indian version hosted by Gaurav.
- Despite the show ending in 2007, online viewership remains high, especially on YouTube.
- There is no official streaming deal on major platforms like Disney+ or Netflix.
Snapshot facts about Art Attack
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First aired | 15 June 1990 |
| Final episode | 2007 |
| Number of series | 15 |
| Host (UK) | Neil Buchanan |
| The Head voiced by | Neil Buchanan & Francis Wright |
| Original broadcaster | CITV (ITV) |
| Art Attack Digital released | 2004 (PC CD-ROM) |
| Facebook page followers | ~12,143 (as of SERP) |
Original episodes can be found through several unofficial but accessible routes. A comprehensive collection of VHS and DVD recordings is preserved on the Internet Archive. YouTube hosts numerous full episodes and compilations, including the “Giant Art Attack Special”. The CITV Wiki also provides detailed episode guides and historical notes. However, no single official streaming platform currently holds the full rights to the original series in the UK.
A revived version of the show did air on Disney Junior in the UK from 2011 to 2015, first hosted by Jassa Ahluwalia and later by Lloyd Warbey. That revival produced 97 episodes across four series. It is important to note that the original series from 1990 to 2007 is a separate entity from this later revival. Some viewers confuse the Disney Junior version with the original, leading to speculation about the show being available on Disney+. As of now, the original series is not available on Disney+.
A Latin American spin-off titled Art Attack: Modo desafío was released on Disney+ in 2023, further adding to the international reach of the brand.
The original Art Attack series from 1990 to 2007 is not available on Disney+. The Disney Junior revival (2011–2015) and the 2023 Latin American spin-off Art Attack: Modo desafío are separate productions. Any claims that the original Neil Buchanan episodes are streaming on Disney+ are unconfirmed.
What is the Art Attack book and what is Art Attack Big Art?
The programme’s reach extended beyond the television screen. Neil Buchanan authored a series of companion books that allowed children to recreate their favourite projects on paper. These books became popular gifts and reference guides for young artists.
Art Attack (1993) was the first published title, followed by More Art Attack (1994) and Art Attack: Big Ideas (1996). Each book contained step-by-step photographic instructions for a wide range of projects, effectively translating the show’s visual format into a static, page-based medium. The books remain collectable items for nostalgic fans.
The term “Big Art” refers to a recurring segment within the television series where Neil Buchanan created large-scale artworks. These projects were more ambitious and often involved covering entire floors or walls with paint or found objects. “Big Art” became a signature feature of the show, demonstrating that creativity has no size limit.
On the digital side, Art Attack Digital was a PC CD-ROM released in 2004. The software allowed users to edit photographs and apply digital art effects, bringing the show’s creative philosophy into the early days of home computing. The product is still listed on Amazon UK but is likely no longer in production.
The “Big Art” episodes of Art Attack featured oversized projects. Full step-by-step instructions for some of these large-scale pieces were included in the television broadcast itself. The companion books, particularly Art Attack: Big Ideas, also documented several of these larger projects in printed form.
Who hosted Art Attack?
The most recognisable face of Art Attack is undoubtedly Neil Buchanan. He was the host for the entire original UK run from 15 June 1990 to 19 May 2007. Beyond his on-screen role, Buchanan was also the creator, writer, and producer of the series, giving him an unusually high degree of creative control over the programme’s direction.
A former member of the band Marseille, Buchanan brought a gentle, patient, and enthusiastic presence to the screen. He is widely remembered as the calm art instructor who made creativity accessible using simple materials found around the home. He remained the sole host of the original series and is still its most iconic figure.
Alongside Buchanan, a puppet character known as The Head became a recurring fixture. The Head was a large, disembodied head that would offer hints and encouragement. It was voiced by Buchanan himself and Francis Wright. The Head became something of a cultural icon in its own right, often cited by fans as a memorable part of the show.
Internationally, the show was adapted for local audiences. The name Art Attack Gaurav appears in search queries, and it refers to a host of a localized Indian version of the programme. While confirmed in search data, authoritative documentation about this specific adaptation is scarce in top-tier English-language sources. The existence of this version underscores the show’s global appeal.
Is there a new Art Attack series coming?
As of 2025, there is no confirmed new series of Art Attack in production. The original series concluded in 2007, and while nostalgia for the programme remains high, no official announcement from CITV, Disney, or Neil Buchanan himself has been made regarding a full revival.
Online rumours have circulated about a potential 2025 reboot, sometimes referred to as “Big Art” or “Digital Art Attack”. However, these claims remain speculative. Without verification from a reliable source, they should be treated as unconfirmed fan hopes rather than factual upcoming events.
A new series, if it were to happen, would likely be a major nostalgic event for fans who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s. Neil Buchanan has remained a figure of interest, but his current projects are not widely publicised in mainstream media.
No official announcement has been made about a new Art Attack series for 2025. The original show ended in 2007. Any claims of a digital reboot or new series titled “Big Art” or “Digital Art Attack” are currently unconfirmed.
Timeline of Art Attack
- 1990 — Art Attack first airs on CITV, hosted by Neil Buchanan.
- 1992 — Introduction of The Head character.
- 2000 — Art Attack wins BAFTA Children’s Award for Best Presenter.
- 2004 — Release of Art Attack Digital software.
- 2007 — Final episode of the original series.
- 2009 — Reruns continue on CITV and later on demand.
- 2011 — Revived series launches on Disney Junior in the UK.
- 2023 — Latin American spin-off Art Attack: Modo desafío released on Disney+.
- 2025 — No new series confirmed; old episodes available on YouTube and Internet Archive.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about Art Attack?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Art Attack was a UK children’s show (15 June 1990 – 2007). | Whether “Art Attack Gaurav” refers to an official Indian host – no authoritative source in top results. |
| Neil Buchanan was the host for the entire UK run. | Whether a new series is planned – no official announcement found. |
| The show is not currently on Disney+. | The exact publishing date and availability of all Art Attack books. |
| There is an Art Attack book and a Big Art segment. | The current legal streaming rights for the series. |
| Art Attack Digital is a software product (listed on Amazon). | The full extent of international host variations. |
What is the cultural significance of Art Attack?
Art Attack is considered a cornerstone of 1990s and 2000s British children’s television. It encouraged creativity with low-cost materials, often promoting recycling through “junk modelling”. Its educational value lay in teaching art techniques, design thinking, and the principle that anyone can create something beautiful from everyday objects. The show’s influence is frequently cited by artists and educators who grew up watching it. The nostalgia factor remains high, with social media accounts sharing clips and engaging a new generation of viewers.
Sources and notable quotes about Art Attack
“You can use anything to make art – even an old shoe!”
— Neil Buchanan (paraphrased from episodes)
“Art Attack is a British children’s television programme revolving around art.”
— Wikipedia
Key sources for further information include the Wikipedia article on Art Attack, the IMDb page for episode guides and cast details, and the official Facebook page @ThisIsArtAttack for recent nostalgic posts.
What is the legacy of Art Attack and where is it now?
Art Attack’s legacy is one of enduring creativity. It inspired a generation to make art without expensive materials. While no new series is confirmed, the show lives on through fan uploads, archived episodes, and the continued popularity of its companion books. For fans looking to revisit the projects, the best places to start are the YouTube and Internet Archive collections. Interest in a revival remains high among nostalgic adults, and any future announcement from CITV or Disney would be a significant event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gemma art?
Gemma art is a painting style or artist? Not directly related to Art Attack. This query likely came from keyword clusters unrelated to the show.
What is art the clown?
Art the Clown is a horror movie character, unrelated to Art Attack children’s show.
What is installation art?
Installation art is a modern art form; not specifically connected to Art Attack, which focused on at-home projects.
What is Art Attack Digital?
Art Attack Digital was a CD-ROM software released in 2004 that allowed users to edit photos and create digital art effects.
How many seasons of Art Attack are there?
Art Attack had 15 series (seasons) over its original run from 1990 to 2007.
Who is The Head in Art Attack?
The Head is a puppet character voiced by Neil Buchanan and Francis Wright. It offered encouragement and hints during the show.
Is there an official Art Attack website?
No standalone official website is currently active. The primary online presence is the Facebook page @ThisIsArtAttack.
What kind of projects did Art Attack feature?
The show featured three projects per episode, using everyday household objects like cardboard, paint, string, and old clothes.
Did Art Attack win any awards?
Yes. In 2000, Art Attack won a BAFTA Children’s Award for Best Presenter, awarded to Neil Buchanan.
Can I watch Art Attack on YouTube legally?
Full episodes are available on YouTube, but many are fan-uploaded. The legal status of these uploads is uncertain.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.