Inclusion and diversity in children’s television

Peppa Pig introduces new same sex couple

After 18 years of being on British television, spanning across 8 seasons, containing almost 400 episodes and 21 animal families, in September 2022 much-beloved children’s television show Peppa Pig has introduced us to its first same-sex parents. The Polar Bear family consists of Penny Polar Bear and her two mums, Mummy Polar Bear and Dr. Polar Bear, introduced in the episode titled ‘Families’.

This is a huge step for Peppa Pig, which has been criticised in the past for its lack of diversity within the show. Until now, it has only contained “traditional” families, with one mother, one father, and their children. In 2020, a petition was launched on The Petition Site titled ‘Demand a same-sex parent family on Peppa Pig!’, garnering almost 24,000 signatures of its 25,000 goal.

The online response to this new family has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Peppa Pig’s writers for their decision to increase representation in the show. This is a big step towards normalising LGBTQ+ representation in young children’s television, especially as it is featured in something as mainstream, easily accessible, and widely consumed as Peppa Pig, which is considered one of the biggest British children’s shows of all time.

In March of 2021, it was announced that Peppa Pig had been renewed until 2027, giving the potential for further developments to be made in regard to LGBTQ+ representation and general diversity in the future.

ROHINI BHONSLE-ALLEMAND,

Assistant Editor

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