Teletubbies - Purple (S1E13)
When the Tubby Phone flashes purple, Tinky Winky answers and leads the Tubby Phone Dance! Later, the friends watch the Tiddlytubbies fall asleep.
| Air Date | 2022-11-14 |
|---|---|
| Genres | Kids, Animation |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
In this episode, the Tubby Phone rings and flashes purple, signaling that it's Tinky Winky's turn to answer. Tinky Winky picks up the phone and responds to the call, then leads the other Teletubbies in the Tubby Phone Dance, a playful routine that celebrates his signature color. The dance involves movement, music, and the kind of repetitive choreography that encourages young viewers to join in from home.
Later in the episode, the Teletubbies gather to watch the Tiddlytubbies—the smaller, baby versions of the characters—settle down for sleep. The friends observe quietly as the Tiddlytubbies yawn, cuddle their blankets, and drift off one by one. This gentle bedtime sequence reinforces calming routines and models quiet, nurturing behavior. The episode closes with the Teletubbies saying their goodbyes, wrapping up a day filled with color recognition, dancing, and the comforting rhythms of rest.
What parents say
Parents consistently praise Teletubbies for its soothing pace and age-appropriate content designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Many parents appreciate that the show uses minimal dialogue, relying instead on physical comedy, music, and repetition to hold very young children's attention without overstimulation. The series is frequently recommended on parenting forums for children aged one to three who are just beginning to engage with screen media.
Parents note that episodes like "Purple" are especially useful for teaching color recognition in a low-pressure, playful context. The Tubby Phone Dance segments are popular with caregivers because they get toddlers moving and dancing along, turning screen time into an active experience. Some parents have mentioned using the Tiddlytubbies bedtime scenes as part of their own evening wind-down routines, finding that the calm visuals and gentle music help signal to their children that it's time to relax.
A few parents have expressed that the show's slow tempo and repetitive structure may not hold the interest of older preschoolers, but most agree that for the target demographic of very young toddlers, Teletubbies remains a gentle, reassuring choice that parents feel comfortable leaving on during playtime or quiet moments.
What kids learn
This episode reinforces color recognition, specifically the color purple, through Tinky Winky's interaction with the Tubby Phone. Toddlers learn to associate the visual cue of the purple flash with Tinky Winky's character and actions, building early cognitive connections between colors and objects. The repetition of the color theme throughout the dance sequence helps solidify this learning in a playful, pressure-free environment.
The Tubby Phone Dance teaches children about taking turns and responding when called upon. Tinky Winky answers the phone and then invites his friends to join the dance, modeling social participation and group play. Young viewers see that each Teletubby has a role and that working together to dance and celebrate is fun and rewarding. This gentle introduction to turn-taking is foundational for later social interactions in playgroups and preschool settings.
The bedtime sequence with the Tiddlytubbies introduces children to calming routines and the concept of winding down for sleep. Toddlers observe the smaller characters yawning, settling into their beds, and closing their eyes, which mirrors the bedtime rituals many families practice at home. This segment normalizes rest as a natural, comforting part of the day and can help young children understand and accept their own bedtime routines with less resistance.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for very young toddlers who are just starting to watch TV? | Yes, this episode is designed specifically for children aged one to three. The simple visuals, minimal dialogue, and repetitive structure make it accessible for very young viewers. The gentle pace and familiar routines—answering a phone, dancing, watching others sleep—mirror everyday experiences toddlers can recognize and understand. There is no complex plot or fast editing that might overwhelm a child new to screen media, making it a safe and developmentally appropriate choice for early viewing. |
| Will the Tubby Phone Dance encourage my child to get up and move? | The Tubby Phone Dance is designed to be interactive and encourages toddlers to imitate the movements they see on screen. The music, repetition, and enthusiastic participation of the Teletubbies often prompt young viewers to stand up, clap, and dance along. Many parents find that these segments turn passive screen time into active play, helping children burn energy and practice gross motor skills like jumping, spinning, and coordinating movement to rhythm. |
| Can the Tiddlytubbies bedtime scene help with my child's own bedtime routine? | Many parents report that the calm, gentle bedtime sequence can be a useful tool for signaling wind-down time. Watching the Tiddlytubbies yawn, settle into bed, and fall asleep provides a visual model of the bedtime process that toddlers can relate to. Some families incorporate this episode into their evening routine, using it as a transition activity before brushing teeth or reading a bedtime story. The soothing music and slow pace help create a relaxed atmosphere conducive to sleep. |
| What is my child learning about colors from this episode? | The episode focuses on the color purple through Tinky Winky's interaction with the Tubby Phone. The phone flashes purple, Tinky Winky—who is purple—answers it, and the entire dance sequence reinforces this color association. Toddlers learn to recognize purple visually and connect it to a character and actions. This kind of repetitive, context-rich color learning is effective for very young children who are just beginning to name and differentiate colors in their environment. |
| Are there any scary or upsetting moments in this episode? | No, this episode contains no scary, upsetting, or intense content. The tone is consistently gentle and reassuring. The Tubby Phone ringing is a cheerful, musical sound, the dance is playful and fun, and the bedtime scene is calm and nurturing. There are no conflicts, loud noises, or sudden surprises that might startle or distress a young child. The episode is designed to be a comforting, low-stress viewing experience suitable for even the most sensitive toddlers. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The Tubby Custard Machine is making Tubby Custard bubbles — lots and lots of bubbles. And the Teletubbies are having fun chasing and popping them! |
| 1 | 2 | The Teletubbies wait for delicious Tubby Toast, then wait for Dipsy to come down the Dup Dup to answer the Tubby Phone and lead them in a dance. |
| 1 | 3 | The Teletubbies form a pop group and make music for everyone, with Dipsy on drums, Laa-Laa on trumpet, Po on piano and Tinky Winky on the mic! |
| 1 | 4 | The Teletubbies take turns saying hello and giving each other big hugs. Then they say hello to the flowers. Friendship is fun! |
| 1 | 5 | Tubby Custard goes everywhere when Laa-Laa brings a big orange ball down into Home Dome. Good thing the Noo-Noo is there to clean it up! |
| 1 | 6 | When the Tubby Phone rings, Dipsy comes down on the Dup Dup to answer it — then Dipsy goes back up again! Time for the Dipsy Tubby Phone Dance! |
| 1 | 7 | The Teletubbies run races, and each has a chance to win. Later, when the Tubby Phone rings, there's a race to reach it, too! |
| 1 | 8 | The Teletubbies play choo-choo and take turns being in front before following the Tubby Custard Machine on a spinny, bubbly Tubby Custard Ride! |
| 1 | 9 | After a fun waving game with the adorable Tiddlytubbies, the Teletubbies say goodnight and wave their little friends off to Sleepybyes. |
| 1 | 10 | The Tubby Custard Machine takes the friends on a Tubby Custard Ride that splats Tubby Custard all over the walls — and the Teletubbies, too! |
| 1 | 11 | It's party time! The Teletubbies celebrate with balloons, noisemakers and lots of sparkles before visiting the Tiddlytubbies and doing a fun party dance. |
| 1 | 12 | A funny joke makes Tinky Winky, Laa-Laa and Po laugh — but not Dipsy. When Dipsy does a silly dance though, the Teletubbies all laugh together. |
| 1 | 13 | When the Tubby Phone flashes purple, Tinky Winky answers and leads the Tubby Phone Dance! Later, the friends watch the Tiddlytubbies fall asleep. |
| 1 | 14 | Tinky Winky keeps standing between Laa-Laa and the beautiful flowers — but Laa-Laa likes looking at Tinky Winky just as much. |
| 1 | 15 | Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po do a roundy round dance that's so much fun they all fall down! Will the Tiddlytubbies like it, too? |
| 1 | 16 | The Teletubbies stand up straight to see who's the tallest and who's the shortest. Then, Tinky Winky and Po play a game with the Tiddlytubbies! |
| 1 | 17 | Tinky Winky puts Dipsy's hat inside the red bag, then the Noo-Noo vacuums them both up! Later on, the Teletubbies do a suitcase dance. |
| 1 | 18 | The Teletubbies love the Tubby Custard Ride that makes music — and yummy custard — and has fun, flashing lights! So they ask to go on it again and again. |
| 1 | 19 | Po makes funny sounds with the levers and buttons inside Home Dome. Then the Tubby Phone rings, sparking a silly Tubby Phone Dance! |
| 1 | 20 | After conga dancing over the hills, the friends conga into Home Dome to answer the Tubby Phone and do a special conga Tubby Phone Dance! |
| 1 | 21 | Four Teletubbies, four flowers — and four pieces of Tubby Toast! Counting to four is fun, especially when you're counting with friends. |
| 1 | 22 | The Teletubbies are tired after doing lots of exercise to stay fit. But after eating some Tubby Custard, they're ready for action again! |
| 1 | 23 | Tinky Winky can't sleep and goes outside to play so he doesn't disturb his friends. But his noisy footsteps on top of Home Dome wake them up instead! |
| 1 | 24 | When a red balloon floats into Teletubbyland, Po leads the Tubby Phone Dance in a special episode that's all about Po's favorite color. |
| 1 | 25 | Eh-oh! Dipsy's hat has fallen into a puddle and gotten wet. But soon the sun shines, the wind blows and Dipsy's hat is dry again! |
| 1 | 26 | The friends do a brand-new dance, first in pairs and then all together. The Teletubbies love dancing — and they love each other very much! |
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