"Three is a magic number" - The channel's animated blob idents were used from its launch 2003 to 2008, featuring audio from the BBC Sound Archive. They were created by Aardman Animations and Lambie-Nairn.
BBC Three launched as a digital television channel on 9 February 2003. It began with a two hour simulcast with BBC Two, where terrestrial viewers were introduced to Little Britain, music show Re:covered and Johnny Vaughan Tonight. BBC Three aimed to cater for 24-35 year old, but its target audience got younger over time. Its aim was to innovative and produce award winning programmes, but not without generating some controversy along the way.
Among the headline grabbers - like Snog, Marry, Avoid? and Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents - were hits such as Don't Tell the Bride. BBC Three nurtured a list of comedies including The Mighty Boosh, Gavin and Stacey, Nighty Night and People Just Do Nothing. Documentary series such as Our War allowed the British troops fighting in Afghanistan to tell their own stories.
Many viewers felt the approach was immersive and compelling. The channel united Russell T Davies and David Tennant for the drama Casanova, which eventually led to his casting as Doctor Who. Other BBC Three dramas included Murdered by My Boyfriend, Being Human and In the Flesh.
BBC Three made history in February 2016 when it became online-only, in line with the changing habits of its viewers. Both versions of BBC Three have been home to cutting edge programmes that often reach beyond its core audience.
Links
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BBC Three Home of BBC Three online
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BBC Three Blobs Shaun Magher's animated blob idents, based on audio from the BBC Archive. Created for Aardman Animations.
February anniversaries
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Blue Peter 5000th edition
1 February 2018 -
Face to Face
4 February 1959 -
First TV Sports commentary
4 February 1937 -
The Wombles
5 February 1973 -
A Night of Comic Relief
5 February 1988 -
Greenwich Time Signal - the 'pips'
5 February 1924 -
Grange Hill
8 February 1978 -
BBC Three is launched
9 February 2003 -
Doomwatch
9 February 1970 -
Bagpuss
12 February 1974 -
The EBU - European Broadcasting Union formed
12 February 1950 -
Potter's Wheel Interlude
16 February 1953 -
Start of Six-Five Special
16 February 1957 -
The Apprentice
16 February 2005 -
Hospital Watch
17 February 1986 -
Elizabeth R
17 February 1971 -
One Man and His Dog
17 February 1976 -
Antiques Roadshow
18 February 1979 -
Tonight launched
18 February 1957 -
Wogan
18 February 1985 -
EastEnders first episode
19 February 1985 -
Open All Hours
20 February 1976 -
First national broadcast of prices for farmers
20 February 1925 -
General Election results televised for the first time
23 February 1950 -
Civilisation
23 February 1969 -
Yes Minister
25 February 1980 -
Mr Benn
25 February 1971