archytele The Vault

Thomas & Friends 1984

“Making Tracks to Great Destinations”

Status
Canceled
First Aired
October 9, 1984
Last Aired
January 20, 2021
Format
24 seasons · 584 eps
Total Runtime
~214.1 hours (22 min/ep)
Essential Runtime
~213.3 hours (skips filler)
Highest Rated Episode
S1E19 "The Flying Kipper" (★ 10/10)
Created By
Britt Allcroft, Rev. W. Awdry, Christopher Awdry
Networks
ITV1, 5, CITV
Where to Stream
Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Kidstream Amazon Channel
Streaming data from JustWatch
★ TMDB users: 6.8/10 from 154 votes TV-Y AnimationKids 24 seasons · 584 eps Canceled
Community & Your Rating
★ 6.8/10
Where to watch: Amazon Prime VideoThe Roku ChannelPlexSpectrum On DemandRakuten TV5Amazon Prime Video with AdsKidstream Amazon ChannelSensical Amazon ChannelAmazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFandango At HomeParamount PlusSky GoParamount+ Amazon ChannelParamount Plus Apple TV ChannelParamount Plus PremiumParamount Plus Basic with AdsSky Store
Get new episode dates in your calendar Sync automatically with Apple, Outlook, or Google Calendar.
📅 Apple / Outlook 📅 Google ⬇ .ics
Advertisement
Quick answer

What is Thomas & Friends?

Thomas and Friends is a British children's television series that premiered on the ITV network on September 4, 1984. Developed for television by Britt Allcroft, the program is based on The Railway Series of books written by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry.

Type
TV series
Year
1984
Status
Canceled
Episodes
584
Runtime
22 minutes
First aired
Oct 9, 1984
Last aired
Jan 20, 2021
Original language
EN
Origin
GB
Networks
ITV1, 5, CITV, Cartoon Network
Genres
Animation, Kids
Updated
Series guide

At a glance

Rating
★ TMDB users: 6.8/10 from 154 votes
Format
24 seasons · 584 episodes
Episode runtime
~22 minutes
Status
Canceled
Networks
ITV1, 5, CITV, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Nick Jr.
Availability by region

Where to watch in United States

Stream

Amazon Prime VideoAmazon Prime Video with AdsKidstream Amazon ChannelSensical Amazon Channel

Free

Spectrum On Demand

With ads

The Roku ChannelPlex

Buy

Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesFandango At Home
Check current availability in United States ↗

Streaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.

Planning tool

How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 584 episodes and an average 22-minute runtime.

Trailer

Overview

Thomas and Friends is a British children's television series that premiered on the ITV network on September 4, 1984. Developed for television by Britt Allcroft, the program is based on The Railway Series of books written by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. The stories originated from tales Wilbert told to entertain his son during a recovery from measles. The series centers on the adventures of anthropomorphized locomotives and road vehicles residing on the fictional Island of Sodor. The titular protagonist is Thomas the Tank Engine, a blue tank engine who operates on the North Western Railway, which is managed by Sir Topham Hatt, also known as the Fat Controller. Thomas often encounters trouble while striving to be a useful engine. Other characters featured in the series include Percy and Gordon. From the first to the fourth series, many of the narratives were based on events from the personal experiences of Wilbert Awdry. The show has also been known by the titles Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends and Thomas and Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A cheerful blue tank engine experiences adventures with his friends on the fictional Island of Sodor.”

Reasons to watch
  • classic storytelling
  • engaging characters
Keep in mind
  • episodic format

Watch it if you enjoy stories about anthropomorphized locomotives and their adventures on a fictional railway.

This is a children's television series featuring animated locomotives.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Thomas & Friends — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Thomas & Friends worth watching?

Cast

See who else from this cast you know →

Comprehensive Directory

Episode guide

🛡️ SPOILER SHIELD

Spoiler-Safe Browsing Progress

Future titles & recaps blurred. Tap "Reveal" on any item to peek.
Binge Efficiency Engine

Filler vs. Essential Canon

Filter episodes by serialized narrative importance. Skip standalone side quests and streamline your binge.

Time Saved 0.8h Skipping 5 filler episodes
13%
86%
Mytharc (74): Crucial lore & season climaxes
Core (505): Character development & subplots
Side Quest (5): Standalone / filler
You've watched 0 of 579 essential episodes, about 212.3 hours left.
Season 1 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide & lore primer →
Season 2 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 2 guide & lore primer →
Season 3 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 3 guide & lore primer →
Season 4 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 4 guide & lore primer →
Season 5 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 5 guide & lore primer →
Season 6 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 6 guide & lore primer →
Season 7 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 7 guide & lore primer →
Season 8 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 8 guide & lore primer →
Season 9 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 9 guide & lore primer →
Season 10 · 28 episodes Open the complete Season 10 guide & lore primer →
Season 11 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 11 guide & lore primer →
Season 12 · 20 episodes Open the complete Season 12 guide & lore primer →
Season 13 · 20 episodes Open the complete Season 13 guide & lore primer →
Season 14 · 20 episodes Open the complete Season 14 guide & lore primer →
Season 15 · 20 episodes Open the complete Season 15 guide & lore primer →
Season 16 · 20 episodes Open the complete Season 16 guide & lore primer →
Season 17 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 17 guide & lore primer →
Season 18 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 18 guide & lore primer →
Season 19 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 19 guide & lore primer →
Season 20 · 28 episodes Open the complete Season 20 guide & lore primer →
Season 21 · 18 episodes Open the complete Season 21 guide & lore primer →
Season 22 · 26 episodes Open the complete Season 22 guide & lore primer →
Season 23 · 23 episodes Open the complete Season 23 guide & lore primer →
Season 24 · 23 episodes Open the complete Season 24 guide & lore primer →
Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Who is the main character?

The titular protagonist is Thomas, a cheerful blue tank engine.

What is the setting of the series?

The series takes place on the fictional Island of Sodor.

What is the origin of the stories?

The series is based on The Railway Series of books by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry.

Who runs the railway?

The railway is operated by Sir Topham Hatt, also known as the Fat Controller.

Are there other characters?

Yes, the series features a group of anthropomorphised locomotives and road vehicles, including Percy and Gordon.

Advertisement

✕ Cancelled Renewal tracker

Explore Thomas & Friends

If you like Thomas & Friends

See all similar titles →

What viewers say

No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Thomas & Friends.