Born to Be Different

Overview

Directed by Anna Stickland, the series began in 2003 with a look at the children's first year. Subsequent installments have checked in at various ages: the second series covered age two, the third age three, and the fourth ages three to four.

The fifth series focused on ages six and seven, the sixth on eight and nine, and the seventh on nine to ten. The eighth series followed the children as they turned eleven and started secondary school. The ninth series, released in 2016, examined their lives at sixteen, and the tenth series was released in 2020.

Critical reception

TimesOnline noted that by the end of the show, viewers felt morally pulled in different directions, uncertain whom to pity, calling it a sign of excellent television. The London Paper raised concerns about a voyeuristic approach, questioning what is gained from watching mothers break down and children reminded of their problems by the camera crew, and expressed hope that Channel 4's intentions were proper.