Dani's House

Lore & Background

The series follows Dani, a teenage actress and singer who is regularly left in charge of her younger brother Max, his friend Ben, and their baby sibling, referred to as 'the baby from hell,' who is only shown in a cot. Dani and her friends Toby and Sam spend most of their time at her house in a den hangout, encountering bizarre situations. Two aliens known as Coordinators (Zang and Zark) observe their actions. In series 2, the family moves to a new house, Toby leaves for medical school, and Dani becomes friends with Jack. The 'baby from hell' is no longer referenced but is replaced by a 'cat from hell', who also disappears in series 3 and who is also Jack's nemesis. In series 4, Dani gets a part in the medical drama McHurties Hospital, Sam trains to become an astronaut, and new characters Ruby and Maisy join. In series 5, Max becomes a grime artist, and cousin Megaboyd teams up with Maisy to play pranks.

Reader's Guide

Dani's House was a significant CBBC show, running for five series and earning multiple BAFTA Kids nominations. Its popularity led to a spin-off, Dani's Castle, which continued Dani Harmer's character in a new setting. The show's blend of domestic comedy, alien observers, and recurring gags like the 'baby from hell' and 'cat from hell' made it a memorable part of British children's television in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The series ended after five series, being described as one of the most successful CBBC shows of all time.

Did You Know?

• The first series was filmed in June and July 2008 in Kent at a secret location near Maidstone.
• The fifth and final series was filmed from November 2011 to February 2012 and aired from 26 April to 19 July 2012.
• The spin-off Dani's Castle aired from 2013 to 2015.
• Two aliens, Coordinator Zang and Coordinator Zark, observe the characters' actions; Zang is played by Harry Culverhouse, while Zark is played by Ben Bishop.