TUGS

TV series

TUGS

8.3/ 10· 3198915 min1 season · 13 episodes

TUGS is a British children's television series first broadcast in 1988. It was created by the producers of Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, Robert D. Cardona and David Mitton. The series dealt with the adventures of two anthropomorphized tugboat fleets, the Star Fleet and the Z-Stacks, who compete against each other in the fictional Bigg City Port. The series was set in the Roaring Twenties, and was produced by TUGS Ltd., for TVS and Clearwater Features Ltd. Music was composed by Junior Campbell and Mike O'Donnell, who also wrote the music for Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. Due to the bankruptcy of production company TVS, the series did not continue production past 13 episodes. Following the initial airing of the series throughout 1988, television rights were sold to an unknown party, while all models and sets from the series sold to Britt Allcroft. Modified set props and tugboat models were used in Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends from 1991 onwards.

Created by
Robert D. Cardona

Seasons and episodes

1 season · 13 episodes

Ended
1

Season 1

13 episodesApril 4, 1989
Open season page
  1. S1 E1

    Sunshine

    Apr 4, 198915 min

    It is the 1920's: Rival tug fleets compete for work in Bigg City Port. Captain Star briefs his Star Tugs - he's trying the regular contract to dock The Duchess ocean liner. It'll be a difficult job but to help out, the captain has recruited

  2. 2
    S1 E2

    Pirate

    Apr 11, 198915 min

    Ten Cents delivers his last cargo barge to the Old Quay after a very busy day. As night falls, it is towed away by a mysterious boat. Captain Star is cross to hear that one of his customer's deliveries is missing and puts Ten Cents on dredg

  3. S1 E3

    Trapped

    Apr 18, 198915 min

    The Z-Stacks must share the up-river jobs with the Star Tugs. When a tramper that Zorran and Zug are towing goes out of control blocking the river and trapping the Stars, Zorran tries to take advantage of the situation to get more work for

  4. S1 E4

    Regatta

    Apr 25, 198915 min

    Lillie Lightship is sad. Moored out of the harbour to guide boats and keep them out of danger, she never gets to see the Regatta. In spite of Lillie's warnings, a tramper sees her too late and hits her, making a large hole in her side. The

  5. S1 E5

    Munitions

    May 2, 198915 min

    During the annual manoeuvers, both Bigg City tug fleets service the navy. It is a dangerous job, handling ammunition and explosive barges. All is going smoothly until Bluenose, a bossy naval boat demands immediate priority with a barge-load

  6. S1 E6

    Warrior

    May 9, 198915 min

    Warrior had always had a reputation for being a bit clumsy, but on this day he sets out to prove to Captain Star that he is capable of working without causing accidents. However, on his usual trips between the quarry and the old quayside he

Starring

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch TUGS?
TUGS is not currently listed on a streaming service in the US. Use the country picker on the page to check other markets.
How many seasons of TUGS are there?
TUGS has 1 season and 13 episodes. Status: Ended.
Will there be a new season of TUGS?
TUGS has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on June 27, 1989.
Who stars in TUGS?
TUGS stars Patrick Allen, Timothy Bateson, Shaun Prendergast, John Baddeley, Chris Tulloch.

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