Night Guardians

An educational programme for children aged 4+ produced by Czech Television. Through poetic documentary portraits combining live-action and animation, we introduce young viewers to 16 fascinating night-time professions.

Night Guardians was created in response to a common childhood fear: separation from a parent at night. While night work is ordinary for adults, children may experience it as a parent disappearing into an unknown world. The series explains, clearly and empathetically, where parents go, why their work matters, and how the world continues to function thanks to these “Night Guardians.” This original Czech Television format combines atmospheric documentary, live action and playful animation. Animated child-like alter egos interpret the documentary scenes, while each episode ends with a calming bedtime story that transforms the parent’s profession into a more imaginative world. In this way, the series connects children and parents and encourages communication. The featured professions reflect a diverse, modern society—from healthcare workers, bakers and police officers to technicians, meteorologists and artists—offering children a wide range of relatable role models.