Bernard Cribbins, in talking about the location, said “I’ve filmed in a lot of locations throughout my career, but there's something about the sea air, the beauty and the friendliness in Staithes that makes it a special place to be.”[1] The first two series each had two stories written by Russell T Davies, with whom both Bernard Cribbins and Freema Agyeman had previously worked on Doctor Who.
Aislinn Kinsella, writing for Best British TV, said that the program was "suitably amusing for a CBeebies show" and that it was "sure to be a hit with the little ones and one or two older folks!
"[3] Glen Chapman, writing for website Den of Geek, said of the series: "Well, come on, it's Bernard Cribbins telling stories?
[4] Episodes of the show usually consist of the theme tune, then a segment (usually a few minutes) featuring Old Jack, Salty the dog and a couple of the characters doing stuff around the village and helping friends.
Then the instrumental version of the theme tune plays, and Jack and Salty walk off into the distance.