DS loves TV but is constantly freaked out by it

[Gargula]

My DS is 3 and is very very senstitive to certain television programmes. He loves Cbeebies but has "irrational" fear of, for example, Come Outside, Grandpa in my Pocket, Tinga Tinga Tales, the Cbeebies panto (Andy as a villain!)
Also, he loves the Gruffalo books but went absolutely mental during the tv version of the Gruffalo (and had nightmares about it the same night too).
Anyway - to get to my question - do I just switch off the stuff he is upset by or try to encourage him to talk about why he is upset and keep watching to see that everything turns out OK and there's no need to be afraid.
Also, as soon as I turn off the TV, even if he's been yelling about how he doesn't like it, I'll get about 45 mins of tantrum. (His TV obsession is a whole other thread.)

Personally, I'd avoid the programmes he doesn't like. Do you think it might help to have control over what he watches, for example watch a DVD instead of turning on CBeebies and seeing what you get.

It may not be 'irrational' to him, my dd is 3 and also gets upset by Come Outside - quite often the episodes involve the dog getting lost, which really upsets her. I try to stay with her till the dog gets found to show that it does turn out ok .
Once I was upstairs and heard this massive scream, went running down to see what awful thing had happened to her, to be told between sobs 'aunty mabel's dress has blown off the washing line'