Wow! This is a really cute, fun, entertaining, and educational show. I said that because I watch this on Nickelodeon and Noggin with my 1½-year-old nephew from time to time. It's hard to say which show on Nickelodeon and Noggin is the best. If I had to pick, this would definitely be one of the cutest. Still it's really cute, fun, entertaining, and educational. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that the people at Nickelodeon and Noggin really know how to reach a toddler's developing mind. Now, in conclusion, if you have children, nieces, or nephews, I strongly recommend this really cute, fun, entertaining, and educational show. I guarantee you that they will enjoy it.
45 Reviews
From an Older Sister's Perspective: THE BEST!!!
carmeny-1693321 December 2019
I like the fact that the characters poke fun at stuff. It is mostly music. And, whaddya mean "older kids and adults are not likely to be as enthralled"? Me, my 16-year-old brother, my parents, and my little bro LOVE this show!!! (and the pink thing is NOT an alien. It is a Uniqua, a made-up species of animal. It's just like a spork weisel.)
could have been an easy 4 if it wasn't for the cool songs.
ThunderKing627 September 2020
The animation is crap despite being one of the first to introduce such crappy 3d to the children genre.
The characters are little toddlers that pretend and have adventures in their backyard. From astronauts to cowboys their imagination is almost endless.
Its the songs and singing that make this show good. Take that away the music then you have nothing.
The theme song is iCONIC too. No show today and for a while now has a good theme song anymore.
Verdict: Watch it for the music and singing.
The characters are little toddlers that pretend and have adventures in their backyard. From astronauts to cowboys their imagination is almost endless.
Its the songs and singing that make this show good. Take that away the music then you have nothing.
The theme song is iCONIC too. No show today and for a while now has a good theme song anymore.
Verdict: Watch it for the music and singing.
A must-watch for anyone interested on what preschool TV should be
Tubular_Bell13 December 2005
And here's more proof that you don't need to make shows dumb, repetitive and grating just because they are for young kids. The Backyardigans is one of the biggest landmarks in terms of entertainment for children, and not for just a few reasons. Basically every aspect of the show is well thought-out and well executed to the point that you can think of it just as a sum of its parts: music, characters, writing, animation and everything else form a much bigger whole that's bound to captivate you and entertain you and your kids without trying to hypnotise you with repetition.
What gets my attention right away in the series is the characters. And not because they're cute, have fun voices or anything: unlike in many shows, the characters are neither designed according to stereotypes, nor designed to be "loved". The characters are like most normal kids, with their flaws and strengths. Each character reveals a world of complexity when you look closer at him, but yet, you're able to sit back and just enjoy the roles he takes in the many stories the five friends make up. But it's that mixture of simplicity and complexity that makes the whole thing work: the characters are just kids, and nothing more. Some more impatient watchers might get annoyed at Tasha's attitude and temper, at times, but who never had a friend who acted like her, at times? If Pablo, Uniqua, Austin and Tyrone are able to be her friends even when she acts moody and bossy, the watchers certainly should be able to forgive her occasional misbehaviour.
The very basic premise of the show isn't innovative: it stimulates imagination. But it does so by showing the five friends' wonderful adventures (they've got the whole wide world in their yard to explore!) as what they are: child's play. The writing in the series is fantastic, revealing intelligent stories with unique twists, like the "Snow Fort" episode and the misunderstanding at the end, or the clever set-up of "Riding The Range". Sometimes the stories are simple, but still rich, warm and deliciously entertaining, and it invites children (and adults!) into the kids' fertile minds and shows that, when you're a kid, everything is possible. What's also noteworthy is the subtle jokes and lines the writers drop, like recurring comments like "You can say that again!" (which is, sometimes, interpreted literally) or Tyrone's strategic, hilarious "That certainly is convenient" when something looks slightly contrived. That's only helped by the actors' fantastic job, and also because they are all actual children. Those brilliant child actors can give a special flavour to the show that adult actors just can't give, no matter how good they are. And a show like The Backyardigans greatly benefits from that.
Last, but not least, the show features some of the most stunningly brilliant music ever seen on children's shows. As you might have seen already, The Backyardigans is a musical, but the musical acts are so spontaneous, colourful and brilliant, you'll hardly notice it. There are four new songs per episode, one of them always being a parody of a well-known song. But the biggest feature, in my opinion, is that each episode features a different musical genre, such as Argentinean Tango, Reggae, Big Band, Hip Hop, Disco, Gilbert & Sullivan, Bossa Nova and Rock 'n' Roll. And we're talking about professional, catchy and gorgeous music here - and even the most demanding musical geeks shall be surprised by the music presented here.
The animation is superb, easy-on-the-eyes and captivating, keeping that "cartoony" spirit to it, and still presenting gorgeous and palpable landscapes to the viewers. But if I start talking to deep into aspects like animation, I'd go on and on about a huge number of other things. Suffice to say, this is absolutely safe, but still clever, stimulating, humane and unforgettable stuff for everyone. If you're feeling particularly tired of malicious, dumbed-down entertainment that takes you for granted, The Backyardigans is bound to be the ideal alternative. And be sure to grab the songs, too: they've got a CD released, with some of their best tunes. They're going to grow on you before you realise it.
What gets my attention right away in the series is the characters. And not because they're cute, have fun voices or anything: unlike in many shows, the characters are neither designed according to stereotypes, nor designed to be "loved". The characters are like most normal kids, with their flaws and strengths. Each character reveals a world of complexity when you look closer at him, but yet, you're able to sit back and just enjoy the roles he takes in the many stories the five friends make up. But it's that mixture of simplicity and complexity that makes the whole thing work: the characters are just kids, and nothing more. Some more impatient watchers might get annoyed at Tasha's attitude and temper, at times, but who never had a friend who acted like her, at times? If Pablo, Uniqua, Austin and Tyrone are able to be her friends even when she acts moody and bossy, the watchers certainly should be able to forgive her occasional misbehaviour.
The very basic premise of the show isn't innovative: it stimulates imagination. But it does so by showing the five friends' wonderful adventures (they've got the whole wide world in their yard to explore!) as what they are: child's play. The writing in the series is fantastic, revealing intelligent stories with unique twists, like the "Snow Fort" episode and the misunderstanding at the end, or the clever set-up of "Riding The Range". Sometimes the stories are simple, but still rich, warm and deliciously entertaining, and it invites children (and adults!) into the kids' fertile minds and shows that, when you're a kid, everything is possible. What's also noteworthy is the subtle jokes and lines the writers drop, like recurring comments like "You can say that again!" (which is, sometimes, interpreted literally) or Tyrone's strategic, hilarious "That certainly is convenient" when something looks slightly contrived. That's only helped by the actors' fantastic job, and also because they are all actual children. Those brilliant child actors can give a special flavour to the show that adult actors just can't give, no matter how good they are. And a show like The Backyardigans greatly benefits from that.
Last, but not least, the show features some of the most stunningly brilliant music ever seen on children's shows. As you might have seen already, The Backyardigans is a musical, but the musical acts are so spontaneous, colourful and brilliant, you'll hardly notice it. There are four new songs per episode, one of them always being a parody of a well-known song. But the biggest feature, in my opinion, is that each episode features a different musical genre, such as Argentinean Tango, Reggae, Big Band, Hip Hop, Disco, Gilbert & Sullivan, Bossa Nova and Rock 'n' Roll. And we're talking about professional, catchy and gorgeous music here - and even the most demanding musical geeks shall be surprised by the music presented here.
The animation is superb, easy-on-the-eyes and captivating, keeping that "cartoony" spirit to it, and still presenting gorgeous and palpable landscapes to the viewers. But if I start talking to deep into aspects like animation, I'd go on and on about a huge number of other things. Suffice to say, this is absolutely safe, but still clever, stimulating, humane and unforgettable stuff for everyone. If you're feeling particularly tired of malicious, dumbed-down entertainment that takes you for granted, The Backyardigans is bound to be the ideal alternative. And be sure to grab the songs, too: they've got a CD released, with some of their best tunes. They're going to grow on you before you realise it.
Fantastic mini musicals for children
Jphilip15 January 2005
5 computer animated animal characters go on musical adventures in their backyards. Each episode has a theme, such as the kids being pirates, vikings, jungle explorers, and arctic adventurers. Usually it is 4 of the 5 main characters, and each episode ends with the imaginary setting morphing back into the backyard with the kids retiring to one's home for juice and a snack.
What sets this show above most is the remarkable musical and singing component. These kids can sing (especially tasha). Each episode varies in creativity, but the music and singing are consistently first rate. The shows are essentially 25 minute mini -musicals and the musical themes are fun, like the 50's, swing, jazz, and pop.
Parents with preschoolers who have had their fill of the same old purple stuff will find this dramatically refreshing. It is always a plus when a children's program is equally enjoyable by adults.
I hope they keep producing these for a long while.
What sets this show above most is the remarkable musical and singing component. These kids can sing (especially tasha). Each episode varies in creativity, but the music and singing are consistently first rate. The shows are essentially 25 minute mini -musicals and the musical themes are fun, like the 50's, swing, jazz, and pop.
Parents with preschoolers who have had their fill of the same old purple stuff will find this dramatically refreshing. It is always a plus when a children's program is equally enjoyable by adults.
I hope they keep producing these for a long while.
A Delight
roedyg8 November 2006
This show is an absolute delight. I wish they had TV like this when I was a pre-schooler.
The format is simple. Five young animals playing in their backyard start to imagine some adventure. The landscape morphs to match their fantasy world. The characters alternately explore and take time out for a little song and dance. The music is quite unlike typical shrill children's music. It is can range from baroque to doo wap. The child actors do an exceptionally good, but clearly child-like job, of the harmonies and counterpoint. They do a simple little dance. It invites participation. The lyrics are great fun, with strained rhymes. The original, clever, simple and upbeat music is what makes the show.
The 3D computer animation is smooth, sharp and clear with rich juicy colours. Real children play the characters, with plausible pleasant voices, not the silly squeaking usually used to entertain children.
The characters are invariably polite and kind to each other. Each adventure has a subtle morality tale. The story does not beat the kids over the head with moralising.
I confess. I am 58 years old, and I love this show. I feel silly watching a show for preschoolers, but it puts such a smile on my face, I tell myself "What the heck."
The format is simple. Five young animals playing in their backyard start to imagine some adventure. The landscape morphs to match their fantasy world. The characters alternately explore and take time out for a little song and dance. The music is quite unlike typical shrill children's music. It is can range from baroque to doo wap. The child actors do an exceptionally good, but clearly child-like job, of the harmonies and counterpoint. They do a simple little dance. It invites participation. The lyrics are great fun, with strained rhymes. The original, clever, simple and upbeat music is what makes the show.
The 3D computer animation is smooth, sharp and clear with rich juicy colours. Real children play the characters, with plausible pleasant voices, not the silly squeaking usually used to entertain children.
The characters are invariably polite and kind to each other. Each adventure has a subtle morality tale. The story does not beat the kids over the head with moralising.
I confess. I am 58 years old, and I love this show. I feel silly watching a show for preschoolers, but it puts such a smile on my face, I tell myself "What the heck."
Amazing
superiornoob21 June 2019
This show is literally one of the best ever written. It gives you a clear understanding of the friendship and relationships you should have, and the way how cute and silly it looks as it teaches you wonderful life lessons. I guarantee it will give you a better understanding on lie and that you will enjoy it.
This has got to be the worst Nick Jr show ever!
JosephStevenCiurczak17 December 2018
Where do I begin with this cruddy show?! The characters are more annoying than any other Nick Jr show,the animation is trash,and the music is ear bleeding annoying! Stay away from this and watch Blue's Clues,Lazytown,Or Paw Patrol,cause all of those are better than this trash!
Probably the best on Children's TV
v-939103 April 2018
You will not, and this is guaranteed, find another show on TV with a plot as great as this one. Simply the best, and hard to beat with standards sky-high. Always a pleasure to watch, and I feel totally immersed in the show.
Great show for preschoolers.
dprincesspotter18 January 2005
My daughter (3 years old) absolutely loves this show. It immediately replaced the old standbys (-dora, blues clues ex) as her favorite show. She loves to get up and try to copy the kids dancing during the songs. It really gets her up and moving. After watching the 'pirate treasure' episode she spent a week pretending she was a pirate! This show knows how to get a child's imagination working!
This is a fun, educational, creative and very entertaining show. It really knows how to captivate an audience.
The show is entertaining for me too. The songs are great, real musical quality. As a parent, I appreciate a show like this. One that my daughter can enjoy and doesn't drive me crazy!
This is a fun, educational, creative and very entertaining show. It really knows how to captivate an audience.
The show is entertaining for me too. The songs are great, real musical quality. As a parent, I appreciate a show like this. One that my daughter can enjoy and doesn't drive me crazy!
AMAZING. The best of all.
priscilasato17 August 2013
This is an amazing cartoon (exclammation point) I love the constant musical and imaginary stimulation to my kid. She is only 8-months old and that is the only cartoon that calms her down. Not only that, it makes her smile and she tries to sing with the songs in the episode. It is so cute! I just came back from Italy and it is big there too. My husband's 8 year old could only talk the "zomzoli" (that is what the show is called there. We went to a city called Otranto and the only Nick stuffed animals that we saw in a toy store was "the zomzoli". No Dora, no Diego,...
I was also reading the Brazilian paper (I am from Brazil) and it is also big there.
Why would Nick cancel such an awesome show (question mark)
Stupid move.
I was also reading the Brazilian paper (I am from Brazil) and it is also big there.
Why would Nick cancel such an awesome show (question mark)
Stupid move.
we Love love love this show!
adavi-832495 August 2018
I'll just say this... I wish I could meet the creator, writer and actors that helped make this show. My 2 year old has been watching reruns since he was under 1. He dances with them, he asks if they are ok when they fall, and each episode introduces a new type of play for him. When he is an adult he will recall this being the tv show of his childhood.
Great for everyone-young and old!
engillespie200316 August 2006
My 15 month old has been infatuated with these lovable characters since he was merely 5 months old. The Backyardigans are both entertaining for children and most importantly for parents too. Unlike many of the other programs today this one maintains the true innocence of children and their imaginations.The characters are so memorable that my 5 year old nephew watched one video and knows all of the characters by name and remembered what the episode was about. It has been a joy to watch our son clap, sing and dance along to the music. We've watched our sons videos so much that we can both sing along to all of the songs too!! The creators of this show deserve tremendous appreciation!!
My Favorite Kids Show
newfiechiclet29 September 2006
The Backyardigans are a favorite in this house. My little girl is almost 1 year old and she absolutely loves them. I have her room decorated in them and they will be the theme for her first birthday. Her favorite Character is Pablo. The bright colors get her attention eveytime. The music is so enjoyable and catchy. Even my husband and I have to sit down and watch it. There are new episodes on now that started a month ago and new ones come of some Friday nights night TreehouseTV here in Canada. We try not to miss a show. I highly recommend this show for children of all ages. The imagination of the characters is amazing. It is a great show.
The greatest of the new cartoons...
raindropdaisy10 July 2005
My three-year-old niece absolutely LOVES The Backyardigans... and so do I!! It stars 5 adorable animal friends: Uniqua, a spunky bug of some sort; Austin, a shy kangaroo; Tyrone, a laid-back moose; Pablo, a nervous penguin; and Tasha, a feisty hippopotamus. Their adventures take them anywhere from a haunted house to the heart of the jungle.
Children learn the value of imagination, creativity, and music throughout each episode, which has a different theme, both musically and plot-based. From reggae to jazz, children sample music from all genres, and let me just say that the tunes are REALLY catchy.
If you've got a child in your life, be it yours or someone else's, introduce them to this show. Chances are, you'll like it too. :o)
Children learn the value of imagination, creativity, and music throughout each episode, which has a different theme, both musically and plot-based. From reggae to jazz, children sample music from all genres, and let me just say that the tunes are REALLY catchy.
If you've got a child in your life, be it yours or someone else's, introduce them to this show. Chances are, you'll like it too. :o)
This is my childhood
cooldudeben-5799619 April 2020
Fun
mlgamerdoge24 May 2020
I remember watching the cds back in 2011 and the show is as great as it was 10 years ago! It teaches kids to use their imagination and imagine doing stuff they never would be able to do, which is very good. The songs are fire as well! The adventures are very fun and enjoyable even as a teenager rewatching the show! I can relate to Austin even though he's rarely in an episode. The humor is good, and the animation still holds up to this day! International Super Spy is the best episode in my opinion.
best kid show ever!
diamondytiy16 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The best thing about this world: Backyardigans
Words are too earthly incompetent and humane to describe this amazing,most epic, the most awesome show ever. It's funny, emotional, exhilarating, visually stunning, thrilling, exciting.......it's everything good about this universe. The characters. Everyone in the show are so amazing. Janice Burgess, you are a GODDES. You are more than a mere Goddess. A Genius. I am eternally grateful to you for making this show, for giving meaning to my life. Backyardigans IS THE MANIFESTATION OF KIDS MUSIC ITSELF So pure. Nothing can ever even come close to this. It's the best show, no, not show, but the thing in the world. PERIOD.
Best show for children ever!!
mcduggan-4880329 May 2021
Love love love this show! So good for children! Introduces children to so many different music styles from around the world! Voice acting is top notch and animation is better than all the new awful Nickelodeon reboots of rugrats and baby spongebob! I feel bad for children who have to grow up watching *eww* cocomelon and little baby bum, which are the laziest most awful shows ever made, no offence to the people who made them! So yeah watch the backyardagins!!!
Great show
smudgecat7317 May 2005
This is a great show for preschoolers and young children. My daughter (4) loves it. She gets up and dances along with the characters every day! There is music, imagination and action in every episode. The animation is pretty neat; very colorful and the adventures the characters have are just like any that my daughter (or I at her age) would have. There is one in a jungle and another on a pirate ship. I love how the characters are all different but share similar characteristics. It shows children how other children can be very different but you are all the same inside. The dancing is fun too. The characters show different dance moves and how to build on them until you are doing a disco move or a shag move, etc. All around a very good show!
Me and My Friends (1998) The Backyardigans 3D Animated (2001)
contrerasrpaola22 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Well This is My Team Here!
forcarousellpablo14 February 2022
I like this cartoon A LOT! Cause it's my team here in my country And I observed The attitude of my friends are like the backyardigans and they act like the backyardigans they like To sing they like to dance And we even have a backyard like the backyardigans And we're really adventurous Is the I'm probably by the way see you backyard friends!!!
My whole family loves this show!!!
pcjmgreene23 May 2007
I have two kids, a boy who's 7 and a girl who is 3 and both of them love this show. My son is far beyond Bob the Builder, etc. but he has made an exception for this show. I have a low tolerance for many children shows - they are too PC, they are too cheesy, bad music, etc. but I have to admit this is one show that I will sit and watch with the kids. Not only do I find the characters cute and individual (each one has a distinct personality which makes you feel like you "know" them), and the story lines are inventive and fun, but the best is the music and dancing. Every kind of music (latin, hip hop, country, jazz, etc etc) is represented and the dancing far exceeds what you would expect in a cartoon. I love that all different styles of music are here and my children get exposed to such a broad range of types of music. We bought both CDs of the show and my husband and I find ourselves singing along because the music is that catchy. I highly recommend the series to anyone with young children - far and away better than most of the alternatives on TV.
The Backyardigans
whit236016 August 2006
My two year old son and his mother love this show. I wish they would produce more shows. He loves the singing and dancing. I love that they take music and dance from all genres and modernize it for today's kids. When my son hears the opening refrain we both run into the den to sing along with the Uniqua, Tyrone, Tasha, Pablo and Austin. I guess I am giving it away that I am a big kid. What can I say I love the songs. What really amazes me is that animated dancing is what keeps me interested. I love to see how what moves they will use next. You know I am the bigger fan/kid when my child will be distracted by a toy or something else and his mother is still watching the television.
See also
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