This new show, Lazytown, just debuted on Nick Jr. Sophia asked to watch it. Then she wanted to watch more. The show’s been on a week and it’s the only thing she wants to watch.
Given that it’s a show that wants to inspire kids to get up and move, I’m not sure that’s a good sign. But it’s actually a very, very entertaining show.
Lazytown is the story of (where else?) Lazytown, where both superhero Sportacus and supervillain Robbie Rotten live. Sportacus is into health and activity and eating good food. Robbie wants everyone to be lazy and eat junk food. 
Eight-year-old Stephanie moves to town and becomes friends with Sportacus and the other kids in town (all of whom are puppets), and they foil Robbie’s schemes. And periodically Stephanie, in her bright pink hair and bright pink dress, bursts into a technopop number.
Do not get high before watching this show. I’m just saying.
I sat down to watch this show with Sophia and I definitely had a good time. The themes of the episodes are pretty obvious, but entertainingly done. The importance of getting your sleep, the importance of eating well and choosing an apple over candy, the importance of being honest over telling a lie. I just wish Sophia wanted to get up and bop with Stephanie when she’s doing one of her techno numbers.
The strange accents of Sportacus and Robbie Rotten, the bright colors, and the technopop interludes made me wonder: is this Scandinavian or something? So I looked it up on the Web and no, it’s Icelandic. Yes, Icelandic. And it’s evidently this huge conglomerate, with books and stage shows and all sorts of spinoffs.
My question for my vast audience of Icelandic readers (hi there): was this show originally broadcast in English? Or did they do two versions: the English for export and Icelandic for home?
Update: I’ve closed comments on this entry because I’m getting very, very tired of deleting comments about how “hot” Stephanie is. Guys, she’s 13 oe 14. Find someone your own age. (And if I’ve let any such comments go by, let me know: n k a ( a t ) n o b o d y – k n o w s – a n y t h i n g . c o m.
The website says that “The LazyTown TV show is premiering on NickelodeonÂ’s Nick Jr. channel starting August 16, 2004”, so it presumably hasn’t yet been shown in Iceland or anywhere else.
My twins (just turned five) love this show. I have to “accidentally” delete the recordings from the TiVo after a few viewings, for my sanity. They do jump around and dance, but it’s been a week and I’m seriously hating the theme song — probably because it’s been requested that I sing it at bedtime every night. I have weird kids.
But thank you, Sportacus, for making bedtime easier. Louisa hates going to bed. Now, we go to bed at exactly 8.08 (when Sportacus does!) and when she does her “I hate sleeping” mantra, I reply, “What does Sportacus say?” “Sleep gives me energy! I’m going to sleep right NOW!”
I just stumbled upon this site, but I think I can answer your question. I’m Icelandic and I can tell you that the show has not been shown here in Iceland. I’ve read in some paper that the show will be dubbed (shudder) after each and every episode has been completed when and if it will be shown here (I hope not, dubbed live acting is just horrible! The horror!).
There was a theater performance (live acting) in Iceland a few years ago, and a sequel some time after that (if memory serves). Those were of course in Icelandic. Then they distributed the video of that performance so everyone and their grandma has probably watched it in Iceland 🙂
Just for fun: Lazy Town is called Latibær in Icelandic, Sportacus is called “ÃÂþróttaálfurinn” (loosely translates as “the sport elf”) and Robbie Rotten is “Glanni Glæpur”.
When are the music CDs being released in the US????
Hi,
Lazytown is based on an Icelandic TV “show” called Latibaær which has been running for a few years along with live appearances in schools and other places. In Iceland this has not been a full show but a 10 to 15 minute episode aired within the children program. Lazytown also has a radio station airing full time for kids. They have been successful and done innovative things to encourage positive behaviour and habits. For example there was a game going on where kids kept a diary where they would get points for good behaviour and food but minus points for candy, soda and going late to sleep. They then got rewards that were sponsored by companies (no candy). This was very popular and I heard from friends of mine (my kids are to young to appreciate Lazytown, 4 months to 3 year) that they could not offer sodas and cake in birthday parties, the kids complained. I also know someone within the Pepsi distributor in Iceland who told me that they marked a 6% drop in sales of soda during the game. So, yes, Lazytown has been a successful thing in Iceland but the concept is played out differently than in the US.
Visitors to my site ROCK. Thank you for the info. Iceland is clearly different from the US: the TV show would have been the *first* thing planned, along with spinoff beach towels, books, and candy. The irony of a kids’ fitness show having candy would have totally escaped most people.
I love the kids complaining about soda and cake at parties. That would *never* happen here.
I kind of like the name “Sport Elf.”
(I also love the fact that commenters from Iceland have no problem commenting on my entries, whereas if I found a blog from Iceland I’d be like, “Wow, cool dipthong letters, I wonder what the text says.” Being multilingual is COOL.)
Iceland IS Scandinavia……
really, nobody knows anything!
You know, I realized after I posted this (and my husband tsk-tsk’d) that Iceland was part of Scandinavia, but I try not to edit what I originally put down.
You know, I see via Google the website goscandinavia.com lists Finland as part of Scandinavia, and I have been thwomped on this very same journal for saying any such thing. So indeed: NKA. What say ye, Icelanders: is Finland part of Scandinavia?
Hmmm. In the strictest geographical sense, scandinavia refers to the peninsula occupied by Norway and Sweden. Generally speaking it usually refers to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and even includes Finland and Iceland. Especially if you are refering to “the scandinavian countries”. The usual way out of this is to use the term “Nordic countries” wich covers them all with out anybody correcting you.
Bjorn, another Icelander…
Scandinavian countries are, for practical purposes, countries where the majority of the countries’ ancestors (and culture) are of Scandinavian (Norse) decent. Iceland comes across to most outsiders as the most hard-core stereotypically Scandinavian country. The other Scandinavian countries are Norway, Sweden, Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Finland doesn’t make the grade. It is a Nordic country but not Scandinavian. On the other hand, Iceland and the rest of Scandanavia qualify as “Nordic” as well.
“LazyTown” is a wonderful show and its theme and characters´names are positively brilliant.
2 thumbs up!! I’m a fitness professional with 4 small children. IMO ‘Lazytown’ is the BEST kid’s show on TV. It’s about time someone else out there promoted wellness for children. The US has a terribly high obesity rate among youngsters. Instead of climbing trees, riding bikes, running around with friends & skating, they sit & snack all day. The show is HIGHLY entertaining & promotes good health habits! The music is great & the cast is AWESOME! Sportacus is cool, Stephanie is adorable & Rob Rotten is hilarious- his antics remind me of Jim Carey. My children really enjoy the show & I can hardly sit still during the songs. Way to go, Magnus! Your show is a winner in my book!
Who is the actor playing Sportacus??? Anyone please help!!
Hi
My daughter Taylor is 5 she love’s this show also love’s the little 8 year old girl in the pink dress Stephanie & she also like’s because her favorite color is pink lol
Love Taylor’s Mom
The actor who plays Sportacus is the Main Force behind the show, Magnus Scheving. He came up with the idea, created the first book (Go, Go, Lazytown), starred in the stage shows, and writes, produces, and stars in the TV show.
this show is facinating to watch! my kids are in school now but I just happened to see it as I flipped through the channels one morning. The actor playing Robbie Rotten is dynamic, definately reminds you of Jim Carey. I think this show will be a hit, and Sportacus is a hunk, I’m sure more moms will watch too. Stefanie is a doll.
The show is very addictive!!!
Stephanie, the “8” year old girl (She is actually thirteen) used to be on Broadway somewhere. I have been to nickjr.com and read the message boards and everything. A lot say that Robbie is similar to Jim Carey in a way. http://www.lazytown.com gives a lot of info too. They should show it earlier in the mornings, since almost everyone is in school. LazyTown is a turning point in children’s television…in my opinion.
I love this show it is awsome.Stephinie is a cute little thing that likes todance to Techno. But Robbie Rotten CREEPS ME OUT! wut is with all the prothstetic stuff on his face for i would think that he scears children.. but thats just me.
Ég vil bara segja það að ÃÂslendingar eru stoltir af Magnúsi Scheving og elska ÃÂbúa Latabæjar. ÃÂsland rúlar!!! c”,)
I just want to say that Icelanders are proud of Magnús Scheving and they love Lazytown’s residents. Iceland ruleas!!! c”,)
I’m curious about the dubbing, too. I had to watch the same episode this morning and then again this afternoon with my 3 year old son, and I watched the synching closely but still couldn’t figure it out. The sound seems off by a few milliseconds but the lips seem to move along with the English dialogue — for example, in the first episode, when Stephanie asks, “Are you a superhero?” and Sportacus says, “Let’s say I’m a little bit above-average hero.” I’d be very curious to know what the Icelandic line was that synched so perfectly with the English one.
I did notice that the shots with English in them (e.g. the SOS note in Sportacus’s blimp) don’t show his face, so perhaps parts are re-shot in different languages?
Hi I’m an icelander so I can tell you that the show is filmed in english and has never been shown in Iceland 🙁 But I can tell you how it would be in Icelandic. It would be something like this: Stephanie: “Ert þú ofurhetja?” Sportacus: “Segjum að ég sé örlÃÂtið hærra settur en venjuleg hetja”
My 6 and 4 year old LOVE this show – as soon as the episode ends they are asking to play it outside! I absolutely love the soundtrack – so much better than the britney crud on the radio and so cool to dance to! This is a winner!
It would be something like this: Stephanie: “Ert þú ofurhetja?” Sportacus: “Segjum að ég sé örlÃÂtið hærra settur en venjuleg hetja”
And then Stephanie bursts into song and everyone dances.
here is the lsit of cast sharacters
Stefán Karl Stefánsson Robbie Rotten
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-311340
Julianna Rose Mauriello Stephanie
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-311341
Magnús Scheving Sportacus
http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-311339
My son Matthew is 5 and He loves the show. He even changed his eating habits. Now, he only wants healthy snacks and try to be like Sportacus. I love the songs! They are very inspiring! Great Job! I would like to know where I can get Sportacus and Stephanie’s outfits just in time for halloween.
WOW!!! What an awesome show!!!! My husband and I are really into fitness, but our 3 kids find it boring and hate to go to the gym with us! Sportacus has changed all that. Can you believe they beg to go now? (Our gym has a climbing wall, etc. for kids) Great job! By the way, could Sportacus be any hotter???? Go Go Lazytown!!
I am planning my daughter’s six year birthday party and now have to make Sportacus’ outfit. She loves this show. We saw the first episode and firmly believe that it is the best kids show ever. I only hope that my husband can fit into the outfit, if not I’ll have to hire his fit friend, AL!!!
My 4 year old daughter LOVES this show. We are having a blast learning the songs and dancing to them together! I also am interested in Lazytown products – cd’s, posters, Halloween costumes. Can anyone help?
I’m Icelandic and live in San Antonio, Texas. My three and half year old daughter absolutely loves LazyTown! I watch it from time to time too, but Magnús makes me depressed as he’s about my age and I’m afraid I’m not quite in his shape physically!
My 16 mth old is absolutely in love with this show, and yes she gets up and dances and even says “Dance Dance”. She loves when we dance together.
I think its a great show, if ur trying to inspire ur little ones I suggest you get up and dance around urself with them, watch them get up and join u.
I really don’t think that we should worry to much where the show originated, kids love it and its a show with great ideas so far.
I LOVE THIS SHOW NEVER TAKE IT OFF THE T.V.!!!!
My son loves Lazytown (almost five) he is mesmerized. anytime I go near the computer he begs for the nick website.
Do you know of any cool sites he might like.
Do you know if they are going to expand the shows any, seems like the same shows over and over.
Thank you Nick Jr. for picking up this show. I actually stop everything when the clock strikes “Lazytown time” and watch it with my four year old son. My first grader is at school, so she doesn’t get to see it as often, but she has seen it too, and they are both enamored by it. I’m trying to find videos or any info. It’s not even on the Nick Jr. website. I love this show. It’s a revelation.
this show is AWESOME..and I’m PROUD TO ADMIT..that I stumbled upon it by accident..
AND NOW I’M HOOKED..I don’t even have children, I’m 44 years young..my hubby looks almost identical to SPORTACUS, that was what caught my eye when i was channel surfing..THIS SHOW..GETS ME DANCING AND i have since started working out again..
I hope they make new episodes, as I’ve already taped all of the ones so far…at night my hubby Tor and I watch this show together..we love singing all the songs:) Go Magnus..GO GO GO GETTEM LAZYTOWN!!!
WE LOVE THIS SHOW!!!!MY 4 YEAR OLD IS DRIVING ME CRAZY TO HAVE HER A LAZYTOWN BIRTHDAY PARTY IN 3 WEEKS. SO ,OF COURSE, I HAVE HIRED SOME ENTERTAINERS TO COME AS SPORTACUS AND STEPHANIE AND I HAVE SCOURED EBAY TO FIND ANYTHING “LAZYTOWN” TO GIVE HER FOR HER BIRTHDAY!I WANT TO FIND HER A STEPHANIE COSTUME FOR HALLOWEEN.
I HOPE THEY START TO MARKET THIS BIG…WHOEVER DOES WILL MAKE A KILLING$$$$$$$$$$.
Help! My five year old loves this show, infact she wants to be Stephanie for Halloween. Does anyone know where I can purchase Lazytown costumes.
Signed,
Wish I could sew.
Jennifer
You have got to be kidding…this show is like the worst. My boys don’t like it…7,4, and 2. It’s like a combination of the Compfy Couch,Power Rangers, and RocketPower as puppets. Nick Jr really took a good formula for a line up of preschool shows and messed with it. Nick has way too many puppet orientated shows and plays them two and three times daily. Once is enough…children need variety for stimulation. All the their good shows they moved to Noggin.
My husband is really excited about Lazytown in fact he is the one who told me about the new program. He watches it in the morning with our five year old. Of course she wants to be Stephanie for Halloween. I thought what a great Party Theme; Lazytown along with Veggies, Fruits and various activities.
My 3-year-old enjoys this show very much. It comes at a very good time as he is somewhat growing bored of Dora and Blues. Plus, IMO it’s a better alternative for his age than Spongebob and Rugrats/All Grown Up/Rocket Power. It’s great to watch him try to pull all of Sporticus’ moves on the living room carpet. Unfortunately, I am cast as Robbie Rotten when it comes to playing. I too am looking for Lazytown merchandise, but have only found a theme remix CD on ebay. It doesn’t appear like they planned to have all the items most shows have shortly after they launch (playsets, action figures, etc.). It reminds me of how hard it was to find Roly Poly Olie stuff when it started showing.
jz
hehe. I don’t know how I came across your journal, but I did. I am a lazytown fan, as is my children. I feel the need to admit to a bunch of adults that I discovered and started watching the show before I let my kids in on the secret (hehe). I think Stephanie is such a cutie, and I have used her as my user icon for my personal journal. I now have to find a Stephanie costume for my 2 1/2 yr old and something lazytown related for our son who’s 1 and 1/2. I love it when my kids start dancing. Anyway, enough rambling. Just wanted to say hi.
🙂
Gaea from Oklahoma
Lazy Town is an awsome show for kids and adults alike.My 3yr old LOVES IT!! It is the only show she gets up and dances to,and she makes me play the get up and move game on nickjr’s site everyday after work.She wants to be stephanie for halloween.Hope i can find her a costume.And she is waiting for Lazy Town toys to come out in the stores.Way to Go,Go Lazy Town!!!
I think a lot of us parents are wondering what we are going to do about Halloween costumes! (Although Costco has Disney princess costumes this year…) Stephanie shouldn’t be too hard — lots of costume shops should have a pink wig, and pink dresses are easy to come by. Sportacus is a little harder though.
My daughter Jenna loves the show and has to tivo every episode. The problem now is her birthday is comming on Oct 17th and she wants Lazytown party stuff and halloween outfit. Do you make them yet and do you party supplies out yet ? Please let me know if you do asp as oct is comeing up quick… Aslo I love the show, it’s great and my daughter who is 7 and all her friends do cheer leading and they love Stephnie!!!Keep up the good work….!!!!!
Just popped in via Google of all things. Trying to understand this Lazytown thing my daughter is into. LOL. Great reading here!
LazyTown is cool! Heck, I’m an adult that has no kids and I watch some episodes off my Tivo. I thin Stephanie is a very talented young lady with all her dancing and singing. Really hope they bring out some LazyTown CDs in the US soon or I’ll just make mp3s out of the songs from the series.
OK. I’m just gonna come out and say it. I’m 18 and I LOVE Lazytown! Stephanie is so cute and Sportucus is such a hottie!
I’m just going to say the same things, here . . . My 4 yr old daughter loves Lazytown and so do I! She wants to be Stephanie for Hallowe’en and if I can’t find a costume I will be sewing the jumper. Everything else should be pretty easy. The hard part is that she wants my husband to dress as Sportacus (mmmmmm, my husband — Sportacus, mmmmmm) Oh, right, anyway — and I think his costume will be more problematic. I hope they come up with some quick merchandising! If they do, they will make a fortune!
Incidentally, when the songs start up, my daughter says,”It’s the dancing part!!!” and we all come running from different parts of the house so we can boogie down!
My children watch Lazytown every morning and yes,
we have to dance to the theme song every morning!
I am curious when they will be airing new episodes since they have been showing the ones
from the first week it was on.
This show is great!! My 2 little girls love it and i find myself watching it too.. And i find Sportucus is such a cutie pie!!!(should a married women be thinking like that?? ha..ha..) I give this show a 10 and as long as they keep in on the air my family will be tuning in!!! Way to go Magnus you hottie!!!