Nobody Knows Anything

Welcome to Diane Patterson's eclectic blog about what strikes her fancy

The Backyardigans

Posted on Written by

So, I know I’m totally going to give you the idea that all my kids do is watch TV, and this is completely one hundred percent not true.

However, the TV they do watch gives me something to write about, so here it is.

Forget Lazytown (as though I could forget it—it’s my single most popular entry ever)—Sophia got bored with Lazytown because it’s been the same five episodes in rotation for the past two months. The show to watch is The Backyardigans. How much do I love this show? I am tempted to watch it when the kids aren’t around. I sing the songs as I do the dishes. There are only nine episodes so far and I have all nine on our TiVo. I force people just visiting our house to watch some of this show.

I love this show.

backyardigans.jpg

Tyrone, Tasha, Pablo, Uniqua, and Austin

The Backyardigans is a show about five friends—Tyrone the moose, Tasha the hippo, Pablo the penguin, Uniqua the ladybug, and Austin the kangaroo (actually, I’m not sure what Austin is, and he’s the Backyardigan we see the least of anyhow)—who get together every day and have some theme to their play: ghosts, Tarzan, knights and quests, Mounties, Vikings. They all take roles in their adventure that pretty well fit with their personalities. At the end, they repair to one kid’s house for snacktime.

In between, there’s singing, dancing, and general silliness. What’s extremely excellent about this show is that there’s stuff in there for grownups that’s not sneaky or salacious: it’s just on a level most kids aren’t going to find funny in the same way. For example, three Backyardigans are chasing the Yeti across the North Pole:

             TASHA
          We need kayaks to cross
          this water.

     They suddenly spy three KAYAKS on the bank of
     the river.

             TYRONE
          Well, that certainly is
          convenient.

That line cracks me up everytime.

The songs in this show are incredibly memorable. While doing the dishes I like to sing the songs the Vikings sing as their Viking ship rounds a very powerful whirlpool, “You’ve Got To Hold On Tight”:

You've got to hold on tight
Hold on tight
You've got to hold on tight
Hold on tight
You've got to hold on tight with all your Viking might.

Darin’s favorite bit is when they sing a limbo while trying to avoid the laser beams during a super-secret spy mission.

This show has reignited my love of musicals, which has been dormant for some time. (My insistence on musical-only writing music has been helped by the fact that I dug out our CD collection and ripped about 150 of them recently. Of course, I can’t find the one I’m looking for, Linie 1. Sigh.) I want to write a children’s musical, I’m so inspired by this show.

Anyhow: The Backyardigans is on Nick Jr. I highly recommend checking it out.

(Tyrone the moose is my favorite, by the way. In case you’re wondering.)

 

§ 

Update 2/16/05: Wow, lots of comments here! This entry is listed pretty high on Google when you search for “The Backyardigans” so I’m going to assume someone from Nick Jr. has found it. (Hi there! More Backyardigans episodes, please!)

A number of people have posted asking about Backyardigans-themed birthday supplies and other merchandise. As far as I’ve been able to find on the Web, there isn’t any! It might not be licensed yet or might not have gotten to stories yet. All I can say is: Hurry it up! You’ve got lots of customers waiting. If anyone does know of legit Backyardigans stuff, let me know and I’ll put it on this page.

I found a number of Backyardigans songs on LimeWire. I don’t know where they’re from, since a few things tell me they’re not recorded right off of the show. If the production company wanted to put out a CD with each and every song from the show on it, they’d have a bestseller. I think there are plenty of parents out there who wouldn’t mind putting that music on for their kids, and I’d rather pay royalties to the songmakers!

Evidently a new bunch of episodes will start airing in a week or two. I can’t wait…and I think the kids are excited too. All I can say is, keep ’em coming! More! More!

Update 8/11/05: The Backyardigans’ eponymously named CD is now out! The Backyardigans has 19 great songs on it, although it doesn’t include my personal favorite, “You’ve got to hold on tight.” I had downloaded some of these songs from Limewire, but I’m much, much happier having the actual CD in my hot little hand now.

Update 1/28/06: Wow. This entry has 747 comments!

There are a couple of Backyardigan DVDs out now, which means you don’t have to keep every episode on your TiVo any more.

The Snow Fort: Contains “The Snow Fort”, “The Yeti”, “Knights Are Brave and Strong”, and “Secret Mission”.

It’s Great To Be A Ghost: Contains “It’s Great To Be A Ghost”, “Monster Detectives”, “Key to the Nile”, and “Pirate Adventure”.

Polka Palace Party: Contains “Polka Palace Party”, “Heart of the Jungle”, “Viking Voyage”, and one I haven’t seen before — having tea in the Gobi desert. (Maybe it hasn’t aired yet?)

 
Update 1/05/09: Yowsa. I am amazed at how lively this entry still is!

In response to many (many, many) comments on here: I came up with the idea that Uniqua is a ladybug from my then-4-year-old (who’s now about to be 9, but still loves the Backyardigans). I’m in complete agreement with everyone who says that Uniqua is just that: unique. I wasn’t paying a whole bunch of attention at the time, and I went with my 4-year-old’s assessment of Uniqua’s identity, ‘kay?

Filed Under: TV

Comments

  1. I am sooo bummed that the party supplies will not be available until after October! My son is turning one this month (Aug 24th). We have been backyardagians fans since he was 4 months old. We also have the DVDs and episodes on Tivo. My husband evens sings them. We had house guests for a while too who also fell in love with all the characters and songs. Its great!

  2. BACKYARDIGANS BIRTHDAY ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE AT

    http://www.birthdayexpress.com

    THEY WERE JUST RELEASED THIS MONTH. I HAVE ORDERED THEM FOR MY DAUGHTERS BIRTHDAY PARTY IN SEPTEMBER.

    THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER! (AND THEY ALL REJOYCED!!!)

    HAPPY PLANNING!

  3. I LOVE the Backyardigans!
    I am particularly taken with Tasha the Hippo…not only is she smart,self-assured, witty, clever, good looking, and loyal but she is a good friend too!
    Plus, I really like her sunny disposition, bright yellow dress and her understated comment, “Oh, for goodness sake!”
    HIPPOS RULE!!!

  4. Hi!!
    Me, my husband and our 2½year old son LOVES the Backyardigans. We live in Sweden, so we watch them on Nickelodeon, and of course they talk swedish. We’ve recorded almost every episode they’ve showed on VHS. Guess if those tapes are used…

  5. Has anybody seen the Pirate theme birthday supplies??? I want to do the Backyardigans Pirate theme I just cant find it!!!!

  6. hey there i love this show as well but i was reading and i wanted to let you know that there is band-aids of the backyardagins. i love this show. my 7 month old son watchs it every day and it is the only thing that we will watch. nothing else. he also has all 5 dvd. i love how they have a extra featurs part with music videos. you know the question, “do you know what your child is watchin?” i sure do. i know it all off by heart.

  8. i found Backyardigans Birthday supplies.It only took me about a week of constant looking. birthdayexpress.com has a great birthday supply. And its not that expensive. plus ebayexpress sometimes has edible images for cakes

  9. I am 20 years old and in college. I’ve always been a kid at heart and a fan of cartoons. When I came across The Backyardigans, I IMMEDIATELY fell in love. The songs are so catchy and I have just a big imagination as all the characters. Pablo is my FAVE!!! I wish that BearShare had “Racing Day”, that’s my favorite song!

    Racing day, it’s racing day
    Racing day, it’s racing day
    It’s not puppy chasing (or circle tracing or awkward facing, etc.) day
    Today is the day we race

    LOVE IT!!!

  10. hi i just recently watched a show i must say it was one of the best kid show yet. i saw the episode when the hippo was a mermaid and they sang her to sleep.
    These animals can really sing it put my one year old twins to sleep and I loved the song! the Backyardigans is a good show for kids and adults as well.

  11. Yo!!!!! Backyardigans is sooo totally hott…lol i never really thought much of the show…until I saw castaways in the morning. I ran out and told my sis to put it on..and she thought it was soo cute. I’m like 14 and she’s 15 and we still like it….its aweeesome…they’re dances are soo cute especially secrent agent i swear…they need to keep showing it. I also love the part where its the polka palace party or sumthing and then tyrone hears someone yelling help!! and they it’s Uniqua(my favorite) and what she says is sooo cute when shes hanging off the little branch..then she goes like WHOA! and then falls in the tuba….she is like soo totally awesome, I LOVE IT!!! KEEP WATCHING BACKYARDIGANS, CUZ ITZZZ AWESOME!!!!

  12. I was just going through my TV guide and it appears that MISSION TO MARS is airing on SEPTEMBER 1st on NOGGIN!!!! How exciting

    Also…ANA25 – I haven’t seen the Pirate items but BIRTHDAYEXPRESS.com has plain birthday items with the Backyardigans. You can buy pirate “accessories” at OrientalTrader.com Also, I have had a hard time finding a place to make a Backyardigans Cake…but I do know that Toys R Us carries the PIRATE SHIP toy (its a bath toy) Comes with Uniqua, Pablo & the ship…that would look really cute on a cake.

    Hope that helps!
    Sara

  13. My 1-year Old is taken by this show, particularly the introduction. She stops whatever she is doing and presents a HUGE SMILE, then starts her little dance. Nothing else has captured her interest like this show!

  14. May I also add, my husband and I both think this show is brilliantly composed — Choreography, etc. I catch myself subconsciously singing the silly songs. 🙂

  17. Glad to see another parent who enjoys the backyardigans as much as I do. They are educational, creative, fun and diverse. Which are all of the things I hope my 10 month old will continue to enjoy.

  18. I love Backyardigans too! My best friend gave me the Pablo puppet book for my daughter Jessica because I LOVE penguins and my favorite color is blue! Then found the show on TV. Oh my god – loved them! And Jessie loves them so much! Just got her a bigger Pablo stuffed doll at Kohl’s on sale. Kohl’s had quite a few Backyardigans clothes and toys! Thank you so much to the creator of Backyardigans!

  19. I love The Backyardigans it is a great show for kids and it is the only show that my daughter will watch. She is 11 months and hates Dora or any other kid shows. We are having a 1 year old party next month and I found all the party supplies at Birthdayexpress.com, but I can’t find any cake pans or cake supplies anyone got any ideas?

  20. Hi, They have party suppies available at birthdayexpress.com. I myself, also make Personalized Party Hats, Blowouts, buttons.. Check it out on my ebay store chagkids. Thanks. Mother of 4 that love Backyardigans!!!

  22. Ok, ok! I’m down with the rest of the adults that frickin’ love the Backyardigans. I’ve been onto them since my daughter was 3months (8months ago). I am also in desperate search of themed party goods – what would be better than the Backyardigans hosting your first birthday party? I can’t as much as find a darn balloon! If anyone out there in Backyardigans cyberland has an inkling, hint, hook-up, etc., please email me. The songs are so cabaret-like! Thanks for the tip on the Saturday morning showing.

  23. HI I HAVE A 15 MONTH OLD BABY AND SHE LOVES THE BACKYARDIGANS SHE HAS EVERY SINGLE TOY AND BOOK YOU GUYS COME UP WITH EVEN THE CD WITH ALL THE SONGS, MY HUSBAND AND II ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO HEAR MUSIC OR EVEN TO WATCH ANYTHING ON TV THAT IS NOT THE BACKYARDIGANS, I SWEAR THEY ARE MAGICAL SHE COULD BE CRYING HER LUNGS OUT AND AS SOON AS THAT “HY, IM PABLO ” COME ON SHE TURNS INTO THE HAPPIEST LITTLE GIRL AND SHE CAN WATCH HER DVDS OVER AND OVER AND OVER. SHE EVEN SHSSES WHEN THE SECRET AGENT SONG STARTS TO PLAY!!! IT IS AMAZING SHE HAS ALL 6 DVDS. SHE LOVES EVERY THING SHE DOSENT EVEN CALL ME MOM BUT SHE CALL PABLO AND TASHA BY THEIR NAMES. ANY WAY CHRISTMAS IS COMING UP AND I NEED NEW TOYS !!!

    LOVE THE SHOW!!!
    CAMILAS MOM, FROM TEXAS

  24. Backyardigans is my daughters absolute favorite show, now all they need on BirthdayExpress.com is activity kits, or pinatas…. you get the idea guess that’s why I’m making a pablo pinata.

  25. I just stumbled across this site while trying to find out what exactly Uniqua is. My son (23mths) watches it, although his attention span can be a little short. I swear I only put it on for him to watch, honest! I’m far too old to be watching cartoons with adorable little characters singing and dancing… and I swear I don’t make my son watch it so that I have a reason to put it on 🙂

  26. I am doing my son’s 2nd birthday in backyardigans and i don’t know how old this website is or what but I ordered his birthday stuff from Birthdayexpress.com Great selection and also halloween costumes.

    Hope it helps.

  27. I have to admit this is the cutest bunch of kids on TV right now. My son has been facinated by the little criters (especially Austin) since he was 14 months old. We’ve managed to find a few of the characters plush toys or beanies. I have to admit, when we start the show for him, I find myself sitting down and watching too. I’ve downloaded mp3’s lyrics and just about anything else I can find. His 2 year birthday party in November will have Backyardigan’s everything from cups & napkins to music and games. Thank goodness for TiVo. We have all 9 episodes. My only complaint is that Austin in not in more episodes. I hope the new Austin plush toy is available by birthday time or I’ll be hearing about it until Christmas!!!

  29. Hello! I have a 20 month old baby and he loves the backyardigans! As soon as they come on tv and he hears them singing he goes crazy and starts clapping! I think(he cant talk yet) his favorite episode is the the race around the world…….as soon as we say go go go he takes off running like pablo…….he will be Pablo for Halloween………if you go on ebay you can see a selection of halloween costumes

  30. Oi!
    eu sou brasileira e aqui no Brasil passa Backyardigans no discovery kids channel. Eu tem 15 anos, mas assito. É um desenho muito lindo e muito bem bolado, mei irmão de 1 ano gosta bastante!
    Eu queria saber as letras das musicas. se alguem tiver, por favor me mandar por e-mail!
    Obrigada!

  31. I love The BackYardigans, I discovered the program a week ago, and now I’m can’t lose a single Episode, I’m 19 years old, he, he. My favourites characters are Austin & Pablo. And Tyrone is cool too.

  32. en mexico amamos a los backYardigans es un programa genial mi hija y yo siempre cantamos las caciones nuestra favorita es a pirate says argh!!!!!!

  33. WOW! I’m not the only 7th grader who actually enjoys the show. My faves are Pablo and Uniqua, and my favorite episodes are “The Race around the World”, and in second, “High Tea”.
    My 4 year old sister enjoys the show too (actually, she’s the one who showed the show to me in the first place). I recorded each and every one of their 51 songs, made a CD with 44 of them, and practically every day I put the CD on the radio and challenge my sister. Of course she doesn’t stand a mere chance against me in memorizing the words to the songs. But that’s the whole point! 🙂

  34. A mi realmente adoro está serie pues demuestra la paz y tranquilidad pues no hay violencia o cosas por el estilo por eso pienso que esta serie es lo maximo. Los adoro a los backyardians no se porque pero a aveces me confundo pues pienso que UNIQUA LO GUSTA TYRONE O hOSTIN , O QUE A TASHA LE GUSTA A TYRONE O HOSTIN Y VICEVERSA. BUENO ES LO QUE PIENSO PORFAVOR CREAN MAS CAPITULOS PUES SOY UNA FANATICA REAL DE LOS BACKYARDIANS

  35. I love the backyardigans, as most of you, more tnan my two sons , I really thought I was having problems until I found this page and see that I am not the only one and that it is a very goos show for everyone. I am from Mexico,

  36. Uniqua is not a ladybug, she’s a uniqua, unlike any other animal on the planet, I was going crazy trying to figure out what she was it’s on a page from the creator just thought you should know.

  37. there are a few new episodes, i haven’t seen them in full, but you are gonna love tyrone the samari who makes pies

  38. I AM SO HAPPY MY DAUGHTERS 1ST B-DAY WILL BE THE BACKYARDAGIAINS. HORA! ANYWAY THEY NEED THE SUPPLIES IN PARTY CITY BUT THANKS TO THIS PG, I HAVE FOUND WHAT I NEEDED! THANK U ALICIA MIDDLETOWN,N.Y.

  39. The Backyardigans ROCKS!!! i like all the characters especially when they sing and dance.
    i hope there will be dvd/video of all their episodes soon or is there already out… their “row row row your boat” version is cool. hehehe

  40. I just want to know why there is a big limit the Backyardigan conspiracy!?!?!?! My daughter likes the show and we have a book or two. Found some stuffed animals at Barnes and Noble, but par for the course, not all five!!!! The Nick web site is the same way as is any clothing I have seen marketed. My daughter cannot be the only one out there who wants all five. It drives me crazy. Even in the books, she’ll say “where is Tasha or Austin, etc.” Naturally, those two are her favorites and seem to be the hardest to find. I finally found Tasha and Austin stuffed animals on another site, but now have to pay shipping. They are under $6.00 dollars each so it’s not going to break us, but it is highly irritating. Barnes and Noble don’t even have them on the web site, just the other three. Hmmm, is it a clever “keep them in demand” marketing ploy, or “drive them insane and then Nick Jr. will rule the world evil plot”. If only I had my super spy maple syrup…….

  41. My kids and I are in love with the Backyardigans, and I need your help……….. I am looking for Tash and Austin dolls. I called fisher price and they do not have a shop. Nick Jr does not have any, they told me that I could look on ebay, but the ones I have found are way to much, If anyone can help me Please Email me!!!!

    I really hope the dolls come out before Christmas

    Thanks Julia

  42. It’s good to know thateven mother’s love the show.. I’m so relieved! I thought I was wierd for liking the show too much! Even my daughters tell me “Mommy, your favorite!!!” when the backyardigans is aired… Really, really good show!

  44. My 2 1/2 year old son loves this cartoon, ok so do I. He’s a # 1 Tyrone fan! Its good to see there’s others of us out there! Go Backyardigans!

  45. My son absolutely LOVES this show. He has been watching it since he was 4 months old. I want MORE episodes– PLEASE!!! I know a new one is coming next month and we are so excited. I am currently looking for bday paper backyardigan stuff. Thanks for the site.

  46. The Backyardigan “TY” Beanie Babies are out!!!
    You can find Uniqua,Pablo and Tyrone at your local Hallmark store/Book store.
    Tasha and Austin just came out in the September Shipment for “Ty” Beanie Babies (you can also look up the http://www.ty.com site.

  48. I absolutely love the Backyardigans (more than my 14 month old does). Uniqua is my favorite character, I adore her so much I asked a friend of mine who studied zoology to find out what her species. He came up with a few suggestions, but is almost positive that she is a salamander (a type of lizard). Google it and you’ll find pictures that very closely resemble our little Uniqua.

  49. My almost 1 year old daughter has loved the Backyardigans since she was 6 months old. My husband and I like it to. It is my favorite show that she watches. Can not wait to see new episodes though. I am frustrated that they don’t have apparel for kids under 2T. I wanted to have her be uniqua for Holloween, but everything I have found has been 2T and up. There are younger kids who love the show too.

  50. my daughter is 9 months old and has been watching the backyardigans since she was 6 months old. She LOVES the show. She will sit there for hours watching it. We found the Tasha doll and the Austin doll at Toys R Us. (All the rest were there too.) My husband and myself were so excited to find them to complete her collection. The show is the greatest!!!! (better than Barney or Teletubbies)