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.
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.)
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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?)
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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?
I am addictied to the Backyardigans. First thing I do every morning is go through and preselect all episodes of Backyardigans. By the way, did I mention I am 27 and have three kids. My daughters and I have memorized many songs and our favorite is the Mermaid Lullaby. I just can’t get enough.
Does anyone know where to find dvd’s of the Backyardigans. I don’t have comcast cable anymore and my daugther LOVES that show. HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a 18 month old daughter and she loves the backyardigan and because she watches it so much, I’ve fallen in love with it too. I love Tyrone the hip hop cowboy and Pablo. Please make more episodes, we can’t wait. My daughter wants to jump out of the bath tub when she hears the Backyardigans coming on.
We just got turned on to the Backyardigans. My wife and I have found ourselves singing the songs as well. I have caught my wife watching the show without the kids and she is always endorsing that show over the other favorites, Dora and (occasionally) Barney. I was trying to determine what Austin and Uniqua were and movie thome said Uniqua was her own species, none other can be found on earth. I myself like Uniqua, but the others are not far behind. My wife likes both Pablo and Uniqua the best. It is a great show and I hope to Tivo all the episodes (we only have 4 so far).
WE LOVE THE BACKYARDIGANS. I LOVE IT AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE THAT MY TWO KIDS. MY DAUGHTER’S FAVORITE IS PABLO(THE YETI STOMP SONG). I NEED TO GET TIVO SO WE CAN WATCH THE EPISODES OVER AND OVER. WE WATCH THE EPISODES ON COMCAST ONDEMAND AND EVERYTIME WE SEE THE YETI EPISODE WE SING THE SONG AND DANCE AROUND THE HOUSE. WHEN WE ARE IN THE CAR WE SING THE SONGS FROM THE SHOW, STOMP STOMP STOMP ON A YETI; STOMP STOMP STOMP GET READY. THIS IS THE BEST PROGRAM FOR ANYONE EVER. MY CHILDREN DON’T WATCH MUCH TV BECAUSE WE LIVE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE BEACH, BUT WHEN THEY DO IT IS ALWAYS BACKYARDIGANS. MY DAUGHTER WAS AFRAID OF GHOSTS UNTIL SHE SAW THE GHOST EPISODE AND FOUND A FUN WAY TO PLAY WITH THE HIDE AND GO BOO SONG. I’M GOING TO GO GET TIVO JUST TO RECORD THE BACKYARDIGANS. IMARI AND CALEB’S MOMMY
I love the Backyardigans also. I wish I could find the music to the Yeti song. I Tivo every episod that I can. They are great.
Jamie
the Backyardigans are Cute But Uniqua is funny.and the Backyardigans are Nice.and the Backyardigans are adorable.and the Backyardigans Live in A Backyard.and the Backyardigans are makeing Friends.and the Backyardigans are special.and the Backyardigans are Happy.and the Backyardigans are smart.Love christopherperez@cox.net!
You didn’t catch all the racist cracks?
So many stereotypes. Austin is a kangaroo, and white, so he can’t be in many episodes. And pablo is hispanic, which is why he was a yeti, and said to smell bad. The other three are black, which is why they are in almost every episode, Especially that acid trip uniqua. Lol. Its funny. I like tyrome, he always says something it certainly is, or it certainly was. His favorite words.
Ok….Everyone here is your chance. The Backyardigans Songs are available on Winmx. I have converted everything over to mp3 so it should show up fine. You need to have winmx in order to download these songs. It is a free program for those of you who don’t know that. Just go to http://www.download.com and type in winmx in the search. Download and install and all that good stuff. Then just type in Backyardigans…and most probably will have to stand in line.
There ya go
Chris
Actually, I logged onto LimeWire (as I am on Mac and cannot do Winmx) and discovered several Backyardigans songs there. Saved! (We listen to the Backyardigans’ promotional CD, The Adventure Begins, constantly, so having a few extra Backyardigans songs is a relief.) So the songs are out there!
My 11 month old loves the Backyardigans. Has anyone seen any toys or videotapes/DVD’s? If you have, please send me an E-mail with the information on where you saw it (store, etc.) or the link.
Thanks a bunch!
WOW!!! This is one of the best shows that has ever been made for children and adults. It has swept across our college campus very very rapidly. Everyone relates to each one of the characters in way or another and sings the songs. My personal favorite is Tasha the Hippo because she is truly a reincarnation of me in cartoon form.
Hi!
The BearShare program has the following Backyardigan songs to download.
I’M TARZAN, WHERE IN THE WORLD(my favorite), INTO THE THICK OF IT, A PIRATE SAYS ARRGH, YETI STOMP, SECRET AGENT, PLEASE & THANK YOU, THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, and the THEME. I wish I could find THERES AN ECHO and ROW ROW ROW.
Uniqua’s voice in ‘Where in the world’ is sooo cute.
Awesome Awesome Awesome!!! I love this show and I’m a 24 year-old with no kids. LOL but I work with kids everyday and find myself addicted to watching as much as I can of the Backyardigans on my lunch break. The creators are brilliant music-wise and I feel it is an ingenious way to introduce and educate children to the various genres of Music. Coming from an up-an-coming-artist who sings, plays several instruments and writes songs. This show is far beyond its league. Simple yet sweet, and clever yet clean in humor. ROCK ON BACKYARDIGANS!! I’ll be tivoing it more when the new episodes pop up.
As for lazytown? Its a lazy show, too weird and the puppets kinda freak me out.
Geez, just to let you in on a little secret. I have the Nick Jr. saved in my “Favorites” folder just so I can get to the Backyardigans radio. Isn’t that sad? My son absolutely loves that show. I mean when he hears that theme song he lights up. He is only 1, but he knows when his show is on. He literally drops everything, and runs to the nearest tv. Its a hoot! I love the Scurvy Pirate song, and he loves that Pirats Says Arrrgghh!! We listen to that radio on there all the time. Good to see there are others than I!
Keep watching
Chan
My daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMPMy daughter is 13 months and she loves the BACKYARDIGANS. Oh and I can say so does mommy and daddy. When she gets in a fussy mood both mommy and daddy start singing the Theme song or STOMP
i think this show is great. i was thinking it would be excellent if the gang would play dungeons and dragons and fight an evil level 6 monster named “gargomel” and when they outwit him they can all dance. backyardagins is soo cool.
My 2 year old loves this show and i can sit through it with her and laugh right along woth her she hears the song and starts dancing and singing.. the writers of this show are gerat and the characters are great to… i wish they made some dvd’s for sales cause i would but them all … thank god for TIVO
great stuff
wow these characters rock i dont believe how the actors can dance in those suits. it must get sweaty. i love the dancing,and i try to do the 720 degree spins and i fall on my face. its a good thing they have medical supplies at the orphanage.
I love the Backyardigans. I am 50 years old with an 18 year old college student at home. I’ve been a fanatic of cartoons and other various types of animation since I was a very young child. My daughter has yet to see this show. So for Valentine’s Day – we’ll watch an episode just because.
I, like many of you also love this show. I don’t have cable but it comes on CBS every saturday morning and I always turn it on when it is time for the show to start. My daughter is 18 months and I don’t think she really enjoys the show as much as I do, but when a song starts she is up on her feet dancing. They have a CD out now that I want to get but it only has 5 songs. I can’t wait until they make a CD with all of the Backyardigan songs on it.
This show is amazing, and the music is excellent – you can thank Evan Lurie for that. Used to have his “Selling water by the side of the river” cd, and was pleased to see his name in the credits. The characters are great, and I am glad that they are all of mixed ethnicities, it makes it that much more interesting.
We have been big Olie Polie fans for 5 years, and finding this has been a Godsend… and the jazz in Knights are Brave and Strong is fantastic. I have been thinking that I was the only adult who watched this and enjoyed it with my child, to find this blog has been a scream. Right on people!
I also am a fan of the Backyardigans. My 2 1/2 year old son is watching them right now. I can relate to most of the posting on here, lol. However, I have been seeing previews for a new episode airing on February 21, 2005. Can’t wait! I already tried to set my DVR, but it’s too soon, lol!
My 2 year old Jasmine & I love it because of the songs! We just watched the “cowboy” episode and the songs make us get up and dance (she is very into dancing now)! We have a bunch of fun and I am so happy this show is on! I am also happy I found this page!
Were HateMongers placed on this earth just to test our patience? Re: the comment posted by: sachi at February 6, 2005 03:56 PM
Personally, I had no idea that animal species other than humans included sub races. All I know is that The Backyardigans are AWESOME. I came across the show while looking for Dora The Explorer and it was love at first sight. I put it on the next day for my 14 month old granddaughter and she immediately started to sway and turn around and dance to the music. Her favorite is Pablo and she recognizes what episode will be on as soon as the episode’s opening music comes on. She now asks for the ‘Boo’ or ‘Arrgh’ or ‘Stomp, Stomp, Stomp’ or ‘swish, swish’ or ‘AwAwAwaaa’ show that we have DVR’d.
I do hope that this show continues to maintain its pure innocence and joy of music and dance. I love the way the value of kindness is taught without lecturing. Our children need to be allowed to soar with their imagination. Thank you for the Backyardigans.
Hi, my husband and I have just discovered the Backyardigans show about a month ago and absolutely adore it…we have an almost 5 month old son who loves to watch it bouncing up and down in his jumperoo! The character are wonderful and the songs are so catchy we find ourselves singing them all day long and listening to Nick Jr. radio on the internet.
My son Lucas loves this show almost as much as I do. They seem to cover just about every genre of music out there (although the hip hop western Ridin The Range is a departure from my concept of “a western”, I still love it). I have captured all 9 episodes on my PC, and we watch them regularly. Here in the Great White North they’re on Treehouse TV on the weekends.
My son’s favorite episode changes from time to time, but mine is definitely Secret Mission (the first one I saw that got me completely hooked).
I have a DVD burner, and this show has motivated me to learn how to use it. I want to make a DVD of the show so we can take it everywhere we go. If this is illegal (even though its only for personal use), and any of you reading this are Mounties, please ignore that comment…
Long live the Backyardigans! Who do I email to beg for a second season?
New father and mother..
Took the little precious to her first doctor visit – “Secret Agent” was on the tube in the lobby.
We have spent the last 5 days “sneaking” and “hiding” and singing around the house.
Love that show.
hi my name is larkisha cannon and in am 15 years old and i have a brother that is 6 and i have a sister that is 12 we all watch that show i love it so much i watch i every day i let my mom recored it for me
i love that show
Well, I thought I was the only huge fan of the Backyardigans!! Apparently not!! It is by far THE best children’s show currently on tv. It is witty, entertaining and educational—my kids learn something from every episode. It is like musical theatre for kids—perfect. If this show doesn’t win an award then no other show should.
We need to petition Oprah to get the cast and animators on her show!!
Kudos to all involed in the creation.
Everytime we go shopping, I tell my Mom to get me a “Backyardigans” game but we can never find anything. It’s my very, very favorite show.
I was online looking for a webpage that showed who did the voices for the Backyardigans and found this website! After scanning all the comments, I didn’t see what I was looking for. I’m pretty sure Uniqua’s voice is done by the same girl who does Marcy and/or Mimi on Stanley (Disney Channel), but I don’t know about the others. I would love to see what these kids look like! They must do Broadway shows when they aren’t voicing cartoons!
We all know how hard it is to get a 10 month old to sit still for one minute. Well thanks to this wonderful show, I have been blessed to have 30 minutes of freedom two times a day.My sons schedule actually revolves around that show.By the way all this time I was thinking Uniqua was an ant.But everyone has there own variation of what she is but one things for sure, she is adorable.When they say in the ending song that it’s time to have a snack, I have changed it so muy son thinks it’s time for his nap. It works great.We love all the episodes, our favorite is the yeti.Monday feb.21st there is a new episone coming on at 11am pac. time.I absolutly love this show. I am also looking for party decorations seeing that my boys birthday is coming up. I’ll try ebay as one person did suggest. Believe me, thanks to fans everywhere, this show will last and last and last!!!!!!!!!IT’S A YETTTTTTIIIIII!
My 2 year old daughter (Paige) used be addicted to Dora The Explorer, now its the Backyardigans – she loves it – and its a great babysitter for me too. Although I do sneak in and have a peek sometimes.
WOW,we just got the Backyardigans in January this year in Australia and we looove it it has opened up my kids imagination and they love to sing along to the catchy songs I too sing along I must admit but The Backyardigans is such a wonderful colourful kids show and I can’t wait for more episodes to air!!!
JUST A REMINDER, THE BACKYARDIGANS ARE GOING TO BE ON NICK.JR ALL DAY ON FEBRUARY 21, 2005 STARTING AT 9 IN THE MORNING. THEY WILL BE SHOWING A NEW ADVENTURE. MY HUSBAND AND I CAN’T WAIT FOR IT TO COME ON, AS WELL AS OUR KIDS!
I was in the livingroom working on the computer while my daughter was watching “her shows” on TreeHouse. All of a sudden this BEAUTIFUL song came on (Backyardigans theme song) and I was captivated! This is such a wonderful musical show. We are huge fans and hope to see many more seasons to come!
I am so glad to see so many people other than myself liking this show. Besides the fact that it is very entertaining and appeals to adults, it is a quality show that little people really get into and learn. I think that is the most important point. I love the concept. The show is well thought out. Now having said all of that, where can I get the CD and DVD? My nephew loves the show and the music (at 39 so do I!).
I was so sick and all I could do was heal by resting….well I ending up watching television much more than I normally do and I ended up discovering this show….my God, the cartoon is so cute….they are so brightly colored and so uplifting….eventually I had to go back to work, but I definately miss watching them…..
My 13 month old hears the music and crawls as fast as she can for the living room ( and she is a very fast crawler!) She loves the theme song more than the rest I think, but she is always bobbing and dancing and gets very excited when it is on, it is her absolute favorite thing. ANd now my older kids ages 6,7,9 love it too, especially the spy one, and we all love to go around singing “a pirate, a pirate, a pirate says… ARGH!”
I have grown children and I just started watching the backyardigans and I can tell you that I will be watching from now on, love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a great show compared to other trashy shows that are out there..and the music is a pleasure to listen to..wow, what a relief that my kids don’t like teletubbies or BARNEY anymore! This music really is a pleasure to listen to..So let’s contact the people at Nick Jr, tell them we’re here searching for DVD’s,their music, and any other merchandise they’re willing to release!!! The producers need to know we’re out here so that they keep producing new shows and keep it going..I did..Go on–you sat long enough to read through these messages!!! You can go to http://www.nickjr.com if you like it that much!!! START WRITING!! I did.
The next new episode of the Backyardigans in my area is “Quest for the flying rock” there are 20 episodes so far all togeteher, but in my area we’ve only seen 10 of them.
Ok, so this comment is totally different from everyone else’s. I have to admit i love the backyardigans as well, but i dont get to watch it to often. Im always working and dont have Tivo :'(. I was just wondering if anyone can help me find Backyardigan party supplies for my cousin who is turning two. Any ideas? you can email me at immapinkcow@yahoo.com. Thanks!
omg that is the best show in the whole entire world!! I love all of the backyardigans, i think they are all so cute!! Pablo the penguin is my fave!! awww 😉
I agree. This is the best childrens show in a very long time. The hard part is I will be work during the day and my husband and daughter will call me and tell me that it is on and then they laugh. So I will sit on the phone just listening to the show. I have only seen a few of the shows. But it is like a mini broadway musical.
I like to watch the Backyardigans with my kids. My 5-year old love to watch it because she loves to dance. According to the show, it seems like the producers are dancers and loves the old time dance moves like the twists. To me, it helps my children to appreciate all types of music and dances. I love to hear them sing. My 1-year old loves to watch it because she loves to hear them sing.
We love this show(My 18 month old son and I).. Want to have a backyardigan party and need ideas…..Please help.
This show is the bomb! I’ve been trying to get my husband to watch it forever. I’m so relieved to know that I am not the only adult that totally loves this show! There will be a Backyardigan marathon on 2/21 on NickJr. starting at 9:00 AM EST. That’s when they’ll be releasing a new episode as well.