Hi-5, the American counterpart to the Wiggles
Categories: Money & Work, Media
I must be the world's most unhip parent. It wasn't until I checked
Claire Zalamea's blog that I learned about Hi-5. The kids' group,
composed of three woman and two men, apparently has its own show on Discovery Kids. (That's why they've remained under
my radar. I don't even think the younglings know where that is on the cable box.) There's a series of DVDs, of
course, and they look just as…um, colorful as those produced by the boys from Down Under. Each of the group's
members - Karla, Shaun, Kimee, Curtis and Jenn - focus on teaching kids a different learning skill. The Web site
contains snippets of their songs. I listened to "North, South, East & West", which sounded like a blend between
"Hot Potato" and "We Built This City (on Rock and Roll)".
The question is, do I dare watch an episode? I mean, what if I tune in and the kids…you know…like it?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
andrea 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
As someone who's watched the show with my young daughters (age 4 and 6), I have to say that it has a lot of appearl to that age group. I have to say that it's not totally horrible. You're right when you say that it's a US version of the Wiggles. But younger. And wearing funkier clothes.
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Chris 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
I used to watch the Australian version of Hi-5 when I was in asia. Quite entertaining.
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scott 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
My daughter who is 8 loved the show from the 1st day it aired here on TLC.It is a great show and we have turned many of our friends with preschool and even grade school aged kids on to it!The songs are very energetic and you as a parent will find yourself singing right along!!(even when the kids aren't around!)We have also been lucky enough to meet the cast on quite a few occasions and they are a great bunch of young adults who LOVE to do what they do! Let the kids watch ; I'm sure they'll be hooked as well!!! Watch for new episodes on Discovery Kids and TLC starting the last week of Sept. and the 1st week of October!!!
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Carrie 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
Love Hi-5. WAY BETTER than the Wiggles. I think geared for the slightly older kids than the set Wiggles are geared for. Haven't watched it lately due to TLC being shown New York time on our Satellite TV on the west coast...not up that early.
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Lois 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
Dare to watch! You WILL enjoy, I'm sure of it! My 2-year old twins and my 7-year old are avid fans. They all would rather watch Hi-5 than the Wiggles or Doodlebops (me too). It's a great educational show, on top of being entertaining and upbeat. I am not a huge TV fan by any means, just ask my kids, but I am a huge Hi-5 fan. Hi-5 will get you up and jumping. Go ahead, watch, I dare you!!!
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Rita 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
Watch Hi-5 with the kids, you will be pleasantly surprised. My now 5 year old loves them! And even my 11 year old (who swears that he does not watch Hi-5) can sing all the main songs as well as the songlets (for individual skits). When in the car (or at work!) I am known to pop in their cd and sing along, kids or no kids. It is definitely not annoying. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
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michelle 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
The WIGGLES are nothing more than stale bread compared to Hi-5!!
Hi-5 is not only more thought provoking and educational, it's "5" times as energetic and fresh. Dare to compare for yourself. You and your kids won't be disappointed with Hi-5 - but you may find yourself bored with other programming after watching an episode!
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clariziojd 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
I have read the comments previously entered and have to say there are some strong opinions out there!
We also LOVE HI-5 and have met them in person after a show which was quite thrilling for our 4 year old. The music is great and upbeat and they also learn a lot from the shows.
At the same time I have to say that we are equally as big fans of the Wiggles who are just as great, in a different way. They go to great length to teach the children a variety of things through music and entertainment.
We are greatful to be able to see them both on TV as well as in concerts.
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phish 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
In reference to you title, "Hi-5, the American counterpart to the Wiggles", Hi-5 is originally an Australian concept. I'm told, by the people in the know (ie the kids), the Aussie one is better.
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Jana 12-18-2005 @ 6:38PM
My 7 year old daughter absolutely loves Hi-5! We now have the dvds, and the cd is almost worn out. My 11 year old daughter(like Rita's son)swears that she does NOT watch Hi-5. However, she often sings Hi-5 songs for no reason, out of the blue and when I catch her, she just kind of sheepishly grins.
As for phish's comment that apparently kids like the aussie one better, please don't generalize. We listened to some clips and saw some footage online of the Aussie group. The 7 year old scrunched up her face and said, "They don't sound right." She also didn't like their outfits - not as polished and together as the Americans, to her (and I must say, I agree with her). As we were watching, the 11 year old saw that we looking at Hi-5 and stayed to watch a clip. She then responded (not knowing that the Aussies came first), "Well they sound stupid! What a bunch of wannabes!" and she left the room. Hmmmm.... out of the mouths of babes...
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