© ABD Ltd/Ent. One UK Ltd 2003
Most parents of a toddler or preschooler know how excruciating some of their kids' choices in television shows can be. It may be amazing and fun for them, but as an adult, it's hard to sit through. That said, some shows manage to do the spectacular: they appeal to kids and adults and don't have to get there via off-color jokes that go well above kids' heads. (So many TV shows and especially movies do that. Bring back the G-rated flicks I say!) Anyway, one show that my toddler is obsessed with (my wife and I may be, too) is Peppa Pig.
I've know about this adorable show out of the UK long before my two kids were born. Friends raved about, and it's actually lived up to the hype. The show is it's often hilarious - mirroring real life situations with your kids no doubt, the characters are fun, and the stories are short, sweet, and fun. The fact subtle life lessons are thrown in is just the icing on the muddy puddle. (If you watch it, you get that reference.)
The series about Mommy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa and her brother George ("dinosaur!") isn't just a show it's an empire - a phenomenon even. It's the top-rated show for kids ages 2- 5 on Nick Jr. and over 50 companies produce Peppa products ranging from toys to clothing to Apps to everything else my toddler wants. "I want that!" That's his words to just about everything Peppa-wise. The show airs worldwide, and even has its own theme park in Hampshire, England - Peppa Pig World. (Don't tell my kid please. I can't afford the trip.)
Photo/ Joe del Tufo
Yes, it's Peppa's world and we're just living in it. The piggy bank got bigger in the states last year when a live show - Peppa Pig's Big Splash - toured the U.S. The second leg of that tour just started last weekend. To date, 150,000 tickets have been sold. Last week, this proud papa had the opportunity to interview 14-year-old actress Harley Bird, who has voiced Peppa since she was 6. We discussed the series, the live show, and of course, muddy puddles.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman:
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Air Supply, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.