My three 1/2 year old daughter and I love this show. Although from America, we actually live overseas and don't have access to all the new episodes. We have exactly 4 of them on DVD, and have watched these 4 over and over. "Mission to Mars" is our favorite. My daughter loves to sing and dance with the Backyardigans...and usually insists on singing the theme song outside our house whenever we come home from somewhere before going inside. :) No, the Backyardigans don't teach ABC's or 123's, but I don't think that EVERYTHING has to be about academics. I think that encouraging imagination is a worthwhile goal all by itself. The music is very catchy. Both music and choreography well-done. I was especially impressed with the child who sang Tyrone's part on "Samurai Pie". That kid can really sing!
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The Backyardigans
(Rated TV-Y, Children, cartoons, & animation, Starring Jonah Bobo, Zach Tyler, Jordan Coleman, Where to watch: Nickelodeon, DVD, Download)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Animal friends find kid-friendly adventures.
updated 07.04.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 4 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Backyardigans
Parents need to know that, since young children love repetition, this show might be fun for them. But for viewers older than about 5 or 6, the show's simplicity may not be quite as inspiring. The Backyardigans use their imaginations to create adventures, but there's not much interaction with the audience to encourage viewers to do the same.
Read our full review by Sarah Wenk
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about and imagine their own adventures. Where would kids like to go if they could travel anywhere in the world? Who would they meet there, and what would they do?
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Our Members Say
See all 71 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in OhioI rate this title on for age 2 and give itWe love it!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Long on entertainment, but short on education...Great show, though!
My kids (ages 3 and 15 mos), my hubby, and I LOVE this show. It's one of the very, VERY few shows Hubby and I can tolerate watching with the kids (a certain purple dino makes us nuts). I love that they have so much music (that's what hooks my kids), and I REALLY love that they use their imaginations. Also, I love that actual KIDS voice the characters--not adults. They must be VERY talented! My favorite episode is Mission to Mars. We all--hubby included--love that song ("We're Going to Mars")! The only thing I would change is the lack of any educational premise. I do wish it was as entertaining AND taught the kids their numbers or letters or something. That's my only complaint--otherwise this show is perfect. Very cute show!
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
A mixed bag
My 3-year old daughter is mostly indifferent to this show while it is the favorite of my 5-year old nephew. My daughter likes the characters and the theme song; however, she rarely sits through an entire episode. I think she often has a hard time understanding the singing, making it difficult to follow the plot. The idea of "pretending" to the extent they show is hard for her too - though she pretends all the time, her world doesn't change like that. I do like the music variations and the lessons that the show tries to teach, but this is mostly a passive watching experience, not an educational show.
- Lives in MissouriI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great Fun and Learning
The Backyardigans is a great way to introduce your toddlers to variety of music in a fun and engaging way. Although there are no obvious pleas from the characters to participate, your child is drawn into the sometimes complex challenges in each story line set to catchy tunes with clever lyrics. No other show has caused my son to get up and start moving like the Backyardigans. Each episode is a mini musical set to each character's imagination. I also enjoy the understated multiculturalism.
- Lives in TexasI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
So much fun!!!
This is a great show. I love how kids actually go out in their backyards and make up stories using their imaginiations. So many kids today will not even try to make up a story using their own imagination. The songs are addictive and catchy. Great show for mixed audiences.
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