 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Balamory
- Discovery Kids
- Genre: Kids Musical TV
Common Sense Media says
Charming Scottish import with loveable characters.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this wildly successful, popular show produced by BBC Scotland has recently been brought to the States. It's geared toward younger preschoolers because of its silly characters, catchy songs, simple problem-solving opportunities, and engaging stories.
What's the story?
Scottish import BALAMORY has a host of loveable characters, a colorful backdrop, toe-tapping songs, and interesting storylines all packed in each 22-minute episode. The episodes start with a song and sit-down with the ever-perky Miss Hoolie (Julie Wilson Nimmo), who, with her gentle Scottish accent, perfectly turned-up hair, and child-centered manner, introduces the viewer to characters and situations. Other characters include fitness instructor Josie Jump (Buki Akib/Kasia Haddad), bus driver Edie McCredie (Juliet Cadzow), police officer PC Plum (Andrew Agnew), inventor Archie (Miles Jupp), artist Spencer (Rodd Christensen), and shopkeepers Susie Sweet (Mary Riggans) and Penny Pocket (Kim Tserkezie).
Is it any good?
Clearly geared for the preschool set, each episode of Balamory is used to solve a single problem. The characters are interesting men and women in the community, each with different backgrounds, skills, and abilities, including one in a wheelchair. These characters help each other solve problems, such as what to substitute for a "bucket and spade" for a beach trip when Spencer's set is stuck with paint; how to keep PC Plum's long hair from falling in front of his eyes; and what to do when Edie arranges to take kids on a trip but her bus breaks down.
Tobermory, a real Scottish village on the Isle of Mull, is the picturesque backdrop for Balamory. The array of homes and shops -- which have as much personality as the characters -- adds to the viewing experience. Bottom line: There's much for preschoolers to enjoy here, and they may even learn a lesson or two along the way.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the colorful scenery and wacky personalities of the community members. The show offers a great opportunity for families to discuss the differences and similarities between people from other areas. How does life in Balamory, which is filmed in the Scottish village of Tobermory, compare to life here?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
My Daughter loves Balamory
I accidentally stumbled across Balamory one morning on the Discovery Kids channel and decided to set my DVR to record it everyday for my Daughter. She is almost 4 yrs old and when she comes home from Daycare and we arrive home from work, we sit down as a family and watch it with her. Balamory is a great show for the 3-5 demographic. They tell a different short story everyday andthe children learn each character's song via repetition. The town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is gorgeous. I love watching just for the scenery! Let your little ones give it a try.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 29, 2011
AGE
WORST EVER!
This show scared me and my sister as kids!
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Boringmory
I come from the UK and we have some of the game shows etc. that you americans do but this show is probally one of the worst shows EV-ER! It's scottish so: "This is bad me wee lady!"
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| Topics: | friendship, music and sing-along |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Discovery Kids |
| Cast: | Julie Wilson Nimmo, Kim Tserkezie, Mary Riggans |
| Genre: | Kids Musical TV |
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