The Fresh Beat Band

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Perky pals teach musical concepts with positive messages.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this upbeat series treats preschoolers to a music-filled good time while promoting kid-friendly messages about friendship, imagination, self-expression, and cooperation. Kids are also exposed to a spectrum of musical instruments and musical concepts like lyrics, tempo, and harmony. The show’s fairly juvenile, silly humor probably won’t appeal to older kids, but it’s a fine choice for the preschool set.

  • The series introduces preschoolers to basic musical concepts like rhythm, song structure, and a variety of instruments.
  • The upbeat tunes and lively cast encourage kids to get up and dance as they watch. The show touches on kid-friendly themes like friendship, cooperation, and problem solving.
  • The band members always treat each other with respect and are quick to look for solutions to their friends’ problems.
  • There’s no violence, but a main character gets caught up in a lot of physical humor (getting his feet stuck in buckets or falling into garbage cans, for instance), which sometimes causes him to take a spill.

What's the story?

In each episode of THE FRESH BEAT BAND, the four band members -- Marina (Shayna Rose), Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer), Twist (Jon Beavers), and Shout (Thomas Hobson) -- encounter a challenge that stops them in their tracks and calls for their combined problem-solving skills. Whether it’s joining forces to write a new song or finding a way to cheer up a friend, these perky pals are always ready to pitch in and play their part.


Is it any good?

 

Preschoolers will find it hard to sit still watching this upbeat series, which is overflowing with the kind of exaggerated, zany comedy kids love, along with catchy original tunes and motivating dance numbers. Though the show's breathless pace at times borders on chaotic, it’s a forgivable snag, since each episode includes plenty of positive messages and music appreciation. Kids will learn about musical concepts like duets, tempo, and rhythm as well as a range of musical instruments, and they'll see how multiple elements combine to form a song.

Plus, the perky stars demonstrate teamwork and consideration for others in everything they do, reminding kids that when you put friendship first, everything else falls into place. The content and musical selections in each episode tap into important issues that will ring true with kids -- like tackling new challenges, being creative, and knowing your limits -- so parents can rest assured that their preschoolers are gleaning positive messages amid all the fun.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about what problem the characters faced in a particular episode. How did they solve it? What resources did they use? Have you ever experienced a similar problem? What did you do?

  • What kinds of music do you like? How does music make you feel? Would you like to play an instrument? If so, which one?

  • Kids: What are some of your favorite TV shows? Why do you like them? What rules does your family have about TV?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Teen, 15 years old
November 5, 2010
 
Don't waste your time.
Oh my God, this is the worst show ever. This is one of those shows when people talk really loudly and never blink. I know, I'm thirteen, but seriously, don't watch this, unless you want to have a chronic headache for the rest of your life. The End. Have a nice day! :)

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Parent of 4 year old
November 9, 2010
 
Great for children who loves music and dancing!
Love this show!!!! My little girl loves it also, she loves the music, beat, dancing everything!!! Please more shows and please come out with music instrument....BEST SHOW!

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Parent
May 27, 2011
 
the most annoying show on TV
Horrible show. the songs are not particularly catchy, the story lines are not very engaging and the characters are entirely unlikeable. The tall yellow kid in particular is like sand in your swim suit.. IRRITATING ! there are so many other great kids show out there, avoid this one and hopefully it will go away soon.

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Parent of 3 year old
November 15, 2010
 
Good.
My son loves this show. I like the show, I just feel like they sing the same songs over and over again. I get if they did that for maybe one song, but there are like 5! Still though, I think its cute and worth watching.

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Parent of 3 year old
October 16, 2010
 
Kindergarten Teacher Loves your Show
Developing a sence of rhythm and love for music is important, as a teacher I know that music is a wonderful tool used to teach children many different skills. I love this show, and am glad that it's on. My daughter loves it, and knows all the words to all the songs. She is 2.

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Parent of 4 year old
March 12, 2011
 
Wonderful show for preschool and pre-k kids! :)
My 4.5 year old daughter LOVES this wonderful show and has been watching it for over the past year or so. We sing, dance and groove along with the Fresh Beats and try to replicate their moves...she loves trying to do it on her own and with me! Can't say enough positive things about this show. (Just wish there were DVDs of the show available for purchase.) Also like that it is educational yet fun and upbeat. And watching a show with "real people" is a nice change of pace from all the other animated shows she watches. We Love The Fresh Beat Band!! :-D

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Kid, 3 years old
December 8, 2010
 
the fresh beat band is the only show that keeps the attention of my 2 year old grandson for 23 minutes. he loves to watch it for an hour on Saturday and Sunday ---- as soon as the music starts = he is up on his little feet and going thru the motions Great Show

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Kid, 10 years old
May 8, 2011
 
crap
STUPID plain stupid. it is trash.

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Parent of 2 year old
March 10, 2011
 
Fun, fun, fun!
This is another great show for kids. My girls just love to dance & sing to the happy, catchy tunes. We just came across it one evening & my girls were mezmorized. I catch myself singing the Fresh Beat songs in the shower. It's a great way for your kids to learn about different instruments.

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Parent of 2 year old
April 9, 2011
 
I HATE the repetitive songs!!
Can they PLEASE just come up with some new songs already!!! My daughter watches this show once in a while and she doesn't notice that they sing the same songs over and over in each episode because shes 1-1/2 however, I am so fed up with them, they are so annoying and repetitive, I'd much rather put something else on for her to watch.

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This review was written by Emily Ashby
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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