 | 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. |
Jack's Big Music Show
- Nick Jr.
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
Rockin' puppets teach toddlers the joys of music.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fun-filled series not only introduces children to the joys of listening and dancing to music, but also explores the various components that go into making music -- such as rhythm, lyrics, and instruments. The endearing puppet characters also encourage creativity by suggesting that viewers can use everyday objects for making music.
What's the story?
The star of Noggin's rockin' series is Jack, a cool, music-loving puppet who hangs out in his backyard clubhouse with best puppet pals Mary and Mel the dog. The trio makes lively music together (Jack plays the guitar, Mary the accordion, and Mel the drums), and each episode involves some sort of music-related adventure or dilemma that they must solve -- such as being granted three wishes from Prudence the musical genie, or figuring out how to get their instruments back when Sheldon the Grumpy Squirrel makes them disappear. Special musical guests usually drop by the clubhouse to perform, talk about instruments, or help solve the problem at hand (usually through song), and sometimes guests play characters in the story. Each episode includes a music video, often by acclaimed children's vocal artist Laurie Berkner, whose fun, original songs feature positive, inspiring lyrics. And, on occasion, a winsome a capella puppet quartet pops up to sing a ditty.
Is it any good?
All of the puppets in Jack's Big Music Show are wonderfully cute and funny, and the silly humor -- on a par with Sesame Street's -- never fails to hit its mark. And aside from the educational value of some of the music, the lively songs the puppets play are sure to get any toddler bouncing to the beat. Many of the videos show children dancing around, which encourages young viewers to move to the music.
Best of all, the tunes won't drive parents crazy (unless, of course, they have an aversion to loud, jumpy music). Although many of the numbers played by Jack and his pals are based on the repetitive melodies of well-known children's songs, you've never heard them like this before. Jack's Big Music Show is an excellent way to expose children to different kinds of instruments and styles of music, and kids will develop creativity and an enthusiasm for the art while dancing, singing, and being silly.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what children learned from each episode. What problem were Jack and his friends trying to solve? Who helped them solve it? What was the solution? Another discussion topic could be the music in each episode. Did you like the songs they sang? What were the songs about? Which songs were your favorites? What did you learn about music in this episode? How can you make music at home?
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- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
WE LOVE JACK!!!
This is one of the most musically-intelligent programs on TV for preschoolers. My 2-year-old daughter has learned how to identify different types of music (incl. Jazz, Rock, Zydeco) and different musical instruments (she names the violin, trombone, saxiphone, accordian, guitar, trumpet and more) from watching this show. Jack's Big Music Show features a wide variety of musical styles and interesting, culturally-diverse music videos. There's always a great social lesson, too. It's vibrant, humorous (she laughs out loud at Jack, Mary & Mel!), clever, cute and imaginative. I can't recommend it highly enough. I am as excited as she is when a new episode airs. We LOVE JACK!
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AGE
A fun time for ALL!
My 2-year old loves this show! Not only is the music fun and upbeat, but Jack, Mary and Mel make learning fun! The wide range of diverse musical guests really makes this show great for all pre-school kids.
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AGE
A perfect way for a child to learn about music
Charming, witty, fun. What's not to like? When the Schwartzman Quartet comes on, I stop my work in the kitchen or wherever and come listen.
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AGE
My son likes this show.
my son loves this show. he really doesnt have to much interest in laurie but let me tell you, when those violinist came on and played the violin (2 twins) he absolutely was so entertained.
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AGE
Love it
Great music,m fun to watch....love the show!!
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AGE
Bring the show back
I miss this show..i know my son loves it..he always smiled and danced when it came on..i wish they would bring it back and replace that awful upside down show..i can't stand it lol..jacks big music show is up tempo and postive..plus the puppets are soo cute.
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AGE
We Love Jack!
This was the first show my 2-year-old ever asked for, and I think I like it more than she does. I've seen every episode MANY times and am not sick of it. Great introduction to a diverse universe of musical styles, great introduction to excellent musicians doing child-friendly, but sophistocated music. The show has led me to purchase albums from many artists I otherwise would never have heard of. Very entertaining for the whole family.
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AGE
A perfect show for all audiences
I'm 20 years old and have watched a few shows. I'm currently interning to be an animator and watch a lot of kids shows to get general ideas of what's on nowadays. Of all the shows on Nick Jr. that I've seen recently (I haven't watched Nick Jr. since I was 5 or 6) Jack's Big Music Show was probably the most creative, enjoyable for the whole family, and safe for little kids. The puppets are pretty cute, and all the characters are nice. What I love the most is the music guests they choose. I'm a violinists, and when I saw the episode with Nuttin' But Stringz and Andrew Bird as Dr. Stringz, I flipped. As an artist I appreciate this show greatly, so I would recommend this for any kid, any age, to inspire them and let them enjoy some good music! :)
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| Topics: | friendship, music and sing-along, puppets |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Nick Jr. |
| Cast: | Alice Dinnean, Cathy Richardson, John Kennedy |
| Genre: | Educational |
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