 | 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. |
Johnny and the Sprites
- Disney Channel
- Genre: Kids Musical TV
Common Sense Media says
Singing, dancing, and great messages for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this colorful, high-energy series will engage preschoolers through song, dance, and entertaining storylines that kids can relate to. In each episode, kids learn important lessons about respecting others and themselves, sharing, showing kindness, and being a good friend. The host -- a talented Broadway alum -- brings a surprisingly mature (but still kid-friendly) feel to the series, making this one that parents can enjoy alongside their little ones.
What's the story?
In Disney's engaging preschool series JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES, a young man named Johnny T ( John Tartaglia) moves into a house in the woods for peace and quiet -- and a little musical inspiration. But his new neighbors -- magical creatures named Sprites whom only he (and the viewers, of course) can see -- have other plans for him. Whether it's singing, painting, or playing a game of "clover ball" in the yard, the Sprites are always happy to keep Johnny occupied, and he certainly never minds spending time with Ginger (Leslie Carrara), Basil (Tim Lagasse), Lily (Carmen Osbahr), and Root (Heather Asch).
Is it any good?
Johnny's great at helping his new woodsy friends solve their problems, often using his musical talents to teach lessons in patience, manners, friendship, and self-esteem. And sometimes the tables turn, letting the Sprites teach Johnny a thing or two. In one episode, for example, Ginger worries that her antennae are too curly, making her look weird. Despite her friends' assurances that she looks fine, she decides to cover them up to avoid feeling self-conscious. But when she starts bumping into things, Johnny reminds her that the antennae help her navigate her surroundings and sings about all the other unique qualities that make her the wonderful Sprite that she is.
Multi-talented star/executive producer Tartaglia brings an impressive resume -- including work as a Sesame Street puppeteer and a Tony-nominated leading role in the Broadway show Avenue Q -- to this very enjoyable series. His natural exuberance and obvious love of music will ignite preschoolers' own excitement for the show. The bonus for parents is that Tartaglia's talent means that the show relies more on strong acting, good writing, and fun musical numbers (many of which are written by Broadway composers) than on general goofiness to capture audiences. If your preschoolers' TV tastes sometimes differ from yours, Johnny and the Sprites may be just what you need for joint viewing pleasure.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the many lessons the characters learn in each episode. Which character was having trouble? What was the problem he or she faced? How did the character's friends help? What did they all learn about themselves?
Kids: Have you ever had a problem like one of the ones on the show? When? How did you solve it? Who helped you? How do you help when your own friends are feeling sad?
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AGE
A great New Edition to the educational line up!
We have been waiting for this show to be expanded for a year & now my 4 year old requests for us to tape it when we aren't going to be home to watch it. We love the different personalities of the Sprites and the lessons they teach by example. The Sprites are characters that children can identify themselves with and Johnny is an awesome older brother type personality. Here's hoping that they bring the Sprites out as cuddy buddies or toys!
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AGE
Wow Broadway comes to kids!
I watch most of the shows my 6 year old watches and this one I really got into.The characters interact with one another just like real friends everyday.The songs are catchy and not kid like.My son even wakes up singing them!!
A must see for kids.
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AGE
Love it.
I'm 20 and love this show. Unfortunetly I have to wait for the episodes to go on itunes before I can watch them since a.)10 seems to early to get up on a weekend and b.)I'd feel too dorky watching it in my dorm. However, this is an amazing show and any age can enjoy it.
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AGE
not as good as the mini show version but appealing
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AGE
Awesome
We love it. The very first episode dealt with people playing too many video games
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AGE
good show
i loved this as a little kid.even now i will sometimes randomly walk through the house and sing "its johnny and the sprites".
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AGE
Charming for Kids, Entertaining for Adults
If you like Broadway-style musicals and your kids like catchy tunes with cute fuzzy characters, this show is great! John T. has such talent--I find myself singing the songs even when the tv's off.
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AGE
I LOVED this show when I was a toddler along with Zoboomafoo, Peep, The Save-Um's, Paz The Penguin, and Blue's Clues, :). There is no violence, just cute fairy puppets dancing and singing. There is an episode called "Root's Dadoots" were the fuzzy red one, Root gets weird-sounding hiccups, and after seeing that part, I did that same "dadoot" sound at dinner that night, :). A funny and cute show for 3+.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, friendship, music and sing-along, puppets |
| TV rating: | TV-Y |
| Network: | Disney Channel |
| Cast: | John Tartaglia, Leslie Carrara, Tim Lagasse |
| Genre: | Kids Musical TV |
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