Hey Duggee
Charming characters' adventures celebrate active learning.
Parents say
Based on 11 reviews
Kids say
Based on 10 reviews
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Hey Duggee
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Hey Duggee is a British preschool series that shows five youngsters having all kinds of learning adventures under the guidance of their scout leader. The content isn't overtly instructive, but kids see how taking on challenges like helping a friend get rid of the hiccups or playing games outdoors can teach patience, perseverance, and critical thinking. Another standout message concerns the nurturing relationship between a child and a mentor or teacher, which can help start conversations with your youngsters about separation anxiety or starting school. Unique, angular animation creates surprising images in this pleasant series that's great watch-together fare for parents and preschoolers.
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Diverse and charming
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What's the Story?
In HEY DUGGEE, five animal kids spend their days learning new things with their jovial Squirrel Club leader, Duggee (voiced by Sander Jones). Each morning, Betty (Jasmine Bartholomew), Happy (Duke Davis), Norrie (Poppie Boyes), Roly (Leo Templer), and Tag (Alfie Sanderson) arrive at Duggee's door eager to discover what he has planned for them. Faced with unknowns, the friends work together to solve a problem or complete a task, at which time Duggee awards them a new Squirrel badge for their efforts. The show is narrated by Alexander Armstrong.
Is It Any Good?
This charming preschool series shows kids doing what they do best -- learning life skills through play and simple problem-solving tactics. Whether it's caring for an infant puppy or staying the course in a lengthy game of hide-and-seek, Duggee's Squirrels are eager to take on the tasks and see where they take them. With their leader's gentle guidance, they revel in their adventures and celebrate the badges that are their rewards.
Hey Duggee's delightful characters are what make the show, but there's also much appeal in the unique animation that plays with shapes in unexpected ways. Some characters' images are predictable (a round octopus and spider, for instance), but others are less so, including triangular frogs and rectangular birds. It's also surprising that while most of the other characters talk, Duggee doesn't (he speaks in "woofs"), but kids will have no trouble interpreting his body language and other visual clues to grasp the meaning.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about solving problems. How do the characters in Hey Duggee solve problems? Kids: When you're presented with a challenge, how do respond? Do you like to jump right in, or are you more calculated in your plans? In what ways does working as a team lighten the load?
How well do your kids adapt to new situations? Is separation anxiety a concern for you (or them)? How do you ease the transition to a new place for your little ones? What makes them feel more comfortable when that happens?
Kids: How do the Hey Duggee characters stack up against your other TV favorites? What kinds TV shows do you most like? What screen-time rules exist in your home?
How do the characters in Hey Duggee demonstrate teamwork? Why is this an important character strength?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 17, 2014
- Cast: Alexander Armstrong, Sander Jones, Jasmine Bartholomew
- Networks: Nick Jr., CBeebies
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- TV rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Maisy
Gentle, nurturing, fun preschool program.
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Angelina Ballerina
A little mouse dreams big -- OK for all ages.
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Charlie and Lola
Brit siblings set good examples; great for kids.
For kids who love preschool fun
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