Kiri & Lou
Uniquely charming friendship story has positive messages.
Kiri & Lou
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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 Kiri & Lou is a stop-motion claymation cartoon from New Zealand. The main characters are two prehistoric creatures, Kiri and Lou, best friends who learn lessons that help them get through the ups and downs of life. The episodes are short, and songs and games are sprinkled throughout to keep young attention spans engaged. Parents will appreciate the unique animation style, along with the social-emotional learning opportunities.
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A lot of fun!
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What's the Story?
In a tranquil forest in New Zealand, KIRI & LOU have adventures that teach them to regulate their emotions and help them bolster their relationships with others. Kiri is a little yellow dinosaur, and Lou is a unique purple prehistoric creature with a trunk. Through songs, games, and encounters with others, they learn character-building skills that show little ones everywhere how to take on the challenges of growing up.
Is It Any Good?
Unique in so many ways, this show is one that will stay with young viewers for years. Kiri & Lou draws in kids and adults with its exceptional visuals -- characters made of clay and a setting made of paper cutouts -- giving an update to the old-school feel of claymation and stop motion. It wins parents over with the social-emotional education that's impactful enough for kids to get and apply but subtle enough that kids don't feel like they're watching educational TV. It's funny and endearing with engaging songs and games that will likely become kids' favorites. In an era where most kids' shows are bright, loud, and exaggerated, this cute and clever show takes a quieter approach and still packs a punch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship in Kiri & Lou. How can you tell that Kiri and Lou are best friends? How do they work together? What happens when they have a problem?
Who is your best friend? Why? How do you show each other that you care about each other?
What is a lessons that Kiri and Lou learn? Have you ever had to learn that lesson? How did you learn it?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 18, 2019
- Cast: Jemaine Clement, Rima Te Wiata, Mark Wright, Josh Thomson, Olivia Tennet
- Networks: Nickelodeon, Apple TV+
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Dinosaurs, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: March 17, 2023
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