For adults venturing into the world of children’s television, a sense of apprehension is often unavoidable. Will it be bearable? Or will it be mind-numbing? Thankfully, some shows transcend age barriers, offering entertainment for both kids and their grown-up supervisors, albeit for entirely different reasons. And then there are those rare gems that are not just watchable but genuinely enjoyable.
Nickelodeon’s Yo Gabba Gabba! firmly plants itself in this coveted “best-case” category. This vibrant creation from The Magic Store and W!ldbrain is a delightful explosion of puppetry, animation, music, dance, and delightful absurdity. It’s an energetic spectacle that manages to be captivating without descending into chaotic, rapid-fire incoherence. If this unique show sparks a sense of familiarity, it’s likely because it echoes the brilliance of classic Sesame Street, a comparison that stands as the highest praise for any preschool program. And at the heart of Yo Gabba Gabba!’s charm is the infectious energy of the Gabba Gabba Dance, a joyful expression that invites everyone to move and groove.
The cast of Yo Gabba Gabba! are ready to dance and play.
Yo Gabba Gabba! unfolds in half-hour episodes, guided by the enthusiastic, orange-clad DJ Lance Rock. He’s joined by a lovable ensemble of five larger-than-life monsters: Muno, Foofa, Brobee, Toodee, and Plex. DJ Lance orchestrates playful chaos that subtly imparts essential kindergarten lessons – sharing, expressing yourself through the gabba gabba dance instead of roughhousing, and trying new things, especially foods. These are simple yet crucial lessons, common in preschool TV, but rarely delivered with such infectious enthusiasm and dance-fueled fun. The initial DVD release, “The Dancey Dance Bunch!” featuring the first four episodes, showcases the show’s quick stride, hitting its stride by the second episode.
Elijah Wood enthusiastically participates in the Dancey Dance Time segment with puppets.
Interspersed with the main skits featuring DJ Lance and his monster pals are quirky cartoons and recurring segments that add to the show’s dynamic rhythm. “Cool Tricks” spotlights individuals demonstrating impressive skills, with standouts on this DVD including a captivating tap-dancing duo and a musician creating ethereal sounds with a Theremin. “Dancey Dance Time” is a highlight, featuring celebrity guests who lead viewers in wacky dances – a surprising and delightful moment is seeing Elijah Wood energetically teaching the “Puppetmaster” dance. This segment perfectly embodies the gabba gabba dance spirit, encouraging movement and joyful participation. “The Super Music Friends Show” offers kid-friendly music videos, and this DVD features the incredibly catchy “I’m So Happy I Can Dance” by The Salteens, a Canadian pop band. Its infectious melody and danceable beat are quintessential Yo Gabba Gabba!, and easily found streaming online on the show’s website.
The animated segments in Yo Gabba Gabba! are created in Flash and possess a simple yet effective style. They are consistently fast-paced, funny, and engaging. A charming short in episode 4 about a boy flying a kite with his dog is a highlight, as is the amusing recurring superhero cartoon “Super Martian Robot Girl,” designed by Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast and Welcome to Eltingville fame. These animated interludes, much like the live-action segments, evoke the spirit of classic Sesame Street cartoons. It’s not far-fetched to imagine that the next generation’s animation pioneers are honing their skills on Yo Gabba Gabba! at W!ldbrain.
Super Martian Robot Girl, a quirky and fun animated segment from Yo Gabba Gabba!.
While Yo Gabba Gabba! subtly incorporates messages of diversity, it’s worth noting the natural ethnic diversity present on screen. The show delivers explicit lessons about embracing differences through its monster characters and animated stories. However, it also effectively leads by example by showcasing a cast with diverse skin tones and facial features. This approach mirrors Sesame Street’s commitment to inclusivity, though perhaps without the overt multilingual elements. This inherent diversity enriches the gabba gabba dance experience, reflecting a world where everyone is invited to join the fun.
Like many Nickelodeon DVDs of the time, this release is straightforward, presenting the show in full-frame format with stereo sound and lacking chapter stops. The sole bonus feature is a brief introduction to the five monster characters. Trailers for other Nickelodeon preschool shows play upon disc insertion, thankfully skippable. The DVD also seems designed to auto-start the “Play All” feature if left at the menu, a thoughtful touch for busy parents.
To overlook Yo Gabba Gabba! would be a mistake. Preschool television constantly balances entertainment and education, with many shows tilting too heavily in one direction or the other. Yo Gabba Gabba! may lean slightly towards “entertainment,” but it achieves such a high level of engaging fun that the educational aspect feels seamlessly integrated. If you’re already known for enjoying cartoons, why not embrace a preschool show as genuinely entertaining as this? Join the gabba gabba dance – you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it!
