I have nephews. They are precious. They like to watch random TV programs like The Backyardigans (which isn’t bad…I mean, who wouldn’t want to sit in their backyard all day making up and imagining wild day dreams?). On one such occasion I happened to be in the room when they were watching Yo Gabba Gabba!, and I kinda liked it (now’s probably a bad time to mention that I’m 22 years old). It looks like a lot of kids’ shows, what with the goofy characters and a flamboyant host. But I think Yo Gabba Gabba! actually has a lot of appeal for older people, especially college kids.
First of all, the songs are actually pretty decent. They’ve got simple yet sensible lyrics, catchy tunes, and sweet animations. (By the way, this video has over 800,000 YouTube views and I’m pretty sure 2 year olds aren’t getting on the internet.)
The show even caters to college kids by bringing in guest stars like Jack Black and Andy Samberg, and guest bands like MGMT and The Shins, in addition to other popular indie bands like of Montreal. Now I don’t really have too much experience with shows on Nick Jr., but I’m reasonably sure that other shows geared towards youngsters aren’t getting guests that star in raunchy bands like Tenacious D.
One of the best elements of the show is that it is simple. The animations and costumes seem like they are straight out of the 1980s and 1990s (think Sesame Street), when college kids today were growing up. The show is also spontaneous and random, which also plays towards college kids.
And, if you’re in to drugs, I'm pretty sure the show's colors and sound effects will mesmerize you (although I'm not positive because that's not how I roll). The sounds and colors make me think that the creators were high while they were making the show.
So, whether you need a reminder that sharing is the right thing to do or you want to see your favorite indie band while doing drugs, Yo Gabba Gabba! is for you.
You know I have heard so much about this show and most of it has not been from little kids. I watched the little clip you posted and found myself bobbing along to the song. The songs are just so damn catchy! Maybe it reaches older audiences because it reminds us of back in the old days with Sesame Street and Eureka's Castle!! Though your comments about drugs or being high are a pretty good point, at least to college kids.
ReplyDeletei first saw clips of yo gabba gabba when watching the soup with joel mchale. i feel like nearly every week he has at least on clip of all the awesomeness that is this show. its a pretty smart marketing point to try and cater to an older demographic like college kids. it reminds me of how spongebob squarepants was originally pitched as a show for stoner college kids to comedy central, and when they passed on it nickelodeon picked it up. i wonder if this show has a similar story
ReplyDeleteI found myself laughing out loud watching the clip you posted. I was really entertained, and it definitely hits a wide range of audiences. It makes college kids laugh while simultaneously teaching kids some life lessons. The jingles are definitely catchy because I already have the party in my stomach song stuck in my head. But i'm curious to see how the kids who watch this show turn out later in life.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like this show might follow in the footsteps of Shrek type of movies that appeal to children as well as their parents. If nothing else, making their show more appealing to the kid's guardians makes ratings go up I'm sure!
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