Why is this kids show a phenom? Well, I just have to ask my 2 1/2 year old, Mikie. Actually, he's not saying much at this point, only a few words, but ever since he first put his eyes and ears on Hi 5, that's all he's asked for when it comes to television. Whatever happened to Shrek, I don't know. But why exactly is this show capturing the attention of so many pre-adolescents? What are our kids so pumped about?
Well, number one, it's not the Wiggles; actually, they're old hat. Maybe at one time they were popular but their songs were never that well written. Nothing that original or catchy. They are not the Beatles of the pre-adolescent set, and they certainly weren't doing any public television / Sesame Street teaching. Then there's Barney, but he's gone by the wayside too? However, he is one up on The Wiggles because he got down to the nitty gritty of cleanliness, manners and politeness, and even talked about being happy, mad, sad. That's almost deep for the little tykes, isn't it. But what's so hot about Hi 5? Well, who are they anyway and what exactly is a Hi 5?
They are Curtis, Jenna, Kimee, Karla, and Shaun. Five high (Hi 5) energy, really smiling, kid loving teens. They sing songs and perform skits, becoming buildings, tubes of paint, lions, tigers, and bears, amongst other animals. Are they going deep like Barney? teaching manors, how to brush your teeth, that it's OK to be sad? Not really. And to tell you the truth, the little skits, plays, and story lines are pretty unimaginative and nothing like that of the heydays of the visually charged, comedic Muppets. But they're a classic, an icon that none of these other shows can touch. But why the Hi 5 phenom? What makes them so hot and are they built to last? Let's see.
Well, the one thing that stands out, really, is the first five minutes of the show: the song. Each show begins with a song theme: super heroes, colors, etc. The songs are usually poppy, upbeat, and darn catchy. I'm talking the Beatles of the pre-adolescent set, sans Jessica Simpson, Brittney, and Rihanna. They're too old anyway. But the Hi 5 songs are pretty catchy. Even the theme song can get stuck in your brain if your an adult, so watch out.
Just another Monday at the office, or is it?
In a bored monotone, "How's it going Bob?"
Bob: dancing, jiving, and diving. "Five in the air, lets' do it together. Five to the side, who cares about the weather. Five on the floor, the party's on at your place. Five to the front, puts a smile on your face."
Now you're living!
Well, if you haven't caught the fever yet, you probably don't have any kids under nine years old. If that's the case, set your DVR to The Learning Channel for 7 a.m. Monday through Friday get your dancing shoes out, and get ready to sing, bounce, and shout. Are they a classic? Who cares? Get to dancing!
Five in the air let's do it together. Five in the air, who cares about the weather . . . Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh HI 5!!!
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