Bear in the Big Blue House

I saw this show the first time because of my nephew and niece, twins aged 3.

From the first time I saw it, I loved it.

Basically, all you need to know is: It is made by Jim Henson Company. I mean, when I was a kid, I loved Sesame Street and I loved the Muppet Show. Now I am 25, and I really like this show, too. And, unlike many other kids tv (Pokemon, Teletubbies), even as an adult you can watch the show, without going insane.

In my eyes, it is the perfect Kids TV. When the Bear talks towards the camera, the kids really get involved in the show. You can't go wrong with that show.

I've watched BITBBH quite a few times with my 3 and 6 year old. Although it's my 3 year old who enjoys it the most. I find the story lines well conceived and the dialogue between the characters always on a positive side(no insults at each other under the guise of humor).

The thing I most enjoy with this show has been the musical numbers. I remember in particular a song that Bear did on "finding a lost thing." This stands out because Noel McNeal, who plays Bear can really belt out a tune. I find myself watching the show with my kids just to hear him sing songs.

But at the same time I feel good that this show also contains a strong emphasis on teaching children worthwhile life lessons on subjects like being a good friend, potty training, conquering fears and asking for help.

I recommend watching this show because it's easy as an adult to handle watching this at the same time as my kids do and me gives plenty of opportunities to share comments with them as the story lessons unfold.

I have a confession to make : I'm 16 and I loved this show, been watching it since i was 10 (much too old for this kind of show)Of course it's a kiddy show so there's no exciting plot lines and i already know most of what it's teaching. But It's so entertaining, the songs, the characters. I loved bear, he's so huggable and adorable. Tudder's hilarious so are pip and pop. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the scenes and going 'awwww' at others. The way they teach, it makes it easy for the younger kids to catch it, with songs, examples, stories etc. And they teach the more important things: like sharing, forgiving, being a good friend, good sportsmanship, discovering the world around you etc. this is one show!! It's not boring for the older audience too, it's funny and witty. Overall, this is an excellent show for the young and the young at heart.

For readers that think I have slowly started to crumble into a world of watching television for the sake of seeing colourful images moving, I must clarify that I came to The Bear a year ago as part of helping out some friends. A young family stayed with me in my house and they included two children of about 2 and 3 years old. Each morning as I was eating breakfast, the children would be merrily watching the Bear on channel 5 and joining in with his fun. So, from their critical point of view the show certainly appears to have worked – but they cannot type so damn them and damn their opinions.

Watching it as an adult I must admit that it is a good product that has the strengths of the genre but has none of the major weaknesses that you would associate with something like Barney. Bear is actually quite a warm character and he has a bit of personality behind him rather than just churning out phrases and corny clichés. The fact that the other characters are pretty good also helps as, although they are cute of course, they are not so sickly that I ever feared becoming diabetic from just watching it. It has a nice warm feel to it and Bear approaches the audience like a kindly Uncle rather than doing patronising baby talk. It isn't quite Sesame Street but it has more of that feel than the dreaded dinosaur. The characters all look good and are well delivered (although Shadow as an idea is just plain creepy if you ask me) and the voice work matches it all well.

Overall this is an enjoyable show for pre-school kids that can be watched by adults without getting annoying in the way that some others do. Like I said, not Sesame Street but effective nonetheless.

This is the most wonderful show for children of any age. Bear actually talks to the screen, and my 15 month old thinks that Bear is talking to him. It is a great show, with 5 other main characters beside Bear. There is Treelo, a lemur, Tutter the mouse, Pip and Pop are both otters and Luna is the moon. A truly creative show all around.