Bear in the Big Blue House

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.

I can't say enough good things about this show. It is the only children's program that consistently addresses the everyday aspects of life, such as potty training, cleaning the house, bathing, brushing one's teeth, going to school, etc. The amazing thing is how it's all done in the most entertaining way with fun songs and lots of dancing -- not an easy thing to do well. My kids absolutely love it when Bear feels the Cha Cha Cha coming on! The entire cast is extremely talented. I never hear them talking down to children as I do on many other shows. The segment with Luna is wonderful to open children's minds to contemplation -- it is so soothing.

My children, now 3 and 1, have adored this show since they were old enough to hold their heads up and it's one of the few programs that I actually enjoy myself as there is a subtle humor that adults can appreciate. Most importantly, however, this is a show that actually teaches kids about real life while entertaining them and opening their imaginations. My personal favorite of all the current kids shows, and objectively speaking, one of the three best kids shows on TV. Also, the pacing is great and it does not contribute to the short attention span syndrome like so many other kids shows.

Although I like to poke fun at this show, I must admit it has several pleasant qualities that make it a wonderful show. It's mainly for children not yet "graduated" into shows for older kids. It has a "Mr. Rogers" type of quality in that Bear talks to the children watching and sort of invites them in to play with all of his friends in the big blue house. It can teach things such as being nice to others, even if they do something you might not like. I recommend this show for children aged up to about 7 or 8 years. This show can be a nice show for a young family looking for something enjoyable to watch with their children. It's neither too violent nor too babyish and can be a nice way to pass an afternoon before naptime.

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 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.