New Zoo Revue

Like acid flashbacks, "New Zoo Revue" pops up frequently in velvet mornings after a long night on the town. Just this weekend I turned on the TV at 7 a.m. to find an oversize hippo, frog and owl cheerily sharing the screen alongside a human host with a disco lizard mustache, which led me to wonder: Do today's children actually watch this program?

I myself had never heard of this show until recently, but I cannot stop watching it when I come across it. Is it camp? Not quite, since the last time I watched the hostess was painfully struggling off-key to find the melody in the insipid ditty she was warbling. However, her horrendous rendition of an innocuous kiddie tune was offset by the eye-popping wardrobe both hosts were sporting. Oh my, the mile-wide collars, ugly plaids and oddly tapered trousers were mesmerizing in a fashion-wreck sort of way, but they weren't the worst sights to see in the wee hours. So maybe it is camp; after all, the similarly clad cast of CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC were the campiest camp of them all.

Other small pleasures could come from the random guest stars that sometimes join the cast. I swear that was Richard Dawson I saw in a chocolate brown suit alongside the above-mentioned proto-Barney creatures, and if that sight doesn't stir the drug-socked mind, I don't know what does.

Still, this program must seem as odd an entertainment choice to today's kids as "Pokémon" does to me. "New Zoo Revue" is endlessly watchable as a documentary of '70's conservative fashions, television production, and children's programming. And it's strangely fascinating how a television show can seem wholesome to a generation of kids that grew up to appreciate it ironically as adults who can now hone in on tenuous drug allusions throughout it (see also "Scooby-Doo").

As a kid my ear for singing in key and rhythm was not trained and I appreciated the musical and educational themes of the show because it was about everyday life but honed into experiences I could relate to not overly dramatic and heroic episodes of fantasy escapism. Nor was it overly dry educational silliness and warbling as in Seasame Street. Reviewing the show as an adult I see the weakness of the performances at times but the characters are like seeing old friends and I don't really mind much that they aren't professional level musicians. The energy and tone of the show is still one of the most wholesome of any that have ever been on TV. I'm trying to find out more about the music and songwriters and if it's possible to cover any of the songs for a modern release. Any knowledge to this end would be greatly appreciated if shared with me.

I was unable to find any trace of authorship for the music or lyrics on the show so I just transcribed two of the songs from Season 1, episodes Spring "Song of Life" and Time "Take the Time" which I think are beautiful songs and performed very well. It's probably no coincidence that they come toward the end of the season and toward the end of each episode. I suspect there was a little stage fright which will put a slight shrill in any performance that was slowly overcome as the show progressed. I don't think it's anything a normal child would object to as few children can sing in key without formal training and/or musical talent in their own households.

Most children will see the show as a fun way to make noise, dance around, have some silly laughs, and learn something new about themselves, others, and life consciously or subconsciously. I remember singing along and dancing around whenever there was a repeat on because I had already paid attention the first time and learned my lessons. For all you cynical adults out there who missed this show or still don't "get it", it'll do you good to watch the program even if it makes you uncomfortable in the beginning. The fun will grow on you, too! Please don't deprive future generations of this lovable show, despite it's flaws, by being closed-minded. Let the kids be kids and try being one again yourself once in awhile.

Haha, I remember watching New Z00 Revue.

IT was a goofy show yet, educational and entertaining.

The way they would interact would make me chuckle.

These old shows were brilliant, and you could see producers and actors had heart back then.

I remember watching The New Zoo Revue in the early 70s and thought was one of the best kids shows of the 70s. The "three delightful animals" Henrietta Hippo, Charlie the Owl and Freddie the Frog had "fun learning what we don't know" with their human friends Doug and Emmy Jo.

Over the show's three year run, many subjects were covered including fear, hate, getting along and courage. One episode I remember the most was when Freddie wanted to quit school and Emmy Jo sang a song with a message for him to to stay in school. He learned that school was important for him.

The heart of the show was Doug Momary. He co-created the show with Barbara Atlas, portrayed Doug, wrote the scripts and all the songs used in every episode. He was also married to the actress who played Emmy Jo, Emily Peden.

In the second season, two human characters were added, Mr. Dingle, the store owner played by Chuck Woolery before being best known as a game show host and neighbor Ms. Goodbody, portrayed by veteran actress Fran Ryan. There were numerous celebrity appearances in the third season, including Jim Backus, Jesse White, Richard Dawson and Jo Anne Worley.

The New Zoo Revue was an entertaining show for children to learn about the world around them. It also told young viewers in several episodes "Don't sit around and cry." In other words "Be happy." La la la la la la la la la la la la la la. I'll close with a line from the unforgettable theme song "It's the New Zoo Revue, coming right at you."

I just purchased the 6-DVD Season One of New Zoo Revue and I am thrilled! New Zoo Revue and oatmeal were how I started each day as a child. We weren't glued to the television the way kids are today, but we were allowed to watch NZR each morning before school. My parents dressed like Doug and Emmy Jo... shoot my dad even resembled Doug.

While I've read things all over the internet bashing NZR, I love it! Not just for the nostalgia, but for the positive, uplifting messages it gave me (and continues to give as it's still played in different markets across the USA). I learned how to be polite and a good friend. I learned about the seasons and how to think. I learned so much from NZR that has helped shape the person I am today.

I've already watched two of the six DVDs (containing 59 episodes). My two-year old nephew came into the room and stood there thrilled at the music and life-sized animals. I don't have a problem with him watching this show... unlike other shows with large talking/singing animals (Barney, HR PufNStuff, etc.).

I highly recommend this show for anyone who enjoyed it as a kid, missed it as a kid or who knows a kid.