PBS Kids Sprout has something a little different for our nighttime kiddies. Whereas NOGGIN network signs off at 6 p.m. (EST) every night and switches to “The N,” Sprout has a special show beginning at that time. “The Good Night Show” runs every night until 6 a.m. the following morning. Hosted by Emmy-nominated children’s favorite, Noel MacNeal and his friends Star and Lucy, “The Good Night Show” combines Sprout favorites with song, dance, and stories.
You may know Noel MacNeal better as the voices of Bear from “Bear in the Big Blue House” and Kako, the best friend of the title character on “Oobi.” However, Noel took over “The Good Night Show” hosting duties when some controversy surrounded the original host Melanie Martinez. Apparently, she starred in a couple of public service announcements (PSAs) spoofing abstinence-only PSAs. When Sprout discovered this, they determined that it was inappropriate and terminated her. But I suppose that’s neither here nor there.
Noel MacNeal stars as Leo, a friendly guy who has two friends to help him host “The Good Night Show” — Star, a cuddly, star-shaped puppet, and Lucy a firefly puppet. Leo and Star sing songs and talk about Sproutlets (PBS Kids Sprout viewers) in between showing Sprout favorites. When it is time for another show to start, you can see Lucy light up in Leo’s pocket. He then brings her out, lets her fly, and then she lights up bright to introduce the next show.
The following shows are generally shown during “The Good Night Show,” although it does vary:
- Sagwa
- Dragon Tales
- Make Way for Noddy
- Bob the Builder
- Angelina Ballerina
“The Good Night Show” is a perfect segue from the fun, educational day that your preschooler has had to the time they go to bed. It is great for us because our daughter loves this show. She likes to sing along to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and watch some of the shows. Depending on what time she goes to bed, she knows that when “Dragon Tales” or “Bob the Builder” is over that it is time for bed. It works as a nice transition.
So the next time you are trying to find some early prime time television that is suitable for your child, turn on PBS Kids Sprout and watch “The Good Night Show.”
For more information, please visit Sproutletsgrow.com.
Jaime’s Score: 6 for Education, 9 for Entertainment, and the Parent Annoyance Factor is 0.