Hi-5 (American TV series)

Hi-5 is a variety-style series for preschoolers which features music as an integral part of its premise.[1][2] The program features five presenters who are collectively known as Hi-5, and perform songs as a group as well as presenting individual segments.[2]

The Puzzles and Patterns segment has a focus on logical thinking and mathematics, with a puppet named Jup Jup used as a tool for the presenter to complete puzzles or solve problems.[1] The presenter of Body Move encourages children to participate in movement and dance, developing physical coordination and motor development.[1] Linguistics and aural skills are at the centre of the Word Play segment, featuring a puppet named Chatterbox who assists in the exploration of language through stories and rhymes.[1] Shapes in Space focuses on visual and spatial awareness, with the presenter exploring shapes, colour and everyday materials such as boxes and playdough.[1] Musicality is explored through Making Music, with an emphasis on pitch, rhythm, beat, melody, and using a variety of real and pretend instruments.[1] The final segment in which the cast comes together is entitled Sharing Stories, where a story is told that explores interpersonal relationships and emotions.[3]

The episodes are bookended with a Song of the Week; a pop-style feature song which corresponds with the weekly theme and sets an educational topic for the week's episodes.[3]

Due to the popularity and international appeal of the original Hi-5 series in Australia, it was announced in 2002 that a local American series would be introduced.[2] The U.S. version was filmed in the Australian studios from September 2002 to February 2003 and made its debut in February, premiering on TLC and Discovery Kids.[1][4] The cast consisted of Kimee Balmilero, Karla Cheatham Mosley, Curtis Cregan, Jennifer Korbee (née Peterson-Hind) and Shaun Taylor-Corbett.[1] The series was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in 2005, 2006, and 2007.[1][5]

The final group of 10 episodes from the second season premiered on September 25, 2006.[6]

In late 2006, Cheatham Mosley and Taylor-Corbett left the cast to pursue other ventures. New touring members Sydney James and Yasmeen Sulieman joined Balmilero, Cregan, and Korbee, but were not featured in the television series. The group last performed together in Puerto Rico in 2008.

The series was nominated for an Emmy in 2005, 32nd Daytime Emmy Awards 2006, 33rd Daytime Emmy Awards 2007 34th Daytime Emmy Awards.

• Barrera, Sandra. (August 18, 2007) Los Angeles Daily News Hi-5 cast members talk about what it's like to be pop icons and role models. Section: LA.COM; Page L12

• Hi-5 at IMDb