While it’s been some time since I’ve sat down with a truly goofy and wonderful kids show, it did not take long to appreciate the charms of “THE AQUABATS,” a new show for kids on The Hub. You know what I mean, right? Think of “H. R. Pufnstuf,” or “The Banna Splits,” It also brings to mind, in a good way, “The Teletubbies.” I say, in a good way, because this show has a very sweet side and is unabashedly for kids so it is quite repetitive and quite silly. This will definitely try the patience of an adult. But, here’s the thing, it is SUPPOSED to try the patience of an adult! And, there’s the cool factor too, believe it or not. These guys are a band, a real band. So, they have that street cred which helps them connect with adults. And, if you happen to enjoy really silly stuff, then you’re all set!
“Manant,” the first episode, follows The Aquabats on the pursuit of marauding giant ants led by the arch-villain, Manant. The opening segment finds The Aquabats in a frenzied state after an all-night nonstop performance at a teen birthday party. The guys haven’t eaten and they are just about to prepare for breakfast when the call goes out for their help. They hastily leave the scene of their gig to the dismay of the birthday girl who feels they should stay longer. After some apologies, The Aquabats are on their way but they reach the scene of the crime too late. It’s after some more stumbling about that our heroes figure out they are looking for Man-Ant, and not a manant, whatever that is. Later still, there is an unexpected revelation that puts the giant ants and Man-Ant into proper perspective. The Aquabats have a fighting chance of defeating Man-Ant–or do they?
Press Release Details Follow:
”The Aquabats! Super Show!” produced by FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Magic Store, features The Aquabats, a truly bona-fide rock band, as they invade America with their first-ever network television series, battling evil with music and superhero powers. “The Aquabats! Super Show!” introduces the greatest crime-fighting, kids’ rock band ever assembled!
Executive Producer Christian Jacobs (co-creator, writer, and director of “Yo Gabba Gabba!”) is the band’s lead vocalist and plays the team’s fearless leader, The MC Bat Commander. Also in the cast are fellow founding member and bassist Chad Larson (aka Crash McLarson), keyboards and sax player James Briggs (aka Jimmy the Robot), drummer Ricky Falomir (aka Ricky Fitness) and the most recent member of the band, guitarist Ian Fowles (Eagle “Bones” Falconhawk).
Since their debut in 1994, the Orange County, CA-based band has won over legions of music fans with their music and are well known fixtures at music festivals including Coachella and South by Southwest (SXSW). The band has released five full-length studio albums including their latest, award-nominated “Hi-Five Soup” and has toured internationally.
In addition to the network’s target audience of kids 6-11, and because of the band’s deep roots in music, The Hub TV network plans to support the series launch with extensive marketing and digital campaigns also aimed at parents and music fans.
“The Aquabats! Super Show!” is, all in all, a zany treat. Keep up with them at the network’s website, The Hub.
