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Hi-5 (Australian TV series)

From Alfawiki
Hi-5
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryChildren's television
FoundedApril 12, 1999; 27 years ago (1999-04-12)
FounderHelena Harris, Posie Graeme-Evans
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia
ProductsChildren's television program

Hi-5 is an Australian children's television series initially created by Helena Harris and Posie Graeme-Evans and originally produced by Kids Like Us, later taken over by Southern Star for broadcast on the Nine Network. Renowned for its educational approach, the show features a cast that also formed the popular children's musical group, Hi-5. The series first aired on 12 April 1999 on the Nine Network.

Designed primarily for preschool viewers, the program showcases five entertainers who combine play, movement, and music to both educate and amuse, following a structured learning framework. The original lineup consisted of Kellie Crawford, Kathleen de Leon Jones, Nathan Foley, Tim Harding, and Charli Robinson. By the close of 2008, this initial ensemble was completely replaced. Hi-5 earned three Logie Television Awards recognizing it as the Most Outstanding Children's Program.

Following the sale of the series to Southern Star and the Nine Network in 2008, creators Harris and Graeme-Evans departed from the production. The final episode was broadcast on 16 December 2011 after Nine divested the property in 2012. A spin-off titled Hi-5 House aired on Nick Jr. between 2013 and 2016 without involvement from Nine. In October 2016, Nine reestablished its association with the brand, launching a rebooted version featuring a fresh cast that debuted on 9Go! in 2017.

Format

Hi-5 is structured as a variety show geared towards preschool-aged children, placing music at its core. Targeting an audience from two to eight years old, it blends contemporary educational principles with pop music elements, utilizing song and physical activity to engage viewers. The program emphasizes themes of curiosity and learning through active participation. Five hosts, collectively known as Hi-5, perform both ensemble songs and individual segments that are musically connected to highlight the episode's central ideas.

The segment Shapes in Space fosters visual and spatial intelligence by examining shapes, colors, and common objects. Making Music centers on musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm, beat, and melody through both real and imaginary instruments. Body Move encourages development of motor skills and physical coordination via dance and movement activities. Word Play focuses on language acquisition with assistance from a puppet named Chatterbox, exploring storytelling and rhymes. The Puzzles and Patterns segment enhances logical reasoning and mathematical skills using another puppet character, Jup Jup, to navigate puzzles.

Each episode concludes with Sharing Stories, which explores social interactions and emotional understanding. Episodes open and close with a Song of the Week, a pop-inspired piece that aligns with the educational theme for that week.

The 2017 revival introduced new puppet characters called the Jupsters—relatives of Jup Jup—and retained The Chatterbox segment from Hi-5 House. This portion emphasizes language learning through simple vocabulary and phrases, featuring Chatterbox teaching a toy robot named Tinka how to speak.

Conception

Hi-5 originated in 1998, conceived by television producer Helena Harris, recognized for her work on Bananas in Pyjamas. Together with co-producer Posie Graeme-Evans (known for The Miraculous Mellops and Mirror, Mirror), Harris developed the series specifically as entertainment for preschool-aged children. The title of the show is inspired by the celebratory high five gesture.

Harris found creative motivation during her time in England, aiming to create content with broad appeal through relatable themes such as family and animals. The creators focused on preschoolers who were developing rapidly, delivering uplifting material that integrated movement and music, positioning Hi-5 as a fresh alternative to existing shows like Here's Humphrey.

The concept was presented to the Nine Network through Harris and Graeme-Evans' independent company, Kids Like Us. The network quickly embraced the project, officially commissioning it within two weeks, influenced by executives who were parents themselves. A pilot episode produced mid-1998 received positive feedback without requiring changes to the format. Full production of the initial series took place from October to December 1998.

Nine Network collaborated with Kids Like Us to produce two series of 45 episodes each; the first series premiered on 12 April 1999. Hi-5 was awarded a P classification, marking it as preschool-specific programming and allowing a commercial-free half-hour slot on Nine. Production costs for each episode in the first series ranged between US$20,000 and US$30,000.

Coinciding with the show's debut, a children's clothing line inspired by the program's costumes was launched. Graeme-Evans remained involved as co-producer only during the first two series.

Development

Hi-5 earned three Logie Television Awards: Most Outstanding Children's Program in both 2000 and 2001, and Most Outstanding Children's Preschool Program in 2004. By 2005, production expenses had risen to approximately A$50,000 per episode, with plans underway for a feature film adaptation. That year also marked the broadcast of the program’s 300th episode. As of 2007, the show was described as adapting its format to stay current. Nine Network secured a two-year contract with the producers that year and subsequently acquired both the Hi-5 brand and its production company Southern Star from original creators Harris and Graeme-Evans in March 2008. Cast member Charli Robinson mentioned that although she initially attempted to depart after eight years, she was convinced to continue and later regarded those subsequent years as her most enjoyable.

In 2009, Nine Network committed to producing five additional series featuring an entirely new cast, intended to air through 2013; however, only three of these were ultimately completed. The eleventh series premiered on 31 August 2009. Brand managers Martin Hersov and Cathy Payne expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter. Executive producer Noel Price highlighted that Hi-5 was structured to maintain its appeal beyond the individual personalities of its cast members. The twelfth series aired in 2010 and included the milestone 500th episode, with producers aiming to recapture the original charm that had driven early success. The thirteenth and concluding series of the original production run launched on 17 October 2011, bringing back classic songs to connect with a new audience generation.

Cancellation

Amidst financial challenges faced by the Nine Network, the Hi-5 brand was sold in June 2012 to the Asian investment company Asiasons. Following this transaction, Nine discontinued production, with the thirteenth series marking the final installment produced under its direction. Subsequently, an independent spin-off titled Hi-5 House was created and broadcast on Nick Jr. from 2013 through 2016, sustaining the Hi-5 concept under new ownership.

Revival

In October 2016, Nine Network reestablished its collaboration with Hi-5, unveiling plans for a 2017 revival featuring a fresh cast. Executive producer Julie Greene conveyed excitement about revitalizing the program, maintaining the involvement of original producers and writers while introducing updated cast members and a redesigned set. Hugh Marks, CEO of Nine Entertainment, endorsed the revival, recognizing its ongoing significance despite expectations of reduced audience numbers.

Auditions were held in November 2016, with the new ensemble announced in December. Production commenced in January 2017, and the revamped series debuted on Nine's multichannel 9Go! on 15 May. Although a second revival season was scheduled for 2018, production was suspended later that year when the Australian production office was closed.

Educational theory

The development of Hi-5 involved educational specialists aiming to connect with modern, media-literate children by mirroring their environment. Designed for viewers aged 2–8, the program portrays its cast as older siblings who teach through enjoyable, play-centered learning rather than conventional instruction. Its pedagogical method combines music and entertainment to effectively communicate practical messages in an appealing format.

Creators Harris and Graeme-Evans based the show's structure on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, acknowledging varied learning preferences. Each presenter leads a segment focused on different intelligence types—ranging from logical-mathematical to linguistic—addressing individual learning styles. This segmented approach also aids in sustaining young viewers' concentration. The series prioritizes pre-literacy and pre-numeracy competencies to ready children for school while encouraging self-expression and confidence. Furthermore, Hi-5 integrates principles from Piaget's theory of cognitive development to nurture personal growth.

Music and physical activity play a central role by reinforcing key concepts and maintaining energetic pacing inspired by modern music videos. Movement and dance facilitate brain integration and active participation throughout the episodes.

Cast

The show stars five presenters collectively known as Hi-5, who also gained recognition as a children's musical group beyond their television roles.

Original series (1999–2011)

Revived series (2017)

  • Courtney Clarke (Season 1)
  • Shay Clifford (Season 1)
  • Lachie Dearing (Season 1)
  • Joe Kalou (Season 1)
  • Bailey Spalding (Season 1)

Original series

Template:Series overview

Revived series

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Viewership

The debut season of Hi-5 in 1999 saw a fourfold increase in ratings and audience share during its time slot, attracting an average national viewership of 223,000, representing a growth of 32.2% compared to the preceding programs. During its first month, it averaged approximately 231,000 viewers.

In 2001, the episode with the highest ratings attracted an audience of 96,000 children aged between zero and fourteen. By the year 2005, Hi-5 was ranked among the top ten children's shows on commercial television for viewers aged zero to fourteen, drawing an average audience of 60,000. It also held the position as the highest-rated program for children aged zero to four, with an average viewership of 39,000.

An episode aired in October 2010 garnered a total audience of 314,000 viewers.

Between its premiere in 2012 and through to 2016, Hi-5 consistently topped ratings on Disney Junior Asia.

The Australian revival launched in 2017 averaged a modest viewership of only around 10,000.

Critical reception

Hi-5 was met with largely favorable critiques. The US publication Kidscreen characterized it as a blend of Spice Girls-inspired music combined with the educational style of Sesame Street. Sally Murphy from Aussiereviews.com commended the series for its lively performances and memorable melodies, while Magdalena Ball emphasized the original cast's strong rapport and their effectiveness as positive role models.

Nonetheless, the program generated some controversy regarding suitable content for children. A 2011 survey conducted by the Australian Council on Children and the Media labeled Hi-5 as "contentious," noting parental concerns about the costumes worn by cast members and issues related to "early sexualisation." In response, producer Harris explained in 2002 that the show deliberately addressed body image topics to foster a healthy influence on its young viewers.

Common Sense Media raised doubts about the uniformity of the educational messages presented, although certain parents appreciated it as a musical series free from commercial advertising.

Broadcast

The debut season was initially licensed for broadcast in New Zealand and Singapore, with additional interest emerging from countries including Britain, Canada, Germany, Israel, and South Africa by the year 2000. The series premiered successfully in the United Kingdom in early 2003 and was introduced to Australian audiences via the pay-TV channel Nick Jr. later that same year. Its first appearance in the United States occurred in 2014 on KCET, featuring episodes with the original cast.

The 2017 reboot became available on the streaming platform Stan starting October 1, 2017.

Home video

In Australia, Roadshow Entertainment distributed compilation editions of Hi-5 on both VHS and DVD formats.

Music

The cast transformed into a well-known children's music ensemble. Their inaugural album, Jump and Jive with Hi-5, launched in September 1999 through Sony Music Australia, attained a peak position of No.33 on the ARIA Albums Chart. They performed at venues such as Newcastle Civic Theatre and secured five consecutive ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album. Four of their albums reached the ARIA top ten, supported by nationwide tours each year that included sold-out performances at Sydney Opera House. In 2001, members reflected on their surprising levels of success during touring.

Musically, the show is distinguished by its unique pop style often described as "pop tailored for children." Chris Harriott serves as the chief composer, having crafted thousands of songs to ensure musical coherence throughout the series. His prior collaborations with creator Harris spanned other children’s programs and theatrical works. Harriott’s role involved producing hit-quality songs aimed at children aged two to six. Cast members were also encouraged to create original compositions; notably, Robinson continued to receive royalties from her contributions as recently as 2015.

Spin-off series

In 2013, following a change in management and without involvement from Nine Network, Hi-5 House premiered on Nick Jr., maintaining the original concept but set in a new environment. This spin-off ran until 2016.

International adaptations

The global popularity of Hi-5 inspired several localized versions. In the United States, the show was broadcast between 2003 and 2006 on TLC and Discovery Kids, garnering Daytime Emmy nominations consecutively from 2005 through 2007. A British adaptation was aired on Cartoonito in 2008. After the brand changed ownership in 2012, international licensing activities resumed with productions such as Latin America's Hi-5 Fiesta (2014–2016), a Philippine edition (2015–2016), and an Indonesian version launched in 2017.

Awards and nominations

Comprehensive list of accolades and nominations awarded to Hi-5
Award Year Nominee(s) and Recipient(s) Category Outcome Reference(s)
ADVIA Awards 2006 Action Heroes Best DVD Marketing Campaign Template:Won
APRA Screen Music Awards 2002 Chris Harriott, Lisa Hoppe, Chris Phillips (for "Opposites Attract") Best Music for Children's Television Template:Nom
Chris Harriott, Various (for songlets) Template:Nom
2003 Chris Harriott, Lisa Hoppe (for "Celebrate") Template:Nom
2005 Chris Harriott, Leone Carey (for "Making Music") Best Original Song Composed for a Feature Film, Telemovie, TV Series or Mini-Series Template:Nom
Asian Academy Creative Awards 2018 Hi-5 (for "Vehicles") Best Children's Entertainment or Drama Template:Won
Hi-5 (for "Cultural Festivals") Best Preschool Programme Template:Won
Asian Television Awards 2007 Hi-5 Best Children's Programme Template:Nom
2010 Template:Nom
2017 Best Preschool Programme Template:Won
Logie Awards 2000 Hi-5 Most Outstanding Children's Program Template:Won
2001 Template:Won (Tied)
2002 Template:Nom
2003 Template:Nom
2004 Most Outstanding Children's Preschool Program Template:Won
2005 Most Outstanding Children's Program Template:Nom
2006 Template:Nom
2008 Template:Nom
2010 Template:Nom
2011 Template:Nom

See also

External links

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