About.com Rating

Rating: TV-Y
Genre: Children's Comedy
Age Range: 4-7 yrs
Network: "LazyTown" airs weekdays on Nick Jr. at 11:30 a.m. (ET/PT) and 1:30 p.m. (ET/PT). On the weekends, the show airs on Nick Jr. and CBS.

Overview of "LazyTown"

"LazyTown," created by world-class athlete Magnus Scheving, is an action/comedy series which combines CGI animation, puppets and live characters in imaginative half-hour episodes. The stories and adventures in "LazyTown" surround positive, age-appropriate lessons about social and health issues that affect kids.

The show's star, Stephanie - a sweet eight-year-old little girl with pink hair - has just moved to LazyTown, and her energy and enthusiasm have helped her become fast friends with the other kids in town (all played by puppet characters). The children are kind-hearted and fun-loving, and each exemplifies a childhood foible that will sometimes get him or her into trouble.

Another source of trouble for the children is town antagonist, Robbie Rotten. This lazy, junk food loving guy is always looking for ways to stir things up.

Luckily, there is also a town hero to save the day. Sportacus is played by Magnus Scheving. He thrives on “sports candy,” such as fruits and vegetables, while sugary foods make him ill and unable to perform his amazing stunts. He springs, leaps, and flips around town saving kids and teaching them about leading a happy, healthy and active lifestyle.

"LazyTown " Characters

Guide Review of "LazyTown"

The brightly colorful world of "LazyTown" is home to characters as vibrant as their surroundings who bring an innocent, enthusiastic kind of fun to their audience.

At first glance, the show seems a bit over the top, but that is what makes it so fun for kids. The characters are animated and exaggerated, especially the bizarre Robbie Rotten, and the show’s story lines are simple and clear.

Often, the children’s individual weaknesses get them into trouble, and they learn lessons about things like self-discipline or kindness towards others. Sometimes, though, children will mimic or admire behaviors even if the behavior is not portrayed in a positive light or does not result in a favorable outcome. Some kids will identify with Pixel’s love of video games and think he is pretty cool, or they might see Ziggy’s candy stash and want some sugar of their own. Parents can use these reactions to discuss things like moderation and discipline with kids in a light and fun way.

Stephanie is as charming as she is talented, and Sportacus sets the supreme example of physical fitness and the freedom good health brings. Even I was inspired to get back into my workout program after watching the show.

Expand Upon the "LazyTown" Curriculum

• Turn on some music and dance around with your kids. Take turns making up new moves. Here are some ideas from our guide to family fitness on how to make fitness fun for the whole family
• Set up an obstacle course for your kids using pillows, boxes, bean bags, or anything else you can think of. Make it a race, or for younger kids, practice the concepts of "over," "under," "between," and other related actions.
• Go online and learn about Magnus Scheving (Sportacus). His real life accomplishments in the area of physical fitness will inspire kids to dream big.

I had the privledge of interviewing Magnus Scheving, and he gave me some additional tips to make healthy habits fun...

• Make it a game. For example, if your kids aren't enthusiastic about brushing their teeth, have them try it with their eyes closed, or standing on one leg. Anything can be fun if you think of a way to make a game.
• Use kids' favorite characters to entice them. Magnus relates that parents in Iceland have no trouble getting kids to bed on time, they just remind the kids that Sportacus is always in bed by 8 or 8:30!
• Make physical activity a family affair. Put 50 fun activities such as a family bike ride into a hat. Designate a certain day of the week, and let your kids pick a random activity out of the hat. You can even think of a fun name for the tradition, like "family energy time," or any name that would be fun for the kids.

*Visit the official LazyTown website for additional information.