Gotta go with the fans here.........
E is 3, X is 5, and they both found something in it for them. I like that it is a low key program that they can use to unwind if we watch TV.
They love watching the characters, they make up their own little stories for what they are saying (PLUS follow the story as told by the narrator), and always enjoy watching Iggle Piggle (the character that sails in on a boat) float off into the night on his little boat, under his little red blanket.
X may be "above" the show target audience, but sometimes we will watch something that is supposed to be "above" E, so there is a nice balance. Seeing as how X is reading at a grade 2 level, and E knows his alphabet and numbers forwards, backwards, and by 2's and 5's to 50, I'm not concerned about 22 minutes of TV that will gear them down and prepare them for bed.
Not everything kids watch has to be educational. It should be something positive and something they enjoy.....a lot of people in these different threads keep saying is how we should not underestimate our kids intelligence, and I agree more than 100%. Our kids are the most pure right now. They are uninhibited in their feelings, they are unencumbered with our 'logic' when it comes to problem solving (which is why I sometimes have to look for my keys....which I keep on the top shelf of an entertainment unit 6' off the floor!), and they pick phrases and ideas up like we never could. We are watching little information sponges grow in front of our eyes! We are at our best when we protect them, encourage them, comfort them, and guide them...
This show is well produced, well performed, and well received in this home...and clearly by others as well. Please keep this show going, pick up the next 50 episodes when the BBC makes them available, and keep it right where you have it.........but maybe can you please find another show to put on at 8pm? The Wiggles are great, but kinda cancel out the soothing properties of Night Garden.
Installing and Servicing Shenanigans since 1975 :)