Poko (TV series)
| Poko | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Children's television series |
| Country of origin | Canada |
| Production | |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Eraser Dog Productions Alliance Atlantis Halifax Film Kids' CBC |
| Distributor | CBC |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBC Television |
| Original release | December 1, 2003 – July 31, 2008 |
Poko is a Canadian stop motion children's television series about a young boy, his pet dog, and his toy monkey. Produced in Canada by Halifax Film, a DHX Media Company, Poko was created by Jeff Rosen, It began production in 2003 and ended in 2006 after three production cycles. Poko is still broadcast in Canada on CBC Television in the Kids' CBC programming block, and was broadcast in Turkey on Yumurcak TV until the channel closed in mid-June 2016 because of relations with the Gulenist Movement after the 2016 coup attempt. It is narrated by actor and dancer Cory Bowles.
The show was awarded the 2004 Gemini for Best Pre-school Program in 2004 and the Alliance for Children & Television (ACT) Grand Prize in 2007.
There are two episodes in each show. The first one is indoors, after Poko wakes up. The second is outdoors, in the garden. In both, Poko encounters a problem, but usually overcomes it after observing a smaller creature (such as a bird, ladybug, worm, etc.) solving a similar problem.
Also beneficial to children, the narrator helps Poko to name and understand his feelings, and find appropriate ways to deal with them: for example, on some occasions, when Poko has become angry at Minus, he has gone and given a blast on his tuba to release his frustration. Another common solution is for Poko to give Mr. Murphy a hug. In this way, the show suggests positive methods of dealing with problems.When this happens they usually sing..."hug a monkey...hug him tight...hug him till you feel alright". Poko does either that, or, if Mr. Murphy isn't available, Poko releases his frustration by doing a dance called "The Poko Polka". He also has choices to release his frustration. Either spend time alone on his swing, or shake his frustration out.
In the second season, a new segment was added called "Poko's Playhouse", in which Poko Minus and Bibi perform for a stuffed toy audience on a "Grand Ole Opry" type play-stage, with children singing a background song.
There are two thirty second shorts in each episode where Poko, Minus and Mr. Murphy play against a monocolour background. They may be swimming, surfing, riding an imaginary Roller coaster, or doing other activities.
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