Boo! (TV series)

Boo! is a British animated children's television series created by Will Brenton and Iain Lauchlan, and produced through their company Tell-Tale Productions for CBeebies with Universal Pictures handling co-funding and worldwide television distribution, home video and consumer product rights. The series aired for a total of 104 episodes and one Christmas special; it was nominated for the British Academy Children's Award for Pre-School Animation in 2003.

Synopsis
The series centres on the titular character, Boo, who plays a game entitled "Boo!", which is similar to hide and seek. He plays with his friends in a variety of settings and locations. The commentary is performed by adult male and female narrators and a chorus of children.

During the game, three key objects and Boo's friends are located. After Boo is found three times, the children go over the key objects that were found. Boo and his friends come together, then a song is sung, usually about matching characters or objects to their shapes or colours. Following the song, Boo's friends notice he's hiding again and the episode ends.

The visual style of Boo! is very distinctive, using 3D computer-generated imagery with rounded shapes and cel shading. The music and songs are generally in an early-70s funk/R&B idiom.

Characters
Other characters, both human and animal vary from one episode to another. The people who have speaking roles in this show are the artists, Chatty Hairdresser, Helpful Nurse, Caring Doctor, Helpful Teacher (the ice-skater), Helpful Waitress, Happy Customers (one man and one woman), Busy Chef, the woman on high stilts, the ringmaster, Careful Grownup, Smiling Santa, Graceful Teacher (the ballet dancer), Friendly Police Officers, Strong Lumberjack, Gentle Vet, Smiley Pumpkin lantern and Cheering Dad. The Blue Squawking Parakeet (actually a Cockatoo) with a red crest on it appears in a birdcage (being taken home by a customer) when we are about to enter the veterinarian.
 * Boo - a pear/eggplant-shaped patchwork creature with orange spiky hair. His feet are red with white spots on them. The main goal of the programme is to find Boo in his various hiding places. Half-way through each episode, Boo magically adopts attributes of his surroundings (e.g. becomes "Penguin Boo" in the Antarctic or "Pumpkin Boo" on Halloween). Boo cannot talk, although he whistles at the beginning of each episode and dances during every song.
 * Laughing Duck (voiced by Kate Harbour) - a yellow duck, who laughs when "found". She has a red-orange bill that matches her legs and has abilities to fly and swim. In some episodes, she meets some people who happen to be employees. In the hospital, she has been found sad because her laugh is lost, but it is regained when Boo tickles her flipper and made her laugh.
 * Sleeping Bear (voiced by Justin Fletcher) a brown bear who is usually asleep, yawning or stretching when "found". His blanket is red with white-printed hearts on it. The catchphrase associated with him is "Shhh... Tippy-toe, tippy-toe." In some episodes, he finds a spot to sleep around anything that is so cozy. In the police station, he was lost in the park until his friends had found him sleeping and sitting on the swing set.
 * Growling Tiger (voiced by Justin Fletcher) - a friendly tiger with fluffy white ears. Despite his name, he says "Roar!" (not "Growl!") when "found". His associated catchphrase is "It's Growling Tiger! Run away! Run away!"

Series 1 (2003-2004)
(Waving Sea Anemone, Stretching Starfish, and Creeping Crab) (Waving Girl, Smiling Lady, and Checkout Man) (Jumping Frog, Amazing Pond Skater, and Hovering Dragonflies) (Smiling Portrait, Pretty Finger-painting, and Swirly Painting) (Chewing Camel, Skipping Rat, and Lazy Lizard) (Chugging Fishing Boat, Speedy Speedboat, and Slow Rowing Boat) (Sausage Dog, Cozy Cat, and Comfy Bunny Slippers) (Stamping Diplodocus, Flapping Pterodactyl, and Scuttling Scutellosaurus) (Musical Orchestra, Tap Dancers, and Show Singers) (Flying Flamingo, Snapping Crocodile, and Yawning Hippo) (Crawling Toad, Scuttling Spider, and Flapping Bat) (Hiding Clownfish, Wobbling Jellyfish, and Gliding Lionfish) (Talking Ticket Seller, Clever Train Driver, and Waving Guard) (Gnawing Beaver, Fishing Bear, and Bending Heron) (Bathing Elephant, Swaying Cobra, and Prowling Tiger) (Busy Chef, Friendly Waitress, and Happy Customer) (Leaping Dolphin, Speedy Shark, and Flapping Manta Ray) (Brave Knight, Busy Servant, and Dancing Queen) (Tall Giraffe, Stripy Zebra, and Enormous Elephant) (Handy Oven Glove, Chilly Fridge, and Drying Tea Towel) (Big Polar Bear, Wrinkly Walrus, and Furry Arctic Fox) (Turning Teacup, Bumping Bumper Car, and Golden Horse) (Gigantic Planet, Twinkling Star, and Smiling Moon) (Scampering Squirrel, Wriggling Worm, and Fluttering Butterflies) (Poorly Patient, Helpful Nurse, and Caring Doctor) (Fluttering Moth, Snuffling Badger, and Hooting Owl) (Noisy Book, Pop-Up Book, and Talking Book) (Creeping Cougar, Munching Moose, and Climbing Bighorn Sheep) (Laughing Kookaburra, Climbing Koala, and Jumping Kangaroo) (Floating Crocodile, Spouting Whale, and Sliding Snake) (Hurrying Centipede, Slimy Slug, and Flying Ladybug) (Balancing Ballerina, Amazing Acrobat, and Juggling Clown) (Hiding Turtle, Smiling Crocodile, and Climbing Raccoon) (Disappearing Armchair, Laughing Picture, and Funny Ghost) (Happy Girl, Busy Playleader, and Helpful Dad) (Sliding Penguin, Enormous Whale, and Swimming Seal) (Careful Skier, Jumping Skier, and Racing Skier) (Chattering Monkey, Sliding Snake, and Squawking Parakeets) (Mooing Cow, Baaing Sheep, and Clucking Chicken) (Careful Grownup, Soapy Sponge, and Brushing Toothbrush) (Hopping Sparrow, Waddling Duck, and Strutting Pigeon) (Trumpeting Elephant, Chattering Chimp, and Roaring Lion) (Plopping Water Vole, Sliding Otter, Gliding Swans) (Neighing Horse, Mooing Cow, and Lassoing Cowboy) (Golden Monkey, Red Panda, and Giant Panda) (Grunting Bison, Rattling Rattlesnake, and Barking Prairie Dog) (Climbing Girl, Jumping Boy, and Crawling Baby) (Buzzing Bumblebee, Twitching Mouse, and Hopping Grasshopper) (Laughing Hornbill, Swinging Orangutan, and Emerald Lizard) (Hungry Fox, Spiky Hedgehog, and Cool Cat) (Busy Pirates, Bossy Captain, and Talking Parrot) (Hungry Goat, Gentle Pony, and Hopping Rabbit)
 * 1. Rockpool (Show Us A Shape) - 4 June 2003
 * 2. Supermarket (The Counting Song) - 11 June 2003
 * 3. Pond (Show Us A Shape) - 18 June 2003
 * 4. Art Gallery (We're Looking for a Colour) - 25 June 2003
 * 5. Desert (Show Us A Shape) - 2 July 2003
 * 6. Harbour (The Counting Song) - 9 July 2003
 * 7. Bedroom (Show Us A Shape) - 16 July 2003
 * 8. Prehistoric Land (We're Looking for a Colour) - 23 July 2003
 * 9. Theatre (Do the Same as Me) - 30 July 2003
 * 10. African River (Show Us A Shape) - 6 August 2003
 * 11. Cave (Do the Same as Me) - 13 August 2003
 * 12. Coral Reef (Show Us A Shape) - 20 August 2003
 * 13. Train Station (The Counting Song) - 27 August 2003
 * 14. Canadian River (Odd One Out) - 4 September 2003
 * 15. Indian Jungle (Do the Same as Me) - 11 September 2003
 * 16. Café (The Counting Song) - 18 September 2003
 * 17. Deep Blue Sea (Show Us A Shape) - 25 September 2003
 * 18. Castle (The Counting Song) - 1 October 2003
 * 19. African Waterhole (Show Us A Shape) - 7 October 2003
 * 20. Kitchen (The Counting Song) - 14 October 2003
 * 21. Arctic (The Counting Song) - 21 October 2003
 * 22. Fun Fair (Do the Same as Me) - 28 October 2003
 * 23. Space (Odd One Out) - 4 November 2003
 * 24. Garden (Show Us A Shape) - 11 November 2003
 * 25. Hospital (Odd One Out) - 18 November 2003
 * 26. Woods at Night (Show Us A Shape) - 25 November 2003
 * 27. Library (The Counting Song) - 5 February 2004
 * 28. Canadian Mountain (Odd One Out) - 12 February 2004
 * 29. Australian Bush (Show Us A Shape) - 19 February 2004
 * 30. Swimming Pool (Odd One Out) - 26 February 2004
 * 31. Forest Floor (Do the Same as Me) - 22 April 2004
 * 32. Circus (Odd One Out) - 12 March 2004
 * 33. Swamp (Odd One Out) - 19 March 2004
 * 34. Fun House (Show Us A Shape) - 26 March 2004
 * 35. Playgroup (Odd One Out) - 2 April 2004
 * 36. Antarctic (The Counting Song) - 9 April 2004
 * 37. Ski Resort (Odd One Out) - 16 April 2004
 * 38. Jungle (Everybody Do This Sound) - 25 April 2004
 * 39. Farm (Everybody Do This Sound) - 30 April 2004
 * 40. Bathroom (Odd One Out) - 13 May 2004
 * 41. Park (Do the Same as Me)- 20 May 2004
 * 42. Zoo (Everybody Do This Sound) - 27 May 2004
 * 43. English Riverbank (The Counting Song) - 4 June 2004
 * 44. American Ranch (Everybody Do This Sound) - 11 June 2004
 * 45. Bamboo Forest (We're Looking for a Colour) - 18 June 2004
 * 46. American Prairie (Everybody Do This Sound) - 25 June 2004
 * 47. Junior Gym (We're Looking for a Colour) - 2 July 2004
 * 48. Meadow (Do the Same as Me) - 9 July 2004
 * 49. Tropical Island (We're Looking for a Colour) - 16 July 2004
 * 50. City at Night (Everybody Do This Sound) - 23 July 2004
 * 51. Pirate Ship (Do the Same as Me) - 30 July 2004
 * 52. City Farm (We're Looking for a Colour) - 6 August 2004

Christmas Special (2004)
(Twinkling Tree, Pretty Present, Hanging Stocking, Gentle Reindeer, Busy Elves, and Smiling Santa)
 * Log Cabin/Santa's House (We're Looking for a Colour, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star & The Counting Song) - 2004 (Double-Length Episode)

Series 2 (2005-2006)
(Brave Firefighter, Noisy Fire Engine, and Long Ladder) (Waiting Girl, Friendly Dentist, and Special Chair) (Flying Plane, Hovering Helicopter and Clever Pilot) (Bird Kite, Fish Kite and Dragon Kite) (Graceful Teacher, Ballet Dancer, and Jolly Pianist) (Hopping Rabbits, Dotty Dog, and Gentle Vet) (Cheerful Checker, Fast Fitter, and Spraying Robots) (Turning Wheel, Jolly Potter, and Stripy Pot) (Careful Carpenter, Scratching Saw, and Tapping Hammer) (Balancing Boy, Whistling Teacher, and Cheerful Dad) (Yellow Cheese, Cheese Porter, and Long Barrow) (Tennis Player, Tennis Racquet and Tennis Coach) (Beautiful Rangoli Pattern, Twinkling Divas, and Dancing Shadow Puppet) (Hardworking Fisherman, Screeching Seagulls, and Bobbing Boat) (Laughing Customer, Silly Assistant, and Fancy Dressmaker) (Digging Gardener, Gigantic Goldfish, and Nodding Gnome) (Friendly Police Officer, Shiny Police Car, and Noisy Police Radio) (Cool Guitarist, Dazzling Drummer, and Jazzy Keyboard Player) (Dipping Crane, Fantastic Fish, and Mandarin Duck) (Tea Plants, Tea Picker and Tea Taster) (Bouncing Ball, High Hoop, and Leaping Player) (Wriggling Boy, Chatting Hairdresser, and Busy Assistant) (Graceful Skater, Wobbly Beginner, and Helpful Teacher) (Funny Juggler, Shouting Stallholder, and Strumming Street Entertainer) (Stretchy Dough, Crusty Loaf, and Busy Baker) (Orange Digger, Expert Builder, and Perfect Painter) (Crouching Catcher, Swinging Batter, and Posing Pitcher) (Giggling Guest, Birthday Boy, and Clever Magician) (Fast Footballer, Whistling Referee, and Jumping Goalie) (Quick Mechanic, Chequered Flag, and Racing Driver) (Beautiful Mosaic, Marble Statue, and Pretty Pots) (Silly Simon, Sweet Daisy, and Happy Jack) (Steep Steps, Zigzag Clown, and Helter Skelter) (Tall Tree, Strong Lumberjack, and Careful Forrester) (Beautiful Lei Queen, Ukulele Player, and Hula Dancer) (Curly Wallpaper, Big Paste Brush, and Expert Decorator) (Bouncy Beach Ball, Shiny Shells, and Slippery Seaweed) (Smiley Pumpkin Lantern, Giggling Ghost, and Rolling Robot) (Happy Camper, Campervan, and Tiny Tent) (Smart Actor, Helpful Director, and Camera Operator) (Red Robin, Rolling Snowball, and Smiling Snowman) (Blue Bird of Paradise, Yellow Bird of Paradise, and Red Bird of Paradise) (Giant Tortoise, Still Sea Iguana, and Dancing Booby Bird)
 * 53. Fire Station (The Counting Song) - 1 March 2005
 * 54. Dentist (Odd One Out) - 7 March 2005
 * 55. The Pyramids (We're Looking for a Colour) - 14 March 2005
 * 56. Athletics Track (What's Missing) - 21 March 2005
 * 57. Airfield (What's Missing) - 28 March 2005
 * 58. Kite Festival (Snap) - 4 April 2005
 * 59. Ballet Class (Snap) - 11 April 2005
 * 60. Veterinarian (The Counting Song) - 18 April 2005
 * 61. Car Factory (We're Looking For a Colour) - 25 April 2005
 * 62. Pottery (Odd One Out) - 2 May 2005
 * 63. Carpenter's Workshop (What's Missing) - 9 May 2005
 * 64. Sports Day - 16 May 2005
 * 65. Cheese Market (Snap) - 23 May 2005
 * 66. Tennis Court - 30 May 2005
 * 67. Post Office - 6 June 2005
 * 68. Diwali Party - 16 September 2005
 * 69. Fishing Dock - 20 June 2005
 * 70. Fancy Dress Shop - 27 June 2005
 * 71. Garden Centre - 4 July 2005
 * 72. Police Station (Snap) - 11 July 2005
 * 73. Pop Concert (The Counting Song) - 18 July 2005
 * 74. Chinese Garden (The Counting Song) - 1 February 2006
 * 75. Tea Plantation (What's Missing) - 3 August 2005
 * 76. Basketball Court (Snap) - 10 August 2005
 * 77. Hairdressers - 17 August 2005
 * 78. Ice Rink (Odd One Out) - 24 August 2005
 * 79. Bus Station - 16 February 2006
 * 80. Chicken Farm - 23 February 2006
 * 81. Street Market - 2 March 2006
 * 82. Bakery - 9 March 2006
 * 83. Building Site (We're Looking for a Colour) - 16 March 2006
 * 84. Baseball Ground (What's Missing) - 23 March 2006
 * 85. Birthday Party (We're Looking for a Colour) - 30 March 2006
 * 86. Football Match (What's Missing) - 6 April 2006
 * 87. Surfer Beach - 13 April 2006
 * 88. Race Track (The Counting Song) - 20 April 2006
 * 89. Roman Villa - 27 April 2006
 * 90. Orange Grove - 4 May 2006
 * 91. Venetian Canal - 23 May 2006
 * 92. Children's Play (Can You Guess?) - 30 May 2006
 * 93. Crazy Golf Course (Odd One Out) - 6 June 2006
 * 94. Timber Forest (Snap) - 13 June 2006
 * 95. Lei Day (Can You Guess?) - 20 June 2006
 * 96. House Being Decorated - 24 June 2006
 * 97. Seaside (The Counting Song) - 27 June 2006
 * 98. Halloween (Can You Guess?) - 30 October 2006
 * 99. Campsite (Can You Guess?) 10 July 2006
 * 100. Film Set - 7 September 2006
 * 101. Snowy Garden (Can You Guess?) - 8 December 2006
 * 102. Rainforest Canopy (We're Looking for a Colour) - 23 December 2006
 * 103. Galapagos Islands (Snap) - 25 December 2006
 * 104. Chinese New Year - 29 December 2006

Development
The show was created by Will Brenton and Iain Lauchlan, who have created and produced Fun Song Factory, BB3B, and Jim Jam and Sunny in addition to Tweenies. Brenton also designed the characters.

On July 26, 2002, the BBC picked up the UK broadcasting rights to Boo! for a broadcast in September 2003. On September 1, it was announced that Universal Pictures had acquired worldwide distribution, home video and consumer product rights to the series in exchange for providing co-funding.

On May 22, 2003, the show was announced to premiere on June 4 on the CBeebies on BBC Two block.

On April 7, 2004, Boo! was renewed for a second series.

Broadcast
"Boo!" can be seen in the United Kingdom on CBeebies (formerly on CBeebies on BBC Two), reruns from 2007-2012 in the United States on the digital channel Qubo (with two episodes in a half-hour format), Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Australia's ABC. "Boo!" is also available in Canada on the French educational public broadcaster TFO, alongside HOP! in Israel, and Baraem in Qatar.

Songs
"Where’s Boo? (Can You Find Boo?)" "Show Us a Shape" "The Counting Song" "We’re Looking for a Colour" "Do the Same As Me" "Odd One Out" "Everybody Do This Sound" "What’s Missing?" "Snap!" "Can You Guess?" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"

Home Media
VHS, DVD and VCD releases of the series were handled by Universal Pictures Video in all regions.