The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20201226021824/https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/hi-5-in-hindi-20050728-gdlriy.html
Hi-5 in Hindi
Advertisement

This was published 15 years ago

Hi-5 in Hindi

The Wiggles might be the undisputed rulers of the world of toddler entertainment, but fellow Aussies Hi-5 are fast emerging as the heirs apparent.

The group behind the hit television show are already in the early stages of planning a feature film while negotiating a single release as well as foreign-language franchises in India, South America and Germany.

Hi-5, which claims a global viewing audience of five million and rising, today celebrated its 300th episode since first going to air on the Nine Network in January, 1999.

Advertisement

As she watched the program recorded in front of a live audience of 200 children, Hi-5 creator and executive producer Helena Harris said that for a while she had been surprised by the show's longevity, but now she understood its long-lasting appeal.

"I didn't really expect it to go this long, but now I see no end," said Harris.

"I don't think there is a territory that would be wrong for the Hi-5 market - children are children," said Harris.

While plans to franchise Hi-5 in South America have slowed down, India is at the top of the agenda for the producers.

"We're already on air in India in English, but the new cast will speak in Hindi," said Harris of the franchise plans on the sub-continent.

Hi-5 has been the highest-rating pre-school television show since it first aired in Australia in 1999. Harris estimates that each episode costs about $50,000 to make.

The 300th episode will go to air on the Nine Network early next year.

AAP

Most Viewed in Culture

Loading