PlayWorld (2008 animated series)

***PlayWorld*** is the Canadian animated television series that combines sketch comedy, live-action, puppetry, animation and live-action films, is produced by DHX Media and Starlight Productions (formerly known as the Siam's Network until June 2014) and was created by Ross Margrave. The program is known for its unique videos messages and includes animation and live-action films, with humor and references to 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s pop culture. The series premiered on May 12, 2008, to positive reviews, some controversy, and high viewership; it has aired on YTV in Canada since its debut. It also airs in the US on Discovery Kids in June 12, 2008 before its re-branding as The Hub. After Discovery Kids was re-branded to The Hub, *PlayWorld* moved to PBS Kids on October 11, 2010 and aired until December 23, 2013 where it permanently moved to the Nick Jr. channel.

## Plot

The series revolves around seven animal friends that were represented by the seven continents: Francine the Polar Bear of Antarctica, Oliver the Grizzly Bear of North America, Gynui the Ocelot of South America, Jambii the Elephant of Africa, Roger the Polecat of Europe, and Ying the Panda Bear of Aisa, and their human friends Ollie and Joey. Every episode had a different theme to it (e.g., "Supermarket" or "Astronaut") and saw the animal friends usually helping Ollie and Joey to solve common obstacles they faced. The main animation used in this format was computer-animation, although other skits used different animations and films commissioned from outside studios, interspersed throughout each episode.

## Recurring Skits and One-Shots

* **The Cat With No Meow** - The animation features a cat who looks for his meow. At random times, the cat may found his meow, but ends up with a different animal sound (e.g., cow's moo or dog's bark), making the viewers believe that the cat makes the wrong animal sound.
* **One-Eye, Private Eye** - Combines live-action and animation focusing on an animated cyclops becoming a detective and always solve mysteries thanks to a "one eye".
* **RoboKid** - A parody of the *Mega Man* series, focusing on a robotic boy who tries to save his hometown and school from the threat of Dr. Mad (a parody of Dr. Wily).
* **Cartoon Flashdance** - Features random a footage of 1920s or 1930s public domain cartoons set to an unfitting 1980's pop music depending on the episode.
* **Charizard VS Blastioise** - A parody of the *Pokémon* series. Only appeared in the episode "Field Trip". There are no Pokémon trainers in this skit.
* **Do the Dinosaur Dance** - Again combined live-action and animation. Only appeared in the episode "Supermarket". Mr. Burns and Waylon Smithers Jr. from *The Simpsons* made a surprise appearance in this skit, with Harry Shearer reprising his role.
* **Money for Nothing** - Only appeared in the episode "Astronaut".
* **Pink Panther's How-To's** - A Pink Panther parody of life hack videos. In this skit, Pink Panther who teaches children about making stuffs in a new way to save money, and often results in failure in a comedic fashion. Only appeared in the episode "Supermarket".
* **Street Kid Fighters** - A lighter-and-softer parody of *Street Fighter* video games with characters portraying as kids. Only appeared in the episode "Astronaut"
* **Atomic SpongeBob** - A space parody of *SpongeBob SquarePants*. Only appeared in the episode "Field Trip".
* **Watch Me How I Do!** - Traditional animation features a 5-year old stick figure with big eyes who demonstrates anything he does, although results can backfire him. The way the stick figure does depends on an episode.