The New Zoo Revue

Simply put, The New Zoo Revue was, and is still, the greatest television show on earth.

What makes it such a great show you ask? (I thought you'd never ask...)
Well, The New Zoo Revue (some people call it The New Zoo Review but really cool people just call it "NZR") had the three key ingredients to make compelling television.

Plot Power! Super Songs! Impact!
See a Vulgar Display	Freddie	Charlie	Henrietta	Doug	Emmy Jo

The Plot

New Zoo Revue was a half-hour children’s series featuring live-action and costumed characters, including Freddie the Frog, Henrietta Hippo and Charlie the Owl.

Under the direction of schoolteacher Doug and his assistant Emmy Jo, the characters learned lessons on academics, culture and good citizenship through songs, dances and jokes.

Henrietta Hippo was a dainty, soft-spoken southern belle. Although she had the tendency to flirt with the others, Henrietta was actually slightly shy. She also came across as somewhat snobby, annoying everyone by constantly talking about her stunning beauty.

Charlie was a very serious, thoughtful owl who lived in a tall (but elevator accessible) tree. Ever the intellectual, Charlie was also a bit of a know-it-all, never hesitating to let the others know when they were wrong, but taking it very badly when he himself made a mistake.

Freddie the Frog was a carefree, happy-go-lucky amphibian. He was always up for a good time and was often amazed at all the wonders the world had to offer. In spite of his endless enthusiasm, Freddie was also a tad gullible. He believed most of what he was told, often making him the brunt of Henrietta and Charlie's jokes. Freddie was particularly close with Doug, whom he admired greatly.

With friendly postman Mr. Dingle and nosy neighbor Mrs. Goodbody occasionally dropping in, the three friends would convene each episode to learn something new from Doug and Emmy Jo.

The Songs

If things got boring, the group would simply break into song, producing a repertoire that included “Look At Me,” “10 Note Happy Song” and “Happy Being Me.”

Of course, every good television show has to have a good theme song. Simply put, this one ROCKS!

Here are the lyrics to the theme song. If you want to hear the theme as an mp3 file (and I know you do) then click here, download it to your hard drive, and sing, sing, sing!

The Impact

In its 1970's heyday, The New Zoo Revue reached youngsters across the country. It has been on the air for over 27 years.

The nationally syndicated program has a totally different approach in that each episode, in a musical comedy format, conveys the concepts of cooperation and guidance for living in today's society. It's purpose is to inspire children to become more caring, more feeling, more constructive children of the world in which we live.

Each of the 195 shows, with themes such as "DRUGS," "MOVING AWAY," "COURTESY," "BRAGGING" and "PATIENCE," address an issue which concerns both parents and children.

Each of the "New Zoo Revue" characters -- Doug and Emmy Jo, Freddie the Frog, Henrietta Hippo, Charlie the Owl -- has developed a loyal following and children nationwide have come to know and love them. Many of the original audience have become parents themselves and are now sharing the show with a second generation of children.

Though its broadcast reach has diminished since the 1970's, the show can still be seen in syndication in some areas today.

A Few More Facts

Release History Syndicated: 1972
Sub Categories: live-action

Cast
Doug- Douglas Momary
Emmy Jo- Emily Peden
Freddie the Frog- Yanco Inone
Henrietta Hippo- Larri Thomas
Charlie the Owl- Sharon Baird

There is a very interesting clip of a "New Zoo Revue" scene that went very, very bad. In fact, it is uses foul language and is vulgar.

If you want to see the Real Video clip of this scene, reach me by going to my Contact Page and send me a message. I will provide you with a code that you can input on my What's New Page and you can view the clip. It is very funny, but if you are a fan of the show, it is also very disturbing... <wink>

There have been visitors since the last
page update on .
© 2001 Animated Web Works, Inc., All rights reserved.