Sprout Brings "The Hoobs" to the US

PBS KIDS Sprout, the first and only 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, will start airing the Jim Henson Company's award-winning preschool series "The Hoobs". Sprout will kick-off the U.S. television debut of "The Hoobs"on December 25, 2006 with a "Happy Hooby Holidays" marathon from noon–6 pm (EST). Tula and Groove, two of the Hoobs, will appear on-air as the special guest hosts for the marathon as the introduce audiences to the show. Created by The Jim Henson Company, "The Hoobs" was Britain's largest ever commission of a preschool show from an independent producer when it launched in 2000.

The Hoobs are great explorers who love learning about the world. In each episode, they try to find the answer to a question which they put into the great Hoobopaedia created by Hubba Hubba Hoob back in Hoobland. The show focus on four main Hoobs – Tula, Groove, Iver and Roma. The four travel to all parts of the world in their Hoobmobile on a quest for discovery and learning.

Lisa Henson, co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company, said, "'The Hoobs' is a great example of our company's philosophy to create educational programming that is entertaining and engaging for children as well as parents. Young audiences around the world have enjoyed learning about the power of being curious from 'The Hoobs' and we're thrilled to introduce them to US audiences through PBS KIDS Sprout."

Following the December 25th marathon launch, "The Hoobs" will air every day in its regular time slot at 2:00 pm (EST). Viewers can also ring in the New Year with The Hoobs when the "Happy Hooby Holidays" marathon repeats on January 1, 2007 from noon–6pm (EST). For more information on "The Hoobs" and other Sprout programs, go to SproutOnline.com.