The Good Night Show facts for kids
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Nationwide |
| Network | Sprout (6:00 pm–3:00 am) |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Picture format | |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
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| History | |
| Launched | September 26, 2005 |
| Closed | March 31, 2017 |
The Good Night Show was a special TV block on the Sprout channel. It first aired on September 26, 2005, and finished on March 31, 2017. This show was known for helping young viewers get ready for bedtime. It featured two main characters, Nina (played by Michele Lepe) and Star (a puppet voiced by Stacia Newcomb). It was the longest-running show of its kind on Sprout.
The show aired every evening from 6 PM to 3 AM ET. During this time, kids (called "Sproutlets") could join in with games, songs, crafts, and even learn some yoga and sign language. Each night had a different theme, like imaginary friends, teddy bears, or dreams. These activities happened between cartoon episodes that fit the night's theme.
Show Segments
The Good Night Show had many different parts to help kids wind down. Some of these segments changed over the years.
- Looking at the Stars: Nina and Star would use a telescope to look at different star shapes in the sky. They would also share birthday wishes from another Sprout show.
- Lucy, Light the Way!: This was an animated game featuring Lucy, a firefly puppet. Lucy would light up, and viewers had to guess where she was hiding in a picture. Lucy also helped introduce the cartoon shows.
- Craft Time / Sandy Story: In earlier years, Nina and Star would make a craft related to the night's theme. Later, this was replaced by "Sandy Story." In this segment, Nina would tell a story and draw pictures in sand as she spoke.
- Moonbeam Wheel: Nina and Star would spin a special moonbeam wheel. This segment taught viewers how to say a word in Spanish.
- Clean-Up Song: This part of the show encouraged kids to clean up their toys. Nina and Star would sing a fun song about tidying up.
- Bedtime Routines: This segment focused on getting ready for bed. Nina and Star would talk about brushing teeth and washing faces. Star would then go to sleep. Sometimes, a special commercial about brushing teeth would play before this.
- Hush the Fish: The very last segment involved Nina and Hush, their pet goldfish. Nina would encourage viewers to make a wish to Hush while saying a poem. After this, a lullaby song from the Pajanimals show might play, or the tooth-brushing commercial would repeat. In later years, Star would be a bit sleepy but not ready for bed. Nina would then gently remind him about the fun dreams he could have, and Star would finally say goodnight and go to sleep before Nina tucked him in. Then, the "Hush the Fish" segment would play, followed by Nina singing the Good Night song and falling asleep herself.
Snooze-A-Thon
Every Christmas Eve, from 2009 to 2014, there was a special event called the Snooze-A-Thon. Nina hosted this event, which lasted from 6 PM on Christmas Eve until 6 AM on Christmas morning. Nina would explain that it's hard to sleep on exciting nights like Christmas. Then, Lucy the firefly would appear, and viewers would see many cartoon characters from different shows falling asleep. This event taught children how important it is to sleep while waiting for Santa. It was also known as the Good Night of Sweet Dreams.
Show Hosts
The Good Night Show had several hosts who helped guide viewers through the evening.
Main Hosts
- Nina (played by Michele Lepe): Nina became the main host on December 18, 2006. She is of Spanish heritage. She was a friendly and calm host who helped kids get ready for bed. Michele also appeared as Nina on The Sunny Side Up Show in 2011 and 2014.
- Star (a puppet, voiced by Stacia Newcomb): Star was Nina's co-host and acted like a child character. He would ask questions about the night's theme or encourage viewers to follow him as he did bedtime routines like brushing his teeth. Star's puppet design was updated a few times over the years. He also appeared in the cartoon show Nina's World, living with Nina.
- Lucy (a firefly puppet): Lucy was used to introduce the cartoon shows that played during the block. She was also part of games like "Lucy Light the Way!" where her light would reveal parts of a picture for viewers to guess. Lucy's puppet was updated in 2009. She also appeared in Nina's World.
- Hush (a real-life goldfish): Hush was originally used to introduce shows before Lucy. He appeared at the end of every show. Nina would say good night and a poem, encouraging viewers to "make a wish" to Hush. Hush also appeared in Nina's World.
Past Hosts
- Melanie (played by Melanie Martinez): Melanie was the first host when the show started in 2005. She introduced shows with Hush the goldfish. In July 2006, Melanie left the show due to concerns about some of her past work before joining Sprout. Star joined the show shortly before Melanie's departure.
- Leo (played by Noel MacNeal): Leo was a temporary host after Melanie left and before Nina arrived. He was the only male human host and started on September 10, 2006. Star and Hush stayed on the show during his time, and Lucy the firefly was also introduced. Noel MacNeal has a lot of experience in children's TV, including playing "Bear" on Bear in the Big Blue House.
Featured Shows
The Good Night Show played many popular children's TV series between its segments. Some of these included:
