The Dad Behind 'The Doodlebops'

The Doodlebops are taking two nations by storm. Surely you've heard of them! If you haven't yet, you undoubtedly will soon. They're the hottest new children's show since The Wiggles. The Doodlebops are DeeDee, Moe and Rooney Doodle--pretend rock stars starring in a musical comedy show. They have oodles of energy and play catchy music. Each episode takes you backstage as they interact and together tackle life's problems. At the end of each show, they perform. Produced in Canada, the program premiered last summer on the CBC, and in a very short time, has become a hit show. In the U.S., the Disney Channel began airing The Doodlebops in April as part of its Playhouse Disney lineup. "The show is vibrant, colorful, fun and funny, all elements that are appealing to preschoolers," says Patti McTeague, spokesperson for the Disney Channel in Los Angeles. "The music built into the show supports many common themes parents are reviewing with their preschoolers such as making friends and pl aying well together." McTeague says The Doodlebops show is a top performer in the Playhouse block among children ages 2-5. Now, The Doodlebops are about to step out of the small screen. There's a real-life concert tour planned, a DVD and even Doodlebops dolls! People just can't stop talking about the show. Even as producers build the show's official internet site, several "unofficial" sites have already sprung up. "Why did we decide to create a website for The Doodlebops?" says one site. "We did this because our son... saw one episode of The Doodlebops, and fell quickly in love." The man who created The Doodlebops is a dad of two. Jamie Waese talks with interactive DAD about his hit show; how he tries to make the program educational as well as entertaining; and the best way to watch TV with your kids. Waese talked with interactive DAD from Toronto, Ontario, Canada following a costume meeting with CBC executives. interactive DAD: How did this idea come about and tell me about the name, it