The Backyardigans is currently streaming in the US on Paramount Plus Premium, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. 4 seasons in, and the quality has not slipped. 121 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. LaShawn Tináh Jefferies's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. Available now on Paramount Plus Premium — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Backyardigans is worth clearing space for. The Backyardigans has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. Meet five lively animal friends who love to sing, dance and use their imaginations to embark on outrageous adventures to magical places. The voice work from LaShawn Tináh Jefferies and Naelee Rae adds real texture, not just recognisable names. The series ran for 4 seasons (2004–2013), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. The hit rate here is high enough that skipping ahead never feels like an option.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but The Backyardigans works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. Clifford the Big Red Dog is the obvious comparison, but The Backyardigans earns its own place alongside it. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single week. LaShawn Tináh Jefferies brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.

The Backyardigans wrapped up in 2013, created by Janice Burgess — and 4 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.