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Bear in the Big Blue House tapes episode 100

Courtesy of The Jim Henson Company
February 12, 2002

Lots of cheering and of course Cha Cha Chaing, took place on the set of the hit television series Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House. Bear and his friends from the Emmy Award-winning preschool series, which airs daily on Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel's programming block for preschoolers, taped their 100th episode on January 17th. A big celebration took place on the set at Chelsea Piers studios, complete with a 3-D Big Blue House cake, bubbly drinks and special celebrity guest Kelly Ripa (Live with Regis & Kelly, All My Children) and her two children.

The series, which first premiered in October 1997 is currently in production on its fourth season (26 episodes) and can be seen in over 70 territories worldwide. Recently, Bear’s Early to Bed, Early to Rise video/DVD was a finalist in the KIDS FIRST "Best Children’s Video of the Year" category and a second

Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House CD and cassette is now available as of January 29, 2002. In addition, the entire cast from the show is currently touring the US in BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE LIVE!, a national stage show produced by VEE Corporation.

Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House features the world-famous seven-foot-tall Bear who loves to Cha Cha Cha, and all of his friends from Woodland Valley including Tutter (the industrious mouse), Treelo (the curious lemur), Pip and Pop (playful twin otters), Ojo (the young little girl bear), and Luna (the moon.) Everyday Bear speaks directly to his young audience and invites them into his home to play, learn, dance and sing with his friends. Filled with civility and concern, children connect with Bear because he is playful, funny and has a comforting nature, while adults recognize him as a positive role model.

Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House was created by Mitchell Kriegman (Clarissa Explains it All) and is produced by Jim Henson Television. Mitchell Kriegman and Alex Rockwell are Executive Producers.

"Jim Henson’s Bear in the Big Blue House continues to capture the hearts of young and old worldwide. He exists as a great protector of children and this milestone reflects the dedication of all involved with this remarkable preschool series," said Mitchell Kriegman, Creator and Executive Producer.

The Jim Henson Company, an established leader in family entertainment for more than 40 years, is an independent multimedia production company; one of the top character licensors in the industry; a leading publisher of children's books; and home to Jim Henson Television, Jim Henson Pictures, Jim Henson Interactive and Jim Henson's Creature ShopÔ . With headquarters in Los Angeles and offices and production facilities in New York and London, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of EM.TV & Merchandising AG based in Munich, Germany. The Jim Henson Company website is located at: www.henson.com.

Playhouse Disney, showcasing series for preschoolers with new, original characters and classic Disney favorites, airs on Disney Channel weekdays, 6AM – 2PM ET/PT and weekends, 6AM – 11AM ET/PT. Currently available in 78 million homes, Disney Channel is a division of ABC Cable Networks Group, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.