Ants in Your Pants
Encyclopedia
Ants In Your Pants was a 1997 Canadian children's music video television program made and aired by Treehouse TV
that aired from 1997 to February 2008. It was notable for its use of music videos and guest stars, though being geared at young children. It was also one of Treehouse TV's launch programs, along with Crazy Quilt
, and Treetown
.
The host, a puppet monkey in corduroy overalls, Lickety Split, then takes over. He lives in a large tree with his mother (who is not seen, only heard or mentioned), and usually explains what he has been doing lately, and a music video is shown. Ordinarily, there are 3 music videos, all separated by a Lickety Spilt segment.
In the second segment, the Pesky Ants, named Janesaw, Woodchip and Dusty, are introduced. They are three ants who are frequently cause trouble for him, but can also be helpful and kind on rare occasions.
In the third segment, "Kiddin' Around" and "Stretch and Wiggle!" are presented. Kiddin' Around features a CGI video camera showing kids doing fun activities. Stretch and Wiggle shows exercises. The last segment before the end of the show is 10 minutes long and is titled "Lickety's Tree Fort!" and features a guest star, such as Douglas John, Judy & David
and (on one occasion) John Lithgow
.
Created & Produced by Kathilee Porter
Written by Kathilee Porter, Kim Sparks, Bryan Levy-Young
Starring:
), peaking at more than 54,000 views.
Treehouse TV
Treehouse TV is a Canadian English language cable television specialty channel with programming targeted towards preschoolers that was launched on October 17, 1997. Its name comes from YTV's old children's programming block, The Treehouse...
that aired from 1997 to February 2008. It was notable for its use of music videos and guest stars, though being geared at young children. It was also one of Treehouse TV's launch programs, along with Crazy Quilt
Crazy Quilt (TV Series)
Crazy Quilt is a 1997 Canadian children's live action television series that premiered and currently airs on Treehouse TV.It is the tale of a quilt that takes viewers along for a learning adventure and craft creations in every episode. The hosts Maggie and Jackson teach kids to make crafts...
, and Treetown
Treetown
Treetown is a TV show that debuted in 1997 about the home of the playful Treetownies. Tansy , Rosabelle , and the Treetown toys invite viewers to play, sing, explore, and imagine with them...
.
Plot
The show starts out with its intro, which consists mostly of CGI animations with the "Ants In Your Pants" theme, written by children's music artist Douglas John.The host, a puppet monkey in corduroy overalls, Lickety Split, then takes over. He lives in a large tree with his mother (who is not seen, only heard or mentioned), and usually explains what he has been doing lately, and a music video is shown. Ordinarily, there are 3 music videos, all separated by a Lickety Spilt segment.
In the second segment, the Pesky Ants, named Janesaw, Woodchip and Dusty, are introduced. They are three ants who are frequently cause trouble for him, but can also be helpful and kind on rare occasions.
In the third segment, "Kiddin' Around" and "Stretch and Wiggle!" are presented. Kiddin' Around features a CGI video camera showing kids doing fun activities. Stretch and Wiggle shows exercises. The last segment before the end of the show is 10 minutes long and is titled "Lickety's Tree Fort!" and features a guest star, such as Douglas John, Judy & David
Judy & David
Judy & David are children's recording artists, composers, television personalities, and live concert artists based in the Toronto, Ontario area. They launched their career in 1993 with the release of Jumpin' Up & Down and the multi-million selling My Little Yellow Bus collection. They are best...
and (on one occasion) John Lithgow
John Lithgow
John Arthur Lithgow is an American actor, musician, and author. Presently, he is involved with a wide range of media projects, including stage, television, film, and radio...
.
Credits
The show ends with the animated version of the tree and the theme plays.Created & Produced by Kathilee Porter
Written by Kathilee Porter, Kim Sparks, Bryan Levy-Young
Starring:
- Marty Stelnick as Lickety Split
- Jason Hopley, Ben Deustch as Janesaw, Woodchip and Dusty
Popularity
Ants In Your Pants was an entirely new concept in children's television. Although many children's programs (both at the time and in the present) were very musically based, this was the first known to feature music videos. As a result, the show became hugely popular with children and was widely praised by adults. Its soundtrack was a Juno nominee in 2000 for Best Children's Album. Despite the program's popularity, very little, if not any merchandise was produced, and even homemade recordings are rare. As of 2010, there is no official home video release. Fortunately, a small collection of music videos from the show began appearing on YouTube in 2007, with the highest-viewed video, "Tomato Hat" (which featured a young Justin HinesJustin Hines
Justin Hines is a Canadian singer-songwriter who was born in Newmarket, Ontario.Hines has a rare genetic joint condition called Larsen's syndrome and uses a wheelchair. He is a strong supporter of charity and has performed at many fund raising events...
), peaking at more than 54,000 views.