Hi-5 is an Australian children's television series, originally produced by Kids Like Us and later Southern Star for the Nine Network and created by Helena Harris and Posie Graeme-Evans. The program is known for its educational content, and for the cast of the program, who became a recognised musical group for children outside of the series, known collectively as Hi-5. It has generated discussion about what is considered appropriate television for children. The series premiered on 12 April 1999 on the Nine Network.
The series is designed for a pre-school audience, featuring five performers who educate and entertain through music, movement and play. Music is an integral part of the series with the group's pop appeal resonating in the program. The segments of the show are based on an educational model. The original cast was composed of Kellie Crawford, Kathleen de Leon Jones, Nathan Foley, Tim Harding and Charli Robinson. This line-up had been completely phased out by the end of 2008 and were replaced with a new line-up of performers. Hi-5 received three Logie Television Awards for Most Outstanding Children's Program.
Harris and Graeme-Evans ended their involvement with the series in 2008 when the program was sold to Southern Star and the Nine Network. The final episode of Hi-5 aired on 16 December 2011 as a result of the Nine Network selling the property in 2012. A spin-off series, Hi-5 House, aired on Nick Jr. from 2013 to 2016, produced with no involvement from Nine.
Nine renewed its partnership with the Hi-5 franchise in October 2016 and announced plans to revive Hi-5 with a new cast. The revived series premiered on 9Go! on 15 May 2017.
^Mazurkewich, Karen (1 June 1999). "The Kids Licensing Biz Down Under". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Archived from the original on 18 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018. On April 12, the terrestrial station launched a new variety series called Hi-5.
^"Hi-5 Make It 5 ARIAs". Girl.com.au. 18 October 2004. Archived from the original on 24 May 2012. Retrieved 24 February 2016. Today marks another visit to the history books, with Series 6 launching simultaneously in Australia and the UK. Note: The ARIA Music Awards of 2004 were held on 17 October 2004; this article was published the following day.
^"Hi-5 are back!". NineMSN. Nine Entertainment. 2005. Archived from the original on 24 May 2005. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
