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Raggs
GenreAnimation/Live Action
Created byToni Steedman
Written byKym Goldsworthy (lead writer)
Directed by
  • Ian Munro
  • Ralph Strasser
  • Peter Nathan
  • Daniel Nettheim
  • Jonathan Geraghty
StarringApril L. Kresken (Raggs)
Kimberly Miller Harwell (Trilby)
Theme music composer
  • Rebecca Kent Story
  • Michael McGinnis
Opening theme"Raggs TV Theme Song"
Ending theme"Raggs TV Theme Song"
Composers
  • Fred Story
  • Rebecca Kent Story
  • Michael McGinnis
  • Erin Odani
  • David Floyd
  • Barbara Lewis
  • Jamie Hoover
Country of origin
  • Australia
  • United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes78
Production
Executive producers
  • Noel Price
  • Toni Steedman
Running time30 minutes
Production companies
  • Principal Production
  • ABC Studios, Sydney (2006–2009)
  • Supplemental Production
  • Blue Socks Media (2009–2012)
  • Co-production
  • Raggs LLC
  • Emulsion Arts
  • Southern Star International
Original release
Network
Release2 January 2006 (2006-01-02) –
18 February 2009 (2009-02-18)

Raggs is a live-action/animated television series for children about five dogs that form a Ragtime band called The Raggs Band. There are 196 half hour episodes and 200 original songs in multiple languages. It was originally produced in Sydney, Australia, with additional production in the United States in English and Spanish. It was first broadcast in Australia on the Seven Network on January 2, 2006. In 2014, The Raggs Band reunited to record 20 classic kid's songs.

Broadcast

[edit]

In the United States, Raggs first aired with a limited release of 26 episodes on PBS stations in select markets beginning June 1, 2007.[1] Later, American Public Television introduced a nationwide broadcast release, which began distribution to additional public television stations on February 4, 2008.[2] The first 60 episodes aired as Season 1,[3] and the next thirteen episodes aired as Season 2 beginning February 2, 2009, with reruns continuing until February 1, 2014.[4]

Raggs aired in the U.S. and Canada on Smile, Qubo, V-me, and Telemundo. It aired in Latin America on FETV Canal-Panama, RTV-Ecuador, Canal Dos-El Salvador, Guest Choice Cable-Dominican Republic and Corporación Televicentro-Honduras. Raggs began broadcasting on SABC 2 in South Africa on May 7, 2018.

Raggs' YouTube channel, RaggsTV, hosts short episodes and animations to classic kids' songs.

History

[edit]

Raggs was originally created in 1990 by U.S. advertising executive Toni Steedman for her 6-year-old daughter, Alison, as a series of carpool stories. Steedman later used the Raggs characters for a regional mall promotion and advertising campaign. By 2001, the successful mall programs encouraged Steedman, along with former HBO producer Carole Rosen, to create a one-hour music video-inspired pilot called "Pawsuuup," which was shot in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and New York City in August 2001. While Steedman shopped the pilot for a production or broadcast partner, The Raggs Band (also known as the Raggs Kids' Club Band because of the regional mall kids' clubs for which Raggs served as mascot) began playing concerts at fairs, festivals and performing arts venues.

In 2005, Steedman and her company, Raggs LLC, entered into a co-production relationship with Southern Star International (now Endemol Australia) to produce the Raggs series for the Seven Network in Sydney, Australia. Production began in 2005 using Alias Maya at the ABC Studios in Sydney, and the first episode of Series 1 began airing daily at 9 am on Seven in January 2006. Series 1 consisted of 65 half hours episodes. Raggs quickly garnered strong ratings and, within a few months of airing, Seven ordered Series 2, an additional 65 episodes. In 2007, Seven ordered Series 3, also 65 episodes, bringing the total to 195 original half hours by 2009. Each episode featured original Raggs’ music, written and produced in the U.S. by Concentrix Music and Sound Design, requiring over 200 original songs for the 195 half hours of shows.

In March 2007, Telemundo, the NBC-owned Spanish language network, and V-me, the public Spanish Language network owned by PBS and by its own company V-me Media Inc., licensed 144 episodes of Raggs in Spanish.[5]

Southern Star distributed Raggs to several countries including Singapore, Bulgaria, South Africa and India. In the U.S., Steedman worked to establish Raggs on public television. KQED San Francisco signed on as the presenting station in association with American Public Television, and Raggs began airing on public TV stations in 2007 in select markets and in 2008 nationwide.[1][3]

In January 2010, Steedman reacquired Southern Star's distribution and licensing rights under Blue Socks Media LLC. Blue Sock Media LLC, completing a complete consolidation of the worldwide assets, later purchased Raggs LLC. Steedman continues to head Blue Socks Media in Charlotte, North Carolina.[citation needed]

The Raggs characters are used at Grand Palladium family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico to host the kids program, "Play at Palladium with Raggs." Features include a live show, disco party, and character breakfast.[citation needed]

Palace Theatre 2004

[edit]

Throughout 2004, the band starred in a 90-minute performance at The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach, alongside comic strip cat Garfield. The performances focused on the RAGGS Kids Club Band planning a birthday party for the famous orange cat. Suspecting things, Garfield "won't relax until he gets the surprise".[citation needed]

RAGGS Kids Club Band: PAWSUUUP! Tour

[edit]

A DVD was released 17 August 2004, featuring in-concert performances of seven of the band's songs, and three "music videos". The 55-minute-long program was produced by Linda Mendoza of Line by Line Productions and executive produced by Carole Rosen.

The crew included screenwriter Mark Valenti (Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, Totally Spies!), lighting designer Alan Adelman (75+ episodes of Great Performances, Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards), music producers Fred and Becky Story (Concentrix Music & Sound), costume designer "Greyseal", and choreographer Hardin Minor (National Dance Institute).

The DVD earned 3.5 out of 4 stars from Suite 101 Family Entertainment film critic Nicholas Moreau, tied for the highest ever rating for an independently produced DVD. The music from the tour was later released as a CD album.

Raggs Live Around the World

[edit]

The Raggs Band has played more than 2,000 live performances in four continents. In the US, Raggs has performed at many state fairs, basketball games, regional malls, national fundraisers such as the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, and parades. Overseas, the Raggs Band has performed at American military bases in Japan, South Korea, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, and Iceland.

In Australia, the Raggs Band performed at Westfield Malls, and was one of two children's acts to perform on Carols in the Domain, a nationally televised live musical show.

Episodes

[edit]
SeriesEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
1602 January 2006 (2006-01-02) (Australia)
4 February 2008 (2008-02-04) (United States)		20 April 2007 (2007-04-20) (Australia)
25 April 2008 (2008-04-25) (United States)
2135 May 2008 (2008-05-05) (Australia)
2 February 2009 (2009-02-02) (United States)		21 May 2008 (2008-05-21) (Australia)
18 February 2009 (2009-02-18) (United States)

Series 1 (2006–2008)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal AUS. air dateOriginal U.S. air date
11"Color"2 January 2006 (2006-01-02)4 February 2008
The dogs can't decide which colored ball to play with. Plus, Razzles learns how to mix colors to create the perfect picture to send to Grandma Fluffy.
22"Size"3 January 2006 (2006-01-03)5 February 2008
The dogs learn how to wrap different sized presents to take to a party and Trilby must solve her small flea problem.
33"Faces"4 January 2006 (2006-01-04)6 February 2008
B.Max is playing animal explorer while the others pretend to have different animal faces. Also, it is Happy Face Parade Day and Raggs must find his happy face in order to lead the parade.
44"Who Am I?"5 January 2006 (2006-01-05)7 February 2008
It is Razzles' birthday and the others have to learn more about her so they can pick the perfect present. Plus, Pido cannot stop pretending to be Super Pido.
55"Winter"6 January 2006 (2006-01-06)8 February 2008
The dogs turn the clubhouse into a winter wonderland to prepare for Pido's cousin's visit. Also, B.Max wants to take Great Aunt Woofy some sunflowers, but discovers there are no flowers in the garden.
66"Sharing"9 January 2006 (2006-01-09)11 February 2008
It is Puppy Pirate Sharing Day! Instead of sharing, Raggs eats all of Pido's Surprise Pie and tries to cover it up by filling it with his building blocks.
77"Food"10 January 2006 (2006-01-10)12 February 2008
Pido's been snacking on junk food and has no energy to play. Plus, Trilby finds out what birds eat while looking after a pet bird.
88"Hot"11 January 2006 (2006-01-11)13 February 2008
It is too hot outside for the Egg and Spoon Race Championships, so the dogs find different ways to cool down. Also, Pido makes hot soup on a cold day but now it is too hot to eat.
99"Play"12 January 2006 (2006-01-12)14 February 2008
It is Puppy Play Day! Pido and B.Max cannot decide which games to play inside and which to play outside. Plus, the dogs discover it is more fun playing together than alone.
1010"Smell"13 January 2006 (2006-01-13)15 February 2008
Raggs goes on a 'reverse sniff patrol' to find his lost teddy for the Teddy Bear's Picnic. Also, Pido invents his famous Sneaker Stew to help Trilby regain her sense of smell! Yuk!
1111"Hands"16 January 2006 (2006-01-16)18 February 2008
Raggs must prepare an act for the Puppy Preschool Hand Show. Also, Razzles must learn how to talk with her hands when she loses her voice.
1212"Trees"17 January 2006 (2006-01-17)19 February 2008
Pido builds a treehouse--only it is too big. Plus, Trilby plants a "wishing" tree so she can make her wish.
1313"Movement"18 January 2006 (2006-01-18)20 February 2008
The dogs are putting on a play for the Preschool Move and Groove Show and Raggs can't decide which event to participate in at Shake Your Tails Sports Day.
1414"Cold"19 January 2006 (2006-01-19)21 February 2008
The dogs are playing in the garden on a cold day when Pido accidentally freezes into a Pido popsicle! Plus, B.Max invents a Frosty Finder when Razzles' ice-cream melts.
1515"Pack Away"20 January 2006 (2006-01-20)22 February 2008
Packaway Officer Razzles declares an "All Work, No Play Day" until all their mess is put away. Then, the dogs rush to clean up, but now Trilby can't find her tiara!
1616"Change"23 January 2006 (2006-01-23)25 February 2008
Pido and B.Max invent an identity-changing game. Also, Raggs finds a caterpillar and soon discovers it turns into a butterfly.
1717"Day"24 January 2006 (2006-01-24)26 February 2008
Tomorrow is Bark and Bury Bones Day so the dogs try to find a way to make today go by faster. Also, Trilby learns why Billy the Bat sleeps all day.
1818"Rain"25 January 2006 (2006-01-25)27 February 2008
A hole in the roof has the dogs trying to figure out how to catch the raindrops. Plus, Raggs wants to paint the mailbox, but the weather interrupts his plans.
1919"New"26 January 2006 (2006-01-26)28 February 2008
It is Try Something New Day, but Pido cannot think of anything new to do. Also, Razzles will not play with her ball because she wants to keep it new.
2020"Sleep"27 January 2006 (2006-01-27)29 February 2008
Raggs' dreams are keeping him awake and Pido can't sleep because he's too excited about the upcoming Tail-Chasing Championships.
2121"Family"30 January 2006 (2006-01-30)3 March 2008
Raggs finds a lost puppy and must take him back to his real family. Also, the dogs accidentally damage a special hat Razzles is wearing to her family picnic.
2222"Sun"31 January 2006 (2006-01-31)4 March 2008
Storm clouds interrupt Pido's surfing and the others make an "indoor" sun to cheer him up. Plus, Razzles learns how to be safe in the sun.
2323"Job"1 February 2006 (2006-02-01)5 March 2008
B.Max has a new play-job - driving a truck! But, his truck breaks down and whose job is it to fix it? Also, Raggs decides his job is to read a book while the others clean-up.
2424"Growing"2 February 2006 (2006-02-02)6 March 2008
Razzles is upset when she finds out she hasn't grown as much as the others on the puppy growth chart. Plus, Pido excels at growing too many tomatoes, but can he grow anything else?
2525"Habits"3 February 2006 (2006-02-03)7 March 2008
The dogs find a way to help Trilby break the habit of sucking her thumb. Also, B.Max invents a Habitmaster to help Raggs learn the difference between good and bad habits.
2626"Clothes"5 March 2007 (2007-03-05)10 March 2008
Everybody's off to the beach, but Raggs keeps putting on the wrong clothes. Plus, the dogs have been invited to a dress-up party, but Razzles can't decide what to wear.
2727"Summer"6 March 2007 (2007-03-06)11 March 2008
Pido breaks his surfboard and the others try to help him find alternative summer activities. And, Trilby must find something to enter in a summer art show!
2828"Fast"7 March 2007 (2007-03-07)12 March 2008
Raggs is having a fast day - doing everything too quickly while B. Max wants to find a way to go faster for the upcoming Doggy Races!
2929"Safety"8 March 2007 (2007-03-08)13 March 2008
Razzles gets carried away with safety gear for playing at the park. Plus, Pido doesn't play safely with his teddy and Dr. B. Max tends to him at Teddy Hospital!
3030"Transport"9 March 2007 (2007-03-09)14 March 2008
Trilby must decide what form of transportation to use to visit Grandpa Pooch. Plus, B. Max and his teddy take everyone on a rocket ship to the moon.
3131"Happy"13 March 2007 (2007-03-13)18 March 2008
Raggs is sad about breaking his new airplane and the others must show him that old toys can make you happy too. Plus Razzles invents a Happy Dance!
3232"Pets"12 March 2007 (2007-03-12)17 March 2008
Pido can't decide on what kind of pet he'd like to have and Trilby must learn how to take care of a pet goldfish named Gilbert!
3333"Shapes"14 March 2007 (2007-03-14)19 March 2008
B. Max makes a birthday present for Grandma Fluffy out of shapes. Raggs uses shape clues on a treasure map, but discovers the treasure has mysteriously disappeared!
3434"Beach"15 March 2007 (2007-03-15)20 March 2008
Razzles goes overboard planning for a day at the beach and the dogs surprise Pido with a beach party!
3535"Opposites"16 March 2007 (2007-03-16)21 March 2008
B. Max must decide what opposite things to take to the Puppy Preschool Opposite Show and Tell Day. Meanwhile, Razzles and Trilby invent an opposite game!
3636"Night"19 March 2007 (2007-03-19)24 March 2008
Raggs hears noisy night noises and sees funny night shadows... and his friends must help him get back to sleep! And, Razzles wants to make a wish on a shooting star.
3737"Dancing"20 March 2007 (2007-03-20)25 March 2008
Pido can't stop dancing because it is Doggy Dancing Day. Trilby has the starring role as Snoring Beauty in the Kennel Club Dancing Play and the dogs help her rehearse!
3838"Garden"21 March 2007 (2007-03-21)26 March 2008
Raggs' enthusiasm for Gold Star Garden Day results in his accidentally vacuuming up B. Max's special flowers. B. Max invents the Gardenscope 2000 to help Trilby solve a gardening problem.
3939"Arts & Crafts"22 March 2007 (2007-03-22)27 March 2008
Raggs and the band work together to create a new poster for the band. Plus, the dogs make puppets and help Pido put on a Cinderpaws puppet show!
4040"Direction"23 March 2007 (2007-03-23)28 March 2008
The dogs help teach Raggs directions so that he can earn his Puppy Patrol Club Badge! When Pido stubs his toe and can't bake a cake, everyone offers directions to make a cake... with unusual results.
4141"Manners"26 March 2007 (2007-03-26)31 March 2008
Raggs teaches his teddy how to have good manners and nobody wants to play with Rude Pirate Razzles until she corrects her bad manners!
4242"Forest"27 March 2007 (2007-03-27)1 April 2008
It is Funky Forest Day at Puppy Preschool and Pido gets to tell his version of "Little Red Riding Pup." Meanwhile, back at the Clubhouse, Trilby sets up camp in her pretend forest.
4343"Water"28 March 2007 (2007-03-28)2 April 2008
B. Max's boat unintentionally becomes a submarine and Raggs discovers being a dog-fish isn't all that it seems!
4444"Building"29 March 2007 (2007-03-29)3 April 2008
Razzles' undertakes a noisy new construction project while Pido uses his culinary skills to build a Gingerbread house.
4545"Friends"30 March 2007 (2007-03-30)4 April 2008
Trilby makes a gift for her "best friend forever" and the other pups invent imaginary friends!
4646"Machines"2 April 2007 (2007-04-02)7 April 2008
B. Max is busy inventing a multi-tasking machine for the garden and Razzles may have found a machine that can replace everybody in the band!
4747"Sport"3 April 2007 (2007-04-03)8 April 2008
Trilby is overly enthusiastic about the upcoming Doggy Sports Day and Pido invents games for everybody to play inside when it rains!
4848"Park"4 April 2007 (2007-04-04)9 April 2008
Pido's Puppy Patrol Club and B. Max's invention of the day focus on the how much the dogs love to go to the park!
4949"Books"5 April 2007 (2007-04-05)10 April 2008
The dogs help Razzles find her lost book by cleaning up the clubhouse and Pido creates his own bedtime story using all of the dogs' favorite characters.
5050"Slow"6 April 2007 (2007-04-06)11 April 2008
It is Slow Sports Day at Puppy Preschool and Trilby tries to do everything in slow motion after reading the "Tortoise and the Hare."
5151"Taste"9 April 2007 (2007-04-09)14 April 2008
Raggs takes a turn in the kitchen to try different tasty treat recipes while Razzles tries to find her sense of taste after burning her tongue from hot chocolate.
5252"Party"10 April 2007 (2007-04-10)15 April 2008
B.Max wants to throw a surprise Puppy Party for his friends and the dogs all get invited to Larry the Labrador's dress up party!
5353"Holidays"11 April 2007 (2007-04-11)16 April 2008
The dogs make up an imaginary vacation tour to help decide where to go and what has to be done before they go!
5454"Flying"12 April 2007 (2007-04-12)17 April 2008
Razzles needs help rescuing her kite from a tree and Pido takes flight with the use of B. Max's new invention, the Flyboy 500.
5555"Farms"13 April 2007 (2007-04-13)18 April 2008
The dogs prepare for a Rock-A-Doodle Farm Tour and B. Max invents a farm alarm so everyone won't miss Pido's home cooked breakfast!
5656"Space"16 April 2007 (2007-04-16)21 April 2008
The dogs are excited to find a space helmet, but realize it is only Dumpster's bowl. Also, Razzles builds her own rocket for school.
5757"Pretend"17 April 2007 (2007-04-17)22 April 2008
Pido pretends to be a snow-rescue dog and turns the clubhouse into a pretend mountain. Also, B. Max sets up a pretend concert.
5858"Dreams"18 April 2007 (2007-04-18)23 April 2008
The dogs try to remember their dreams and what they mean!
5959"Dinosaurs"19 April 2007 (2007-04-19)24 April 2008
Razzles is getting ready for a Dinosaur Party and everyone plays football with a dinosaur egg... but is it a real dinosaur egg?
6060"Nature"20 April 2007 (2007-04-20)25 April 2008
B. Max works on his Puppy Patrol Nature badge while Trilby makes a video about the animals around the clubhouse.

Series 2 (2008–2009)

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleOriginal AUS. air dateOriginal U.S. air date
611"Working Together & Cooperation"5 May 2008 (2008-05-05)2 February 2009
Raggs makes a messy cake without any help, and everyone works together to build a great go-cart for speedy Razzles!
622"Keeping Clean"6 May 2008 (2008-05-06)3 February 2009
Everyone loves bath time except Pido, and the clubhouse gets a mystery cleaning...did Dumpster do it?
633"Times"7 May 2008 (2008-05-07)4 February 2009
Raggs keeps getting his times confused, but B.Max's new invention will help. The dogs also discover there are others ways to tell time without a watch!
644"Love"8 May 2008 (2008-05-08)5 February 2009
It is Puppy Love Day and Razzles wants to find a special way to tell her friends how much she loves them and Pido learns how to take care of the things he loves the best.
655"Sound & Noise"9 May 2008 (2008-05-09)6 February 2009
It is a noisy day at the clubhouse with Raggs' new amplifier and Trilby's new noisemaker that confuses everybody with sounds of lions, trains and elephants.
666"Big & Small"12 May 2008 (2008-05-12)9 February 2009
Raggs wants to give a big present, but finds out that good things come in small packages too. And, Pido must find a way to make a big backdrop for the band from small pieces of paper.
677"All Kinds of Moves"13 May 2008 (2008-05-13)10 February 2009
It is a group howl when the dogs learn different kinds of moves and that moving furniture around the clubhouse can make things confusing.
688"Try New Things"14 May 2008 (2008-05-14)11 February 2009
While B. Max is trying to learn to eat the new Whole Grain Doggie Puffs, Pido can't decide between his old and new drums.
699"Exploring Transportation"15 May 2008 (2008-05-15)12 February 2009
The dogs discover that how you travel on a trip doesn't matter as long as your friends are along. And Trilby must find a way to safely transport Charlene the Chicken's eggs.
7010"Movement & Balance"16 May 2008 (2008-05-16)13 February 2009
The dogs learn that, whether it is dancing or surfing, you have to practice to have good movement and balance.
7111"Conserving & Exploring Water"19 May 2008 (2008-05-19)16 February 2009
Uh oh, Razzles has left the hose running by mistake and the water overflowed on the ground. With one bucket of water left - they use B. Max's invention to measure how much they can each use to brush their teeth, wash their paws and wash their dishes. Without any more water, can Dumpster help them figure out how to get more? When the pups go on a pretend journey to the bottom of the ocean, they discover that there are lots of different animals that live under water. Raggs wants to continue his exploration, so the rest of the pups pretend to be all sorts of sea creatures.
7212"Being a Good Sport & Practice"20 May 2008 (2008-05-20)17 February 2009
The puppies are planning their own sports day and when Pido is encouraged to play, he wins, and then wants to race for everything so that he can win. Luckily, he learns the valuable lesson that sports are even better when they are played for fun. Chasing your tail is the best! Razzles takes over as coach of the relay team and the dogs soon learn that being positive and encouraging is much more fun for everyone.
7313"Appreciating Stories & the Library"21 May 2008 (2008-05-21)18 February 2009
While Trilby is reading her book, The Lost Labrador, she accidentally gets it dirty and cannot see through the dirt to see how Davinda Dishlicker solved the mystery. Where can Trilby go to find out how the story ended? Raggs discovers that reading books can take you to lots of exciting places without even leaving the clubhouse. Raggs has so much fun using his imagination.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Raggs

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Raggs is a live-action and animated musical preschool television series that follows the adventures of five anthropomorphic dogs—Raggs, Trilby, Pido, B. Max, and Razzles—who form a ragtime band, along with their wisecracking cat companion, Dumpster, as they learn life lessons through songs and stories in their clubhouse home. Originally created in 1990 by American advertising executive Toni Steedman as a series of stories for her young daughter, the concept evolved into a full television production. The series was primarily produced from 2006 to 2009 in Sydney, Australia, by Blue Socks Media LLC in collaboration with ABC Studios, resulting in 195 half-hour episodes and over 200 original songs available in English and Spanish. Additional U.S. production occurred from 2012 to 2013, incorporating interviews with real children to enhance educational engagement. The show targets children aged 2 to 10, emphasizing school readiness through topics in emergent , , and discovery, social studies, and arts and movement, all aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children's guidelines for learning. Episodes blend , music videos, and humor to address everyday issues like sharing, colors, and habits, using a mix of live-action, CGI, and to bring the canine characters to life. Beyond television, Raggs has performed over 4,000 live shows worldwide, including at the and for military families, promoting pro-social skills, diversity, and emotional development. The series received multiple awards for its educational value, including , and as of 2025 continues to be accessible via streaming platforms and , maintaining its legacy in early childhood entertainment.

Overview

Premise

Raggs is a musical and educational television series centered on five anthropomorphic dogs who form The Raggs Band, a group of talented musicians that embark on adventures to solve everyday problems faced by young children through music, humor, and collaborative . The show blends live-action segments filmed in a clubhouse setting with animated shorts and music videos, creating an engaging format that encourages preschoolers aged 3 to 6 to explore real-life issues like sharing toys or managing emotions in a fun, relatable way. At its core, the premise revolves around the band's teamwork and creativity, with Raggs, the optimistic leader, guiding the group in turning challenges into learning opportunities. The educational goals of Raggs align with guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), focusing on key areas such as emergent , (including colors and shapes), and discovery, , and and movement. Through songs and narratives, the series nurtures social-emotional skills like expressing feelings, building friendships, and fostering curiosity, helping children develop a sense of self and toward others. Episodes emphasize practical themes, such as recognizing emotions or cooperating in group activities, using the band's interactions to model positive behaviors without didactic lectures. Each 30-minute episode follows a structured format built around a single theme, incorporating live-action skits where the dogs interact in their clubhouse, animated music videos that reinforce the lesson, and interactive elements like the "Wag & Wiggle" dance segment to promote physical engagement. The show also features brief interviews conducted by the band's wisecracking pet cat, , with real children to connect the fictional adventures to everyday experiences. Musical elements are integral, with over 200 original songs composed to stimulate active participation and retention of concepts, covering topics from basic shapes to the importance of in . These songs, performed in an upbeat, accessible style, transform abstract ideas into memorable, rhythmic experiences that encourage singing along and movement.

Characters

The Raggs Band consists of five anthropomorphic canine characters who live together in a clubhouse and collaborate as musicians, using their diverse personalities to navigate daily challenges and create ragtime-inspired music. Each member brings unique traits to the group, fostering through and mutual support, which highlights themes of and inclusivity. Their interactions often involve Raggs rallying the pack with enthusiasm, while others provide complementary perspectives to resolve conflicts, such as balancing spontaneity with organization during band rehearsals. Raggs is the energetic leader of the band, portrayed as a curious and optimistic blue dog who drives the group's musical . As the youngest member, approximately five years old in terms, he plays the guitar and serves as the lead singer, often initiating playful ideas that propel the band's creativity. His spontaneous nature sometimes leads to distractions, but his affection for his friends ensures collaborative resolutions to any mishaps. Trilby is the confident and sporty pink dog, known for her smart, stylish demeanor and athletic prowess. She contributes to the band's dynamics as a enthusiast and encourager, participating in energetic performances that emphasize and good . Her bubbly personality helps motivate the group during collaborative efforts, promoting positive interactions and teamwork in resolving interpersonal tensions. Pido embodies the laid-back yellow surfer dude archetype, approaching life with a relaxed generosity and love for . He plays , adding rhythmic support to the band's sound, and often suggests unconventional solutions drawn from his hobbies like and cooking. Pido's easygoing attitude complements the group's energy, facilitating harmony by diffusing conflicts with humor and patience. Razzles is the organized green dog, characterized by her logical and precise mindset, though she can occasionally come across as bossy. She plays the maracas, , and assists on , while also serving as the band's cheerleader through and dancing. Razzles brings structure to the group's activities by creating lists and plans, which aids in mediating disputes and ensuring smooth band collaborations. B. Max is the inventive orange dog who uses a , representing inclusivity and resilience as a key band member. A creative problem-solver and alpha personality, he plays multiple instruments including the , , guitar, and keyboard, often innovating gadgets to support the group's endeavors. His calm determination inspires the others, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for collective invention and strengthening band unity.

Production

Development

The concept for Raggs originated in 1990 when advertising executive Toni Steedman created stories about a guitar-playing named Raggs to entertain her six-year-old daughter, Alison, and her friends during long carpool drives from school. These tales evolved into a series of characters forming a band, drawing from Steedman's background in marketing and her focus on engaging preschoolers through music and adventure. In 2001, Steedman produced the pilot episode titled Pawsuuup!, which tested the ragtime band concept with live-action elements and animation targeted at young children; the pilot received an Emmy nomination for its innovative approach. This early production marked the formalization of Raggs LLC, Steedman's U.S.-based company dedicated to developing the . By 2005, Raggs LLC secured a co-production with Southern Star International in , leading to the greenlight for a full series by Channel Seven in . This collaboration provided the necessary funding and resources to expand the pilot into a comprehensive program, incorporating educational themes on and problem-solving. Later, Blue Socks Media emerged as a key production entity, handling supplemental work and global rights management following the initial Australian run. The development process emphasized integrating live-action with 3D to create an immersive world for preschool viewers, produced in part by Southern Star Singapore for the animated segments.

Filming and music

The principal photography for Raggs was conducted at Southern Star studios in , , from 2006 to 2009, where the live-action segments featuring of the canine characters were primarily filmed. Additional U.S.-based production handled specific elements, including interstitials and interviews, executed by Emulsion Arts to support the bilingual English and Spanish versions of the series. This dual-location approach facilitated the integration of international teams, with over 150 professionals contributing to the overall production. The series combined live-action with animated components, creating a dynamic format for its audience. Animation production was managed by Southern Star in and , incorporating 3D techniques for music videos, shorts, and that complemented the puppet-based clubhouse scenes and interactive concerts. These animated sequences, such as educational interstitials, were designed to enhance storytelling and musical performances without overshadowing the core live-action narrative. Music production was led by Music and Sound Design in , resulting in over 200 original songs across the series, available in English and Spanish with educational lyrics focused on themes like and early learning. The compositions drew from influences, reflecting the Raggs Band's stylistic roots, while incorporating upbeat rhythms and simple structures suitable for young viewers; segments included full concert songs (approximately 2:30 in length), tracks (1:30), and shorter Wag & Wiggle dance numbers (1:00). Live-action performers included April L. Kresken as the lead puppeteer for Raggs and Kimberly Miller Harwell for , alongside voice actors for animated elements that were dubbed into multiple languages for global distribution. In total, the production yielded 195 half-hour episodes across three series, blending these technical elements to deliver an engaging, music-driven educational experience.

Broadcast

Raggs premiered in the with a limited release of its first season on select PBS stations beginning June 1, 2007. The series expanded nationwide on February 4, 2008, through distribution by , which offered 60 episodes to PBS member stations. Aimed at audiences, the show emphasized educational content on public television to maximize accessibility and learning impact, without pursuing commercial syndication. The first series aired its full run from 2007 to 2008 on , with subsequent seasons continuing through 2009; reruns remained available on PBS platforms into 2012, followed by additional airings on from 2014 to 2018. The series also aired on in select markets to reach broader audiences. Reruns and short-form content later appeared on PBS digital platforms and streaming services, enhancing ongoing educational access. As of November 2025, episodes are available on streaming services such as Pure Flix and Sensical, in addition to . Home media distribution included DVD releases of select episodes and compilations by PBS stations, such as KQED's Rockingham Get Up & Dance in 2008, allowing families to access the show's musical and educational segments outside broadcast schedules. These releases focused on key themes like music and problem-solving, supporting the program's goal of fostering through home viewing.

International

Raggs premiered in on the Seven Network on January 2, 2006, marking its initial television broadcast as a co-production involving Sydney-based Southern Star International. The series was primarily produced in , where much of the live-action filming and music composition occurred, establishing as a key hub for the show's creation before its wider export. The program achieved global distribution through partnerships with international broadcasters, reaching audiences in numerous countries beyond Australia and the United States. Southern Star International handled exports to markets including Singapore, Bulgaria, South Africa, and India, while additional airings occurred in the United Kingdom on CBeebies and BBC Two and across Latin America via Telemundo in a dubbed format. In South Africa, reruns began on SABC 2 in May 2018, introducing the series to new generations of preschool viewers. This broad reach extended to over 20 countries through various syndication deals, emphasizing the show's appeal as an educational musical series for young children. To accommodate diverse international audiences, Raggs was adapted into multiple language versions, with original songs translated for local markets. Notable dubs include Spanish for Latin American broadcasts on and Portuguese translations for regions like , preserving the ragtime band's musical structure while localizing lyrics on themes such as colors, shapes, and daily routines. These versions maintained the core educational content, with over 200 original songs reinterpreted to align with phonetic and cultural nuances in target languages. International exports were facilitated by Southern Star International, enabling the series' availability in English and dubbed formats across networks worldwide. Complementing traditional TV, digital platforms expanded access in the 2010s through the official RaggsTV YouTube channel, which streams episodes, songs, and animations in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, amassing millions of views globally.

History and live events

Early development and tours

The pilot for Raggs was produced in 2001 as a one-hour music video-inspired special titled Pawsuuup!, shot in August of that year by creator Toni Steedman in collaboration with former HBO producer Carole Rosen. This pilot emerged from Steedman's original carpool stories about a guitar-playing dog, initially developed to entertain her young daughter during drives. While shopping the pilot to potential partners, Steedman relied on live mall performances in the United States to build an initial audience and demonstrate the band's appeal. Securing funding proved a significant early challenge, with the production team pitching to over 700 investors between 2002 and 2005 and receiving responses from only about 70, leaving the company financially strained at times. These mall shows, featuring costumed dog characters performing music and interacting with children, helped validate the concept and attract interest, though independent production demanded long hours across international time zones. By 2004, a DVD release of the Pawsuuup! tour captured these live elements, including energetic rock 'n' roll performances by the Raggs Kids Club Band, further promoting the format. In 2004, the band undertook a test run with a 90-minute live show at The Palace Theatre in , running daily throughout the summer and incorporating comic elements alongside music to refine the band's interactive stage presence. This performance, part of the broader Raggs Kids Club Band: PAWSUUUP! Tour extending into 2005, emphasized live music and character-driven in venues like malls, providing real-time feedback on audience engagement. These tours in and the U.S. directly influenced the transition to by highlighting effective structures, such as combining songs with problem-solving narratives and character interactions, which carried over into the series format. By 2005, the success of these live events facilitated a partnership with Southern Star International in , , marking the start of full television production and shifting focus from tours to scripted episodes.

Global performances and reunions

Following the launch of the television series, The Raggs Band embarked on extensive global tours under the banner of Raggs Live Around the World, delivering over 4,000 live performances across four continents from 2006 onward. These shows featured high-energy concerts with the five canine characters performing original ragtime-inspired songs and interactive segments designed to engage preschool audiences in learning and movement. Venues ranged from U.S. state fairs and centers to international events and holiday spectacles, fostering a sense of community through music and dance. Key highlights included appearances at major events such as , a nationally televised where the band performed festive hits like "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and in 2006 and 2007. The tours also encompassed various international festivals and fundraisers, extending the show's reach to audiences in , , , and beyond. In live adaptations, character portrayals emphasized inclusivity, with B. Max confidently participating as the band's keyboardist and inventor while using a , promoting messages of and diversity for young viewers. In 2014, the original cast reunited to record an album of 20 classic children's songs, including "," "Old MacDonald," and "," which was released the following year on platforms like and . This project revived fan favorites and extended the band's musical legacy digitally. As television production wrapped in 2009 and U.S. seasons concluded around 2013, live tours gradually scaled back in favor of targeted partnerships, such as ongoing resort shows at Palladium Hotels in and the starting in 2013, while prioritizing streaming content to maintain global accessibility. The era's performances solidified The Raggs Band's impact, cultivating a dedicated fanbase through joyful, educational live music experiences that highlighted themes of and perseverance.

Episodes

Series overview

Raggs is a preschool television series comprising 195 half-hour episodes across three series, produced between 2006 and 2009. Each series consists of 65 episodes, allowing for a comprehensive educational arc covering foundational to advanced concepts. The series aligns with curricula, including the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Guidelines for Learning and standards from programs like Head Start, integrating emergent , , , , , and emotional development. Episodes follow a consistent format for young audiences: an opening song, live-action skit in the clubhouse, animated segment, and concluding band performance to reinforce lessons through and movement.

Series 1 (2006–2008)

Series 1 of Raggs comprised 65 episodes that aired from 2006 to 2008, the inaugural season primarily produced in , , by Southern Star Entertainment. The episodes centered on the Raggs Kids Club Band—consisting of the five canine characters Raggs, Pido, , Razzles, and B. Max—along with their cat companion , as they navigated everyday challenges in their clubhouse through music, stories, and interactive segments. This season established the show's core format, blending live-action drama, animated cartoons, and original songs to engage young viewers in basic cognitive and social skills. The themes emphasized introductory educational concepts such as numbers, letters, colors, sizes, and , woven into the band's collaborative adventures to promote problem-solving and . For instance, episodes featured the dogs preparing for band performances or clubhouse events, resolving dilemmas through and learning. These topics were supported by short documentary-style interviews with children and animated explanations, ensuring for ages 2–5. Representative episodes illustrated the season's focus on practical learning. In "Color," the dogs debate which colored ball to use for play, leading Razzles to explore mixing primary colors to create a picture for Grandma Fluffy. The "Size" episode involves wrapping presents of varying dimensions for a party, teaching comparisons and measurements, while addresses her issue to stay party-ready. "Sharing" depicts a conflict over band instruments during Puppy Pirate Sharing Day, where Raggs learns to distribute resources fairly after accidentally consuming Pido's pie and attempting to conceal it. Other entries included "Faces," where B. Max experiments with animal expressions for a , and "Winter," transforming the clubhouse into a snowy wonderland to discuss al changes. Unique to Series 1's production was the development of the initial song library, featuring over 100 original tunes composed to align with each episode's educational objectives and performed by during concerts and story resolutions. Directors Ian Munro and Strasser oversaw filming, ensuring a vibrant, puppet-based aesthetic that captured the dogs' expressive personalities.

Series 2 (2008–2009)

Series 2 of Raggs aired 65 episodes from 2008 to 2009, building upon Series 1 with continued emphasis on interpersonal and educational themes through the band's and musical performances. The episodes maintained the core structure of live-action , animated segments, and original songs, fostering social and emotional growth for audiences. Episodes highlighted emotional and social development, including "Love," where the characters explore expressing affection during Puppy Love Day; "Working Together and Cooperation," where the dogs collaborate on creating a new CD; and "Times," addressing patience and schedules during band rehearsals. These stories integrated lessons on and , resolved through group problem-solving and music. A feature was enhanced interactive segments encouraging participation in dances and activities reinforcing themes.

Series 3 (2009)

Series 3 of Raggs, produced in 2007-2009 in , comprised 65 episodes concluding the main television production. This season continued the educational progression, delving into advanced themes such as global awareness, , and creative problem-solving through the band's stories and songs, supporting social-emotional learning. The series remains accessible via streaming on platforms like Sensical and as of 2025.

References

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