FOR decades now, the shenanigans of Bert and Ernie, Big Bird, the Cookie Monster and the other characters on Sesame Street have defined what good children's television is all about - educational viewing that is always entertaining.
Sesame Street is so engaging many adults give it the occasional look.
So if someone wants to compete, what kind of show will do the trick? STAR Plus is betting on the back-to-basics The Magic Box - a new programme taken from an old concept that has caused a buzz in the United States.
Created by New Zealand child expert Wendy Pye, The Magic Box, with a minimum of fuss, teaches the alphabet and reading skills through the traditional approach to story-telling.
Fine. A noble cause. But does it capture the imagination of children? Since The Magic Box is strictly for the pre-school crowd, it is necessary to consult the best professional critics available.
Would a child watch this show on a daily basis? And what kind of socio-political impact could it have? ''Yes,'' said Nicholas Garthoff, aged 21/2.