KidZone explained

Alt Name:Kerrisdale High
Director:Michael Robison
Philip Spink
Country:Canada
Language:English
Num Seasons:9
Location:Vancouver, British Columbia
Channel:Knowledge Network

KidZone is a Canadian TV show for adolescents that aired on the Knowledge Network in British Columbia from 1992[1] to 2001. The show is also notable for providing a start for several young stars, including Sarah Chalke, Devon Sawa, Erica Cerra, and Jai West.

Format

KidZone initially began as a series of informative skits and interviews. Following the education mandate of the broadcaster, the show managed to present anti-smoking, safety and environmental issues with funding from provincial government agencies and private companies. The entire cast of the show were children, who acted in various sketches and portrayed journalists. At the age of 12, Chalke was the program's environmental reporter.

One of the recurring sketches on KidZone was Kerrisdale V6M 1Z6, which used a style similar to Beverly Hills, 90210[1] and Degrassi Junior High to present youth issues. Eventually, KidZone shifted away from its journalistic style and became a docudrama about high school based on the Kerrisdale sketch. This version of the show also aired in the United States as Kerrisdale High.

KidZone Live

At the end of its broadcast run in 2001, KidZone was rebranded as KidZone Live. Much like Degrassi Talks, the show featured KidZone actors participating in sketches and call-in discussions on topics oriented toward young viewers. Among the issues covered on KidZone Live were injury prevention, road safety and eliminating racial discrimination.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Livesley . Jack . Trotz . Frank . 1993 . The Penguin Guide to Children's Tv and Video . Penguin Canada . 239 . 9780140158847. (This reference shows that it was broadcasting by 1992)