Somewhere between Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood and Pee-Wee’s Playhouse lies the fun and magic of Tashi Non-Stop, an educational kids’ show that is quietly building a beautiful following on Youtube. Created for kids aged four to eight, this spirited web series is “non-stop” in many ways – with its positive energy and playfulness only eclipsed by the kinds of life lessons you’d expect from Sesame Street or Mr Dressup.  Don’t let these comparisons give the impression that this show is a retread, however. By no means is Tashi Non-Stop driven solely by nostalgia.  The skits feel fresh and unique, and they bring a sense of innocence that relates perfectly with the childhood experience. It’s learning without the pressure and without the walls.

“When it’s fun to learn, it’s easy to learn.” This quote from Tashi’s website, https://tashinonstop.com, couldn’t be a better representation of this webseries’ intention. Tashi, whose real-life name is Natasha Hanina, is clearly born to entertain. She plays a number of over-the-top characters on this delightful sketch comedy program, each with their own unique backstory. They truly entertain with heart, interacting with the audience and providing valuable lessons in a fun, palpable way. Tashi clearly values family, social values, and making the world a better place; this is really evident in the way she brings her collection of colorful characters to life.

What are these characters like, you ask? Each fits into a different part of life: Ms. Wallaby teaches lessons about the outdoors and instils values relating to animals and nature. Agnes McMonagle spends her time inspiring health and fitness (albeit in a hilarious, awkward way). There are also characters like Chef Tashi, who playfully introduces a variety of foods from different parts of the world, and Tashi The Vampire, who teaches kids how to sneeze without spreading germs and even how to overcome fears of the dark. These characters are truly funny and present these lessons in a sweet and entertaining way.

Studies have shown that when kids connect to their imagination at an early age, they deal better with life as adults. From managing relationships to being better workers, children who are in touch with their creativity become adults who are in touch with themselves. Social values meet life skills on Tashi Non-stop, and while some lessons fail in the format of lecture, they connect beautifully on this unconventional, unstructured web series.

The walls truly come down with Tashi Non-Stop. Interestingly, the show’s ambience benefits greatly from the use of green screen technology, where colorful backdrops and creative sets are easily brought to life behind Tashi’s many characters. The use of this green screen work adds a flavor of vibrance that really resonates with the show’s tone, and brings a more modern feeling to a genre that relied on physical sets, props and puppets. Each environment fits the show beautifully and resonates with the theme of the skit’s lessons.

Through all the upbeat characters and the creative sets, Tashi’s heart and love for the childhood experience really shines. Every skit feels like a love letter to the process of growing up, and never forgets to instill an important value. Messages about manners, taking care of others and respecting the environment run throughout this colorful web series.

See the show for yourself at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHP8oeUaCME-xhl4iBf8PpA

Visit Tashi’s website at https://tashinonstop.com/