Movies - TV
Everything You, An Adult, Need to Know About Netflix’s Teletubbies Reboot
By BJ COLANGELO
The Teletubbies Return
Netflix's “Teletubbies” reboot will arrive on November 14, 2022, featuring the classic Tubbies, along with "Central Park" star Tituss Burgess as the narrator. The series will comprise 12 episodes and will bring back The Talking Flowers, Magic Windmill, and Noo-Noo vacuum along with a new “Tummy Tales” song and Julia Pulo as the “Tummy Tales” host.
Who is who?
Tinky Winky is purple with a triangle antenna and a gentle demeanor. Dipsy is green with a “dipstick” antenna, and a darker “skin” tone — the Teletubbies are meant to be diverse and are played by racially appropriate suit actors. Laa-Laa is yellow with a curled antenna and a sweet, bubbly personality. Po is red, has a circle antenna, and is of Chinese descent.
Tiddlytubbies
“Teletubbies” saw a revival a few years ago which introduced new characters called Tiddlytubbies who will appear in the reboot. There are eight Tiddlytubbies, and they are meant to appeal to a younger audience. Tiddlytubbies sing soothing lullabies called “Sleepy Byes,” and provide a great model for how older and younger kids can play together.
Controversy
“Teletubbies” was mired in controversy — like the “Tinky Winky is a gay alien trying to convert children” conspiracy — and unfortunately, that seems to remain true. The new series has been criticized as “woke” by some who are mad that two babies of color have been cast as the Sun Baby instead of the original white actor — who is now an adult, mind you.