Adam Pascal + Backyardigans = So Much Soccer Mom Tail It's Not Even Funny

I have to admit that I've got a warm gooey center when it comes to my kid's favorite TV shows, and I get dorkily delighted whenever my grown-up interests intersect with them. (Jon Stewart on Jack's Big Music Show, They Might Be Giants on Blue's Clues, etc.)

So let me just thoroughly embarrass myself here and admit that I am SO EXCITED for the new Backyardigan's prime-time movie event, "The Tale of the Mighty Knights." It debuts this month on Nick Jr. and features Adam Pascal as the narrator and voice of Dragon, and singer of the "rock opera ballad" Not An Egg Anymore.

Adam Pascal, for those of you who have those mysterious "lives" I keep hearing about, was the original Roger in Broadway's Rent (he also played the part in the not-as-great movie). He came back to the show for a few months last year, and I SOMEHOW I DON'T KNOW DON'T YOU JUDGE ME managed to see it twice in that short time.

He's awesome. And the Backyardigans are also kind of awesome. Whatever. Fine. You can judge me on that one, but the Movers of Arabia is a damn fine song.

The Backyardigans Tale of the Mighty Knights debuts January 14 on Nick Jr. at 7 pm.

In other kids' TV news, as of January 1, the commercial-free NOGGIN network is available 24 hours. Sweet, sweet brain-atrophy goodness.