View source for Caillou

{{short description|Canadian animated television series (1997–2011)}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=February 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Caillou new logo.png
| image_alt            = Caillou logo
| genre                = {{Ubl|[[Children's television series]]|[[Educational television|Educational]]}}
| creator              = {{Ubl|[[Hélène Desputeaux]]|[[Christine L'Heureux]]}}
| based_on             = {{Based on|''[[Caillou (book series)|Caillou]]''|Hélène Desputeaux}}<ref name="RAAV2015">[http://www.raav.org/last-2005-caillou-agreement-made-public-0 "At last, the 2005 Caillou agreement is made public"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327161402/http://www.raav.org/last-2005-caillou-agreement-made-public-0 |date=March 27, 2016 }}. ''Regroupement des artistes en arts visuels du Québec''. Retrieved on November 2, 2015.</ref><ref name="Devoir8-10-15">{{cite news |last1=Baillargeon |first1=Stéphane |title=L'entente secrète de 2005 dévoilée |url=https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/actualites-culturelles/451948/livres-de-caillou-une-entente-secrete-datant-de-2005-a-propos |access-date=November 3, 2015 |work=Le Devoir |date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411001640/https://www.ledevoir.com/culture/actualites-culturelles/451948/livres-de-caillou-une-entente-secrete-datant-de-2005-a-propos |url-status=live}}</ref>
| voices               = [[Bryn McAuley]]<br />[[Jaclyn Linetsky]]<br />[[Annie Bovaird]]<br />Brigid Tierney<br />Jesse Vinet<br />Jennifer Seguin<br />Pat Fry<br />[[Pauline Little]]<br />George Morris<br />[[Johanne Garneau]]<br />Jonathan Koensgen<br />Graeme Jokic<br />Sophie Uretsky<br />Amanda Tilson<br />[[Holly Gauthier-Frankel]]<br />[[Ellen David]]
| country              = Canada<br />South Africa <small>(season 5)</small>
| language             = {{Plainlist |
* French
* English
}}
| num_seasons          = 5
| num_episodes         = 92 (345 segments)
| list_episodes        = List of Caillou episodes
| runtime              = 22 minutes (3–4 5-minute segments)
| company              = [[Cookie Jar Group|Cookie Jar Entertainment]]{{efn|Known as '''CINAR Corporation''' for the first three seasons. Produced as '''Caillou Productions Inc.''' (S1), '''Four Me Productions Inc.''' (S2-3), '''Caillou IV Productions Inc.''' (S4) and '''Caillou V Productions Inc.''' (S5)}}
| network              = {{Plainlist |
* [[Télétoon]] (French)
* [[Cartoon Network (Canada)|Teletoon]] (English, seasons 1–4)
* [[Treehouse TV]] (English, season 5)
}}
| first_aired          = {{Start date|1997|9|15}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2011|4|17}}
}}

'''''Caillou''''' ({{Translation|pebble or stone}}; {{IPAc-en|k|ɑː |j|ʊ|,_|-|j|uː|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Caillou.wav}} {{respell|kah|yuu|,_-|yoo}}; {{IPA|fr|kaju|lang}}, stylized in [[lowercase]]) is an animated [[children's television series]] that aired on [[Teletoon]] (both English and French versions), with the first episode airing on the former channel on September 15, 1997{{snd}}until the fourth season. After that, the fifth season channel was moved to [[Treehouse TV]], and the series finale aired on April 17, 2011. It also aired on [[PBS]] and the [[PBS Kids]] Channel. A series reboot was announced in 2023 with a release date set to debut later that year on [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] with 52 eleven-minute episodes. Still, it was delayed for undisclosed reasons to February 15, 2024, with a batch of seven episodes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2022 |title=WILDBRAIN AND PEACOCK PARTNER ON CAILLOU FOR NEW CG-ANIMATED SERIES AND FIVE FAMILY SPECIALS |url=https://www.wildbrain.com/newsreleases/wildbrain-and-peacock-partner-on-caillou-for-new-cg-animated-series-and-five-family-specials/ |access-date=2023-05-04 |website=WildBrain |language=en-US}}</ref>

Based on the books by [[Hélène Desputeaux]],<ref name="RAAV2015" /><ref name="Devoir8-10-15" /> it focuses on a four-year-old boy named Caillou who is fascinated by the world around him. The series was produced in Canada by the [[Cookie Jar Group|CINAR Corporation]] (later Cookie Jar Entertainment), while the fifth and final season was produced in association with the South African studio [[Clockwork Zoo]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.animationsa.org/community/press-releases/clockwork-zoo/clockwork-zoo-begins-key-animation-caillou |title=Clockwork Zoo begins key animation on Caillou &#124; Animation SA |date=January 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122212054/http://www.animationsa.org/community/press-releases/clockwork-zoo/clockwork-zoo-begins-key-animation-caillou |access-date=July 18, 2021 |archive-date=January 22, 2010}}</ref>

The series received initial positive reviews from critics and audiences. Contrarily, in the years following its release, the series saw a more negative reception and sparked backlash regarding its themes, writing, and perceived lack of educational value. The title character's misbehavior in particular has also been widely condemned, especially in its earlier seasons.

==Premise==
Caillou lives with his family (his mother Doris, father Boris, younger sister Rosie, and pet cat Gilbert). He has many adventures with his family and friends, and uses his imagination in every episode.

During the first season, many of the stories in the animated version began with a grandmother (who is also the show's narrator) introducing the story to her grandchildren, then reading the story from a book. Starting in the second season, the narrator and grandmother is an [[unseen character]].

On PBS Kids, each episode in season 1 through season 3 has a theme and is divided into several short sections that mix animation, puppet skits, and video of live-action children in real-life situations. In seasons 4 and 5, the episodes are divided into three short sections; the puppet segment was dropped, alongside the "Real Kids" version of the segment.

== Format ==
The series features a [[Narration|narrator]], who is said to sound like a [[Grandparent|grandmother]]. The frames of the series' backgrounds are whited out and resemble a dream cloud.<ref name="Silverman">{{Cite web |last=Silverman |first=Craig |date=2015-11-17 |title=18 Reasons Why Parents Can't Stand Caillou |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/craigsilverman/please-let-them-watch-something-else |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=BuzzFeed |language=en-ca}}</ref> According to Sara Smith of ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'', "''Caillou'' is rendered in [[Minimalism (visual arts)|minimalist]] settings splashed with blazing [[primary color]]s. The family cat is gray{{snd}}with blue spots. It's a kindergarten teacher's [[Bad trip|bad acid trip]]." Additionally, she noted that "the show was broken up into small digestible segments to hold a small attention span."<ref name="Smith">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Sara |title=Beware the friends your kids meet on TV |url=https://www.freep.com/story/life/family/2015/08/21/kids-watch-tv/32143669/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Characters ==
===Major characters===
<!-- Keep the characters' sections brief. Every minor detail about the characters does not need to be included, as this is not the Caillou Wikia. -->

====Caillou====
Caillou (voiced first by [[Bryn McAuley]] from 1997 to 2000, then [[Jaclyn Linetsky]] from 2000 until her death in 2003, and then [[Annie Bovaird]] from 2003 to 2010) meaning ''pebble'' or ''stone'' in [[French language|French]] (nicknamed by himself The Prince of Imagination),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://shop.pbskids.org/caillou-stars-red-trick-or-treat-bag |website=PBSkids.org |title=Caillou & Stars Red Trick-Or-Treat Bag |quote=Caillou is surrounded by stars on a personalized swag bag that's ready for Halloween treats. The Prince of Imagination is here to make it a Happy Halloween! |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170506063946/http://shop.pbskids.org/caillou-stars-red-trick-or-treat-bag |archive-date=May 6, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> is the title character of the show. Caillou was first shown in the episode "Caillou Makes Cookies", which aired in 1997.

Caillou is an imaginative four-year-old<ref name="About" /> boy with a love for forms of transportive machinery such as rocket ships and airplanes. A dreamer, Caillou is inclined to frequent [[dream sequence]]s in some episodes, visualizing his daydreams and wishes, and many episodes describe his normal daily experiences with his parents, friends, and neighbours. Caillou particularly loves his stuffed dinosaur, Rexy, and teddy bear, Teddy, along with his pet cat Gilbert, all of whom are depicted as puppets in segments featured in the earlier episodes. He is Boris and Doris' son as well as Rosie's older brother.

====Caillou's family====
[[File:Caillou's family.png|framed|Caillou and his family from left to right: Rosie, Boris, Caillou, Doris]]

* Rosie (voiced by Brigid Tierney, then Jesse Vinet, known in French as ''Mousseline'') – Caillou's lively younger sister and Boris and Doris' daughter who is a typical toddler. She is two years old.<ref name="About">{{cite web |title=About |url=https://en.caillou.com/about |website=Caillou.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331072935/https://en.caillou.com/about |archive-date=March 31, 2016 |quote=Meet Caillou, the lovable four-year old<br />Meet Caillou's little sister, Rosie! At 2 years old, Rosie is a giggly little girl who loves to play tricks on her big brother.<br />Meet Caillou's Mom, Doris! Although some know her in the workplace as Doris, she's known as Mommy in Caillou's household.<br />Meet Caillou's Dad, Boris!<br />Meet Caillou's Grandpa! Grandpa always takes Caillou on fun adventures – like fishing, riding the bus through town and camping! He is Caillou's Daddy's father}}</ref> She always wants to take part in the same activities as Caillou. In later seasons of the series, she becomes more talkative and independent. She wears a blue dress, red socks and blue Mary Jane shoes. Rosie fights with Caillou for some reasons, but they still love each other. She appears to be the only family member with red hair.
* Doris<ref name="About" />/Mommy (voiced by Jennifer Seguin) – Caillou and Rosie's mother as well as Boris' wife and Grandma and Grandpa's daughter-in-law. She is a busy homemaker most of the time but is seen to work in an office, as well. Caillou occasionally helps his mother with different chores, and she often takes time to involve Caillou and his friends in activities such as crafts and baking. She is predominantly dressed in a red blouse with yellow trim, blue headband, ankle-length blue jeans and blue shoes with green soles.
* Boris<ref name="About" />/Daddy (voiced by Pat Fry) – Caillou and Rosie's father as well as Doris' husband. He wears a green sweater with a red trim with blue jeans. In the episode "Caillou The Chef" he says he once worked at a restaurant and made pizza.<ref name="Caillou the Chef">''Caillou'' Episode – "Caillou the Chef" (Season 4)</ref> He and Caillou occasionally work on projects around the house together.
* Gilbert – Caillou's pet cat. In the puppet segments, he is shown to be knowledgeable about things which are foreign to Rexy and Teddy.
* Grandma (voiced by [[Pauline Little]]) – Caillou and Rosie's paternal grandmother as well as Doris' mother-in-law. Grandma is a very active lady who loves the arts and the outdoors. She passes that love onto Caillou. Grandma often comes up with creative ideas to solve Caillou's problems. She and Caillou paint and go bird-watching together.
* Grandpa (voiced by George Morris) – Caillou and Rosie's paternal<ref name="About" /> grandfather as well as Doris' father-in-law. He takes Caillou on adventures, often going on walks and riding the bus throughout the town where they reside. In "Caillou's Hiding Place", he showed Caillou a hidden area inside a tree in the backyard where Caillou's daddy used as a youngster.<ref name="Caillou's Hiding Place">''Caillou'' Episode – "Caillou's Hiding Place"</ref> In the episode "Caillou Goes Camping", he and Caillou camp in the backyard. He is Daddy's father and loves to tell stories about when Calliou's father was a little boy. He wears a blue shirt.

====Caillou's friends, neighbours, and associates ====
* Paul Hinkle (also known as "Mr. Hinkle" and French name: ''Monsieur Lajoie'') – Caillou's neighbour, introduced in the 1998 episode "Caillou's Not Afraid Anymore". He has a gold tooth. In the episode "Farmer for the Day".
[[File:Caillou's friends.jpg|thumb|Caillou and his friends: (back) Clementine, Sarah – (front) Gilbert, Caillou, Leo, Rosie]]
* Leo (voiced by [[Johanne Garneau]] from 1997 to 2003, Vince Davies in ''Caillou's Holiday Movie'', Jonathan Koensgen from 2006 to 2008 and Graeme Jokic in 2010) – A boy who started out as a bully in the 1999 episode "Caillou at Daycare", but quickly befriended Caillou in the same episode. They have been inseparable since. He is of Jewish faith and celebrates Hanukkah (stated in ''Caillou's Holiday Movie'').
* Clementine (voiced by Brigid Tierney and Sophie Uretsky) – Clementine was the first to befriend Caillou in the 1999 episode "Caillou at Daycare". She can get rather bossy for some reasons, but all in all she is pretty understanding. She is of African-Canadian descent. Caillou has a crush on her, as indicated in "Caillou's Valentines" (season 4, episode 8).
* Sarah (voiced by Amanda Tilson<!--change to official actress-->) – Caillou's friend, whom he first met in "Caillou Goes Around the Block". She is of Chinese descent and celebrates Chinese New Year. She has a cousin in an episode where she invites Caillou to celebrate Chinese New Year. In another she invites him to school for "Bring Your Younger Siblings to School Day" because she has no siblings. Sarah has a pet cat named Olly and a dog named Murphy.
* André – A redheaded boy, André is introduced in the episode "Caillou's Big Friend" and usually wears red sandals. According to the song "Days of the Week", released on the Caillou music CD ''Caillou and Friends'', Caillou plays with him every Saturday. André enjoys biking and soccer.
* Julie (voiced by [[Holly Gauthier-Frankel]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usvkLBiuafY |title=Holly Gauthier-Frankel (Voice Actress/Voice Director) {{!}}{{!}} Ep. 101 |date=2023-03-29 |last=Jake's Happy Nostalgia Show! |access-date=2025-10-30 |via=YouTube}}</ref>) – Caillou's and Rosie's teenage babysitter. She has blonde hair in a ponytail, and enjoys playing with Caillou and Rosie.
* Jason and Jeffrey – Identical twin brothers who are of Hispanic descent. They both enjoy eating pizza. Initially, they wore identical clothes. By Season 4, though, Jason began wearing a shirt with inverted colours so it's easier to tell them apart. They are both in Caillou's playschool class. The first episode they appeared in was "New House, New Neighbors".
* Billy (voiced by Michael Caloz in season 1) – Clementine's older brother. He is usually seen playing in a band with his friends or playing sports.
* Ann Martin (also known as "Ms. Martin", she voiced by [[Ellen David]]) – Caillou's preschool teacher. She has red hair and wears red overalls with a long-sleeved white shirt. According to the episode "A Surprise for Ms. Martin",  her birthday is in June. This was stated in "Caillou at Daycare".
* Jonas (voiced by Brian Wrench) – Boris friend from before he met Doris. He lives on a ranch and has a horse named Lucky. Jonas appears in four episodes and in ''Caillou's Holiday Movie''.
* Emma – A girl in Caillou's playschool class who dislikes loud noises, wearing red.<ref name="Caillou's Marching Band">''Caillou'' Episode – "Caillou's Marching Band"</ref> It is stated in an episode that she has Type 1 Diabetes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ket.org/tvschedules/episode.php?nola=CAIU++000516 |title=Caillou – Caillou's Discoveries |publisher=KET |access-date=March 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203054418/http://www.ket.org/tvschedules/episode.php?nola=CAIU++000516 |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Xavier – A boy in Caillou's playschool class who has brown hair and wears blue overalls.

====The puppets====
The puppet segments were used only on the PBS broadcasts of ''Caillou'' from 2000 to 2003 as continuity to fill time usually taken up by commercial breaks during the original Teletoon broadcasts; later episodes on PBS did not include the puppet segment continuity.

* Gilbert (puppeteered by [[Bob Stutt]]) – Caillou's pet cat and he is the leader of the group. He has greyish-blue fur with black stripes and loathes dogs with a passion. He especially dislikes the bulldog in the neighbourhood. In the puppet segments of the show, Gilbert often consists odes.
* Rexy (puppeteered by Pier Parquette, voiced by [[Rick Jones (voice actor)|Rick Jones]]) – Caillou's bluish toy dinosaur and speaks in a somewhat foreign accent, he is very playful. Rexy has the incapability to give a "good" hug. Rexy is noted for being rather pedantic. He is often teased about his speech impediment, and tends to react violently to any mention of it.
* Teddy (puppeteered by [[Frank Meschkuleit]]) – An old teddy bear that once belonged to Caillou's father, and now belongs to Caillou, Teddy is reasonable and nice. He is somewhat pessimistic, but all in all, he just needs a hug.
* Deedee (puppeteered by [[Tim Gosley]], voiced by Holly Gauthier-Frankel<ref name=":1" />) – A brown squirrel, she has a bushy tail, and is often seen playing with Rexy. Deedee first appeared as a baby squirrel when Rexy found on the ground lost from her family. Deedee lives in Caillou's backyard where most of the puppet segments take place. She never appeared in Season 3.

==Episodes==
{{main|List of Caillou episodes}}
''Caillou'' consists of five seasons<ref name="portfolio">{{cite web |url=http://www.seamonster.co.za/portfolio/caillou.html |title=Animation Portfolio: CAILLOU • Sea Monster |publisher=Seamonster.co.za |access-date=December 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224120153/http://www.seamonster.co.za/portfolio/caillou.html |archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref> of 92 half-hour episodes,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://distribution.dhxmedia.com/catalogue/preschool/caillou |title=DHX Media – Distribution – Caillou – Catalogue – Pre-School |publisher=Distribution.dhxmedia.com |access-date=December 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117122938/http://distribution.dhxmedia.com/catalogue/preschool/caillou |archive-date=January 17, 2014}}</ref> as well as the 90-minute Christmas film ''[[Caillou's Holiday Movie]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://distribution.dhxmedia.com/catalogue/preschool/caillous-holiday-movie |title=DHX Media – Distribution – Caillou's Holiday Movie – Catalogue – Pre-School |publisher=Distribution.dhxmedia.com |access-date=March 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324121406/http://distribution.dhxmedia.com/catalogue/preschool/caillous-holiday-movie |archive-date=March 24, 2014}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ ''Caillou'' series overview
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" colspan="2"|Season
! scope="col" rowspan="2"|Episodes
! rowspan="2"|Segments
! scope="col" colspan="2"|Originally aired
|-
! scope="col"|First aired
! scope="col"|Last aired
|-
! scope="row" style="background:maroon;"|
| [[List of Caillou episodes#Season 1 (1997)|1]] || 13 || 65 || {{dts|1997|09|15}} || {{dts|1997|11|18}}
|-
! scope="row" style="background:olive;"|
| [[List of Caillou episodes#Season 2 (2000)|2]] || 20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Come+Learn+With+Caillou!-a097340175|title=Come Learn With Caillou! – Free Online Library|publisher=Thefreelibrary.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224105442/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Come+Learn+With+Caillou!-a097340175|archive-date=December 24, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2013}}</ref> || 80 || {{dts|2000|08|26}} || {{dts|2000|10|13}}
|-
! scope="row" style="background:green;"|
| [[List of Caillou episodes#Season 3 (2002)|3]] || 13<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caillou.com/parentsteachers/prog_recap3.shtml |title=Caillou . Parents & Teachers . Episodes Descriptions . Season 3 |publisher=Caillou.com |access-date=February 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010011412/http://www.caillou.com/parentsteachers/prog_recap3.shtml |archive-date=October 10, 2013}}</ref> || 62 || {{dts|2002|01|12}} || {{dts|2002|03|31}}
|-
! scope="row" style="background:teal;"|
| [[List of Caillou episodes#Season 4 (2006)|4]] || 20<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecookiejarcompany.com/download/Library/New%20Caillou.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114102139/http://www.thecookiejarcompany.com/download/Library/New%20Caillou.pdf |archive-date=January 14, 2007 |title=New Caillou |access-date=December 22, 2013}}</ref> || 60 || {{dts|2006|04|01}} || {{dts|2006|08|23}}
|-
! scope="row" style="background:navy;"|
| [[List of Caillou episodes#Season 5 (2010–11)|5]] || 26<ref name="portfolio" /> || 78 || {{dts|2010|09|11}}<ref name="press">{{cite web |url=http://www.thecookiejarcompany.com/press/cj_press_20100908.php |title=For the Kid Inside! |publisher=The Cookie Jar Company |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=December 22, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118005722/http://thecookiejarcompany.com/press/cj_press_20100908.php |archive-date=November 18, 2011}}</ref> || {{dts|2011|04|17}}
|}

==Production==
''Caillou'' books have been published by Chouette Publishing Inc. since 1989.<ref name="Baby Caillou">{{cite web |url=http://www.chouette-publishing.com/EN/caillou/history |title=Caillou – Creation |publisher=Chouette Publishing |access-date=October 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923203002/http://www.chouette-publishing.com/EN/caillou/history |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> As Caillou appeared as a much younger child in the original line of children's books, he originally had [[Hair loss|no hair]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2022 |title=Why Doesn't Caillou Have Hair – Why He's Always Remained Bald – Screen Rant |url=https://screenrant.com/why-doesnt-caillou-have-hair-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628204238/https://screenrant.com/why-doesnt-caillou-have-hair-explained/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=[[Screen Rant]]}}</ref> When illustrators found that adding hair made him look unrecognizable, it was decided that the character would be bald. Chouette Publishing defended the decision to make the character bald: "Caillou's baldness may make him different, but we hope it helps children understand that being different isn't just okay, it's normal."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Public Broadcasting Service |title=FAQ |url=https://www.pbs.org/parents/caillou/faq.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826103455/https://www.pbs.org/parents/caillou/faq.html |archive-date=26 August 2018 |website=[[PBS]]}}</ref><ref name="chouettebald">{{cite web |author=Chouette |title=Why is Caillou bald? |url=http://www.chouette-publishing.com/EN/why-caillou-bald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923203004/http://www.chouette-publishing.com/EN/why-caillou-bald |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |access-date=October 25, 2014 |publisher=Chouette}}</ref> According to the series' official website, the show's target audience was apparently largely unfazed by the character's baldness: "The fact that he is bald does not seem to bother preschoolers in the least. Not only do they never mention it, but when asked to think about why Caillou has no hair, our focus groups just laughed and replied: 'He just doesn't have any hair!{{'"}}<ref name="Why Is Caillou Bald">{{Cite web |date=2015-12-08 |title=Why Is Caillou Bald? |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-is-caillou-bald_n_610874ffe4b0497e67026e7b |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref> This decision to keep the character bald in the series led to an [[urban legend]]/[[internet meme]] that suggests the title character has [[cancer]] or pediatric [[Alopecia universalis|alopecia]], and claims to explain why his parents supposedly allow him to throw [[tantrum]]s with [[impunity]].<ref>{{cite web |date=2015-12-08 |title=Why Is Caillou Bald? |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/08/why-is-caillou-bald_n_8748996.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107142916/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/08/why-is-caillou-bald_n_8748996.html |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |access-date=2020-04-28 |website=HuffPost Canada |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Why Is Caillou Bald"/>

The series was originally broadcast in French in Canada, and the episodes were later translated into English. The original books were also in French. ''Caillou'' was designed primarily for [[toddler]]s. It was created by child developmental psychologists. In 1997, 65 five-minute episodes of ''Caillou'' were aired in Canada and in selected markets worldwide, including the US. In 2000 there were 40 30-minute episodes of the show, containing a mixture of the five-minute episodes plus new stories, songs, "Real Kids" segment and puppets. This was followed by another 16 30-minute episodes containing all-new stories in 2003. The film ''Caillou's Holiday Movie'' was released on October 7, 2003. On April 3, 2006, a new set of 20 episodes finally premiered after a three-year hiatus. Caillou started attending preschool and there were new themes and a new opening. New character redesigns were handled by Travis Cowsill, a storyboard artist on ''[[Timon and Pumbaa (TV series)|Timon and Pumbaa]]'' and ''[[Invasion America]]''. The show was renewed for a second and third season in 2003,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Caillou Back for Season Two |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/caillou-back-for-season-two/ |last=Ball |first=Ryan |date=February 10, 2003 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US |access-date=May 24, 2020 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184509/https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/caillou-back-for-season-two/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and later a fourth season. The fifth season was animated by South Africa-based studio [[Clockwork Zoo]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100122212054/http://www.animationsa.org/community/press-releases/clockwork-zoo/clockwork-zoo-begins-key-animation-caillou] "Clockwork Zoo begins key animation on Caillou | Animation SA"</ref>

On November 14, 2012, the fourth season of the series was pre-sold to PBS Kids in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kidscreen.com/2012/11/14/dhx-media-sells-fourth-season-of-caillou-to-pbs-kids/ |work=KidScreen |title=DHX Media sells fourth season of Caillou to PBS Kids |access-date=January 22, 2013 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627233919/https://kidscreen.com/2012/11/14/dhx-media-sells-fourth-season-of-caillou-to-pbs-kids/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception, criticism, and legacy==
''Caillou'' initially received generally positive reviews from television critics and parents of young children. The staff of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote that its protagonist "embellish[es] everything he sees with his rich imagination."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ew.com/article/2012/08/01/caillou/ |title=Caillou |last=EW Staff |date=August 1, 2012 |website=EW.com |language=EN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415075610/https://ew.com/article/2012/08/01/caillou/ |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' wrote "''Caillou'' looks at the world through the eyes of its 4-year-old namesake [and] takes life's not-always-so-simple lessons and presents them in a way preschoolers can understand,"<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/07/tv/for-young-viewers-sharing-the-small-stuff.html |title=FOR YOUNG VIEWERS; Sharing the Small Stuff |date=October 7, 2001 |work=The New York Times |access-date=March 17, 2020 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415081456/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/07/tv/for-young-viewers-sharing-the-small-stuff.html |url-status=live}}</ref> while Lynne Heffley of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' wrote that "each animated episode is an unusually realistic reflection of a preschooler's daily fun, family interaction, challenges, disappointments and misunderstandings as Caillou grows and learns to make sense of his world", also describing it as "a virtual guidebook for parents and caregivers".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-04-ca-15135-story.html |title=Kids' Series Give Gentle Life Lessons Television Review |last=Heffley |first=Lynne |date=September 4, 2000 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322041601/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-sep-04-ca-15135-story.html |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |access-date=March 22, 2020}}</ref>

As the years progressed, however, the show drew criticism for what viewers perceived as incorrect lessons children could glean through various moments throughout the series. Most of these criticisms stemmed from episodes in the show's first season, but some episodes from the second season and third season received backlash as well. In a ''[[National Post]]'' column, writer Tristin Hopper identified ''Caillou'' to be "quite possibly the world's most universally reviled children's program." A common criticism towards the series is that the title character behaves like a spoiled child and suffers no consequences from his parents for his behavior, and is even rewarded on some occasions.<ref name="NationalPost">{{cite news |last=Hopper |first=Tristin |date=May 1, 2017 |title=Caillou is an aggressively bad show ruining the world's children … and it's all Canada's fault |journal=[[National Post]] |publisher=[[Postmedia Network]] |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/analysis-caillou-is-an-aggressively-bad-show-ruining-the-worlds-children-and-its-all-canadas-fault |access-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cotter |first=Padraig |date=2022-04-18 |title=Why Doesn't Caillou Have Hair - Why He's Always Remained Bald |url=https://screenrant.com/why-doesnt-caillou-have-hair-explained/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref> According to Tori Carlo of [[Comic Book Resources]], "Not only is Caillou considered bratty, but also plain mean to his sister. In one episode, he pinches his newborn sister's cheek until she cries, all because he is jealous of all the attention she is getting. After this incident, his father unbelievably does nothing to reprimand Caillou for hurting his sister."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carlo |first=Tori |date=2021-01-19 |title=Caillou Is the Nickelback of Cartoons - Here's Why Everyone Hated It |url=https://www.cbr.com/caillou-death-history-nickelback-hate/ |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> Jef Rouner of ''[[Houston Press]]'' opined: "Caillou serves as a kind of avatar for the worst of young child [[selfishness]] and [[Complaining|whining]]. Children are [[Psychopathy|psychopathic]] and [[Egocentrism|self-centered]] by nature, of course, but once you give them a [[Role model|colorful hero]] to feed their innate desire to get their way through [[Screaming|asserting that they should louder and louder]], you're really turning it up. A child sees Caillou whine and cry and rage against the primary-colored plastic machine the very second anything goes slightly against his plan, the moment any task isn't instantly and effortlessly accomplished, and that child thinks. 'TV loves me, and TV says it's okay.{{'"}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rouner |first=Jef |title=Caillou Is Bald to Brainwash Your Child |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/caillou-is-bald-to-brainwash-your-child-6375148 |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=Houston Press |language=en}}</ref> Sara Smith of ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' noted that several episodes of the series were pulled from rotation due to Caillou's behavior in them: "The kid is such a demon seed: lying to his mother, tormenting the family cat, swatting his baby sister with a book. Even in later versions, where his bad behavior was toned down after criticism from parents, he's thoughtless, selfish and [[Impulsivity|impulsive]]."<ref name="Smith"/>

Additionally, the series has attracted criticism for its perceived lack of educational value. Hopper once said: "Unlike most children's programming, Caillou makes almost no attempt to educate its young audience. There are no veiled math problems, spelling lessons or morality tales; it's just calm, non-threatening, bright-coloured people navigating everyday tasks." These criticisms of the show's title character have been echoed on online platforms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/this-is-how-much-people-hate-caillou_n_58d05f98e4b0be71dcf766a9 |title=This Is How Much People Hate 'Caillou' |date=2017-04-03 |website=HuffPost |language=en |access-date=2020-04-28 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106072429/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/this-is-how-much-people-hate-caillou_n_58d05f98e4b0be71dcf766a9 |url-status=live}}</ref> Craig Silverman of ''[[BuzzFeed]]'' wrote: "Every episode is a showcase of terrible parenting. In one episode, Caillou gets [[Chickenpox|chicken pox]]. And then Rosie gets it, because Mom and Dad are too dumb to [[Quarantine|keep her away from Caillou]]. Caillou looks a little ''too'' happy about the situation, too, yes?"<ref name="Silverman"/>

''[[BuzzFeed]]'' and ''[[The Kansas City Star]]'' reported that many parents and babysitters "rejoiced" on social media in response to the announcement that PBS would be cancelling reruns of the program in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Golder |first=Andy |date=2021-01-06 |title="Caillou" Has Been Cancelled And People Are Rejoicing{{snd}}Especially Parents |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/andyneuenschwander/caillou-cancelled-pbs |access-date=2025-06-07 |website=BuzzFeed |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Stunson | first=Mike | title='Caillou' canceled by PBS Kids and parents are rejoicing. 'Worst kid show ever!' | website=Kansas City Star | date=2021-01-06 | url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/nation-world/national/article248308180.html | access-date=2025-07-31}}</ref> Carlo noted that "even before its cancellation, the internet was chockfull of Youtube{{Sic}} parodies and mixes about how spoiled the show's titular character is. [...] The end of ''Caillou'' brought a wave of relief over the internet, as parents voiced their long-standing opinions of the boy needing a major time-out. Caillou's fascination with learning about the world was only outpaced by his belief that the world was his for the taking{{snd}}a lesson kids had no business being exposed to."<ref name=":0"/>

[[Last Week Tonight with John Oliver|''Last Week Tonight'']] host [[John Oliver]] referenced Caillou in a comparison of boring things against [[net neutrality]], going on to criticize Caillou for its themes.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpbOEoRrHyU&ab_channel=LastWeekTonight |title=Net Neutrality: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver |website=[[YouTube]] |date=June 2014 |language=en-US |access-date=2022-09-25 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925194210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpbOEoRrHyU&ab_channel=LastWeekTonight |url-status=live}}</ref>{{Relevance inline|date=June 2025}}

Despite the criticism, Carlo commended the series' longevity and encouragement of children to explore and learn: "''Caillou'' managed to remain on the air for an astounding 20 years, simply because it was a solid educational program that got toddlers eager to explore the vast world around them. Caillou's other main trait was how fascinated he was with learning about everything, from the deserts of Egypt to the local carwash. Caillou's eager imagination made even the most ordinary activities seem new and colorful, which is a definite draw for young, growing minds."<ref name=":0" />

==Broadcast==
''Caillou'' first aired on Canada's French-language [[Télétoon]] channel on September 15, 1997, and was the first show aired on the English-language Teletoon when it launched on October 17 of that year.<ref name="5ecaillou">{{cite web |url=http://www.cinar.com/pdfdocument/091702/5ecaillou.pdf |title=CORPORATION CINAR CÉLÈBRE LE 5e ANNIVERSAIRE DE CAILLOU À LA TÉLÉVISION |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030314145722/http://www.cinar.com/pdfdocument/091702/5ecaillou.pdf |archive-date=March 14, 2003 |access-date=December 22, 2013}}</ref> The series was moved to [[Treehouse TV]] in 2010. ''Caillou'' made its US debut on PBS Kids on September 4, 2000, and ran on that network until December 27, 2020. Reruns started airing on PBS Kids Sprout (later known as simply Sprout) on its launch on September 26, 2005. While Sprout rebranded into [[Universal Kids]] on September 9, 2017, the show remained on the channel until it was taken off the line-up at the beginning of April 2019.

On January 5, 2021, PBS Kids announced on [[Twitter]] that they would no longer broadcast reruns of ''Caillou''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tvline.com/2021/01/05/caillou-cancelled-pbs-kids/ |title=Caillou Cancelled at PBS Kids (as Parents Everywhere Rejoice) |date=January 5, 2021 |first=Mekeisha |last=Madden Toby |website=[[TVLine]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106135148/https://tvline.com/2021/01/05/caillou-cancelled-pbs-kids/ |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |url-status=live |access-date=January 5, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Deadline Hollywood]]'' reported that many parents and viewers celebrated the news of the cancellation, as they have complained that ''Caillou'' had taught their kids bad lessons and encouraged them to be bratty and whiny.<ref>{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 6, 2021 |title=''Caillou'' Canceled By PBS & Parents Couldn't Be Happier |url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/caillou-canceled-pbs-parents-happier-1234665631/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127015153/https://deadline.com/2021/01/caillou-canceled-pbs-parents-happier-1234665631/ |url-status=live}}</ref> On August 16, 2021, it was announced that [[Cartoon Network]] had acquired the US broadcast rights to the show after PBS's rights expired, with reruns of the series airing on [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]] from September 13, 2021, to May 4, 2022, in its HD remastered form.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stalcup |first=Jamie |date=August 16, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Sets Cartoonito Launch Date & Slate |url=https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/warnermedia-sets-cartoonito-launch-date-slate/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 16, 2021 |website=TVKIDS |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816131416/https://worldscreen.com/tvkids/warnermedia-sets-cartoonito-launch-date-slate/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |date=August 16, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Kids & Family Sets Sept. 13 for Cartoonito Preschool Block on HBO Max and Cartoon Network |url=https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/cartoon-network-9/warnermedia-kids-family-sets-sept-13-cartoonito-preschool-block-hbo-max-and-cartoon |url-status=live |access-date=September 10, 2021 |website= |publisher=[[WarnerMedia]] |archive-date=September 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910235433/https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/cartoon-network-9/warnermedia-kids-family-sets-sept-13-cartoonito-preschool-block-hbo-max-and-cartoon}}</ref> PBS ultimately sold the rights for [[US$]]6.4&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://d1qbemlbhjecig.cloudfront.net/prod/filer_public/pbsabout-bento-live-pbs/Financial%20Reports/61a46ac10f_FY%202021%20Audited%20PBS%20Consolidated%20FS.pdf |website=PBS.org |title=2021 PBS Financial Report |access-date=2022-11-11 |page=16 |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112035145/https://d1qbemlbhjecig.cloudfront.net/prod/filer_public/pbsabout-bento-live-pbs/Financial%20Reports/61a46ac10f_FY%202021%20Audited%20PBS%20Consolidated%20FS.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> In Canada, [[Family Jr.]] continues to broadcast reruns since February 5, 2018. PBS Kids currently retains the physical media and streaming rights for the original series. [[Comcast]]/[[NBCUniversal]] acquired global streaming rights for the reboot series (via Peacock) as of 2022.

==Home video releases==
In the United States, Caillou videocassettes and DVDs have been released by [[PBS Distribution]] (Originally distributed through [[Warner Home Video]] until 2004, and then [[Paramount Home Entertainment]] from 2006 to 2010, and now self-distributed). From 2003 to 2006, the DVDs with puppets and [[Jaclyn Linetsky]] were compilations from 2003 through 2006, and one of them is in memory of Linetsky herself.

For the franchise's 25th anniversary, a DVD/book combo pack reissue of ''Caillou's Family Favorites'' was released on October 14, 2014, by PBS Distribution,<ref name="combo">{{cite web |url=http://www.therockfather.com/news-and-reviews/movie-and-tv/item/2790-25th-anniversary-of-caillou-caillous-family-favorites-dvd-book-combo-pack-due-in-october |title=25th Anniversary of Caillou: CAILLOU's FAMILY FAVORITES DVD/Book Combo Pack due in October... |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=October 25, 2014 |first=James |last=Zahn |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021144017/http://www.therockfather.com/news-and-reviews/movie-and-tv/item/2790-25th-anniversary-of-caillou-caillous-family-favorites-dvd-book-combo-pack-due-in-october |url-status=dead}}</ref> while a DVD reissue of ''Caillou's Holiday Movie'' was released on November 11, 2014, by NCircle Entertainment.<ref name="holidaymovie">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Caillous-Holiday-Movie-Caillou/dp/B00K0MM4KM|title=''Caillou's Holiday Movie'' – NCircle Entertainment |website=Amazon |access-date=October 25, 2014 |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018175231/http://www.amazon.com/Caillous-Holiday-Movie-Caillou/dp/B00K0MM4KM |url-status=live}}</ref>

In Canada, [[Sony Wonder]] originally released Caillou on VHS and DVD, and after the closure of the division by Sony, were moved to [[Vivendi Entertainment|Vivendi Entertainment Canada]]. Since 2012, Caillou DVDs are distributed by [[Entertainment One]] and after their purchase of [[Phase 4 Films]] in 2015, are released through the KaBoom Entertainment label.

==Music ==
The series' theme song is sung in Caillou's voice. Craig Silverman of ''[[BuzzFeed]]'' criticized the theme, saying: "The theme song says the word Caillou 14,356 times. [...] The director basically told the voice actor, 'As [[High frequency|high-pitched]] as you can go, with extra whine.{{'"}}<ref name="Silverman"/> In 2003, an album titled ''Caillou's Favorite Songs'' was released by [[Kid Rhino]] under the [[Cinar|Cinar Music]] imprint.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/caillous-favorite-songs-mw0000020714 |title=Caillou's Favorite Songs – Caillou – Songs, Reviews, Credits |website=AllMusic |access-date=September 26, 2016 |archive-date=October 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013230510/http://www.allmusic.com/album/caillous-favorite-songs-mw0000020714 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Revival==
===YouTube series===
Beginning in late 2016, a new ''Caillou'' web series for YouTube premiered on the official Caillou channel and was later released onto [[Amazon Prime Instant Video|Amazon Prime]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch Caillou's New Adventures {{!}} Prime Video | work=amazon.com | access-date=January 22, 2021 | url=https://www.amazon.com/Caillous-New-Adventures/dp/B075SJTJQ3 | archive-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184508/https://www.amazon.com/Caillous-New-Adventures/dp/B075SJTJQ3 | url-status=live }}</ref> These shorts are mainly remakes of older episodes and are produced by WildBrain Spark Studios, a subsidiary of WildBrain that produces original content for their [[WildBrain Spark]] network. However, the videos were not made available to YouTube users in the United States until 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8XvIF6dDmUtE3cHtvTPANX678A4qScr7 |title=New Caillou Webisodes &#124; Animated Cartoons for Kids |publisher=YouTube |access-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521184506/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8XvIF6dDmUtE3cHtvTPANX678A4qScr7 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2021, it was announced that Cartoon Network licensed the series for broadcast on US television.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://investors.wildbrain.com/2021-09-14-WildBrain-Reports-Q4-and-Full-Year-2021-Results |title=WildBrain Reports Q4 and Full Year 2021 Results |website=Investors – WildBrain |accessdate=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916030022/https://investors.wildbrain.com/2021-09-14-WildBrain-Reports-Q4-and-Full-Year-2021-Results |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Reboot and specials===
In September 2021, WildBrain announced the production of five new 45-minute specials based on the franchise for [[Family Jr.]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skwigly.co.uk/wildbrain-television-family-animation/ |title=New family animation for WildBrain Television gets greenlit |date=September 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707022117/https://www.skwigly.co.uk/wildbrain-television-family-animation/ |url-status=live}}</ref> These specials were the first ''Caillou''-related media to be produced in CGI animation, and focused on Christmas, Halloween, Family Day, summer vacation and National Anti-Bullying Day. The specials were produced by WildBrain Studios, with animation provided by [[WildBrain Studios#IoM Media Ventures|IoM Media Ventures]].<ref name="animationmagazine.net">{{cite web |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/peacock-slates-cg-caillou-reboot-lil-stompers-the-bad-guys-streams-friday/ |title=Peacock Slates CG 'Caillou' Reboot, 'L'il Stompers'; 'The Bad Guys' Streams Friday |date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707220309/https://www.animationmagazine.net/streaming/peacock-slates-cg-caillou-reboot-lil-stompers-the-bad-guys-streams-friday/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2022, WildBrain announced they teamed with Comcast's [[NBCUniversal Television and Streaming|streaming platform]], Peacock, to produce a new series of the show, consisting of 52 11-minute episodes to go along with those specials.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WILDBRAIN AND PEACOCK PARTNER ON CAILLOU FOR NEW CG-ANIMATED SERIES AND FIVE FAMILY SPECIALS |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wildbrain-peacock-partner-caillou-cg-114500486.html |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=Yahoo! Finance |date=June 24, 2022 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624201640/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wildbrain-peacock-partner-caillou-cg-114500486.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It was set to premiere in 2023, with IoM also providing animation production as the specials are. Despite the specials being released on Peacock, it would later be confirmed to stream on February 15, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Swift |first1=Andy |title=Caillou Is Being Rebooted in CGI Form, Whether You Want Him Back or Not |url=https://tvline.com/2022/06/28/caillou-reboot-peacock-cgi-first-look/ |website=TVLine |access-date=June 28, 2022 |date=June 28, 2022 |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628171112/https://tvline.com/2022/06/28/caillou-reboot-peacock-cgi-first-look/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

The first special: ''Rosie the Giant'', which focuses on the effects of bullying, simultaneously premiered in Canada and the United States on Family Jr. and Peacock respectively on July 10, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBr-tDDBKD8 |title=CAILLOU: ROSIE THE GIANT &#124; Trailer |website=[[YouTube]] |date=July 8, 2022 |access-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713132111/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBr-tDDBKD8&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live}}</ref>

The second special: ''Adventures with Grandma and Grandpa'', which focuses on Caillou visiting his grandparents for a sleepover at their beach house, premiered on Peacock on August 25, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/caillou-prepares-plunge-first-look-153041770.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=Aug 22, 2022 |first=Andy |last=Swift |title=Caillou Prepares to Take the Plunge in First Look at New CGI Special |access-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915194041/https://news.yahoo.com/caillou-prepares-plunge-first-look-153041770.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

The third special: ''The Bravest Wolf Boy'', which focuses on Halloween, premiered on Peacock on October 15, 2022.

The fourth special: ''The Silver Knight'', which focuses on imaginative play, premiered on Peacock on November 13, 2022.

The fifth special, ''Caillou's Perfect Christmas'', which focuses on Christmas, premiered on Peacock on December 2, 2022.

==See also==
*''[[Barney & Friends]]'' - another preschool series that also faced severe backlash
*[[List of television shows notable for negative reception]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{notelist}}

==External links==
{{Portal bar|Canada|Cartoon}}

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111029191800/http://treehousetv.com/kids/games/play.aspx?ID=104 Caillou on Treehouse]
* [http://en.caillou.com/ Official Caillou Website]
* [https://distribution.wildbrain.com/catalogue/36 WildBrain]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131103105159/http://www.caillou.com/indexFR.shtml Official Caillou Website (French)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20021210172413/http://www.chouettepublishing.com/en/ Chouette publishing] (publishers of Caillou)
* {{IMDb title|id=0262153|title=Caillou}}
* [http://www.desputeauxaubin.com/ Hélène Desputeaux official site]

{{Teletoon}}{{Treehouse TV original programming}}{{Former PBS Kids shows}}
{{Cartoonito}}{{Peacock (streaming service)}}

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