I dunno, I get where they're coming from, though. My mom and dad are a very loving, dedicated couple but they're imperfect. It's one of the most jarring lessons for a kid to learn, but also one of the most important and I think the show handled it well.
On the one hand that was my first thought On the other the ways in which they made the couple less perfect did in fact enhance the already spectacular show
as a person who went to school with there kids - they were pretty strict parents and the kids had it rough. going to school in beaufort they were made fun of for being on the show more then being praised . Hell even i thought Simeon's name was benya benya before i knew who he was and about the show. the daughter less so who was on the bands color guard at school. I guess it all worked out though
Growing up in a broken home this show was like chicken soup to my little soul. It made me so happy to see a happy, loving black family with such a rich culture.
Same, even though I’m Mexican. This was my favorite show that I watched alone, and it was a great little escape . I felt it was my own secret. Now I’m researching a paper for my class and it brought me here. I had no idea this was historical. I feel like I just did a full circle. 🥰
@@jesseniarodriguez8337 Mexico has a historic chattel-enslaved African descent population to. Afro-Mexicans. Most of them I think live in Costa Chica, Mexico.
Your daughter is so brave I’ve had 3 open heart surgeries so Ik the struggle I hope your daughter has the best life and I’m praying for her much love to y’all 💙
Wow. When I was younger my two little cousins were born preemies, and me and my family spent a lot of time in the hospital and the Rugrats were always playing on the tv. It made the hospital less scary for me and for them. I'm just really grateful that hospitals think of the kids comfort and they don't have to. They could just be another hospital visit. I'm glad your daughter made it through!!!!
As a black child with Caribbean heritage Gullah Gullah Island was groundbreaking. Seeing this beautiful family having fun together was heart warming and this show hold a special place in my heart.
@@edvaira6891 They did have Simeon (their real son) as their kid in the series. Their daughter Sarah was on the show as well, but they had her play Shaina(sp? - their daughter in the show)'s best friend.
This family is a bunch of sweethearts I used to go to church with them as a kid. Ron is so great he sells pound cakes and still performs nowadays. He’s a blessing to the community in the sea islands. Seriously they’re all amazing people to this day 🥰
Full respect for Binyah Binyah's actors for being able to spend all of their time hopping in squats. All that work HAD to have needed a lot of ice packs and massages.
@@weaselwords99 Does Ron and Natalie Daise appear with Shaina M. Freeman in Season 4, Shaina M. Freeman and Vanessa Baden appear with Ana Christina Randolph in Season 3, and James Edward Coleman II and Simeon Othello Daise appear with ChanSome in Season 1?
Yes! Especially compared to children's television now. I loved watching reruns and just growing up with those shows while they were still airing new episodes.
@@andreaj5067 Does Natalie sing, "Come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather!" just like Ron did on the Season 3 Intro in the beginning of Gullah Gullah Island: Rain Rain Go Away?
That's great that you had a show like this that reflected your family! Did you notice any little differences in Gullah culture in your family vs. the show?
Very cool! The personal connection you must have with GG Island is an amazing feeling, I'm sure whenever you watched/watch it or hear that catchy theme song. I loved it when i was in pre-school, still do... good memories.
Anyone remember the episode with the sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand? I have so many fond memories of this show. "WHO TOOK THE COOKIES FROM THE COOKIE JAR?~"
@@brittanykizzie3767 You mean like Shaina and Vanessa appears with Marisol in Season 3 and Binyah Binyah appears with Shaina M. Freeman as Shaina in Season 4 where they sing Binyah is a Baby that was taken in Look Who's Balking that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1996 and on the Gullah Gullah Island: Dance Along with the Daise Family that was re-released on Paramount DVD in June 9 1998?
@French Jesus by segregation? Thats a bit strong. The Roman Empire created the bones of modern Europe by absorbing and adapting other cultures to fit their own why do you think most people worship Jesus instead of Jupiter, why do you think Christmas is December 25, or Easter related to the Spring Equinox. China is a mix of dozens of different cultures from all over Asia including but not limited to traditional Chinese, Mongolian, Korean, Indian, and Nepali. The Middle East was at its most dominate when like the Romans they absorbed local traditions and cultures and adapted them to their own. It wasn't until Middle Eastern Culture did take a secular or segregationist policies that they did go back the middle ages, but for centuries they were the world leaders in Mathematics, Sciences and Literature. Open up a history book and you will see most cultures succeed not by being Isolationist and Homogeneous, but by working together with different neighbors or with differing people and cultures in and around a nation or empire
It was. That was one of their goals with the show, along with educating the audience on the beauty of different cultures of Africa and the diaspora. This show was so special.
Shit that was surreal. Going in, I was convinced I had never watched or heard of the show. Hearing that little snippet of the theme song though unleashed the flood gates of deep, deep memories that I didn't know I had. I distinctly remember an episode about them going over traditional African instruments and stuff, like rain sticks and that thing like a washboard that you use a stick on. I always wanted to try that washboard thing after that in elementary school music class, but it was never my turn. The brain is fucking weird sometimes. I'm 26 now, and that shit had to be buried in 20+ years of memories.
I was a 90’s Nickelodeon kid, and this show perfected the formula of how to present a unique culture to young minds. It was thoughtful, wholesome, and entertaining. I grew up in an Italian-American home in a white suburb and remember Gullah Gullah Island very fondly.
This was such a nice blast from the past, I didn't realize the cultural outreach importance of the show, I just loved the music and dancing as a child, they were all so talented
When I first heard about the Gullah/Geechee IRL I was an adult and my immediate response was "Like Gullah Gullah Island?" Then everything clicked... So mission accomplished, I guess! Great episode.
Oh man you don’t know how much this means to me!! I used to love this show, but when I watched it , it came on super super late at night. I’ve always tried to convince my friends that this show exists and no one would believe me 😭😭
@@edvaira6891 Gullah Gullah Island! GULLAH GULLAH! GULLAH GULLAH! Lots to see and to do there! All we need now is you there! Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island! GULLAH GULLAH! BINYAH BINYAH! Just take your foot in your head! That means hurry up! Don't miss the good things that we plan! So, come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather! Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island! Gullah Gullah Island! GULLAH GULLAH ISLAND! while Ron gives Simeon song prairie flowers on the Lots to See and to Do There Scene and Ron playing the drums in a marching band parade on the All We Need Now is You There Scene on the old Gullah Gullah Island Intro that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1996, Binyah Binyah jumped off the tree stump to meet his friends shouting, "GULLAH GULLAH!" on the Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island Scene on the Gullah Gullah Island Intro with Shaina M. Freeman as Shaina that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1995, Simeon playing the African drum in the forest on the Lots to See and to Do There Scene and James and Vanessa swimming at the YMCA on the All We Need Now is You There Scene on the new Gullah Gullah Island Intro that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1998, and Shaina and James going down the slide in the lake on the Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island Scene on the Gullah Gullah Island Intro with Tristin Mays as Shaina that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1998!
This one hit me in the feels. I had vivid flashbacks of watching the episode when they were walking through the market! It’s amazing how impactful these shows are on their audiences. I’m lucky to have grown up with it!
The best part of this story is that the message can be applied to any culture anywhere around the world. Never be ashamed of who you are or where you’re from regardless of what people might think. Embrace the things that make you your true self, be it culture or lifestyle.
Pretty sure there are *some* cultures who should be ashamed, or at least less proud than they currently are. Like a good portion of the German identity is based on Nazi shame, and ensuring it never happens again. American Confederates could also use a little less pride in their failed rebellion about slavery
yeah that really hit home for me. i’m puerto rican and my parents were abusive and i cut contact at 18, was so happy to no longer have my last name when i got married, and just denied that whole part of me. i’m 31 now and have been exploring my heritage and learning things about my culture because i’ve (slowly, with therapy lol) realized that my parents don’t define an entire culture and i can still be proud of who i am.
I also screamed with joy, yet I've only watched a single episode and just until recently I found out the name of this show, it was so surreal for me, I wanted to know more about it.
I'm sorry but are you really Michael Eisner? The CEO of Disney Michael Eisner. The man who came up with one of my favorite Disney rides ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounterncounter?
As a Charleston native, and Gullah descendant, I appreciated this video far more then you know! Our culture is truly wonderful and this show is a cultural treasure indeed
This was filmed in my hometown! The mother Miss Natalie had a tea shop years later that was on the way out to Hunting Island called Miss Natalie's workshop. You could have tea and other drinks while making arts and crafts. The children went to my highschool; Beaufort High. My little sister went there on a school birthday trip for a classmate and my family and I used to drive past it every weekend in the summer when we went to Hunting Island!
Dude, going to Miss Natalie’s Workshop sounds so paradisical man. Like having drinks and tea and making arts and crafts back in the 1990s doesn’t get any better than that 😊
I loved Gullah Gullah as a kid. Think that's why I'm so interested in different cultures now. I remember one specific episode about double Dutch jump rope and following rhythm or something. That was my favorite.
I loved the episode where the girl needs space from everyone. Like a quiet space alone when you’re upset, and how to make your own and know when to use it and respects other peoples private quiet spaces! With a mother who yelled all the time, this was a lesson I took to heart and STILL do to this day! 💜
I remember a comment about this episode on this very video and the commenter said, when she watched the episodes out of order, she noticed the baby wasn't there. Her brother told her that Binyah Binyah ate her as she was afraid of him at the time.
My mom always talks about how much I watched Gullah Gullah Island, but I only remember that weird yellow frog. A cute show, wish it was more memorable for me like other childhood shows. Thanks for covering it!
strabababerry I remember the frog, I thought it was a weird fever dream i had. I didn't remember the name of the show just the weird frog hopping around.
It is astonishing to me that "Gullah Gullah Island" never saw a DVD release. Viacom missed a golden opportunity with a show with such a rich backstory.
I worked with Philip Garcia back then. He was a nice guy. Talented dancer. He left behind a new wife and baby when he died. It was just awful. So glad he was mentioned by name in your work here.
Holy crap I’m 31 and I do this too. It’s very strange. It didn’t help when my friend who also 31 just randomly started singing the song a year ago. I kind of wanted the song out of my head, but it never will leave now especially after this video.
I'm 29 and I can still remember bits of the theme song. My 2 older sisters and I went outside and did one of the dances they did on the show. "Jump in, jump out, turn yourself about. Jump in, jump out, introduce yourself."
I'm 36, so I was 11 when the show was on. When you were my age, the show was more of a guilty pleasure that you watched if you didn't have school that day for whatever reason. Publicly, you watched Ren & Stimpy, but in middle school, you might occasionally overhear your classmates singing the song jokingly. Thing is, you'd have had to have at least watched a few episodes to remember the words to the theme song. So...singing it was pretty much an admission of guilt. :P
COME AND LETS PLAY TOGETHER IN THE BRIGHT SUNNY WEATHER LETS ALL GO TO GULLAUH GULLAUH ISLAND GULLAUH! GULLAUH! IM 30 I LOVED THIS SHOW MY DAD WOULD ACT LIKE BINYAH BINYAH WITH ME, I COULDNT WAIT FOR IT TO COME ON ID RUN AND GET MY DAD AND WE HAD SUCH GOOD TIMES!
This was one of my favorite shows growing up. Now I’m 30 years old and am very grateful to have experienced such a show as this. It was amazing when it came to teaching about the Gullah culture
Lol I'm 32, man I forgot all about this show. I heard the theme song and triggered a memory started singing Gullah Gullah island 🤣this show was awesome I thought the oldest girl was fine
@@megabronfame988 You mean like Ron is singing, "Come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather!" on the Season 4 Intro and Natalie saying, "Hey there!" on the Season 4 Intro that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1998?
I really do wish gen Z and Gen alpha had more slow paced children shows like this from the 90s like i cannot imagine being born and raised on smart phones and all that crap. Like my heart genuinely hurts for them to have channels like old PBS stuff we grew up on and then had to take a break every so often to go outside and play. It’s just so heart breaking that most of children’s television shows are just brain rot AI CGI made garbage.
Mad respect to shows like Gullah Gullah Island introducing kids to different cultures in fun and engaging ways. Shows like this make me proud to be Nigerian 🇳🇬
@@MiceAl487 If Binyah Binyah played Justin Campbell is hopping like frogs with his friends in front of a weeping willow tree dancing on the new Gullah Gullah Island Intro! How about it? Would Binyah Binyah play Philip D. Garcia shout, "BINYAH BINYAH!" on the old Gullah Gullah Island Intro?
*In April, May and June of this year (2019), I was very sick. I lost a lot of weight, could not eat, sleep etc...When I wasn't in a hospital bed, I was reduced to the confines of my own bed as I was not able to walk much. During this period, I looked for things to read and watch to pass the time and came across the Defunctland channel. I binge watched as many videos as I could to take my mind off of my illness, especially during nights of insomnia which was a side effect to the prednisone. I am now 100% healthy and I just want to thank Defunctland for helping me through that difficult time. I always smile when I see that a new video is available.*
Ya’ll really took me back with this. There were few if any black children’s shows back then and this was a big one. Especially since the Gullah Geechee culture is so unique to America and the the south and black culture. I loved this show so much as a boy
Family Matters....Prince of Bel Air....Kenan and Kel....My brother and Me....My cousin Skeeter.... There was actually a lot of black childrens shows in the 90s, more than today really. The 90s were pretty diverse with kids shows.
@@superblazegirl never even heard of family ties and my brother and me. Fresh prince fantastic as it was, wasn’t a kids show. And Kenan and kel and cousin skeeter were wonderful shows but those were like older nick shows. I was referring to like actually children’s show
@@superblazegirl My Brother and Me only lasted for like one season and you have to be a certain age group to actually remember that...My Cousin Skeeter was more for tweens/teens, as well as Kenan and Kel. Prince of Bel-Air wasn't necessarily for kids. Like seriously, some of y'all annoy me with this. Naming off some of them is nothing when for every black show (regardless of demographic) there were at least ten other white shows. In general, there was hardly any children shows that had a mostly black cast back then and that was the point StephySon was trying to make. In fact, Gullah, Gullah Island is the only black preschool show Nick Jr. has had in the years it has existed. Family Ties wasn't a black show....SMH.
@@PoliticalAbstract Family Matters was most certainly a black show, you clearly have zero idea what you are talking about. Also...most kid shows for pre schoolers were animated or puppets...its not like there were an abundance of white pre school shows...you try so hard to make somethin out of nothing.
@@superblazegirl I see you changed your response, LOL because Family Ties was a white show so apparently you meant Family Matters. Girl, stop. There were plenty of preschool shows that centered around "white" families, even the ones who used puppets. SMH Like I don't know what I'm talking about? Says the girl, who confused Family Ties with Family Matters and tried to play like you didn't make that mistake by editing your posts. LOL
Try being Native American, we still get treated poorly. Even on our own land that we were forced to relocate to. When we found oil, the white people scooped in, took it all and told us off. Oklahoma was supposed to be ours, but 300 years later and the treaties promised to our tribes still are broken and unfulfilled. Nobody cares because they think we are relics of Hollywood western movies.
Gullah Gullah Island is a total treasure. I loved it growing up because the characters looked like my best friends, and the family was so warm and loving. The songs were bops - 'Who Stole The Cookie From The Cookie Jar?' and the learning Spanish song. But I what really sticks out to me is moving down to Charleston, SC nine years ago and seeing the word 'Gullah' in the local newspaper. I audibly gasped - I had no idea the Gullah people weren't fictional! I actually teared up because that show meant so much to me and to see that it was based off of beautiful real culture here in the SC coast made me so happy.
I feel like the only person to say this, but rest easy to the first Binyah portrayer. That road accident must be tragic for the staff, cast and crew of that time.
I so glad that this actually existed and wasn’t a figment of my mind. I remember watching this in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep, and I loved it! I couldn’t find anything about online until now... than you, I now know that a piece of my childhood was real!
Omg same!!! Because of my time zone I had to stay up until like 2am to watch this show Probably the start of me becoming a insomniac but it was worth it 😂😂
Gullah Gullah Island was one of my favorite shows as a tot, although I didn't realize it was an actual region until I moved to Beaufort. It was interesting seeing some of the episodes again as an adult and realizing I'd been introduced to all of these things I'd grown so familiar with long before I'd lived there.
I just want to say God bless this man and his wife Natalie, God bless everybody who made the beautiful show that I have grown up, Gullah Gullah Island. I hope every member of the team who made going to go to Island live to have happy and healthy lives ❤️😌
They are all the members of the family are active on socials, the son is an actor making strides on Hollywood, the daughter teaches about the Gullah community (I believe)
This was hands down a fantastic review of a fantastic show. For the longest time, my father thought that Gullah culture was just something that was made up for this show, despite my better efforts to tell him that it was indeed a real thing. It wasn't until one of my Uncles and Aunt eventually moved to South Carolina themselves and backed up what I was saying did he finally realize the truth. I can't tell you how vindicated this video makes me feel. Thank you.
This show really shaped me as a young child. I grew up in a rural, conservative, predominantly white area and was never exposed to diversity. At age 4, my imaginary friend was named Marisol after one of the characters in the show, and I wanted very badly to have an African American friend, which baffled my parents but I am almost 100% sure it was attributed to this show. To this day, the people I have grown up with in my area have very racist and stereotypical viewpoints about those who are not white, and people who are familiar with those attitudes ask me how I am so open minded to other cultures and races (I am now pursuing a career in teaching English as a second language to adult refugees and immigrants.) This show has been a major factor in that acceptance, and I am so fortunate to have been exposed to this beautiful program.
That was a beautiful story and it's show that this show has done what it was supposed to do. And at the same time has done more then I'm sure Ron and Natalie ever imagined.
Same here. I grew up in the hills of Kentucky and had never so much as seen a person that wasn't white before this show started airing when I was about 4. My little brother and I adored it and refused to miss an episode for years no matter how many times we'd already seen it. We drove our parents crazy with the "who stole the cookie" song lol. Having grown up in an area with so much racism I credit Gullah Gullah Island for helping me and my brother grow up decent people and politically active adults fighting for equality and equal rights. We're all human regardless of age, race, gender expression, sexuality, religion, etc and we all deserve to be safe and happy. I owe Ron and Natalie a lot for who I am now.
OH MY GOD! I went to school with Vanessa Baden, everyone was so surprised to see her around because we were all familiar with the show. I kinda miss the nostalgia of the old Nickelodeon Studios being right in Orlando, all these shows happened literally in my background.
Growing up watching Gullah Gullah Island, it was a pleasant shock (moving bases from Californa to South Carolina) and walking in freshman year to see my 1st period English teacher was the Man, the Myth, and the Legend himself, Mr. Ron Daise. He was an amazing teacher and role model, and forever talented in the arts.
We had such an immense sense of pride to see large elements of Gullah Geechee culture represented on tv. Ronald Daise and my father have been friends since elementary school.
I used to watch it in the early 90's as a kindergartner! And I'm from Singapore, ethnically Chinese, glad that I had the opportunity at a tender age to experience a part of African culture, since ethnic Africans are a rarity here :) The theme song really took me back, I still remember the lyrics.
@@elisasarra9361 Does Gullah Gullah Island: Dance Along with the Daise Family re-release on Paramount DVD in June 9 1998 and Gullah Gullah Island: Christmas re-release on Paramount DVD in September 21 1999?
I remember watching the programs with my children during that time and will pass it on to my, grandchildren. This will always reserves the nature of our culture and will not be forgotten. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Daisies for keeping our culture alive. Martha Williams
Oh jeez, this show started when I was around 7 or 8 and the theme song hit me with so much nostalgia, my chest hurt. That sounds silly but I remember learning so much from this show.
I just want the 90s mindset back. That's when we were encouraged to learn and participate in other cultures and genuinely looked forward to what the future would bring. Now it's cultural appropriation and all our media portrays a dystopian future.
@@FlexibleToast - This is a really silly post. You’re comparing children’s programming to adult programs. 90s adult programming was extremely nihilistic and violent. I mean Gen-X was known for being myopic and jaded. And the crime rates in the 90s were sky high. Grunge and gangster rap anybody?? You’re viewing the entirety of the 90s thru ur child eyes
"Natalie was from Rochester, New York." I screamed. I love it when people from my home end up becoming a part of cultural juggernauts like this. And Gullah Gullah island was already such a huge part of my upbringing.
I seriously loved this show when I was little. When I went to visit my aunt in South Carolina we went to the market and I was immediately hit with nostalgia and remembered the grass baskets and all the other sights from the show.
Gullah Gullah Island was one of my favorite shows as a child. It influenced me tremendously, and I didn't even realize it. Now, as an adult, I left the states and I am living on an island in the carribean. Experiencing amazing people, cultures, and a far better way of life. Thank you for inspiring my life and dreams. I'm far better for it.
@tobiaswilliamson00, that happened to me but Gullah Gullah Island was on Sprout on at 4:00 in the morning in early 2010's. I miss Gullah Gullah Island. The first time I watched it was 4th grade in 2000 but on a tape, after that, I fell in love with the show. I never watched during 90's, at least I don't think I did. I loved the fact the one little girl had my first name. I loved the episode when Natalie was sick and the kids took care of her, so sweet 😃😍❤️🤩. I wish this was still on.
Pretty much every episode of DefunctTV transports me back to my childhood. This was a special case. I wasn’t alive during the show’s original run, but I do remember watching reruns on Nick Jr. at around 2-3 am on weekends. Just hearing the theme song brought back fond memories of seven year old me snacking on Oreos and channel surfing until I found a curious looking show that brought me joy. I’m not lying when I say I almost cried when I saw this on my homepage. You just earned a subscriber; keep it up!
I remember watching an episode when I was five and they went to Charleston. It was then that I realized that this show was made in my own state. Ron and Natalie are really great people and I love that such a diverse show made it to kid's tv. Bonus my hometown newspaper was cited here.
God, making me feel old. . . The one episode I specifically remember is when Binya-Binya stope the cookie jar and the rythmic song "Who Stole the Cookies From the Cookie Jar?"
I have no idea how I found this airing on TV when I was a kid, but I was born in 2002, and I distinctly remember sneaking downstairs late at night to turn on the TV and watch this show. Couldn't tell you how old I was, I only remember watching it once or twice (the only things I remembered were the yellow frog and the set) before my parents figured out what I was doing and stopped it. Since then, I've remembered this every once in a while, and can't describe the closure I felt at finding a Defunctland video on it where I could properly learn about it.
Back in my sophomore year of college, I attended a small, hour-long concert, set up by the music department. Some of the students had collaborated with Brookgreen Gardens on a concept album of sorts, with songs that were inspired by different aspects of the actual garden, and they were premiering them at this event. A representative of Brookgreen Gardens, as well as a primary collaborator on the project, served as the host. He was charmingly energetic, playful, full of life, and infectiously passionate. He even sang the last song on the album, blowing everybody away with his tremendous voice. I remember listening to him speak and wondering if I had ever met him before. It wasn't until later that day when I discovered that this man was, in fact, Ron Daise himself. And I'll tell you this, he was still just as animated, talented, and endearing as he was back when I watched him on GGI. Once again Kevin, thanks for the trip and keep up the good work! Love every single thing you upload. I have not been disappointed once, and I don't think I ever will be.
As an adult, this was the show I felt was most inspired by drugs. Everything is a messed up perspective and size, everything is super positive, and it's all surreal as hell. I definitely had a crush on that girl as a kid before I understood what a crush even was hahaha
I hadn't realized they were an actual married couple with two of their real children on the show.😮Or that Gullah was a real culture. That's pretty neat.
I had already entered elementary school by the time Gullah Gullah Island began to air, but I remember watching it every day over summer vacations. One thing that always stood out to me, even as a little kid, was that it never felt like the kids (or the audience) were being talked down to. Ron and Natalie had a comfortable and inviting chemistry that made the show way more engaging than most.
I know. I sure hope RUclips's COPPA regulations don't fuck it up starting in January but honestly we all know RUclips's flagging this as "kids' material" and relegating it to the profit-less RUclips Kids sphere sometime in 2020 just because it discusses mostly media aimed at children and families that include children without including profanity or gore. Sure wish I had money to donate to Kevin's Patreon. :(
THANK YOU - I have been wondering for YEARS what that show was called - I watched it at my grandmother's house so much as a little one, and I've been unable to find it anywhere online bc I couldn't remember the name of the show at all! You're a life saver.
You ever half remember a show you loved; then get concerned that it would be terrible as you aged? Appropriative, exploitative, or the stars were terrible people? Then you go back, research it (or just check it on DefunctTV) and are instead pleasantly surprised? This was that for me. I loved this show, and every once in a while, I catch myself singing the intro. "Come and let's play together..." I REALLY needed a win to close 2020.
@Defunctland : I rarely comment on things, but I want to thank you for giving us such a great documentary about such a charming and wholesome show. A lot of folks wouldn't be as aware of accepting different ideals and traditions if not for shows like this. You have encapsulated that idea wonderfully, and you often do in other videos. Thank you for all you do~
I don't remember Grizzly Tales or Pinwheel, I have seen Muppets Tonight though (kind of makes me wish that he would do a small sequel to the jim henson mini series to focus on the post-henson era just so he can talk about Muppets Tonight)
Perfect timing! I was just talking about this show the other day to someone who had never seen it! I loved the fun coastal lifestyle and the diversity of it! Gullah Gullah Island was so ahead of its time, and I'm very glad I watched it as a child. There needs to be more shows like this for the kids of today!
I remember this show CONSTANTLY!!! I live in North America and used to watch this back in 2003. The early 2000's was THE BEST ERA for kids channels like Noggin (Nick Jr.), Sprout, Etc.
Ugh this made me emotional just watching it. This is truly a story of the American Dream in the best way possible. Amazing that so many TV execs were open to this idea. Made a huge impact on me as a kid to see myself on screen like that!
Oh my god this show DID exist! My own mom didn't even remember this. I didn't even think they were actually married, because they were so happy not many people in my family replicated that. I'm so glad to find out they are!
Oh my golly, this was my show back in the day! My mom is from Charleston South Carolina, and I remember hearing her speak Gullah all the time when I was growing up. Heck, she still does even now! It was so nice seeing a series on television about my family’s culture. ❤️🥰❤️
I was too old when Gullah Gullah Island came on . I saw that thumbnail and immediately knew what the show was. I heard the theme song clearly. Memories.
This show was so important to me as a kid. I had no idea when i was younger what kinda smart and powerful values i was being taught, but thankful for all the great cultural differences i was being shown and exposed too when i was little. The episode where they go to the market is burned into my brain, i just remember that one so crystal clear.
Thank you so much for covering this show!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 This was not only one of my favorite shows a kid, but also I'd say was the gateway that introduce me into appreciating and having a love for African/Diaspora island culture. _Gullah Gullah Island_ was very educational and special to me. The show felt bright, familiar, and like they were distant relatives. Kudos to your research, information and the work put into this episode feature.
When I was a kid, I remember having a vhs television recording with a couple of episodes of Gullah Gullah Island on it. I loved this show, thank you for reminding me it existed.
@@victoriabell9546 Does Reed hear a train whistle in the imaginary zoo in Allegra's Window in the middle of Tiny Planets and Gullah Gullah Island for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and Elmo catching a baseball at the old baseball team on the theme song in 123 Sesame Street in the middle of Tiny Planets and Gullah Gullah Island for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd on the FeetFace Era Promo?
"Ron's role was subversive, as a gentle father who explores emotions with his children in addition to completing household chores such as cooking and cleaning." Anyone else find it sad that this is considered subversive? I'm not saying Defunctland was wrong to say it was subversive, just that it's sad that this is/was considered subversive and not the norm.
Dang. I was in double digits when I really understood it's not generally the norm for both parents to share these responsibilities; after 40 it still makes me sad to know there were people then (and now, even) who actively disapprove of dads being involved in "household chores". Like, mom really hated doing laundry but dad didn't mind, so he took care of it and everybody's happier? They took turns cooking because there's 2 of them? What's wrong with that? Rhetorical question, obviously - to some it's simply a fundamental value judgment, that's it. Nonetheless, this is one of the few examples I've seen with dad doing these things by choice rather than necessity, and it makes me a little less sad to know the example was there for people to see, and question, and have conversations about. 👍🍍
I'm not sure why he said it was "subversive"... it may not be common for fathers to have that kind of emotional connection with their young children, it isn't really "subversive". Probably just a poor word choice.
@@snazzydrew Isn't it interesting how people with different perspectives can hear things differently? Given the context of Kevin's narrative framing - how many societal attitudes were fighting against changes to the definition of roles within a family, IIRC - it was just the right word to use in order to have a dig at that point. Given his extremely understated delivery, the sarcasm can be easy to miss; to be fair, when I watched this one I'd been binging the channel for 2 days and experienced enough instances of "Wait, did i hear that right?? Yup. Good one." to be ready for this kind of thing at any moment. ✌️🍍
@@OriginalPineapplesFoster Gender is a burden honestly. Your sex shouldn't define every part of your character, that just how your born, you're free to do whatever is natural for you, not put yourself in a role tied to some idea of "Gender".
My younger brother was the perfect age for Gullah Gullah Island when it premiered and he absolutely loved it. I still get the theme song stuck in my head every so often! Pretty sure my family went to that live tour too. It made me so happy to hear the heartwarming story behind it!
Marcus Blackwell it was a shows on PBS about a group of friends who would solve mysteries with the help of a ghost that only communicated through writing.
This was my third favorite show on Nick(next to Dora and Oobi). I remember when it would air at 4am in the morning. Great video as always. I’m also seconding the vote for “Big Comfy Couch”. I never liked clowns but I just thought that the show was so cute growing up. That clock stretch was so good for me.
Gullah Gullah Island has such a special place in my heart. We need more shows like this for the new generation.
Boom12 that’s very nice.
Same
Boom12 YESS me too honestly :(
@@charleemunoz2820 Does Gullah Gullah Island: Feelings re-release on Paramount DVD in September 21 1999?
Yeah, except our generation has yet to I grow up, we still have our toys. The older I get, the more I see how obnoxious we are.
They were such a loving couple that the audience literally couldn't believe it and asked them to be worse.
I dunno, I get where they're coming from, though. My mom and dad are a very loving, dedicated couple but they're imperfect. It's one of the most jarring lessons for a kid to learn, but also one of the most important and I think the show handled it well.
I mean, it was scripted and two of the kids were child actors
On the one hand that was my first thought
On the other the ways in which they made the couple less perfect did in fact enhance the already spectacular show
as a person who went to school with there kids - they were pretty strict parents and the kids had it rough. going to school in beaufort they were made fun of for being on the show more then being praised . Hell even i thought Simeon's name was benya benya before i knew who he was and about the show. the daughter less so who was on the bands color guard at school. I guess it all worked out though
You're equating being a loving couple and being flawless. Don't.
Growing up in a broken home this show was like chicken soup to my little soul. It made me so happy to see a happy, loving black family with such a rich culture.
Being born in a broken home sucks
I feel this. I miss being young enough to not realize all the negativity in this world.
Same, even though I’m Mexican. This was my favorite show that I watched alone, and it was a great little escape . I felt it was my own secret. Now I’m researching a paper for my class and it brought me here. I had no idea this was historical. I feel like I just did a full circle. 🥰
Trauma dumping
@@jesseniarodriguez8337
Mexico has a historic chattel-enslaved African descent population to. Afro-Mexicans. Most of them I think live in Costa Chica, Mexico.
This show got my daughter through hospital stays and open heart surgery from 2 yrs to 5 years she'll be 29 in 2 weeks she still talks of it fondly
Your daughter is so brave I’ve had 3 open heart surgeries so Ik the struggle I hope your daughter has the best life and I’m praying for her much love to y’all 💙
Wow. When I was younger my two little cousins were born preemies, and me and my family spent a lot of time in the hospital and the Rugrats were always playing on the tv. It made the hospital less scary for me and for them. I'm just really grateful that hospitals think of the kids comfort and they don't have to. They could just be another hospital visit. I'm glad your daughter made it through!!!!
I’m glad she’s doing so well!
@ this got me through many ear tube surgeries my adénoïdectomie & my accidental near fatal dog bite on my face in 2004
That is really, really wonderful to hear.
As a black child with Caribbean heritage Gullah Gullah Island was groundbreaking. Seeing this beautiful family having fun together was heart warming and this show hold a special place in my heart.
YES
🇬🇾❤️
I had no idea they were married in real life too. They're adorable!
me 2
Yeah, but the weird thing is the kids were actors...they weren’t their real kids
The fact that they're still together makes me extremely happy.
@@edvaira6891 They did have Simeon (their real son) as their kid in the series. Their daughter Sarah was on the show as well, but they had her play Shaina(sp? - their daughter in the show)'s best friend.
@@milkystar8950 Does Shaina appear with Marisol in Season 3?
This family is a bunch of sweethearts I used to go to church with them as a kid. Ron is so great he sells pound cakes and still performs nowadays. He’s a blessing to the community in the sea islands. Seriously they’re all amazing people to this day 🥰
really?
Svengoolie VS Gullah Gullah Island
Full respect for Binyah Binyah's actors for being able to spend all of their time hopping in squats. All that work HAD to have needed a lot of ice packs and massages.
@Minegamer oh my gosh noooooo
They definitely had thighs of steel during the Binyah Binyah days
@@weaselwords99 Does Ron and Natalie Daise appear with Shaina M. Freeman in Season 4, Shaina M. Freeman and Vanessa Baden appear with Ana Christina Randolph in Season 3, and James Edward Coleman II and Simeon Othello Daise appear with ChanSome in Season 1?
the 90s was one of the best decades of children's programming
Benny Moonwalker
You said it, big time heaven for me and I’ll never forget it.😄😄🙂🙂❤️💕
80's had Fraggle Rock though... probably the best kids show ever made.
I say that as someone born in 1990.
😉
@Bougie Barb IKR
Yes! Especially compared to children's television now. I loved watching reruns and just growing up with those shows while they were still airing new episodes.
This was so heart-warming. My family on my mother’s side is Gullah. This was one of my favorite shows growing up.
Amy U. Awesome and does she speak the language?
@@andreaj5067 Does Natalie sing, "Come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather!" just like Ron did on the Season 3 Intro in the beginning of Gullah Gullah Island: Rain Rain Go Away?
That's great that you had a show like this that reflected your family! Did you notice any little differences in Gullah culture in your family vs. the show?
Very cool! The personal connection you must have with GG Island is an amazing feeling, I'm sure whenever you watched/watch it or hear that catchy theme song. I loved it when i was in pre-school, still do... good memories.
@@celisewillis I was born and raised in Charleston. The only difference is the accent is alittle deeper than what's revealed on the show.
Anyone remember the episode with the sea turtles laying their eggs in the sand? I have so many fond memories of this show.
"WHO TOOK THE COOKIES FROM THE COOKIE JAR?~"
Bruhh
The barber shop
@@brittanykizzie3767 You mean like Shaina and Vanessa appears with Marisol in Season 3 and Binyah Binyah appears with Shaina M. Freeman as Shaina in Season 4 where they sing Binyah is a Baby that was taken in Look Who's Balking that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1996 and on the Gullah Gullah Island: Dance Along with the Daise Family that was re-released on Paramount DVD in June 9 1998?
Yesss! And finding shells on he beach, and the maypole!
Who me? Yes you! Couldn’t be. Then who? 🎤 🎶
No joke, I think this show was integral for a lot of kids in embracing diversity. I know that it was for me.
@French Jesus um ok racist much. Shit even your user name is diverse
French Jesus do you know what diversity means? what you’re saying makes no sense at all
@French Jesus by segregation? Thats a bit strong. The Roman Empire created the bones of modern Europe by absorbing and adapting other cultures to fit their own why do you think most people worship Jesus instead of Jupiter, why do you think Christmas is December 25, or Easter related to the Spring Equinox. China is a mix of dozens of different cultures from all over Asia including but not limited to traditional Chinese, Mongolian, Korean, Indian, and Nepali. The Middle East was at its most dominate when like the Romans they absorbed local traditions and cultures and adapted them to their own. It wasn't until Middle Eastern Culture did take a secular or segregationist policies that they did go back the middle ages, but for centuries they were the world leaders in Mathematics, Sciences and Literature. Open up a history book and you will see most cultures succeed not by being Isolationist and Homogeneous, but by working together with different neighbors or with differing people and cultures in and around a nation or empire
It was. That was one of their goals with the show, along with educating the audience on the beauty of different cultures of Africa and the diaspora. This show was so special.
It was such a beautiful way to feature diversity. Miss the essence of this show.
Shit that was surreal. Going in, I was convinced I had never watched or heard of the show. Hearing that little snippet of the theme song though unleashed the flood gates of deep, deep memories that I didn't know I had.
I distinctly remember an episode about them going over traditional African instruments and stuff, like rain sticks and that thing like a washboard that you use a stick on. I always wanted to try that washboard thing after that in elementary school music class, but it was never my turn.
The brain is fucking weird sometimes. I'm 26 now, and that shit had to be buried in 20+ years of memories.
Wow
Im 28 same experience
I'm 29 same experience today
I watched this show as a young child, and I’m 27. I loved it.
I have watched the show recently on paramount plus
I was a 90’s Nickelodeon kid, and this show perfected the formula of how to present a unique culture to young minds. It was thoughtful, wholesome, and entertaining. I grew up in an Italian-American home in a white suburb and remember Gullah Gullah Island very fondly.
"Binyah as in 'binyah a long time'"
Holy smokes I love it.
This was such a nice blast from the past, I didn't realize the cultural outreach importance of the show, I just loved the music and dancing as a child, they were all so talented
Same
When I first heard about the Gullah/Geechee IRL I was an adult and my immediate response was "Like Gullah Gullah Island?" Then everything clicked... So mission accomplished, I guess! Great episode.
You cute girl. Thanks for support this black show. We see you from the bronx nyc. We learn about everything from the ghetto... Pray for us.
same here!
Me too my grandma from the island I love her talk
I’ve never heard of gulluhgeechee
I'm from coastal Georgia. The influence of the Gullah people is felt around here.
Oh man you don’t know how much this means to me!! I used to love this show, but when I watched it , it came on super super late at night. I’ve always tried to convince my friends that this show exists and no one would believe me 😭😭
Same
Same
Come and let’s stay together....in the bright sunny weather...Let’s all go to....
@@edvaira6891 Gullah Gullah Island! GULLAH GULLAH! GULLAH GULLAH! Lots to see and to do there! All we need now is you there! Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island! GULLAH GULLAH! BINYAH BINYAH! Just take your foot in your head! That means hurry up! Don't miss the good things that we plan! So, come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather! Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island! Gullah Gullah Island! GULLAH GULLAH ISLAND! while Ron gives Simeon song prairie flowers on the Lots to See and to Do There Scene and Ron playing the drums in a marching band parade on the All We Need Now is You There Scene on the old Gullah Gullah Island Intro that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1996, Binyah Binyah jumped off the tree stump to meet his friends shouting, "GULLAH GULLAH!" on the Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island Scene on the Gullah Gullah Island Intro with Shaina M. Freeman as Shaina that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1995, Simeon playing the African drum in the forest on the Lots to See and to Do There Scene and James and Vanessa swimming at the YMCA on the All We Need Now is You There Scene on the new Gullah Gullah Island Intro that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1998, and Shaina and James going down the slide in the lake on the Let's all go to Gullah Gullah Island Scene on the Gullah Gullah Island Intro with Tristin Mays as Shaina that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1998!
Dude same, I remember trying to stay up late just to watch this show
This one hit me in the feels. I had vivid flashbacks of watching the episode when they were walking through the market! It’s amazing how impactful these shows are on their audiences. I’m lucky to have grown up with it!
I have never forgotten this either! It’s funny the things that stick with you.
I'm from Charleston! We would visit the Rainbow Marker often!!
I'm 33 and still sing the theme song from time to time. I loved this show so much!
@@laurenhazlett6327 This show had an impact on me, too! Each time I think about Gullah Gullah I'm brought back to feeling happy!
The best part of this story is that the message can be applied to any culture anywhere around the world. Never be ashamed of who you are or where you’re from regardless of what people might think. Embrace the things that make you your true self, be it culture or lifestyle.
Pretty sure there are *some* cultures who should be ashamed, or at least less proud than they currently are. Like a good portion of the German identity is based on Nazi shame, and ensuring it never happens again. American Confederates could also use a little less pride in their failed rebellion about slavery
yeah that really hit home for me. i’m puerto rican and my parents were abusive and i cut contact at 18, was so happy to no longer have my last name when i got married, and just denied that whole part of me. i’m 31 now and have been exploring my heritage and learning things about my culture because i’ve (slowly, with therapy lol) realized that my parents don’t define an entire culture and i can still be proud of who i am.
I just yelled “oh YES!” when the alert came through. One of my favorite shows growing up!!
remylane me to this was me an my sisters childhood
haha me too!
I also screamed with joy, yet I've only watched a single episode and just until recently I found out the name of this show, it was so surreal for me, I wanted to know more about it.
Same. I haven’t even thought about this show in like, almost 20 years?
Me too! :>
Gullah Gullah Island was taped at Nickelodeon Studios in Universal Studios Florida
I miss the Nickelodeon Studios and it's programs.
so was seaQuest
So was Allegra’s Window, a show whose company you stole, even though PB&J Otter was still good.
I'm sorry but are you really Michael Eisner? The CEO of Disney Michael Eisner. The man who came up with one of my favorite Disney rides ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounterncounter?
Thank you Michael very cool!
Just looking at this thumbnail, I could HEAR the theme song
Same!
“Just put your foot in your haaaaand” i always thought i was hearing that part wrong as a kid 🤣🤣
I also went to
"Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?"
"Binya Binyah stole the cookies from the cookie jar!"
😄
@@greeenishblue The next line literally is "that means hurry up".
*COME AND LETS PLAY TOGETHER!*
As a Charleston native, and Gullah descendant, I appreciated this video far more then you know! Our culture is truly wonderful and this show is a cultural treasure indeed
This was filmed in my hometown!
The mother Miss Natalie had a tea shop years later that was on the way out to Hunting Island called Miss Natalie's workshop.
You could have tea and other drinks while making arts and crafts.
The children went to my highschool; Beaufort High.
My little sister went there on a school birthday trip for a classmate and my family and I used to drive past it every weekend in the summer when we went to Hunting Island!
my brother was best friends with one of their children and came to my house all the time! it’s crazy
Dude, going to Miss Natalie’s Workshop sounds so paradisical man. Like having drinks and tea and making arts and crafts back in the 1990s doesn’t get any better than that 😊
@@ArquaticDreamer1994 hahaha, it was pretty cool. I remember it from 1998 to closing sometime in the early 2000s. :)
I loved Gullah Gullah as a kid. Think that's why I'm so interested in different cultures now. I remember one specific episode about double Dutch jump rope and following rhythm or something. That was my favorite.
I remember that episode too.
Yup. And when one of the kids tried to put the basketball between their legs.
I loved the episode where the girl needs space from everyone. Like a quiet space alone when you’re upset, and how to make your own and know when to use it and respects other peoples private quiet spaces!
With a mother who yelled all the time, this was a lesson I took to heart and STILL do to this day! 💜
Bruh same
I remember a comment about this episode on this very video and the commenter said, when she watched the episodes out of order, she noticed the baby wasn't there. Her brother told her that Binyah Binyah ate her as she was afraid of him at the time.
"In late 1996, binyah binyah's puppeteer Philip Garcia was killed in a car crash"
What
What ?!?!?!?!
Well that escalated
@@WhaleManMan quickly
@metalfaust19 :( gtfo bro, RIP to Phillip Garcia
R.i.p Phillip
My mom always talks about how much I watched Gullah Gullah Island, but I only remember that weird yellow frog. A cute show, wish it was more memorable for me like other childhood shows. Thanks for covering it!
strabababerry I remember the frog, I thought it was a weird fever dream i had. I didn't remember the name of the show just the weird frog hopping around.
Same all I remember is the frog and the theme song
It is astonishing to me that "Gullah Gullah Island" never saw a DVD release. Viacom missed a golden opportunity with a show with such a rich backstory.
They have the dvd’s on amazon now!!
Golden, you say? Just like the showers you enjoy! Ha!
JK
@@moabt.frican7163 As the infamous 'They' say, "Don't knock it until you try it".
🤨🤷🏼♀️🤣
The show lives on in Paramount+
I worked with Philip Garcia back then. He was a nice guy. Talented dancer. He left behind a new wife and baby when he died. It was just awful. So glad he was mentioned by name in your work here.
I've always adored Ron's accent and voice. I could listen to him speak all day.
Does Ron appear with Shaina M. Freeman as Shaina in Season 4?
I'm 31 and I still find my self humming the theme song now and then. Gullah Gullah was the best when you where home from school sick.
Beth Goldstein me too!
Holy crap I’m 31 and I do this too. It’s very strange. It didn’t help when my friend who also 31 just randomly started singing the song a year ago. I kind of wanted the song out of my head, but it never will leave now especially after this video.
I'm 29 and I can still remember bits of the theme song. My 2 older sisters and I went outside and did one of the dances they did on the show.
"Jump in, jump out, turn yourself about. Jump in, jump out, introduce yourself."
I'm 36, so I was 11 when the show was on. When you were my age, the show was more of a guilty pleasure that you watched if you didn't have school that day for whatever reason. Publicly, you watched Ren & Stimpy, but in middle school, you might occasionally overhear your classmates singing the song jokingly. Thing is, you'd have had to have at least watched a few episodes to remember the words to the theme song. So...singing it was pretty much an admission of guilt. :P
COME AND LETS PLAY TOGETHER IN THE BRIGHT SUNNY WEATHER LETS ALL GO TO GULLAUH GULLAUH ISLAND GULLAUH! GULLAUH!
IM 30 I LOVED THIS SHOW MY DAD WOULD ACT LIKE BINYAH BINYAH WITH ME, I COULDNT WAIT FOR IT TO COME ON ID RUN AND GET MY DAD AND WE HAD SUCH GOOD TIMES!
This was one of my favorite shows growing up. Now I’m 30 years old and am very grateful to have experienced such a show as this. It was amazing when it came to teaching about the Gullah culture
Lol I'm 32, man I forgot all about this show. I heard the theme song and triggered a memory started singing Gullah Gullah island 🤣this show was awesome I thought the oldest girl was fine
I’m 30 two.. lol remember puzzle place?
@@megabronfame988 You mean like Ron is singing, "Come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather!" on the Season 4 Intro and Natalie saying, "Hey there!" on the Season 4 Intro that re-aired on Nick Jr. in 1998?
I really do wish gen Z and Gen alpha had more slow paced children shows like this from the 90s like i cannot imagine being born and raised on smart phones and all that crap. Like my heart genuinely hurts for them to have channels like old PBS stuff we grew up on and then had to take a break every so often to go outside and play. It’s just so heart breaking that most of children’s television shows are just brain rot AI CGI made garbage.
Mad respect to shows like Gullah Gullah Island introducing kids to different cultures in fun and engaging ways. Shows like this make me proud to be Nigerian 🇳🇬
Your voice is so serious that I kept waiting for: "That's when the murders began."
Schuyler Dade
NO
Lmao
Racist
SAME. I WAS SO RELIEVED THAT IT ENDED WELL (Except for Binyah Binyah's actor :( )
@@MiceAl487 If Binyah Binyah played Justin Campbell is hopping like frogs with his friends in front of a weeping willow tree dancing on the new Gullah Gullah Island Intro! How about it? Would Binyah Binyah play Philip D. Garcia shout, "BINYAH BINYAH!" on the old Gullah Gullah Island Intro?
*In April, May and June of this year (2019), I was very sick. I lost a lot of weight, could not eat, sleep etc...When I wasn't in a hospital bed, I was reduced to the confines of my own bed as I was not able to walk much. During this period, I looked for things to read and watch to pass the time and came across the Defunctland channel. I binge watched as many videos as I could to take my mind off of my illness, especially during nights of insomnia which was a side effect to the prednisone. I am now 100% healthy and I just want to thank Defunctland for helping me through that difficult time. I always smile when I see that a new video is available.*
Kuji Chagulia really glad you’re better!
Just had to put it in bold for that extra attention, huh?
(They may edit it later, but when I saw it, it was all in bold)
@@ninjanippledog725 *Yes, I sure did. I need attention from people on RUclips.*
Your username means self-determination!
Wow that’s awesome, this has helped me learn a lot too and I’m so glad it helped you feel better, keep that determination coming pal.😄😄🙂🙂❤️
Ya’ll really took me back with this. There were few if any black children’s shows back then and this was a big one. Especially since the Gullah Geechee culture is so unique to America and the the south and black culture. I loved this show so much as a boy
Family Matters....Prince of Bel Air....Kenan and Kel....My brother and Me....My cousin Skeeter.... There was actually a lot of black childrens shows in the 90s, more than today really. The 90s were pretty diverse with kids shows.
@@superblazegirl never even heard of family ties and my brother and me. Fresh prince fantastic as it was, wasn’t a kids show. And Kenan and kel and cousin skeeter were wonderful shows but those were like older nick shows. I was referring to like actually children’s show
@@superblazegirl My Brother and Me only lasted for like one season and you have to be a certain age group to actually remember that...My Cousin Skeeter was more for tweens/teens, as well as Kenan and Kel. Prince of Bel-Air wasn't necessarily for kids. Like seriously, some of y'all annoy me with this. Naming off some of them is nothing when for every black show (regardless of demographic) there were at least ten other white shows. In general, there was hardly any children shows that had a mostly black cast back then and that was the point StephySon was trying to make. In fact, Gullah, Gullah Island is the only black preschool show Nick Jr. has had in the years it has existed. Family Ties wasn't a black show....SMH.
@@PoliticalAbstract Family Matters was most certainly a black show, you clearly have zero idea what you are talking about. Also...most kid shows for pre schoolers were animated or puppets...its not like there were an abundance of white pre school shows...you try so hard to make somethin out of nothing.
@@superblazegirl I see you changed your response, LOL because Family Ties was a white show so apparently you meant Family Matters. Girl, stop. There were plenty of preschool shows that centered around "white" families, even the ones who used puppets. SMH Like I don't know what I'm talking about? Says the girl, who confused Family Ties with Family Matters and tried to play like you didn't make that mistake by editing your posts. LOL
Come and lets play together in the bright sunny weather!
Let's all go to Gullah gullah Island!!
Gullah Gullah!
BINYAH BINYAH
just take your foot in your hand
Now since you mentioned that theme song its forever stucked inside my head
It sucks that the guy thought he had to hide his heritage
Maswartz226
Yeah but I’m so glad he learned to celebrate along with Natalie, that was an awesome backstory.😄😄😊😊
Yeah I know. He actually did a Ted talk about that too. It’s really good
Try being Native American, we still get treated poorly. Even on our own land that we were forced to relocate to. When we found oil, the white people scooped in, took it all and told us off. Oklahoma was supposed to be ours, but 300 years later and the treaties promised to our tribes still are broken and unfulfilled. Nobody cares because they think we are relics of Hollywood western movies.
Gullah Gullah Island is a total treasure. I loved it growing up because the characters looked like my best friends, and the family was so warm and loving. The songs were bops - 'Who Stole The Cookie From The Cookie Jar?' and the learning Spanish song. But I what really sticks out to me is moving down to Charleston, SC nine years ago and seeing the word 'Gullah' in the local newspaper. I audibly gasped - I had no idea the Gullah people weren't fictional! I actually teared up because that show meant so much to me and to see that it was based off of beautiful real culture here in the SC coast made me so happy.
That's what I call a power couple!
if we're going this route then how about we tackle Allegra's Window next
HollyBlueAgitated That or Book of Pooh
HollyBlueAgitated I second this! Allegra’s Window was a wonderful show! ☺️
Yesssss!!
I was just about to comment this. I was immediately reminded of it alongside Big Comfy Couch.
I JUST SCREAMED
I feel like the only person to say this, but rest easy to the first Binyah portrayer. That road accident must be tragic for the staff, cast and crew of that time.
Gullah Gullah Island was one of my most favorite shows. I still remember some of the songs. Such a great show
I so glad that this actually existed and wasn’t a figment of my mind. I remember watching this in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep, and I loved it! I couldn’t find anything about online until now... than you, I now know that a piece of my childhood was real!
Omg same!!!
Because of my time zone I had to stay up until like 2am to watch this show
Probably the start of me becoming a insomniac but it was worth it 😂😂
This theme song just randomly pops in my head while I work. I loved this show growing up
Gullah Gullah Island was one of my favorite shows as a tot, although I didn't realize it was an actual region until I moved to Beaufort. It was interesting seeing some of the episodes again as an adult and realizing I'd been introduced to all of these things I'd grown so familiar with long before I'd lived there.
I just want to say God bless this man and his wife Natalie, God bless everybody who made the beautiful show that I have grown up, Gullah Gullah Island. I hope every member of the team who made going to go to Island live to have happy and healthy lives ❤️😌
Bless them, I hope they're doing well. I loved this show as a kid.
They are all the members of the family are active on socials, the son is an actor making strides on Hollywood, the daughter teaches about the Gullah community (I believe)
This was hands down a fantastic review of a fantastic show. For the longest time, my father thought that Gullah culture was just something that was made up for this show, despite my better efforts to tell him that it was indeed a real thing. It wasn't until one of my Uncles and Aunt eventually moved to South Carolina themselves and backed up what I was saying did he finally realize the truth. I can't tell you how vindicated this video makes me feel. Thank you.
This show really shaped me as a young child. I grew up in a rural, conservative, predominantly white area and was never exposed to diversity. At age 4, my imaginary friend was named Marisol after one of the characters in the show, and I wanted very badly to have an African American friend, which baffled my parents but I am almost 100% sure it was attributed to this show. To this day, the people I have grown up with in my area have very racist and stereotypical viewpoints about those who are not white, and people who are familiar with those attitudes ask me how I am so open minded to other cultures and races (I am now pursuing a career in teaching English as a second language to adult refugees and immigrants.) This show has been a major factor in that acceptance, and I am so fortunate to have been exposed to this beautiful program.
This seems so nice and sweet, I'm happy for you and hope things are going well
❤️ 💪🏾
That was a beautiful story and it's show that this show has done what it was supposed to do. And at the same time has done more then I'm sure Ron and Natalie ever imagined.
Same here. I grew up in the hills of Kentucky and had never so much as seen a person that wasn't white before this show started airing when I was about 4. My little brother and I adored it and refused to miss an episode for years no matter how many times we'd already seen it. We drove our parents crazy with the "who stole the cookie" song lol. Having grown up in an area with so much racism I credit Gullah Gullah Island for helping me and my brother grow up decent people and politically active adults fighting for equality and equal rights. We're all human regardless of age, race, gender expression, sexuality, religion, etc and we all deserve to be safe and happy. I owe Ron and Natalie a lot for who I am now.
OH MY GOD! I went to school with Vanessa Baden, everyone was so surprised to see her around because we were all familiar with the show.
I kinda miss the nostalgia of the old Nickelodeon Studios being right in Orlando, all these shows happened literally in my background.
she's also from kenan and kel. how was she in real life? was she friendly?
@@oooh19 She was super nice, I was in drama classes with her and she rocked it in our musicals every year :)
Growing up watching Gullah Gullah Island, it was a pleasant shock (moving bases from Californa to South Carolina) and walking in freshman year to see my 1st period English teacher was the Man, the Myth, and the Legend himself, Mr. Ron Daise. He was an amazing teacher and role model, and forever talented in the arts.
We had such an immense sense of pride to see large elements of Gullah Geechee culture represented on tv. Ronald Daise and my father have been friends since elementary school.
I used to watch it in the early 90's as a kindergartner! And I'm from Singapore, ethnically Chinese, glad that I had the opportunity at a tender age to experience a part of African culture, since ethnic Africans are a rarity here :) The theme song really took me back, I still remember the lyrics.
*African American culture. But how wonderful that you also got to watch such a great show!
Had me always singing "Jump in, Jump out and introduce yourself" LOL
I still sing it to this day
Holy crap I forgot about jump in jump out turn yourself about...
Karamel Kiera jump in jump out turn yourself about ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@elisasarra9361 Does Gullah Gullah Island: Dance Along with the Daise Family re-release on Paramount DVD in June 9 1998 and Gullah Gullah Island: Christmas re-release on Paramount DVD in September 21 1999?
We sang that in preschool. Even the part where we would all mention our names.
I remember watching the programs with my children during that time and will
pass it on to my, grandchildren.
This will always reserves the nature of our culture and will not be forgotten.
Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Daisies for keeping our culture alive.
Martha Williams
That was such a sweet story at the start there, culture preservation is such an important thing.
Gullah Gullah Island was the best
"Come and let's play together in the bright sunny weather let's all go to gullah gullah island GULLAH GULLAH"
Binyah Binyah!
I only have one Gullah Gullah Island VHS tape I got from eBay. They're worth picking up if you can find one! Very rare, honestly.
we have tapes but we're not able to play them...
@@diamndz1021 Does Gullah Gullah Island: Dance Along with the Daise Family release on Sony Wonder DVD?
omg I had one that i watched over and over and over!!! I hope my mom still has it but I doubt it. The songs were everything and I loved Binyah!!
@@LethalLemonLime In Season 4!
@@jilldahlen5457 sorry about the later reply, I dont think that one is released to DVD, only VHS from what I could see
Oh jeez, this show started when I was around 7 or 8 and the theme song hit me with so much nostalgia, my chest hurt. That sounds silly but I remember learning so much from this show.
As he mentioned in the intro, most kids shows taught the same stuff. I craved random interesting information even then, so this show blew my mind lol
I loved how it explained emotions, both mine and others, in a respectful and honest way. I didn’t have that and this show was such a comfort.
This is just wholesome from start to finish
I wanna go back to the 90's
I just want the 90s mindset back. That's when we were encouraged to learn and participate in other cultures and genuinely looked forward to what the future would bring. Now it's cultural appropriation and all our media portrays a dystopian future.
A simpler time
@@FlexibleToast - This is a really silly post. You’re comparing children’s programming to adult programs. 90s adult programming was extremely nihilistic and violent. I mean Gen-X was known for being myopic and jaded. And the crime rates in the 90s were sky high. Grunge and gangster rap anybody?? You’re viewing the entirety of the 90s thru ur child eyes
80s for me age 5 or 6.
"Natalie was from Rochester, New York." I screamed. I love it when people from my home end up becoming a part of cultural juggernauts like this. And Gullah Gullah island was already such a huge part of my upbringing.
She was most likely a child of the great migration as she had family in south Carolina
I read this as I heard it in the video lol.
Currently on a road trip back home from thanksgiving break so this will be so relaxing to watch
I seriously loved this show when I was little. When I went to visit my aunt in South Carolina we went to the market and I was immediately hit with nostalgia and remembered the grass baskets and all the other sights from the show.
Gullah Gullah Island was one of my favorite shows as a child. It influenced me tremendously, and I didn't even realize it. Now, as an adult, I left the states and I am living on an island in the carribean. Experiencing amazing people, cultures, and a far better way of life. Thank you for inspiring my life and dreams. I'm far better for it.
As a Y2Kid, I remember watching Gullah Gullah Island at 3 or 4 in the morning on Noggin during the late 2000s early 2010s
@tobiaswilliamson00, that happened to me but Gullah Gullah Island was on Sprout on at 4:00 in the morning in early 2010's. I miss Gullah Gullah Island. The first time I watched it was 4th grade in 2000 but on a tape, after that, I fell in love with the show. I never watched during 90's, at least I don't think I did. I loved the fact the one little girl had my first name. I loved the episode when Natalie was sick and the kids took care of her, so sweet 😃😍❤️🤩. I wish this was still on.
YES!!!
Pretty much every episode of DefunctTV transports me back to my childhood. This was a special case. I wasn’t alive during the show’s original run, but I do remember watching reruns on Nick Jr. at around 2-3 am on weekends. Just hearing the theme song brought back fond memories of seven year old me snacking on Oreos and channel surfing until I found a curious looking show that brought me joy. I’m not lying when I say I almost cried when I saw this on my homepage. You just earned a subscriber; keep it up!
I remember watching an episode when I was five and they went to Charleston. It was then that I realized that this show was made in my own state. Ron and Natalie are really great people and I love that such a diverse show made it to kid's tv.
Bonus my hometown newspaper was cited here.
This was one of my favorite shows growing up! My grandparents met the leads on vacation one year and I was so jealous.
God, making me feel old. . .
The one episode I specifically remember is when Binya-Binya stope the cookie jar and the rythmic song "Who Stole the Cookies From the Cookie Jar?"
I have no idea how I found this airing on TV when I was a kid, but I was born in 2002, and I distinctly remember sneaking downstairs late at night to turn on the TV and watch this show. Couldn't tell you how old I was, I only remember watching it once or twice (the only things I remembered were the yellow frog and the set) before my parents figured out what I was doing and stopped it. Since then, I've remembered this every once in a while, and can't describe the closure I felt at finding a Defunctland video on it where I could properly learn about it.
Back in my sophomore year of college, I attended a small, hour-long concert, set up by the music department. Some of the students had collaborated with Brookgreen Gardens on a concept album of sorts, with songs that were inspired by different aspects of the actual garden, and they were premiering them at this event. A representative of Brookgreen Gardens, as well as a primary collaborator on the project, served as the host. He was charmingly energetic, playful, full of life, and infectiously passionate. He even sang the last song on the album, blowing everybody away with his tremendous voice. I remember listening to him speak and wondering if I had ever met him before. It wasn't until later that day when I discovered that this man was, in fact, Ron Daise himself. And I'll tell you this, he was still just as animated, talented, and endearing as he was back when I watched him on GGI.
Once again Kevin, thanks for the trip and keep up the good work! Love every single thing you upload. I have not been disappointed once, and I don't think I ever will be.
I have met him and Natalie as well during performances. All around amazing people!
@@alika207 Does Natalie appear with Shaina M. Freeman as Shaina in Season 4?
Your teasing me with that Big Comfy Couch footage. Seriously though, I liked the video. I just hope you cover The Big Comfy Couch sometime.
0:45 Now you're just toying with me...
I've been hoping you'd do an episode on Big Comfy Couch ever since you started DefunctTV
I need that episode as well! One of my favorite shows.
As an adult, this was the show I felt was most inspired by drugs. Everything is a messed up perspective and size, everything is super positive, and it's all surreal as hell. I definitely had a crush on that girl as a kid before I understood what a crush even was hahaha
@@skeetsmcgrew3282 Well she did go on to voice Claire Redfield in the Resident Evil games
Same!
@@otaking3582 Wait, she did?
What a career change
I hadn't realized they were an actual married couple with two of their real children on the show.😮Or that Gullah was a real culture. That's pretty neat.
I had already entered elementary school by the time Gullah Gullah Island began to air, but I remember watching it every day over summer vacations. One thing that always stood out to me, even as a little kid, was that it never felt like the kids (or the audience) were being talked down to. Ron and Natalie had a comfortable and inviting chemistry that made the show way more engaging than most.
Can I just say this channel is one of my favorite things not only on RUclips but the entire internet
I know. I sure hope RUclips's COPPA regulations don't fuck it up starting in January but honestly we all know RUclips's flagging this as "kids' material" and relegating it to the profit-less RUclips Kids sphere sometime in 2020 just because it discusses mostly media aimed at children and families that include children without including profanity or gore. Sure wish I had money to donate to Kevin's Patreon. :(
Defunctland uploads make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside
You included Pappy Drewit in the intro and I’m so here for it! I loved Gullah Gullah Island too. Thanks for bringing me back to my childhood!
Sarah Humble Was that the show with the beaver puppet? I was wondering what that was!
THANK YOU - I have been wondering for YEARS what that show was called - I watched it at my grandmother's house so much as a little one, and I've been unable to find it anywhere online bc I couldn't remember the name of the show at all! You're a life saver.
You ever half remember a show you loved; then get concerned that it would be terrible as you aged? Appropriative, exploitative, or the stars were terrible people? Then you go back, research it (or just check it on DefunctTV) and are instead pleasantly surprised? This was that for me. I loved this show, and every once in a while, I catch myself singing the intro. "Come and let's play together..."
I REALLY needed a win to close 2020.
@Defunctland : I rarely comment on things, but I want to thank you for giving us such a great documentary about such a charming and wholesome show. A lot of folks wouldn't be as aware of accepting different ideals and traditions if not for shows like this. You have encapsulated that idea wonderfully, and you often do in other videos. Thank you for all you do~
This dredged up ancient memories I didn't even know I had...apparently my momma would sit me in front of the tv for the reruns when I was a baby!
Eureeka's Castle was my baby show that triggered memories I didn't know I had.
0:41 dude you have to do Pappyland one day, and this is coming from someone who wants to see you cover the Carmen game shows just as badly
iHeart Gaming and Whose Line
Grizzly Tales, Pinwheel, Muppets Tonight...
@@austinreed7343 There was a DefunctTV special ALL ABOUT Jim Henson.
PowerRangersFan
That’s the first series after his death.
I don't remember Grizzly Tales or Pinwheel, I have seen Muppets Tonight though (kind of makes me wish that he would do a small sequel to the jim henson mini series to focus on the post-henson era just so he can talk about Muppets Tonight)
iHeart Gaming and Whose Line
Yeah! CityKids, The Animal Show, Animal Jam, and a lot more.
Perfect timing! I was just talking about this show the other day to someone who had never seen it! I loved the fun coastal lifestyle and the diversity of it! Gullah Gullah Island was so ahead of its time, and I'm very glad I watched it as a child. There needs to be more shows like this for the kids of today!
I remember this show CONSTANTLY!!! I live in North America and used to watch this back in 2003. The early 2000's was THE BEST ERA for kids channels like Noggin (Nick Jr.), Sprout, Etc.
Ugh this made me emotional just watching it. This is truly a story of the American Dream in the best way possible. Amazing that so many TV execs were open to this idea. Made a huge impact on me as a kid to see myself on screen like that!
Oh my god this show DID exist! My own mom didn't even remember this. I didn't even think they were actually married, because they were so happy not many people in my family replicated that. I'm so glad to find out they are!
Oh my golly, this was my show back in the day! My mom is from Charleston South Carolina, and I remember hearing her speak Gullah all the time when I was growing up. Heck, she still does even now! It was so nice seeing a series on television about my family’s culture. ❤️🥰❤️
I was too old when Gullah Gullah Island came on . I saw that thumbnail and immediately knew what the show was. I heard the theme song clearly. Memories.
This show was so important to me as a kid. I had no idea when i was younger what kinda smart and powerful values i was being taught, but thankful for all the great cultural differences i was being shown and exposed too when i was little. The episode where they go to the market is burned into my brain, i just remember that one so crystal clear.
Thank you so much for covering this show!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾
This was not only one of my favorite shows a kid, but also I'd say was the gateway that introduce me into appreciating and having a love for African/Diaspora island culture. _Gullah Gullah Island_ was very educational and special to me. The show felt bright, familiar, and like they were distant relatives. Kudos to your research, information and the work put into this episode feature.
When I was a kid, I remember having a vhs television recording with a couple of episodes of Gullah Gullah Island on it. I loved this show, thank you for reminding me it existed.
I remember when I was little when Nick jr used to be called nagoon this show would air in 4:00 am oh good times it makes me emotional 😭
same
Yeah. Me too. Also, it's spelled *Noggin. N-O-G-G-I-N, Noggin.
@@victoriabell9546 Does Reed hear a train whistle in the imaginary zoo in Allegra's Window in the middle of Tiny Planets and Gullah Gullah Island for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and Elmo catching a baseball at the old baseball team on the theme song in 123 Sesame Street in the middle of Tiny Planets and Gullah Gullah Island for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd on the FeetFace Era Promo?
"Ron's role was subversive, as a gentle father who explores emotions with his children in addition to completing household chores such as cooking and cleaning."
Anyone else find it sad that this is considered subversive? I'm not saying Defunctland was wrong to say it was subversive, just that it's sad that this is/was considered subversive and not the norm.
Dang. I was in double digits when I really understood it's not generally the norm for both parents to share these responsibilities; after 40 it still makes me sad to know there were people then (and now, even) who actively disapprove of dads being involved in "household chores". Like, mom really hated doing laundry but dad didn't mind, so he took care of it and everybody's happier? They took turns cooking because there's 2 of them? What's wrong with that?
Rhetorical question, obviously - to some it's simply a fundamental value judgment, that's it. Nonetheless, this is one of the few examples I've seen with dad doing these things by choice rather than necessity, and it makes me a little less sad to know the example was there for people to see, and question, and have conversations about. 👍🍍
I'm not sure why he said it was "subversive"... it may not be common for fathers to have that kind of emotional connection with their young children, it isn't really "subversive".
Probably just a poor word choice.
@@snazzydrew Isn't it interesting how people with different perspectives can hear things differently? Given the context of Kevin's narrative framing - how many societal attitudes were fighting against changes to the definition of roles within a family, IIRC - it was just the right word to use in order to have a dig at that point.
Given his extremely understated delivery, the sarcasm can be easy to miss; to be fair, when I watched this one I'd been binging the channel for 2 days and experienced enough instances of "Wait, did i hear that right?? Yup. Good one." to be ready for this kind of thing at any moment. ✌️🍍
@@OriginalPineapplesFoster Gender is a burden honestly. Your sex shouldn't define every part of your character, that just how your born, you're free to do whatever is natural for you, not put yourself in a role tied to some idea of "Gender".
My younger brother was the perfect age for Gullah Gullah Island when it premiered and he absolutely loved it. I still get the theme song stuck in my head every so often! Pretty sure my family went to that live tour too. It made me so happy to hear the heartwarming story behind it!
Holy SHIT, I haven't thought about this show in YEARS.
instead of robot chicken making fun of it
I would love to see a Defunct TV on Ghostwriter.
Now I'm walking around the house singing "Ghostwiter!" Loved that show
Ghost100Buster that would be amazing.
@@wheelwatcher05 Word!
This is a dumb question but what was that? I never saw
Marcus Blackwell it was a shows on PBS about a group of friends who would solve mysteries with the help of a ghost that only communicated through writing.
This was my third favorite show on Nick(next to Dora and Oobi). I remember when it would air at 4am in the morning.
Great video as always.
I’m also seconding the vote for “Big Comfy Couch”.
I never liked clowns but I just thought that the show was so cute growing up.
That clock stretch was so good for me.