Nanalan': From TV to TikTok, a Canadian Children's Show Makes a Resurgence

The Viral Moment: Mona Dressed as a Princess

One particular clip has caught the attention of TikTok users worldwide. In the scene, Mona enters a room dressed as a princess while her grandmother, Nana, accompanies her on the organ, singing the infectious song “who’s that wonderful girl?” Additionally, Nana’s dog, Russell, appears dressed as a royal courtier. This video, posted with the caption “When the clothes you ordered arrive and you treat the family to a fashion show,” quickly went viral and has now been viewed over 9.5 million times.

The Journey of Nanalan’: From Television to Social Media

“Nanalan’” officially joined TikTok, YouTube, and other social media platforms this year. However, it was only after the video of Mona in her princess attire started circulating that the show gained significant attention. Jamie Shannon, the creator of “Nanalan’” alongside Jason Hopley, shared that the show initially consisted of shorts produced in 1999. Eventually, the series aired on CBC, Nickelodeon, and PBS for Kids, reaching a wider audience.

Mr. Shannon, now 51, has not only reposted old content but has also started creating new videos featuring the “Nanalan’” puppets on social media. He elaborated on the show’s newfound popularity and discussed why nostalgia resonates strongly online.

Reflecting on his own journey, Mr. Shannon shared a moment during his travels in Europe in 1990 when he learned about the passing of Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets. At that moment, Mr. Shannon realized that puppetry was his true passion. Already skilled in puppet making and acting, he was determined to pursue a career in this field.

Introducing “Nanalan’”: A Touch of Nostalgia

The name “Nanalan’” is short for Nana Land, which references Mr. Shannon’s grandmother’s backyard. The show revolves around the daily adventures of a little girl named Mona in her nana’s backyard. It showcases the relatable routine of Mona being dropped off by her mom at her grandmother’s house while her mom goes to work. Uniquely, the show is improvisational, without scripted dialogues.

In 1999, the original set of three-minute animated shorts was produced, followed by another set in 2000. Subsequently, in 2003, a series of half-hour episodes was created. However, one of the viral moments that gained significant attention was when Mona amusingly described objects in the garden using made-up words. This particular scene was widely shared on Tumblr, enhancing the show’s reach.

Amid the current difficult and uncertain times, “Nanalan’” serves as a comforting source of entertainment for viewers. The show steers clear of extravagant special effects, opting instead for simplicity and authenticity. It offers an escape from the overwhelming presence of artificiality in today’s world and provides a refreshing dose of reality.

Mona’s Journey Continues: Joining Cameo

Continuing to expand its reach, Mona has recently joined Cameo, a platform that allows celebrities to send personalized video messages to fans for a fee. Despite previous attempts to join, Mr. Shannon, using his puppet character, now receives numerous requests daily, including heartwarming messages and pep talks from people dealing with difficult situations.