Prank Patrol

infobox television
show_name = Prank Patrol


starring = Barney Harwood (UK) André Simoneau (CANADA)
caption = "Prank Patrol" Logo
format = Childrens, Reality TV, Comedy
runtime = 30 mins
country = Format licensed to UK
network = Discovery Kids Canada (Canada), YTV (Canada), CBBC (UK)
imdb_id= 0801710 |

"Prank Patrol" is a children's television series currently airing on Discovery Kids Canada & YTV. Each week, Andy (or in the UK version Barney) and the fun-loving ninjas help kids pull off the prank of a lifetime on an unsuspecting victim. With the help of talented experts, pranksters convince victims of big-time pranks like incredible super powers, alien landings, or an intelligent gorilla.

Each week, the mischievous ninjas wreak havoc on an unsuspecting public with a different prank. The ninjas drive the van, conduct surveillance, and carry out good, clean pranks not only on the public, but also on the presenter. One week a karaoke machine showers wanna-be singers and the next week a book of magic spells unleashes a spell on unsuspecting readers.

Elements

Each show includes several elements. To begin, kids dream up a prank with the help of Andy or, in the English version, Barney, who always knows the right "expert" for pulling off big time pranks. From robotics experts to make-up magic and magicians to special effects wizards, the experts always help build an impressive prank. In a segment entitled "Recipe for a Prank", Bruce Simpson, creator of Stick Girl, uses animation to depict the details of a prank kids can pull off using items found at home. Finally, viewers get to watch as pranksters set up their victims and lure them into the prank of a lifetime. Their responses range from shrieks of horror to shrieks of laughter. Usually, hilarity reigns supreme when victims discover they have been pranked!

UK series

There is also a UK version, which was created by Baker Media for CBBC, and was presented by Barney Harwood. It aired as part of TMi on BBC Two and the CBBC Channel on Saturday mornings, and then became a programme in its own right.

External links

Official Websites

* [http://www.apartment11.tv/en/ourshows/prank_patrol/index.jsp Canadian Apartment 11 "Prank Patrol" website]
* [http://www.ytv.com/programming/shows/prank_patrol/ Canadian YTV "Prank Patrol" website]

Reference Websites

* [http://www.bakermedia.co.uk "Baker Media" Website]
* [http://www.discoverykids.ca/shows/prank_patrol.asp Canadian Discovery Kids Canada "Prank Patrol" Website]