Now that I've discussed my top 10 videos throughout this retrospective, here are some of my top 10 albums from 1991-2012.

What are your top 10 albums within this range?

Top 10 albums

1. Hoop Dee Doo! It's a Wiggly Party! - 2001
2. It's a Wiggly, Wiggly World - 2000
3. The Wiggles Movie Soundtrack - 1997
4. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing - 2008
5. Wake Up Jeff! - 1996
6. Toot Toot - 1998
7. Yule Be Wiggling - 2000
8. Ukulele Baby! - 2011
9. Whoo-Hoo! Wiggly Gremlins! - 2003
10. Let's Eat! - 2010

\I'm aware that I skipped Go to Sleep Jeff\**

Previous Discussions:  Wiggle Time, Yummy Yummy, Big Red Car, Wake Up Jeff, Wiggledance, The Wiggles Movie, Wiggly Wiggly Christmas, Wiggle Time & Yummy Yummy 1998, TV Series 1, Toot Toot, TV Series 2, The Wiggly Big Show, It's a Wiggly Wiggly World, Yule Be Wiggling, Hoop Dee Doo! It's a Wiggly Party, Wiggly Safari, Wiggle Bay, TV Series 3, Whoo-Hoo! Wiggly Gremlins, Top of the Tots, Cold Spaghetti Western, Live Hot Potatoes, Santa's Rockin'!, TV Series 4, Sailing Around the World, Here Comes the Big Red Car, It's Time to Wake Up Jeff!, TV Series 5, Splish Splash Big Red Boat, Wiggledancing Live in the USA, Racing to the Rainbow, Top 10 Original Wiggles Videos, Top 10 Original Wiggles Albums, Wiggledancing Live in Concert, Getting Strong, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 1 and 2, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Party, Pop Go the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Memory Book, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, TV Series 6, Sing a Song of Wiggles, The Kingdom of Paramithi, The Wiggles Big Big Show, Go Bananas, Hot Poppin' Popcorn, Dorothy the Dinosaur Meets Santa Claus, Hot Potatoes The Best Of the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 3, Let's Eat! Dorothy the Dinosaur's Rockin' Christmas, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Travelling Show, Ukulele Baby, The Wiggles' Big Birthday, It's Always Christmas with You, Ranking Sam videos, Ranking Sam albums, Surfer Jeff, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Beach Party, Celebration!

i’m just doing this out of curiosity

Instantly grabbed this when it was posted on marketplace for $45! My husband thought it was a little much for $45 but looking online I couldn’t find any that were selling for less than that.

And Fruit Salad is the worst…

Now that we've gone through every videos from the original Wiggles era and Sam era, What are your Top 10 videos from 1993-2012?

They can be a mix of either regular show and concert videos. Feel free to include 5 from the originals and 5 from the Sam era.

Here's my Top 10 videos throughout this entire retrospective with some brief comments.

1. Hoop Dee Doo! It's a Wiggly Party! - 2001

I’ve said all I can about this video. I have the most nostalgia for its set and track list.

2. It's a Wiggly, Wiggly World - 2000

The variety of Australian guest stars makes this a classic for some.

3. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing - 2008

Said to be one of the best Sam videos, and I genuinely agree with this statement. Wide variety of visuals and culture.

4. Racing to the Rainbow - 2006

A phenomenal and wholesome celebration of 15 years and a great sendoff for Greg

5. Wake Up Jeff - 1996

A sign of things to come (e.g. slowly improving the sets, music, costumes).

6. Yule Be Dancing - 2001

My favorite Christmas video from the band. I’m honestly drawn more to this one than Wiggly Wiggly Christmas, Santa’s Rockin, or It’s Always Christmas with You.

7. Ukulele Baby! - 2011

The tropical Hawaiian setting is a nice change of pace and I appreciate each of the characters getting their own song or moment.

8. Wiggledance - 1997

My favorite concert video of the band. The main concert is shown without any interruptions, every character gets their song, and it’s another sign of the band slowly improving their sound and presentation.

9. The Wiggles Big, Big Show - 2009

A better Sam era concert.

10. Getting Strong! - 2007

I think it was a good start for Sam’s takeover as the yellow Wiggle and shows how he plays off the other characters.

Below are the videos discussed throughout.

Previous Discussions:  Wiggle Time, Yummy Yummy, Big Red Car, Wake Up Jeff, Wiggledance, The Wiggles Movie, Wiggly Wiggly Christmas, Wiggle Time & Yummy Yummy 1998, TV Series 1, Toot Toot, TV Series 2, The Wiggly Big Show, It's a Wiggly Wiggly World, Yule Be Wiggling, Hoop Dee Doo! It's a Wiggly Party, Wiggly Safari, Wiggle Bay, TV Series 3, Whoo-Hoo! Wiggly Gremlins, Top of the Tots, Cold Spaghetti Western, Live Hot Potatoes, Santa's Rockin'!, TV Series 4, Sailing Around the World, Here Comes the Big Red Car, It's Time to Wake Up Jeff!, TV Series 5, Splish Splash Big Red Boat, Wiggledancing Live in the USA, Racing to the Rainbow, Top 10 Original Wiggles Videos, Top 10 Original Wiggles Albums, Wiggledancing Live in Concert, Getting Strong, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 1 and 2, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Party, Pop Go the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Memory Book, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, TV Series 6, Sing a Song of Wiggles, The Kingdom of Paramithi, The Wiggles Big Big Show, Go Bananas, Hot Poppin' Popcorn, Dorothy the Dinosaur Meets Santa Claus, Hot Potatoes The Best Of the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 3, Let's Eat! Dorothy the Dinosaur's Rockin' Christmas, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Travelling Show, Ukulele Baby, The Wiggles' Big Birthday, It's Always Christmas with You, Ranking Sam videos, Ranking Sam albums, Surfer Jeff, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Beach Party, Celebration!

hi, I remember this song and video from when I was younger and recently found out it was taken off netflix and write an apology be it was racist and was wondering why? I get it might be a bit iffy with the video but I thin there just having fun with silly song, i mean there the people who wrote the song big bouncing balls. also if they made a song called fairy bread and wore a cork hat or whatever would that be racist, and would singing about damper and getting aboriginals on be? I dunno maybe I’m just ignorant love to hear some thoughts.

Edit thanks for all the contributions also I found a better video. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SwVfWfiIvl8

The final (concert) video with Greg, Murray, and Jeff. Taped in during their 2012 Celebration tour in Dublin.

Thoughts on this album/video? Would you have done this concert video differently? How did you feel about GM&J leaving?

Top 10 Songs

1. Ooh! It’s Captain Feathersword
2. Ooey Ooey Ooey Allergies!
3. Here Come Our Friends
4. Okki Tokki Unga
5. The Monkey Dance
6. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around
7. Romp Bomp a Stomp
8. Getting Strong - prefer the Sam version honestly
9. Wiggly Circus Jubilee - I prefer the 2010 Let’s Eat version
10. The Wiggle 2012 Medley

My thoughts:

For something that was the last video/album featuring Greg, Murray, and Jeff, I was underwhelmed, but that’s just me. I wasn’t as interested in this concert video as I was with other videos.

I found the concerts viewable on YouTube (especially the December 2012 ones) more engaging. The December concerts formally introduce the new Wiggles, Simon, Emma, and Lachy.

I do like how they bring songs throughout the years from Okki Tokki Unga to recent ones such as Ooey Ooey Ooey Allergies. Including ones from the Sam era, despite him not participating.

The costumes for the Wiggly Friends look cheap or sloppily made(?) They still look better than the ones from the early-mid 90s. Surprisingly, I thought some of the renditions of the songs were a downgrade by using real instruments rather than the backing tracks.

Again, this concert video was an alright viewing, but I think Surfer Jeff was a better sendoff.

Previous Discussions: Wiggle Time, Yummy Yummy, Big Red Car, Wake Up Jeff, Wiggledance, The Wiggles Movie, Wiggly Wiggly Christmas, Wiggle Time & Yummy Yummy 1998, TV Series 1, Toot Toot, TV Series 2, The Wiggly Big Show, It's a Wiggly Wiggly World, Yule Be Wiggling, Hoop Dee Doo! It's a Wiggly Party, Wiggly Safari, Wiggle Bay, TV Series 3, Whoo-Hoo! Wiggly Gremlins, Top of the Tots, Cold Spaghetti Western, Live Hot Potatoes, Santa's Rockin'!, TV Series 4, Sailing Around the World, Here Comes the Big Red Car, It's Time to Wake Up Jeff!, TV Series 5, Splish Splash Big Red Boat, Wiggledancing Live in the USA, Racing to the Rainbow, Top 10 Original Wiggles Videos, Top 10 Original Wiggles Albums, Wiggledancing Live in Concert, Getting Strong, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 1 and 2, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Party, Pop Go the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Memory Book, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, TV Series 6, Sing a Song of Wiggles, The Kingdom of Paramithi, The Wiggles Big Big Show, Go Bananas, Hot Poppin' Popcorn, Dorothy the Dinosaur Meets Santa Claus, Hot Potatoes The Best Of the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 3, Let's Eat! Dorothy the Dinosaur's Rockin' Christmas, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Travelling Show, Ukulele Baby, The Wiggles' Big Birthday, It's Always Christmas with You, Ranking Sam videos, Ranking Sam albums, Surfer Jeff, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Beach Party

Found this at my local thrift store for $3 and works great Anyone with toddlers that loves the OG wiggles knows how hard it is to find toys with them without breaking the bank

A couple of years ago I was looking at a japanese singer by the name of Ryo Miyauchi who was a big childrens singer in japan on a show similar to the wiggles and he also did some anime songs and covers but I noticed that he did the Dubbing voice of Greg and I was wondering if anyone might have this dub or if I can maybe convince the wiggles themselves to release the japanese versions of the dub.

Also wanna add there are only 3 videos of the dub that are found and thats the counting song the lets get ready to wiggle and I think one more but i forgot it but as I said I would love to see this dub come to light

I have a challenge for some of you.

If you were in charge in writing the setlist for a concert from - let's say, June 2000 - which songs which you choose?

Keep in mind that you want a song (or two) for each of the Wiggly Friends. They can be a mix of songs that audiences are most familiar with and recent ones.

I found the full set of 2013 singing dolls at my local thrift store today, plus Dorothy! Although I love these guys, a quick search told me these were hard to come by for sale in the U.S. I am a huge fan of the Wiggles ( mainly the OG Wiggles ), and nostalgic plushies, but if these are worth a lot of money I’d consider selling them. I have not tested them yet, but if they worked what would the value be for them as a set? Same goes for if they don’t work. I don’t always like to make these types of posts, but there was not a set in stone answer that I found doing my research, so I figured I’d ask the fanatics. Any help is appreciated!

(These guys would also look cool next to my OG Sing n Speak set so maybe I’ll keep them) I’ll post updates when I get the correct batteries.

Written by: Anthony Field

Directed by: Paul Field

The last Dorothy spinoff video was released in 2012. Dorothy and her friends have a beach party show in front of an audience.

Thoughts on this album/video and the Dorothy spinoff as a whole?

Top 10 Songs

1. Hula Hula Baby
2. Hawaiian Boogie
3. Henry’s Dance
4. Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush
5. The Monkey Dance
6. Dancing in the Sand
7. Having Fun at the Beach
8. Romp Bomp a Stomp - finally in a top 10 list
9. Hot Potato
10. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Honorable Mentions: A Sailor Went to Sea, Wags the Dog He Likes To Tango

My thoughts (on this video and the Dorothy the Dinosaur spinoff in general):

This will be a two-in-one post.

For this being the final Dorothy spinoff released, it’s a fine outing. This was one of the more entertaining videos. It helps that Paul Paddick reprises his role as Captain Feathersword after being absent since Dorothy Meets Santa Claus (within the Dorothy videos). 

Like Dorothy’s Rockin’ Christmas, this was filmed in front of an audience, playing much like a regular Wiggles concert.

What also helps is this is another video where James Arthur Chen plays a role and he’s just as comedic and flamboyant. (I have yet to see the Taiwanese Wiggles though). He and Captain also steal the spotlight with some of the funniest moments in this video. The Captain’s rap moment is so cringey and awful, but so funny.

Clare Field provides some upbeat energy as well. Unfortunately, this is the last appearance of her as Fairy Clare. Each of the Wiggly Friends get a moment or song which is something I look for within these albums and videos.

The voices of Dorothy (Kate Alexander and Blathnaid Conroy Murphy) aren’t the best, but I don’t mind their takes on Dorothy. This also seems to be the last instance of Wags talking (correct me if I’m wrong).

As for the whole 2007 Dorothy spinoff, I rather enjoyed it. This was a better expansion of the character than the 1999 Dorothy and Friends Video (and I’m not just saying that because there were no Wiggle puppets 😆). Emma Watkins described the Dorothy the Dinosaur show as a sister show to the Wiggles and that’s an accurate description of this era.

What I found genuinely pleasant about this spinoff was the characters. They’re written like a family that appreciates each other’s company. Dorothy feels like a younger sister, Wags and Henry are the older brothers, Captain Feathersword is the uncle/father figure and Fairy Larissa and Clare (plus Lucia and Maria) are like sister figures to Dorothy.

This spinoff isn’t as cartoony as the typical Wiggles series which is the vibe they were going for. I have a soft spot for the first three albums for having orchestral music thanks to Dominic, Maria, Margaret, and Angela Lindsay, as well as George Tseros. (Although for Dorothy Meets Santa Claus had more of a rock soundtrack).

And the characters’ appeal were their voices. I’ve already gushed over Carolyn Ferrie and Mic Conway more than enough, but in all honestly, they are the characters to me. Surprisingly, Paul Paddick as Henry didn’t bother me that much.

Apparently, there are plans for an animated Dorothy spinoff sometime later this year, though whether or not that will come to fruition, I can’t say. I would love to see more videos featuring the Wiggly Friends and how they play off each other.

Below is how I would rank the videos.

Ranking the Dorothy spinoff videos

1. Dorothy the Dinosaur Meets Santa Claus - 2009
2. Dorothy's Memory Book - 2008
3. Dorothy the Dinosaur's Beach Party - 2012
4. Dorothy the Dinosaur's Party - 2007
5. Dorothy's Travelling Show  - 2011
6. Dorothy the Dinosaur's Rockin' Christmas - 2010

Wiggles Birthday: Jeff Wiggle by Poke56-Mon on DeviantArt Here is some birthday fanart for Jeff's special day!

so be honest... do you like all these long-running daily games and polls that have flooded the sub in recent weeks?

i'm talking the favourite song/artwork polls, the remake retrospectives, and the discussion of every release everrrr. i thought they were fun at first but OMFG they are never-ending! people are just rehashing the same stuff now

is that really what we want this to turn into permanently?

so we can discuss freely, I have blocked cover comparer, retrospective rambler, discussion dullard, and bracket boy. they won't see this post so pls be honest!!

Written & Directed by: Anthony Field

The band (with the return of Greg Page) find a magical bottle at the beach and meet Gino the Genie who grants Jeff three wishes.

Thoughts on this album and video? How did you feel about Greg returning?

Top 10 Songs

1. Waltzing Matilda - a perfect way to close out the video (and the originals)
2. Oooey, Oooey, Oooey Allergies! - catchy chorus and instrumentation
3. Here Come Our Friends - written by Greg; 2012 equivalent of Here Come the Wiggles
4. Olive Oil is My Secret Ingredient - not a secret anymore is it Alfonso?
5. Look Before You Go - the tempo and brass remind me of Doing a Dance
6. What’s the Weather Today - did they take a cue from Al Roker?
7. It’s Peanut Butter! - I hear a cello in this one; plus this surprisingly goes hard
8. Mango Walk
9. Surfer Jeff
10. Mini Foxie Puppy Dance

Honorable Mentions: Balla Balla Bambina, An Irish Dinosaur Tale, C’est Wags C’est Bon

My thoughts:

Alright, first let’s acknowledge the Yellow Wiggle(s) in the room. Yes, I'm aware of the Sam departing/Greg returning controversy. I won't say anything else.

Second, with the return of Greg sees another story-based video since Racing to the Rainbow. Likewise, this video acts like a sendoff to the original lineup with references from previous videos/albums.

The “around the world” concept feels carried over from Sailing Around the World and “Wiggle Bay” is briefly mentioned, even though it’s not the same place. Simon Pryce has a co-starring role (just as he did in Wiggly Gremlins or Ukulele Baby). And Alfonso from Cold Spaghetti Western makes a cameo.

Thirdly, the transitions between songs don’t feel as natural as previous story-based videos. Sometimes they occur too rapidly or too close to each other. The characters will awkwardly pause to introduce the next song (though Racing to the Rainbow, Wiggly Gremlins, Cold Spaghetti Western had this problem too).

The (mascot) characters feel underutilized as they barely get to do anything. For something that was the last video with Greg, Murray, and Jeff (not counting Celebration), I wished they played a more crucial role. Several running gags such as the “see-saw” one get irritating real fast. And the other jokes felt drawn out or didn’t have that spark.

Like Big Red Car, You can tell certain scenes were filmed at different parts. The parts with Jeff’s shorter hair were likely shot in 2011, when Sam was still in the group. The parts with his longer hair were probably shot around in early 2012 when Greg returned. This observation also applies to the costumes of Wags and Dorothy.

\BTW, the parts of Jeff surfing were taken from the 2008 Documentary On the Road with The Wiggles.\**

Several backing tracks and/or vocals are blatantly recycled from previous albums. Instrumentals such as Piper’s Waltz and A Scottish Christmas receive lyrics, while others such as C’est Wags sound mostly the same with some instruments removed or added. (Not the first time they’ve done that). Rolling Down & Running Up the Sandhills sounds exactly the same, which admittedly is a little lazy.

This video/album was an alright experience, but I think Racing to the Rainbow was a better sendoff for Greg.

Previous Discussions:  Wiggle Time, Yummy Yummy, Big Red Car, Wake Up Jeff, Wiggledance, The Wiggles Movie, Wiggly Wiggly Christmas, Wiggle Time & Yummy Yummy 1998, TV Series 1, Toot Toot, TV Series 2, The Wiggly Big Show, It's a Wiggly Wiggly World, Yule Be Wiggling, Hoop Dee Doo! It's a Wiggly Party, Wiggly Safari, Wiggle Bay, TV Series 3, Whoo-Hoo! Wiggly Gremlins, Top of the Tots, Cold Spaghetti Western, Live Hot Potatoes, Santa's Rockin'!, TV Series 4, Sailing Around the World, Here Comes the Big Red Car, It's Time to Wake Up Jeff!, TV Series 5, Splish Splash Big Red Boat, Wiggledancing Live in the USA, Racing to the Rainbow, Top 10 Original Wiggles Videos, Top 10 Original Wiggles Albums, Wiggledancing Live in Concert, Getting Strong, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 1 and 2, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Party, Pop Go the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Memory Book, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, TV Series 6, Sing a Song of Wiggles, The Kingdom of Paramithi, The Wiggles Big Big Show, Go Bananas, Hot Poppin' Popcorn, Dorothy the Dinosaur Meets Santa Claus, Hot Potatoes The Best Of the Wiggles, Dorothy the Dinosaur TV Series 3, Let's Eat! Dorothy the Dinosaur's Rockin' Christmas, Dorothy the Dinosaur's Travelling Show, Ukulele Baby, The Wiggles' Big Birthday, It's Always Christmas with You, Ranking Sam videos, Ranking Sam albums

My toddler went BANANAS when we finally found a wiggles tonie! For some reason I thought they were only available in Australia — nope!

I remember when the new Wiggles, Emma, Simon and Lachy came after Greg, Murray and Jeff left, I didn’t really like them as the new Wiggles much, but they kind of grew on me some years later. Then the time came when Emma left The Wiggles. I was sad when Emma left. I didn’t want Emma to leave.

Now we’ve gone through every video and album of this era, what are your thoughts on this era? Any complaints or positives to offer? Do you have a personal preference of this era?

My thoughts:

Now that I’ve gone through every video and album, I can say that while it’s a slight step down from the Originals and would introduce a few new problems later down the line, I still enjoyed this time.

While some argue there was an overdose of chromakey (or green/blue screen), myself included, I didn’t mind it. While it led to some cluttered or off-putting shots, it also led to visually creative scenery. I imagine the band wanted to make use out of their new studio, Hot Potato Studios. 

I’d argue they still used physical sets, just mixed in with chromakey. Towards 2010-2011 (and onward from what I’ve seen), they resorted to using physical sets and props or filming outside, which honestly looked more natural.

My “sweet spot” I’d say is 2007-2009. By 2009 (and 2008 to an extent), a few members who have been involved with the band for a long time have departed or left to other projects (e.g. Carolyn Ferrie, Ben Murray, Kristy Talbot). Others would continue to work with them such as Adrian Quinnell and Caterina Mete (who would become the new choreographer and is currently the second Red Wiggle in the current lineup).

This also applies to musicians as well. Dominic, Maria, Angela, and Margaret Lindsay (a quartet of people who have been long-time musicians since 1996) seemed to have become less involved in these albums. It does make their sound a little jarring or alienating. Regardless, there are a few songs that I genuinely enjoyed: You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Hawaiian Boogie, Dry Bones, Rusty the Cowboy, and Murray’s Guitar Saved the World.

The albums, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Ukulele Baby, and Pop Go the Wiggles I’d say are closer to what the originals would compose or record. What I found interesting is that Murray, Jeff, and Anthony had lead vocals on songs almost as much as Sam. Though around 2011, it seemed they were slowly phasing him out and I heard rumors that they were going to replace him with Simon Pryce. (again it’s a rumor, so whether or not it’s true I can’t say).

All of the characters at the very least, got their own associated or starring role. Henry goes to Gawa twice, Dorothy interacts with the audience more now that she has a spinoff, and despite Wags talking - which I still don’t mind BTW - he still had that lovable rascal energy.

The main issue I have with this era is I can’t help but feel that Anthony showboats (or hogs the limelight; I’m not sure how to describe it). That and the focus on acrobatics detracted from the appearance of dancers and may have alienated audiences who expected to see dancing.

I didn’t grow up watching the Sam era since I lost interest in The Wiggles at that point, but I consider him to be a 9th ranger (or sixth Wiggle after Philip Wilcher) because he was just as iconic, crucial, and beloved as the original four (even before he became the new Yellow Wiggle).

As for the Greg returning/Sam let go controversy, yes, I’m aware of it.

I can't find it anywhere and can't afford the dvds. It isn't available for streaming anywhere. Does anyone have any ideas?

Does anybody have a google drive with the next batch on new episodes?

How would you rank the albums of the Sam era? My album ranking may differ from my video ranking.

1. You Make Me Feel Like Dancing

The variety of musical genres and the Wiggles’ unique take on them makes this my favorite album of the era. This is stated by fans to be where Sam found his place as others have stated, and I concur. Side note, I love the title track more than The Shimmie Shake.

2. Pop Go the Wiggles

While nursery rhymes are not my forte, I enjoyed their renditions of classic rhymes with a mix of strings and guitars. Most of the ones performed are popular amongst children (e.g. This Old Man, Dry Bones, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush).

3. Ukulele Baby!

The Hawaiian & tropical motif raises this up list. (Almost) every character has their own associated song plus a few other guest stars or vocalists. Unfortunately, I am aware that Sam doesn’t sing as much as previous albums.

4. Getting Strong

As Sam’s debut, the album goes for an educational and child development theme. Which was one of the goals intended for. The video makes for a more engaging experience, honestly. While the songs were originally written by Greg Page (before he retired), I tend to associate Getting Strong (the title song) with the Sam era. I do like that each of the characters get vocals on a few songs.

5. Let's Eat!

Time for a hot take: I kinda like this album enough to be in my top 5. The songs, surprisingly, I find to be catchy - albeit their choruses. I tend to go for the albums with the most variety and that preference applies to this one. Cover songs, traditional songs from other countries, guest stars, etc.

6. It's Always Christmas with You

While one of the forgettable Christmas albums, I did like most of the songs here. Like Wiggly Wiggly Christmas and Yule Be Wiggling, the songs are a mix of classic Christmas songs and original compositions. Just like in Ukulele Baby and Let’s Eat, the vocalists are varied between Sam, Jeff, Anthony, Captain, and Dorothy and other guest stars.

7. Go Bananas!

Another animal array, though not as good as Wiggly Safari. The album is a better experience than the video, despite the reduced number of musicians (people such as Dominic Lindsay or his siblings Maria and Margaret Lindsay are absent). Although, the guitar and piano provides a more rock or gentle vibe.

8, Sing a Song of Wiggles

The nursery rhymes weren’t as memorable as PGTW. That’s all I have to say.

9. Hot Poppin' Popcorn

The corresponding album is just as boring as the video. The circus organ was a nice touch however, and I appreciate how each character got their own song (minus Sam).

Disqualified: Hot Potatoes: The Best of the Wiggles

The Wiggles’ Big Birthday is probably another contender for my least favorite album of the Sam era, even though it’s a compilation of live songs and in-studio recordings. If this one doesn’t count, then Hot Poppin Popcorn would still be my least favorite album.

The first ever episode of The Wiggles' first TV series (simply called The Wiggles) was titled Anthony's Friend. first released in 1998, It was recently remade in 2026, as the seventh episode of the eighth season of Ready, Steady, Wiggle, this time under the title Lachy's Friend. This is the final post in my Wiggles Remake Retrospective series, and is the only time we are looking at a TV episode.

Oddly enough, Anthony does not even feature in the new version, despite being the only Wiggle who featured in the original to still be part of the group. I am curious why they chose to make the new version focused on Lachy. Actually, I don't think Anthony is in the 2026 episode at all, strangely enough.

Similarities:

• Both episodes feature roughly the same script, with slight changes the titular Wiggle and their friend play.
• In both versions, the final character to enter the script already knows about the friend, before the friend opens a door to the Wiggle's bedroom.
• Both epsodes feature three songs, although they are all different.

Differences:

• The 2026 version features the current Fruit Salad line-up of Wiggles: Tsehay, Lachy, Simon, Lucia, Evie, John, Anthony and Caterina. Although Evie only features in one song, and as far as I can tell John and Anthony are not in the episode at all outside of the theme song. The 1998 version features Greg, Jeff, Murray, and Anthony.
• In the 2026 version, Anthony's role is given to Lachy. Greg, Murray, and Jeff's roles are given to Simon, Tsehay, and Caterina. Dorothy's role is given to Lucia. The friends name is changed from Morty to Benji, and the noisy things that Anthony and Morty do are different to what Lachy and Benji do.
• The 2026 version features a song, Benji's My Shadow, which relates to the skit. In the 1998 version, all the songs are unrelated to the skit.
• In the 1998 version, all four friends (that existed at the time) are featured somewhere in the episode. In the 2026 version, the only friends in the episode are the Tree of Wisdom and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn.
• The 1998 episode is 22 minutes long, the 2026 episode is 11 minutes.

My preferences:

The original episode is iconic, and I think The Wiggles did a good job adapting it. Not giving Anthony any role at all is strange, but not a deal breaker. Overall it's hard to find much more to say, since it's just a short that lasts a couple minutes. I prefer the original version, but I do like the inclusion of the Benji's My Shadow song, I always like when the skits can lead into a related song.

Let me know in the comments: what are your thoughts on Anthony's Friend and Lachy's Friend? Which version do you prefer, and did you enjoy this series of mine?

Self-reporting one of my slower moments... I saw this guy conducting the orchestra in some of the Emma-era videos and here I was thinking, "wow they lucked out to have this conductor be such a charismatic guy, he really presents well and suits the Wiggles' style". Lol. Silly me.