Co-created by Aquabats frontman Christian Jacobs, Yo Gabba Gabba! boasts the hippest guest list in children’s television, from comedians to indie musicians to actors and TV hosts. A cult favorite of both kids and adults, these songs and skits are entertaining to all ages. With plenty of cool artists visiting the set every season, here’s our some of our favorite guest appearances on the show.
1. Anthony Bourdain
Everyone wishes they had Dr. Tony on speed-dial, and he’s played by Anthony Bourdain, the gutsy host of No Reservations. He steps in when Toodee gets sick to remind her how helpful doctors can be.
2. Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu leads kids on a song and dance number to help them avoid a case of the blues. Her remedy? Finger jabs and a wide grin. Also, check out her awesomely ‘80s outfit.
3. Jason Bateman
Arrested Development’s Jason Bateman is at his goofiest here, playing a bad spy with a crazy laugh.
4. Jack Black
Funnyman Jack Black returns to teaching kids with an energetic Dancey Dance for the show. See him bust loose in a hilarious improvised dance toward the end of the video.
5. of Montreal
The members of Athens psych-pop group of Montreal seem right at home on Yo Gabba Gabba!, since they dress about the same for their live shows. Here, the group helps us to feel better when we’re sick with an upbeat song and some dietary tips to get us back on our feet. It’s simple: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
6. Sarah Silverman
Though she’s usually cursing like a sailor, bawdy comedian Sarah Silverman tones down her act for the show in an endearing Dancey Dance segment where she teaches kids how to mime.
7. The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips have always seemed to hold a childlike fascination for the power of the mind, so in this clip, they put those imaginative powers to work to sing a song about children becoming anything they want to be. The song is a track off of 2009’s Embryonic.
8. The Aggrolites
You can’t help but get sucked into the infectiously positive vibe of the Aggrolites’ reggae banana song, which has all the cast members jamming with large replicas of the fruit. Don’t be surprised if the tune gets stuck in your head for a while.
9. Chromeo
Chromeo’s groovy electro-pop song about personal hygiene reminds us that even before gearing up our synthesizer, we’ve gotta remember to wash our hands.
10. The Ting Tings
Heard this song before? If you’re a John Hughes fan, you’ve definitely heard the original in Molly Ringwald flick Sixteen Candles. The Ting Tings reinvigorate the birthday song, dancing along with a line of adorable Yo Gabba Gabba! cheerleaders.
11. Andy Samberg
Everybody do the chomp! For this special edition of Dancey Dance, We’re not sure what’s more awesome here: Andy Samberg’s sweater and headdress combo or his dorky dance moves.
12. Blitzen Trapper
Blitzen Trapper delivers a sparkling folk song about treasures all around us amid a psychedelic ‘70s backdrop.
13. The Roots
The Roots spread the love in a clip that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.