Nanalan creators Jason Hopley & Jamie Shannon on the show’s legacy and TikTok fame

[@kawaiivalpal]

Jason and Jamie totally get it - it's authentic, slowed down, wholesome and safe. Healing the inner child

[@KatarinaGorgina]

Yes exactly!!! I just said this on Instagram. It speaks to the inner child and soothes the soul. It allows you to remember that child like wonder without feeling silly because it genuinely wholesome goodness.

[@jerrysizzler44]

I'm on stress leave and literally just started watching Nanalan to tend to my inner child, who has been beaten up over the past many years.

[@fabunicorn262marshmallow4]

Is inner child due to trauma or does everyone have it cuz this show speaks to me

[@royliber3824]

Definitely does. I'm 27 year old man and I enjoy this show probably a bit too much... I feel like this show can definitely help kids with disabilities even more. Mona's way of learning new things doesn't feel the "ordinary" way kids learn things her age. The show itself is just wholesome, my heart melts everytime I see her eyes open for new stuff. I absolutely adore the fact they don't use effects either, they do use colours to get kids' attention more like other shows but the way its slowed down definitely makes this show the best it can be. This really reminds me of Mr Rogers show and specifically Make Believe Neighbourhood. No special effects, nothing really "special" except learning about life itself which it is special.

[@nuwoman1828]

​@@royliber3824you're not by yourself 😊 I too love Nanalan😂😂❤

[@CrashedBlossom]

I think it is that unconditional affirmation that makes people feel so emotional. Mona can always be herself and Nana will always not just affirm her but also play with her in that space. People are nostalgic for that. Especially when meeting all these expectations has become such a stressful part of life.

[@royliber3824]

Exactly. Nana shows Mona the world in the most positive way there is and its truly magical. I love how the show is simply oriented about a child that goes to her Nana everyday as a "daycare", while her parents do adult people stuff. So simple, yet so beautiful. Definitely giving strong Mr Rodgers vibes here and im all for it. Truly makes me think about all the times ive had with my grandma, and I wish I could get to experience these days once more. With this show, even if its not the real thing... Its good enough for me. At age 27 never thought I would feel something like this on a kids' show I didn't even grew on.

[@karenbonham798]

People are hungry for something like Mr Rodgers that is reassuring & comforting & relationship related. I love this show. It reminds me of my relationship w/my granddaughters.

[@sierrabetterley]

Just want to say that I recently bought a cameo from Nana and it was absolute perfection. Above and beyond. Made me cry and made the recipient cry as well. Thank you so much, Nana! ❤

[@karenwalkersginglass]

Same! I got one from Nana and one from Mona for my 50th birthday and the guys put in SO much effort and love! They are my favorite gifts ever!

[@raffaelecostantino4090]

@@karenwalkersginglass how do you buy it?

[@georgex4239]

When they were talking about the Cameos they have been doing it made me cry.

[@PrettyBlueFlowers]

Omg when I saw your comment I had to check the Cameo site out. I am so amused by the fact that as well as doing the usual personalised birthday, valentines and song messages, Nana also offers “roasts” 🔥🔥🔥 😂😂😂

[@ravenpiee]

I’m 23, I have depression and anxiety and ever since I found Nanalan’ I feel like I’ve been so much happier these days. I laugh, I cry, I smile. It’s pure happiness. It reminds me of being a child again. No more worries or frustrations, just pure and genuine happiness. 💕

[@emilydaffey9369]

There are no words to explain how comforting Nanalan is. Every single episode feels like a warm hug from Nana. Thank you for creating such a wholesome show. Love from Australia! 🇦🇺

[@boodahbass]

i love what they said about most kids shows being annoying because theyre 'inauthentic.' thats something ive felt for years but never knew quite how to say it! the best kids shows are the ones that felt authentic and THATS what makes them stand the test of time.

[@TheMightyPika]

Something that makes Nanalan special is how it's engaging for kids and adults. We see that Mona has working parents who take her to spend the day with Nana while they're at their jobs, which is something a lot of Millennials onwards can relate to. Boomers would grumble and say this is a 'bad' thing, but a lot of us working-class kids have happy memories and enjoyed these days quite a lot. The experience of being very small and having a routine of hanging out with your grandparents during the day is one of those small, barely discussed shared experiences of our generations and here it is, communicated with love and joy.

[@Whereskennyv5]

Watching Nana being so sweet with Mona heals the little girl inside me that never had a nana. So happy this show is getting all the hype!! Love it❤️

[@ideniestrada]

I'm so sorry about that, Im sending a Real big hug ❤

[@karenli8014]

I'm 29 years old and just discovered Nanalan and I am OBSESSED. It is truly healing my inner child and reminds me of my childhood stuffie pillow, myself, and my current dog :')

[@Daisycakex3]

SAME!!!❤

[@melissabeth29]

I discovered Nanalan like just 2 weeks ago....thanks to a Star Wars meme about Galaxys edge blue milk.. and showing Mona juice crisis with Feefer

[@johannawigg6921]

My dog is a Foxy Russell ... she's so like Russer (Russell) in markings and personality, and my love for her brings me pure joy

[@GeorgeLanivich]

I’m a 47 year old man and am obsessed! I’ve never had a tattoo, I called my daughter whom has many tattoos, I told her I found the ink I want! I love that little puppet! Sooooo sweet and wholesome.

[@GeorgeLanivich]

I’m a 47 year old man and am obsessed! I’ve never had a tattoo, I called my daughter whom has many tattoos, I told her I found the ink I want! I love that little puppet! Sooooo sweet and wholesome.

[@sevenlines2238]

It’s weird that this show always makes me start to tear up. Something about the innocence and joy of it. I hope when I have kids someday I can give them a childhood full of that feeling.

[@eolym8253]

I found this show too late. I had a very good childhood and remembering it with the show is awesome. I cannot fall asleep without it anymore. It's perfect. No excitement, No story but coherent and just wholesome. I love it!

[@royliber3824]

Can we also talk about the way they did Russell? They kinda nailed it on the way dogs act nowadays, giving him human expressions and way of thinking at times. But he truly acts like a real dog when experiencing new stuff like seeing Mona in her monster costume and chewing on Nana's shoe. They truly gave him great character, not just making him an entity that could speak in human language like we see on many shows. It's the simplicity and the toned down enviorment that makes this great truly wholesome and amazing to watch, kids and adults alike.

[@JoeyRetro]

I was in my mid-teens when it first aired and I'm all in for the Nanalan resurgence.

[@BlueJWay999]

I was in grade 8 and loved it. People my age would laugh at me for liking a "baby show"

[@TheBoyFromOceanBay]

Same! I started out watching it with my younger siblings only to end up recording it on VHS to watch myself because I was so anxious and it was so comforting 😅

[@vanessa.jasmine]

I'm American and 45 years old. I just discovered Nanalan before Xmas. It is comforting to go back to a time where the world still had wonder, and the world always seemed safe.

[@nuwoman1828]

Absolutely ❤

[@traebee333]

I am 45 years old and I am absolutely in Love with these characters. Literally makes me happy-cry. The world seriously needs this right now 💚

[@olenkava5336]

I can say that discovering nanalan this year was the best thing that happened to me. Every video makes my day, I love the characters and how cute they are. Thank you Jason and Jaime, you do a phenomenal job!!!! Hugs from Perú !!!!

[@lifeofkyle337]

Mona and Nana’s dynamic really makes me miss my grandma. I wish I spent more time with her

[@royliber3824]

Same! I think that's what they were aiming for. Wish I could turn back time to when my grandma had me babysitting around and explaining me stuff.

[@flyingkatya]

I think part of the appeal of the show is the fact that I think the creators understand the humor behind it. And you can tell and so as an adult you can appreciate that because it's genuinely funny

[@YourBethFriend_]

I got a Mona cameo for my partner and it was absolutely beautiful, above and beyond. I think a lot of us "elder millenials" have grown up in such a horrorscape, Mona and Nana are a sweet, gentle comfort that is absolutely needed, no matter how old we are.

[@Monkey_PNut]

..a Mona cameo??? Woooo I must find one!!!

[@i_kissed_a_pixie1537]

Im a 42 year old women and I’ve had years of mental health issues. Recently diagnosed with adhd, I had some therapy for trauma and learnt about my inner child. There is something very therapeutic about allowing your mind to safely go back to a place when you were free of fear, pain and anxiety. I’m so glad to see how touched other people have been by this show. It’s truly wonderful how many smiles they are creating across the world. ❤

[@Nacho-Mamma]

I was in my late 30's when I first watched "Nanalan'", and was instantly in love with this wonderful show. I started getting up at 7:00a.m. on Saturday's to watch & record this silly sweet show of a puppet family that is so hypnotic, just a few minutes in, Mona, Nana, Russell & Mr. Whooka became real. I'm 59, and have nearly every single episode on DVD, including all of the original Nana shorts. My favorite songs are "We All Love Our Nana" & "Nanalan' Band". Especially love Russer on the pork chop bone! I sincerely thank you for creating "Nanalan'". It holds such a special place in my heart. So, if you do make a movie, please...KEEP IT CLEAN! There is absolutely nothing wrong with making a wholesome movie the same way you make this wholesome show. No violence, foul language, or nasty & worldly is needed.

[@probablynargles]

I've never seen this show, sadly (don't know how I missed it)...but the moment I saw the "who's that wonderful girl" clip on tiktok, this 33 year old baby started bawling. My parents both worked long hours starting early in the morning, so I was dropped off at Nana's just like Mona. She was like my soulmate and Nana from the show reminds me so much of her. My parents and I never saw eye to eye and they never really understood me, or had time to bc of work, so Nana's house was my place of love and comfort. I would call all the time to ask if I could come stay the night (you better believe I had her number memorized, landline bby). Sadly, she passed away in my 20s and I still grieve her almost every day. I have a tattoo on my left wrist that says Nana. All this to say, thank you guys for perfectly capturing what it's like to be at Nana's. It's genuine, beautiful and something I can watch when I really miss my nana.❤❤

[@GeorgeLanivich]

Crazy… I’m 47 and enamored with Mona! I watch more than a grown man should admit. Something calming and warming in hearing Mona say “Rissir” and “Fleever”….. long live Nanalan!

[@Monkey_PNut]

Heehee Im a 64 yr old..same for me

[@donnagilbertson7769]

​@Monkey_PNut me too. My husband comes home and wonder why I'm watching puppets.

[@Sam-zw9di]

Aww, this is one of the most authentic interviews I've ever seen! The warmth is practically radiating off the screen!

[@EldritchWhore]

You have no idea how validated I feel as someone who never stopped watching nanalan clips my whole life

[@roxycauldwell544]

Nanalan was slightly after my age range (I was more Lazytown era) but it's BRILLIANT. Mona and Russell kind of getting into mischief and his snarling thing is hilarious. This show is SO nostalgic because Nana is a CARBON COPY of my grandmother. The talking out loud and explaining everything that she's doing is EXACTLY how my grandmother was so it's like a trip back. I love it.

[@shirl974]

You are lucky to have a nana like that ❤

[@agentadvocate]

Growing up watching Nanalan in Canada makes it so surreal seeing it getting popular again in 2023, but I'm so happy everyone is discovering it again and finding so much joy in it!

[@mckennarinta3221]

I can see how clearly their love and memories of their own nanas came through the show. I lost my grandma a few years ago and nanalan has healed me.

[@robertoestaraneta50]

I've never heard or seen this show but as I was driving home from work listening to NPR I had a smile on my face. Best part was the interview with Nana and Mona! I wish I had seen this as a kid.

[@Haizeydaisy]

I am 18 years old and I watch nana lan just to bright my day!

[@jojosolo5547]

My dad and I watched Nanalan in early 2010's when I was a teen and it played on TV we freaking loved that show. So happy it is getting the recognition it deserves such a sweet wholesome and fun show.

[@CatXLazer]

Thank you so much for uploading this video. I stumbled across Nanalan' on tiktok and slowly became obsessed. I watched an episode on KZbin and to my surprise I started crying watching it. It scared me so much that I was getting such an emotional response I got from watching this kid's show. I had to sit and meditate on my feelings. I feel like the show encapsulates the mystery of the everyday when you're that age. The safety that comes from that love. It was reassuring to hear that others had a similar emotional reaction and I am not going insane.

[@Jovrjo]

This was so wholesome

[@royaleasincasinoroyale9105]

There is such a simple beauty of the kindness of Nana and her love towards Mona.

[@dixonqwerty]

I saw Mona trying jello on Instagram, and I fell in love with that show immediately! I am so happy I found this amazing interview with two creative geniuses.

[@forestings]

Discovered it at 23 y.o and watching it every day!

[@warriorfight111]

For me it's the genuine positivity. It's not focus tested, using some statistics to gauge attention spans and generated for the masses. All of that stuff is just plastic. This show, by contrast, is just authentic and positive and frankly with the state of the world, where some new terrible thing is constantly plastered over our feeds 24/7 and we can't avoid it, coming to something that just feels real, genuine, and positive is warming. When you don't have something that is innocent and positive in your life consistently, if you don't have kids yourself or aren't around that in your family, despair sets in. So having a show like this, where it is earnest and positive and innocent, a lot of people are going to respond to that. Myself included.

[@gbarr18]

As a kid I didn’t grow up near my grandmother. I always wondered what it was like and nanalan’ definitely helped to create a safe space for me as a kid. I love that nothing horrifying ever happens in the show and that makes me happy to know that people have beautiful lives with just doing simple things ♥️

[@kewpiescannoli]

I used to watch the show at my grandma's house every weekend on PBS. Such a great show! I'm so glad it got attention and popularity on TikTok. It's adorable, humorous and so endearing. I can still watch it back and genuinely enjoy it. Wish they made shows for kids like this now

[@tarahartshorne4439]

I love Nanalan💜. I watched it with my kids when they were little and now I watch it with my granddaughter. I love how slow and in the moment it is. It’s all about enjoying the moment and little things. Nana is exactly how I aspire to be as a Grandma- quirky and fun. I can’t watch new kids shows they are too overstimulating. And ps… we sing the nanalan counting sheep song everyday

[@nikkihuds4265]

What a great interview! Thanks Jamie and Jason for all you did and continue to do, and thanks Tom for bringing them back together (at least in the same room)!

[@kimc5654]

I love it because it is a sweet reminder of my own wonderful quirky Nana. Nana’s house was always the happiest safest place in the world.❤

[@roddydykes7053]

One of those shows that slips your mind for no less than 20 years and then all of a sudden it’s back

[@dannybeiinhongkong4173]

Maybe this show is even more for grown-ups, I fell in love with it within 10 seconds

[@Shediam011]

You’ve created such a deeply authentic show that’s literally comforting the souls of adults. This is your legacy, spreading love across the world. ❤ Thank you

[@TeeJayEweToob]

Oh Em Gee, you GUYS! When he was wee, my littelbigmaan and I watched every show together, completely rapt. It was SO magical. Thank you for that undivided time together, thank you both. wow.

[@basementcat1999]

I really loved the world building, Mona’s mom was working and there’s a graduation photo of her in nana’s room 😊

[@eliazartv1301]

Saw the Tik tok video of nanalan and now I show the episode to my 1 year old son..he love it please create more episodes..we love y’all✨

[@tanyakeleher1505]

I love this simple creation that brings me back to the purest part of me, inner child that has love and comfort knowing your part of something lol! Family, friends and community bring joy with the help of Nanalan and Mona ❤. Thankfully and delightful 🩷🥰🫶🏼

[@likhithakommuri1472]

Im 23 and Nanalan healed my inner child ❤❤.....y'all are adorable 💖 for creating something so cute 😇😊😋...

[@peacelovetv95]

I've always been a big fan of anything with puppets, and loved many shows that I was out of the age range for. I remember watching Nanalan' after school when i was in my tweens and early teens. I never heard anyone else talking about it but i always thought it to be such a hidden gem. Made me happy to see the tumblr resurgance and I'm glad to see others finding it now!

[@suhani551]

I recently moved to Canada and I enjoy watching this show so much. Very sweet and wholesome show. GO CANADA 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@joemiller3822]

as an adult who loves nanalan it really was the wholesomeness of it that drew me in, I mean that combined with how adorable mona is when shes playing with russer lol

[@I33sheeshee]

You both are a national treasure!! 🇨🇦

[@berserkirk248]

Back in 2002 when I was in university, there were many mornings where my roommate and I would smoke some weed, drink coffee, and watch Nanalan on CBC. Good times. It's fun to see it's back.

[@Laura22_new]

I make up little songs for my girls all the time, so I identify with Nana! I’ve never seen the show previously, but I loved watching this interview and learning more about it and about the creative process. ❤

[@vlk092]

nanalan is amazing, just a breath of fresh air. there's somehting about its autenticity and simplicity that even adults find it funny lol. coming from a 31 year old who didnt know this show until a few months ago

[@emmab3342]

I was born in the late 90s and distinctly remember watching nanalan religiously from age 3-5 at my baby sitters house (who was essentially a nana to me). I had so many crayon drawings of Mona. I always kept up with the memes about it as a teen & adult have been loving this proper resurgence. Just like they both said, This show strikes a real chord with people because it writes the book on how to slow down, hold space, and love eachother deeply.

[@bpgies]

these guys are so genuine, total gems

[@hdb004]

This is so wholesome. Please stay together and I love that you guys do these cameo's! I think I'll buy the nirvana Mona shirt as well, it's awesome! :D thanks for everything

[@STRM1991]

There's just something so sweet and safe about it. I've been unironically watching an episode a night recently.

[@Skkyyyyyyyyyyy]

The writing and puppet work on this show is nothing short of incredible.

[@DenisRicardo]

I’ve only ever seen Nanalan’ from its viral fame, but it is quite fun. I’m happy to see these guys make some art to bring some joy to folks. Even more happy to see that it’s all so analogue, I’m glad these techniques are being preserved.

[@citroenboter]

I think especially the slowness and calm makes it very soothing. It's validating and incredibly funny too.

[@grungekiid]

I looove nanalan so much. One of my favourite things to watch! I'm a nostalgic person. Mona is such a pure cute funny character. They way she says certain things just melts my heart! Pepo forever 🫛

[@Taurus126]

Nanalan' just reminds me of watching CBC Windsor 9 in Detroit as a kid

[@GeorgeLanivich]

Yay CHANNEL 9!!! Detroit native still here!

[@campbellcampbell8986]

Great show! My child loved it and these are such sweet memories ❤ Thank you ❤

[@BeBooBoopBeepBeep]

My inner child, and now my actual children absolutely love Mona in particular. She's just so wholesome ❤

[@crisfreckles489]

You guys are amazing! Europe loves your nanalan world! 💚💚

[@PrincessPuddles]

I remember watching the sick nanalan episode in 2021 when I was sick with covid, and when I looked to see if there were more it simply said all the other episodes were lost. Here we are a couple years later and it blew up and now the creators are releasing content on their own channel and other platforms, it makes me so happy.

[@Peachgirl_xo]

I'm so happyyyy Nanalan is back 😭😭😭 bout to watch some nanalan episodes rn

[@ellington1]

I’m in the States. So glad to have discovered this on Tik Tok. As an adult adding the memes is frickin hilarious. For a child I can absolutely see how this educational and beneficial

[@FollowingJa]

This is such a beautiful interview everyone seems so cool and honest, wholesome as heck. I love it. Love Nanalan’!

[@poni_poki]

I’ve liked Nanalan’ since the first “peepo” era, (I probably saw it once or twice as a little kid too) and super excited to see how it’s popular again! ❤

[@carolinebueno9634]

This has been around since 1999 why is now getting more recognition? 😅 my sister used to watch this it was the funniest thing even then.

[@i_kissed_a_pixie1537]

I believe because it’s now gone TikTok viral and many more millions of people have seen it. It’s a wonderful show

[@soquete7758]

this is beautiful, thank you for sharing your love and creativity ❤

[@TESTMACARONI]

The boys are back!!!

[@luccalia]

I loved watching this as a kid and now my daughter watches it. The best part is my mom watches with my daughter; English is her second language and the simple set up and dialogue make it easy for her to follow and understand. The three of us enjoy the sweet relationships between Mona and her nana because it’s so much like our own. It’s great to see my mom and daughter enjoy nanalan so much

[@Iron_Wyvern]

It's one of the few, wholesome shows on TV for kids outside of Bluey. It's great.

[@JackieWyers]

What a great interview!💗

[@drewesalahor4857]

I absolutely loved nanalan growing up!! It makes me so so happy it is loved by more now!!

[@NALTOHQ]

Nasa Peepo will forever be ingrained in my head. I love Nanalan. Grew up with it, still watch it now.

[@spiderfandom7592]

I have a Nana who just wont be replicated. She is incredible and no one can top her and it hurts me that my kids wont get to have her raise them. Nanalan will be used to replicate that feeling Nana gives you.

[@Sode_Sayako]

Thank you for this heartwarming video ❤

[@bumravioli]

Nanalan was so simple and real. I remember watching it on PBS. Found it better to watch compared to other shows on public broadcasting networks like Qubo. Like “Jane the Dragon” and “Jacob Two Two”. I’ll give Jacob Two Two a pass bc it had some cool graphics. But the cgi graphics for Jane the Dragon were……creepy. The simplicity, nostalgia, and cuteness of Nanala was just chefs kiss. It was short, sweet, simple and relaxed.

[@herdispute]

I’m from Brazil and never hear the show before, we had a puppet show called Cocórico and there were a kind of Nana too, very cool. I love Mona and Russel, thank you

[@Baylee8D]

My 12 month old absolutely loves Nanalan'. I'm so grateful for this show

[@tarahartshorne4439]

Now we just need someone to please make some nanalan merch

[@ElphabaThe2nd]

It connects me again to a time in my life when I felt safe and innocent and loved 🥰, Thank You ❤

[@RoastedGyokuro]

this is so wonderful, thank you!

[@kquiteno]

At 31 years old I'm dying laughing at how genius these guys are. I remember watching the original run of Nanalan growing up. My sister and I always loved it because of how silly and quirky it was. I just came across the Hey Birdie clip and watched the whole episode on the Nanalan KZbin channel. I even subscribed to it 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jenniferdavitt7481]

Ive been waiting so long too see these shows again 🥹

[@treybratcher389]

I want a Nanalan movie!!!!!

[@Monkey_PNut]

Ive only just found Nanaland!! I found it through a very funny instagram...of" my brain when Im not listening....I found it so funny and ' me' so made a copy of it then dud a little research and to my delight Wooohooo I found Nanaland!!! A dream come true!! Its brilliant, I love it...and I had a lovely relationship with my Nanna when I was little... Those beautiful bath moments with Nana with a warm towel!!! Exactly!!! Wooohoo thank you!!!

[@dnd1007]

I'm 44 years old and got a Nanalan tattoo last month.

[@jstuff6480]

i remember watching this show with my cousin and we would laugh so hard our stomachs would hurt 😆

[@salish.nation]

Damn good puppetry. Not trying to hard but capturing feeling of it perfectly.

[@jamesdriedger8502]

You guys rule. You inspire me to keep doing kooky and fun things for my nephew. He loves puppets, and I wanna make one for him soon.

[@nuwoman1828]

I just found NanaLan' and I love it, Mona is the cutest little thing 😊😊❤