Humphrey barely survives the bone

Nine isn’t about to bone the bear.

With more than 40 years behind him, the legendary Humphrey B. Bear is staying put on Nine – a very wise move.

Humphrey has had a dud run of late, barely on screen with no clear vote of confidence from the network that loves Hi-5. Yet they drag him out every year for Carols by Candlelight (how could they not?).

Eddie must have sensed this would have reflected badly on him, and he was right. One of his best skills is in sniffing out the feel of the public. It’s served him well on this occasion.

Humphrey was unavailable for comment. Again. Somebody really should do something about that.

Nine’s Press Release follows.

Following animated negotiations, Channel Nine is pleased to announce that Humphrey B. Bear will come out of hibernation to record a new series for the first time since 2003.

While new terms have been agreed upon, Nine drew the line at increasing Humphrey’s clothing allowance for pants to match his vest.

Nine Network Director of Programming, Mr Michael Healy, said: “It’s fantastic that the families of Australia will continue to enjoy what’s been an institution in this country for more than 40 years.”

Creative Director of Banksia Productions, Mr Stewart Lamb, said: “We look forward to continuing and building upon the long history Humphrey has had with the Nine Network.”

Humphrey B. Bear made his first appearance on television on May 24, 1965 and over the years his show has become one of the most successful programs for pre-schoolers in Australia.

The series is studio-based in Humphrey’s very own tree house, right in the middle of the Magic Forest. Humphrey’s house is brightly coloured and magical. In fact, just about anything can happen with Humphrey and his friends in the Magic Forest and invariably does.

This adds to the numerous programs Nine currently has for children on its schedule, including the multi-award winning series Hi-5, New MacDonald’s Farm, The Shak, Deadly, Streetsmartz, Maddigan’s Quest , The Sleepover Club, Kids WB and the recent winner of two awards at the New York Festival, Mortified.

Humphrey will be back and ready to play in new episodes on Channel Nine later this year.