‘Wubbulous’ a Pleasing Mix of Muppets and Dr. Seuss

Jim Henson’s Muppets and Dr. Seuss’ wackiness would seem a perfect match, and indeed, “The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss,� Jim Henson Productions’ new series for Nickelodeon, is a visual treat. The target audience seems to be the very young, however, a surprisingly narrow focus for a prime-time family show.

“The Muppet Show,� this isn’t.

Hosted by the Cat in the Hat, the gentle series features musical Muppet tales based on Dr. Seuss’ characters, acted out in colorful computer-generated settings inspired by the late author-illustrator’s style.

In the opening episode, a little girl named Liza Jane refuses every offering in the Cat in the Hat’s pet store except a shaggy-haired Gink, despite the Cat’s warnings.

Horton the Elephant pops up on the Gink’s accompanying pet care video and Liza Jane soon learns first-hand that “when you’ve got a Gink, there’s no time for fun, ‘cause when the work’s over, there’s more work to be done.�

When the Gink takes ill, Fox in Sox is another Seuss character who shows up to help, but it’s only a matter of time until Liza Jane finally realizes that for the homesick Gink to get well, she must give him his freedom.

In future shows, expect to see Muppet versions of the Grinch, Thidwick and Yertle the Turtle, plus new Seuss-style characters such as the Zubblewump Bird and the Pondering Plunkett.

* “The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss� premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. on Nickelodeon.