Promotion for NZ On Air
There was something quietly magical about being a kid in the 90s in New Zealand. It was a time of backyard adventures, Beanie Babies, VHS tapes and children’s television that felt like a gentle companion rather than background noise.
For many Kiwi families, mornings or afternoons often meant sitting cross-legged on the carpet, waiting for a familiar face to appear on screen: Suzy Cato.
Her show, You and Me, wasn’t just a programme; it was a ritual. A warm, welcoming space filled with songs, stories and snippets of daily life from a Kiwi preschooler’s perspective. Inside the You and Me house, children were invited to learn, discover and play together.
And now, You and Me is back! The show has returned to YouTube after 28 years, with 25 episodes (from May 2nd to October 17th).
Then: Simpler rhythms, shared moments
Parenting in the early 90s looked so different to how it does now. There were fewer distractions, fewer screens, and far less pressure to curate the “perfect” childhood. Days were shaped by routine and imagination. And when it came to television, there was a sense of trust. Shows like You and Me didn’t compete for attention; they quietly earned it.
It was also ahead of its time in ways many didn’t fully appreciate back then. By weaving te reo Māori into everyday conversation, the show helped normalise language and culture in a way that felt natural and inclusive, something that resonates even more strongly with today’s parents.
Now: A faster pace with the same intentions
Fast-forward to today, and parenting can feel like a constant juggle. There’s more information, more choice, and more noise. Screens are everywhere, and with them comes the pressure to ensure what children watch is meaningful, enriching, and safe.
And yet, the core of parenting hasn’t changed. It’s still about connection. About those small, shared moments that build trust, spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
That’s why the return of You and Me feels less like a reboot and more like a homecoming.
A bridge between generations
Announcing that Suzy Cato is returning to screens with You and Me on YouTube has sparked a wave of nostalgia among parents who grew up with the show. And it’s set to delight a whole new generation of little ones discovering it for the first time alongside those now-grown-up 90s kids.
Originally broadcast on TV3 from 1993 to 1998, the series went on to produce more than 2,000 episodes, becoming a cornerstone of children’s entertainment in Aotearoa. For many, it holds a special place in our memories – not just for its catchy songs, but for its gentle encouragement of curiosity, kindness, and learning.
“Over the years, I’ve been so lucky to meet people who grew up watching You and Me, and now they’re parents themselves,” says Suzy. “It’s incredibly special to know they can now introduce their own little ones to the show and the songs and share that joy together.”
It’s a rare full-circle moment – one where parents can sit beside their children and feel the same sense of comfort and wonder they once did.
The soundtrack of childhood, reimagined
The nostalgia doesn’t stop at the screen. In a joyful nod to the past, the beloved You and Me theme song has been re-released on streaming platforms along with another fan-favourite, It’s Our Time.
In an exciting extension, each of the 25 weekly episodes will be paired with a key song, giving families a way to carry the experience beyond the episode. It’s a thoughtful update for modern life, where music travels with us in the car, through the house, and into everyday routines.
Suzy Cato on You and Me back in the 90s
Old values, new ways to watch
The new You and Me series stays true to what made it special, while gently evolving for today’s preschool audience. Episodes blend music, movement, storytelling and te reo Māori in a format that reflects how young children engage with content now: interactive, flexible, and accessible on demand.
But at its heart, the message remains unchanged: learning can be joyful, curiosity should be encouraged, and connection matters most.
A little bit of then, a lot of now
For parents who grew up in the 90s, this revival is more than just a nostalgic viewing experience. It’s a chance to share a piece of their own childhood. Not as a “back in my day” story, but as a living, breathing experience their children can be part of.
And for today’s kids, it’s simply a delightful new world to explore.
Because while parenting styles may evolve and technology may transform the way we watch, the things that truly matter – warmth, imagination, and time spent together – never really change.
And somewhere, in a familiar house filled with songs and stories, they’re waiting to be rediscovered.
Made with support from NZ On Air.
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