Series Premiere of The Toy Box on ABC

Pop the popcorn and make plans to gather the family for this one! Tonight is the Series Premiere of The Toy Box on ABC!

When I was in San Francisco last week, we got to attend a special screening of the series premiere episode of “The Toy Box,” the ultimate toy-competition series. If you love Shark Tank (we do!) then you will LOVE this show. It’s great family viewing and a ton of laughs.

(ABC/Jeff Neira) NOAH RITTER, AALYRAH CALDWELL, TOBY GREY, SOPHIA GRACE BROWNLEE

Hosted by Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”) the show makes it’s premiere TONIGHT, Friday, April 7th at 8/7c on ABC. This show provides talented designers with the chance of a lifetime: an opportunity to bring their toy concept to life with industry-giant Mattel and to the shelves of Toys ”R” Us the day after the series finale.

“The Toy Box” is the ultimate toy-competition series, providing talented designers with the chance of a lifetime: an opportunity to bring their toy concept to life with industry-giant Mattel and to the shelves of Toys ”R” Us the day after the series finale. Hosted by Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”), the toys – and their inventors – are put through a series of trials and tests before facing the ultimate judges – a panel of no-nonsense, toy-loving kids.

In each episode, inventors present their toy concepts to a group of mentors that include Dylan’s Candy Bar owner Dylan Lauren, toy guru Jim Silver and Pixar Creative Director of Consumer Products Jen Tan. If the toy maker gets past the mentors, they will move on to The Toy Box where a panel of young, no-holds-barred judges that include Sophia Grace Brownlee (“The Ellen Degeneres Show”), Aalyrah Caldwell (“Uncle Buck”), Toby Grey (“The Unexpected John Cena Prank”) and Noah Ritter (“The Ellen Degeneres Show”) decide which toy moves on to the finals and eventually crowned the winner. That winning toy will be sold exclusively at Toys ”R” Us after the series finale.

(ABC/Jeff Neira) DYLAN LAUREN, JIM SILVER, JEN TAN

The inventors first present their toy concepts to a group of mentors. We had the chance to meet with and interview one of the mentors, Jen Tan (shown above right). She is the Pixar Creative Director of Consumer Products and I really enjoyed her role and perspective on this series.

Jen shared with us her love for toy creation and the fact that she actually went to school to pursue a career in toy design, and of course, ended up at Pixar which I can only imagine is an amazing dream job. As a mother herself, she shared with us what she personally looks for in a good toy.

“There’s a lot of different things, and it’s hard as an adult because sometimes you forget what it’s like being a kid. And how to play – which is why I love this show. But I always look for something that is not a one trick pony. So you can play with it multiple times and there’s various ways to play with it. You know, I have a 2-year-old now and it’s really important that whatever I give her, she can play with it for a good amount of time.

Something that I think allows a child to be creative. Or allows them to have a lot of fun. I mean, I think there’s a lot of different aspects to any kind of toy. But anything that sparks some creativity and imagination. That’s what I personally look for. I feel if I’m into the more classic, simpler toys.”

I think you will really enjoy Jen’s role in this show, along with the other mentors.

(ABC/Jeff Neira) NOAH RITTER, AALYRAH CALDWELL, TOBY GREY, SOPHIA GRACE BROWNLEE

You are also REALLY going to enjoy the kids. The bring a whole new level of toy judgement to this program!

TUNE IN TONIGHT!!

Tonight’s episode is the one that we pre-screened and prepare yourself for a lot of laughs. This week’s toy inventions include:

Arya Ball – a reimagining of the soccer ball with special surprises inside
Inventor: Babak from Carlsbad, California

Wacky Worm Racing Game – a racing game where players dressed in a worm costume race to cross the finish line
Inventor: Cedric from Orlando, Florida

Niya Doll – a multicultural doll collection who sings and speaks in multiple languages
Inventor: Darla from Columbia, South Carolina

Swurfer – a backyard swing inspired by a surfboard
Inventor: Rob from Charleston, South Carolina

Party Cannon – a party game that launches toys, prizes and candy
Inventor: Rick from Miami Springs, Florida

Any guesses as to which product ends up being the favorite? No spoilers from me, but here’s the official show trailer to give you an idea of what to expect: