Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Netflix releases a documentary abandoning toddlers on public transport.
Yes, it’s as anxiety-inducing and emotional as you would imagine it to be.
Old Enough is incredibly popular in Japan, where it is named Hajimete no Otsukai (My First Errand), an entertainment show where toddlers are sent out into the big wide world completely by themselves.
They have to do everything alone, whether that’s boarding trains or shopping for groceries.
Admit it, you’re itching to watch it already.
Surprisingly, the show has been airing for 30 years already in Japan, with two three-hour broadcasts every year.
It is the very definition of a phenomenon, with 20% of all Japanese viewers tuning in for the action.
Due to its popularity, a British version of the show is said to be in the works, following in the footsteps of the Japanese version.
Now, before you start panicking, you can rest assured knowing that the children aren’t just sent out into the world blindly, as all possible errand routes are inspected by parents and crew members beforehand – phew!
They check for busy roads or any other dangers the children might encounter while trying to navigate the scary world alone, and not just any child is selected for the experiment.
There’s a long selection process before filming even begins and, throughout, cameras are hidden so the children won’t see them.
Local neighbours are also informed of what’s happening to make sure the cops aren’t called when they see a three-year-old walking down the road carrying shopping bags by themsevles.
Even the mere concept of the show is wild, but it’s also intriguing, as it leaves viewers wondering how it will impact the children.
The little ones – who are all aged between two and six – are, understandably, frightened at the start, but they also gain confidence as they move through the process.
In what can only be described as truly wholesome television, the children end up with a great sense of pride for what they have managed to do, since they had no help from adults and had to use their own abilities.
This rollercoaster of emotions has been condensed for Netflix, available to stream in episodes less than 20 minutes long.
Honestly, it sounds like such precious viewing, as one episode sees a little boy walking to the supermarket for some shopping, muttering to himself and narrating his adventure as he goes.
Although, a more tearful scene shows a girl crying to her mother that she can’t do it before trying a second time.
You can always count on Netflix to deliver variety, that’s for sure.
It remains to be seen how the British version will play out but, perhaps four-year-old’s will start wandering around Tesco by themselves later this year, or getting on the tube?
