When I had the chance to chat with Fraggle Rock’s resident singing sensations, Mokey and Red, about their Apple TV+ series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, I knew I had to introduce them to the biggest musical sensation of the moment: I’m Just Ken from Barbie.
Given their love for music and all things harmonious, I assumed they’d nail the lyrics and belt out a show-stopping rendition. I assumed wrong.
While the Fraggles loved the upbeat and positive vibe of the song, the words seemed to escape them—multiple times.
“So, it’s an ‘I believe in myself’ song,” Mokey mused after struggling to follow along.
“I love those,” she added, as Red quickly chimed in: “We believe in ourselves. If it’s about that… Yep.”
Close enough!
What is Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock?
For those who haven’t ventured back into the caves of Fraggle Rock, Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock is a delightful revival of Jim Henson’s classic 1980s series. The show brings back beloved Fraggles like Gobo, Wembley, Boober, Mokey, and Red, along with the industrious Doozers and the ever-grumpy Gorgs.
The series, which premiered on Apple TV+ in January 2022, follows the Fraggles as they embark on new musical adventures filled with joy, teamwork, and some (questionable) life lessons. The second season, which drops in March 2024, continues the fun with more catchy songs, heartwarming stories, and, of course, Red and Mokey’s infectious enthusiasm.
The Phenomenon of Barbie and ‘I’m Just Ken’
Speaking of infectious enthusiasm, Barbie became one of the biggest pop culture moments of the decade. Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster film dominated the box office, bringing in over $1.4 billion worldwide and proving that pink is the new power color.
One of the film’s most unforgettable moments? I’m Just Ken. Ryan Gosling’s power ballad-turned-camp masterpiece became a viral sensation, complete with an over-the-top, slow-motion fight sequence featuring Simu Liu and an army of Kens.
The song, written by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. And while Gosling didn’t take home the Oscar, he did deliver an electric, cowboy-hat-clad performance at the ceremony, complete with an ensemble of backup Kens—including Simu Liu, Scott Evans, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Ncuti Gatwa.
Billie Eilish Takes Home the Oscar for What Was I Made For?
In the end, I’m Just Ken lost the Best Original Song category to another Barbie track—Billie Eilish and FINNEAS’ deeply emotional What Was I Made For?
After joking that she had a nightmare about the Oscars the night before, Billie Eilish delivered a heartfelt speech upon winning:
“Thank you so much to the Academy. I feel like – I just didn’t think this would happen. I was not expecting this. I feel so incredibly lucky and honoured.
“Thank you to Greta – where did you go? I love you! Thank you for this. I’m so thankful for this song and for this movie, and the way that it made me feel. And this goes out to everyone who was affected by the movie and how incredible it is.
“And I want to thank my team and my parents. I love you guys so much.”
While Ken may not have secured Oscar gold, Barbie cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon—and even in Fraggle Rock, it seems like the Kens (and Fraggles) are still trying to learn the lyrics.
Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock season two premieres globally on Apple TV+ on March 29, 2024.