Rat Labyrinth

Rat Labyrinth (titled Squeakbat Island in some European countries) is a Kuboian children's game show hosted by Tone Riddles that ran for five series from 1994 to 1998. The show is notable for marking the debut television appearance of Riddles' puppet, Tack the Rat.

Episodes were recorded in the Spring, and aired during the early Autumn period of each year. Episodes were premiered on Vision Network on Tuesdays (Fridays in series 1 and 2) at (usually) 4:30p.m. In the United States, the show aired on from 1999 until 2007.

Format
Each episode featured one team consisting of four children aged between 8 and 12 who have previously never met. The show itself took place on the fictional Rat Island, where Tack the Rat has been held captive by evil rodent creatures referred to as Squeakbats.

In order for Tack to be freed, the team would have to collect all six of a collectible called Tack Keys. A total of five games were played in the show. The first four games gave the team a chance to earn a Tack Key.

The fifth and final game, titled after the show's name, featured the children working together to relocate up to six puzzles within a large temple maze. The team had two minutes to do the final game. If they win, they free Tack and get a reward which was often a family-orientated holiday. Otherwise, Tack would remain locked in the temple and the children received a minor reward.

For each Tack Key earned during the first four games, one puzzle would be removed in the final game. In other words, earning more Tack Keys earlier on makes the final game easier.

Critical reception
As of December 2018, the show has a 7.1 rating out of 10 on internet database IMDb.

Criticism
During the show's initial run, Rat Labyrinth was slammed by some parents due to the fact that, when it came to the outfits the children wore, the boys did not wear tops (minus sleeveless waistcoats), yet the girls were expected to.

Legacy
A selection of children who appeared on the show later appeared in other shows featuring Tone Riddles, such as Nick Karaoke Stars. According to statistics, several of the children who met on the show have gotten married to each other since.

Japan

 * Fuji TV (1995-2002)

Kuboia

 * Vision 1 (1994-2000)
 * Nickelodeon Kuboia (1999-2007)
 * Nick Go! (1999-2010)

United Kingdom

 * CBBC (1995-2007)
 * CITV (1997-2006, 2013)
 * Boomerang (2010)

United States

 * Nickelodeon Games and Sports for Kids (1999-2007)

YinYangia

 * Nickelodeon (1996-2003)