From those pesky crime-solving kids and chatty chipmunks to Muppet Babies and a certain Kangaroo, we’re celebrating the goofest and greatest in children’s TV shows
Although it may sound positively prehistoric to young iPad devotees, Instagrammers, and Fortnite fans, there was a time not so long ago when Saturday morning was all about our favorite TV shows.
And yes, while some of those shows were literally prehistoric (paging Fred and Wilma Flintstone!), there was a variety of children’s programming available to keep any kid glued to the tube, whether on those lazy weekend mornings, after school, or even in prime time. With several new shows being added to today’s TV mix, it’s time to pay homage to some of the most memorable, classic, and beloved children’s shows in television history, as well as some more recent additions to the kid-friendly fun. As Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck sang: “On with the show, this is it!”
Captain Kangaroo (1955–1984)
Bob Keeshan, who played Clarabell the Clown on Howdy Doody, created this weekday series based on the warm relationships between grandparents and children. The show featured Keeshan telling stories, meeting guests, and indulging in stunts with humans (remember Mr. Green Jeans and Dancing Bear?) and puppets like Mr. Moose, who loved surprising the Captain with ping-pong balls that fell from the ceiling. Captain Kangaroo incorporated cartoons, including Tom Terrific and The Toothbrush Family, and features such as The Magic Drawing Board and the Captain’s Reading Stories sessions.
The Big Top (1950–1957)
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Yasmine Al-Bustami's Dallas
Welcome to the Lone Star State and bring your appetite. The NCIS: Hawai’i actress shows us around her hometown.
What Happens In Vegas
Mandeep Dhillon, Jorja Fox, and Paula Newsome are solving crimes, changing the game, and kicking ass in CSI: Vegas.
Survivor – Carrying The Torch
After a 16-month COVID-induced hiatus, the groundbreaking reality series Survivor is finally ready to don its buffs again. For its 41st season, 18 brand-new contestants will be marooned on the island of Fiji and will attempt to outwit, outlast, and outplay each other forthe $1 million prize and, if they strategize correctly, the chance to etch their names in Survivor lore. But first: Let’s hear from host Jeff Probst, meet the new cast, and get up to speed with a highlight reel of memorable players, twists, romances, and more. In the words of Probst, come on in, guys!
Full Speed Ahead
When he’s not catching bad guys on Magnum P.I., actor Tim Kang enjoys his life in the fast lane.
The Boo Crew
This Ghosts story tells how the new CBS comedy came together brilliantly in spite of the ghastly pandemic.
24 Hours With... Debra Martin Chase
The first Black woman to produce a $100 million blockbuster (1996’s Courage Under Fire) and land an overall deal at a major studio (she currently has a deal with Universal Television), executive producer Debra Martin Chase is the powerhouse behind the Queen Latifah drama The Equalizer. Here’s a look inside the world of a Hollywood trailblazer.
Day Dreamer
Emmy-winning The Young and the Restless costume designer David Zyla spills his wardrobe secrets.
That's Entertainment
Happy 40th anniversary, Entertainment Tonight! The history-making news magazine didn’t just talk about the stars … they were right there with them.
Nate Expectations
As a former football star, an analyst on The NFL Today, and a new co-host of CBS’s morning show, Emmy Award–winning Nate Burleson shows his versatility every time he’s on camera. And he’s just getting started.
Street Smarts
Weights, a skateboard, and protein-packed meals keep S.W.A.T.’s Alex Russell feeling fine.