The Kids Are All Right

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

- Marc Berman

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)