The way we consume television has changed a lot over the years. I remember racing home from school just to sit cross-legged in front of the TV for as long as my mom would let me. Nowadays, I'm not even sure if kids are into watching traditional television. They all seem to be wrapped up in their favorite Youtube channels, simply because of the accessibility. Long gone are the days of watching TV on the TV's schedule. Now as a young adult, my heart yearns for the simpler days of public, educational television.
Here's a list of 10 PBS shows you used to love, and have probably forgotten about.
1. Bob The Builder
This show was a classic go-to. I always knew if nothing else was on, this would be entertaining enough to hold me over until my mom was done making dinner. Since airing in 1998, Bob has kept viewers tuning in year after year, even after undergoing a complete aesthetic-makeover to appeal to today's kids. Can Bob keep viewers smiling for many years to come? YES, HE CAN!
2. Clifford The Big Red Dog
I don't know what it was about this show that made me love it. Maybe it was the quaint, New England island they lived on, maybe it was the crazy adventures they endured, or maybe it was the fact that this little girl's parents let her keep a dog the size of a dinosaur in their backyard. Whatever it was, I will always love Clifford, the big red dog!
3. Dragon Tales
"Dragon Tales" was, is, and always will be one of my absolute favorite shows. I mean come on, these kids find a magic stone in their playroom that sends them to a mythical land full of dragons and make-believe creatures. Every episode was fun and light and I guarantee that if this show was still on, I'd still be watching it.
4. Zoboomafoo
Do not try to tell me that you didn't love this show. This crazy little lemur was always up to crazy shenanigans and after only three years on the air, Zoboomafoo somehow managed to leap his way into our hearts for good. I always loved watching him during snack time!
5. Between the Lions
This. Show. Was. Everything. It was the perfect mix of animation and live-action television that kept us millennials watching for hours. Between the Lions took a fun and exciting approach to teaching kids how to read and even today I can't get the catchy theme song out of my head.
6. Arthur
"Arthur" was such a good show, it's still on the air and putting out new episodes over 20 years after it's debut in 1996. There was something about this show that seemed to appeal to absolutely everyone. The funny dialogue and amusing storylines have earned the show its seat as one of PBS's most popular kids' shows for decades.
7. Zoom
Originally airing in 1972, and then redone in the late 1990s, "Zoom" was the first of its kind to encourage kids to get up off the couch and be active. I remember wanting to be a "Zoom" kid so bad. If their ever up for a third remake, you can catch me at auditions.
8. Caillou
Now, I know this kid is widely-hated by parents all across North America due to his whiny voice and brattiness, but as a kid, I couldn't get enough of him. I thought a simple animation was sweet, fun, and easy to follow. Though he wasn't well liked by adults, kids sure seemed to have liked him as he stayed on the air for 13 whole years!
9. Sesame Street
Honestly, it's no wonder how this show has stayed relevant for so long. What's not to love about colorful singing puppets dancing across your screen, singing the praises of the alphabet. From Elmo to Grover, this show has continued to captivate the hearts of millions for years. Now, can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?
10. Fetch with Ruff Ruffman
This show had it all: jokes, games, and prizes. It was the first game show for kids I ever really had interest in. I remember researching when the next audition for Fetch was and being disappointed when I realized my parents probably weren't going to fly me to New York for a kids' show audition. Bummer, right?
