I'm not going to lie. I'm 20 years old and still an avid watcher of PBS's beloved show Arthur. And I have zero shame about that! It's been running since 1996 and shows no sign of stopping now. There has to be a reason why our favorite humanized aardvark has been on TV screens for so long. Here's what I think makes it so lovable:
1. The Charming Cast of Characters:
From Arthur himself to even bratty Muffy, the show brings a diverse and likable group of friends together. There's a little bit of all of them you can relate to and you can see your own friends reflected in the TV screen. That friend who's obsessed with the "X-Files"? Yeah, they're probably Buster.
2. The Celebrity Cameos
Arthur could probably rival SNL for most celebrity cameos. They can boast guest appearances from Neil Gaiman, Yo-Yo Ma, Matt Damon and even... yes. The Backstreet Boys. And am I the only one who tears up a little every time I see the Mister Rogers episode? Yes? OK. Moving on.
3. D.W.
Look at that face. Feel the relatability. Need I say more? D.W. is an icon to little sisters everywhere, including myself, and her sass makes the show. Or maybe that's just my little sister bias talking.
4. The Musical Episode
HAVING FUN ISN'T HARD WHEN YOU'VE GOT A LIBRARY CARD. Truly the anthem of a generation. The musical episode of Arthur is the best and the songs will haunt you (in a good way) for the rest of your life.
5. It Stays Current
Did you know there's an episode of Arthur where Muffy runs a problematic blog called The Muffington Post? Well there totally is. Arthur keeps tackling the big issues even in the digital age.
6. Rewatching Episodes: Suddenly Hilarious
Watching Arthur when you're young? Entertaining, somewhat educational. Watching Arthur when you're older? Relatable. Me too, Francine, me too.
7. D.W... Again.
We are all a little bit D.W. Dora Winifred for president 2016.
8. It Answers the Real Important Questions of Life
Teachers? Have lives? I'm still not convinced but if Arthur says it's true then I'll buy it.
9. References, References Everywhere
Throughout the series there have been playful nods to beloved real life icons like Harry Potter and the American Girl franchise. I, for one, would definitely read Henry Skreever and the Cabbage of Mayhem.
10. It Teaches Lifelong Lessons
All jokes aside, Arthur has been a great platform to address important issues in kids lives, even if that kid is 20 years old. Arthur has tackled the tough subjects of bullying, autism, anxiety and cancer, with an amazing amount of heart.
11. Just Plain Nostalgia
If for no other reason, the nostalgia keeps Arthur close to our hearts. I can remember days stuck sick at home that were filled with marathons of Arthur and whatever else was playing on PBS. With Arthur, you're never alone and you've always got a friend and the feel good memories of your childhood.
