25 Great Children's TV Shows That Aren't On DVD
Forgotten classics, from Captain Kangaroo to Zoom.
by Brett Singer
September 2, 2008
20. The Magic Garden
WPIX, later syndicated, 1972-1984
Sherlock the squirrel, Flapper the bird, the Chuckle Patch – ah, the memories. I had a big crush on hosts Carole and Paula, especially Paula (I think it was Paula), who kind of looked like my babysitter at the time. The bell-bottoms, the looong pigtails, the guitar – what's not to love? The ladies are still around, still friends, and their website says they plan to release the shows on DVD soon.
19. Zoom
PBS, 1972-1978 (Remake: 1999-2005)
"Won't you zoom, zoom, zooma zoom…" In contrast to the more amped-up kids' television produced today, the intro to Zoom, even now, has something of a calming effect. The kids, who created much of the content for the show, were real kids, they looked like real kids, and they even danced and sang like real kids, even if that meant musical numbers that were not terribly polished (take that, High School Musical!). There is a VHS collection of select moments from the original 1970's run, but no DVD. There was also a remake in 1999 that ended in 2005; the website is still active, noting over five million visitors. Um, hello? DVD, please?
18. Romper Room
PBS, 1953-1994 (various incarnations)
It started in 1953, which puts it at the very beginning of children's television (or television at all, for that matter). Romper Room was like a virtual kindergarten class, but it was so sweet and easy you loved every minute of it. The hosts were always "Miss" – Miss Nancy, Miss Louise, and the one I remember, Miss Mary Ann (here's an interview with her from 2006). Who doesn't remember hoping to hear their name when Miss Whoever closed out the show with, "And I see Peter, and Lucy, and Pilot Inspektor…"
17. Batman (Live Action TV Series)
ABC, 1966-1968
Adam West may not be interested in The Dark Knight, but that's probably because he still thinks of himself as the one and only Keeper of the Cowl. Despite huge demand, this classic and campy take on Bob Kane's creation is not available on DVD, except for the 1966 TV movie. Disputes over rights abound, but the episodes are still shown in syndication.
16. Big Blue Marble
PBS, 1974-1983
Big Blue Marble was one of many children's shows in the 1970's that asked the question "can't we all just get along?" This one did it by partly by encouraging viewers to become pen pals; some web sites claim that many children stayed in touch long after the show went off the air. "Together is a word we must learn to understand…Love your fellow man, woman, and everyone." Nothing wrong with that, right?
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©2008 Babble
About the Author
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Brett Singer is a writer and father living in Manhattan with his wonderful wife and two terrific sons. Other writing work includes his new site, daddytips.com.
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