25 Great Children's TV Shows That Aren't On DVD

Forgotten classics, from Captain Kangaroo to Zoom. by Brett Singer

September 2, 2008

Getting nostalgic? Here are 10 great kids' shows of yesteryear that you can Netflix right now…

1. The World of Sid & Marty Krofft

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The Brothers Krofft are certified geniuses; their shows were so good I actually considered faking illness at school so I could get home to watch them at noon on weekdays. Various collections are available on DVD; "The World of Sid & Marty Krofft" includes Land of the Lost (Sleestaks, represent!), ElectraWoman and DynaGirl , and my personal favorite, Bigfoot and Wildboy. Also available in separate packages are the complete series of The Bugaloos, H.R. Pufnstuf, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, and more.

Get the DVD.

2. The Secrets of Isis (1975-1977)

This live-action Filmation series was ahead of its time, featuring a female superhero in a title role before the women Wonder or Bionic graced the small screen. Joanna Cameron played mild-mannered science teacher Andrea Thomas. When she finds the amulet of the Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, and shouts "Oh, mighty Isis!" she transforms into the powerful heroine – ISIS! One of her quirks was reciting poetry before using her super-abilities – "Oh zephyr winds which blow on high, lift me now, so I can fly," and poof, she's airborne. The complete series (484 minutes of go-go booted goodness) is available on DVD.

Get the DVD.

3. The Uncle Floyd Show (1974 – present, sort of)

Floyd Vivino, aka Uncle Floyd, was doing no-budget television before YouTube was ever a billion-dollar gleam in Google's eye. Filmed in scenic Nutley, NJ and airing in New York on the UHF station U68, Uncle Floyd's show featured a puppet pal named Oogie, a bizarre cast of characters and special guests that included Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper and Howard Stern. David Bowie is a fan of the show – listen to the lyrics of his 2002 song "Slip Away." And from whom did Bowie hear about the show? John Lennon. While not strictly "children's television", Floyd was from a simpler time, before television was as segmented as it is now. A best-of DVD is available, and Floyd himself still performs regularly; check his website.

Get the DVD.

4. Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse (1960-1962)

When I was a young lad, I always thought there was something slightly sinister about this show, especially the opening theme. Well, it turns out that Courageous was created by none other than Bob Kane, the man best known for giving the world Batman. In fact, Courageous Cat and Minute Mouse was meant as a spoof of Kane's classic character. While not exactly high on the clever meter, it absolutely has it charms (Cat Cave, anyone?). I can still hear Minute Mouse's squeaky Mickey-esque voice ("Hey, Courageous!"), and the evil, dastardly, uncreatively named villain The Frog ("I'm The Frog, see?"). The DVD contains the complete series, 720 minutes worth of five-minute episodes. That might be too much for even my personal geek-o-meter.

Get the DVD.

5. Hero High (1981)

I wouldn't call this one a classic – in fact, calling it "cheesy" would actually be an insult to fine dairy products everywhere. Still, it's worth mentioning since it is the only part of the 1981 series The Kid Superpower Hour with Shazam! available on DVD. Plus it gives me an excuse to post this video of a live action (and I use the word "action" only under protest) musical segment that might actually be the silliest thing I've ever seen.

Get the DVD.


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About the Author

author bio 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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