Classic kids’ shows

Zoom

This educational television show originally aired from 1972 to 1978 and was created almost entirely by kids. Zoom featured a cast of seven kids who engaged in games, plays, recipes, songs, science experiments and other activities. The show was remade and broadcast from 1999 to 2005 under a similar format featuring content submitted by viewers.

Land of the Lost

Land of the Lost chronicled the adventures of the Marshall family (father Rick, son Will and daughter Holly) who are trapped in an alternate universe inhabited by dinosaurs, primate-type people (Pakuni), and humanoid/lizard creatures (Sleestak). The family got there when they were swept into a portal and down a 1,000-foot waterfall. The main goal of the Marshalls in each episode was to find a way to return home (similar to Gilligan’s Island). The show ran from 1974 to 1976 and was syndicated thereafter. The remake of the series (1991) and the film (2009) were not as successful as the original series.

The Muppet Show

This popular show featured many of the Muppet characters from Sesame Street (such as Kermit the Frog), as well as a number of new ones. The show ran from 1976 to 1981, lasting 120 episodes. Each episode featured a human guest star and many top celebrities were eager to get a spot on the show. The series centered on a music hall-style song-and-dance variety show run by Kermit. Other popular characters included Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, The Swedish Chef, Beaker, Animal, Statler and Waldorf (the old man hecklers) and Miss Piggy. The characters went on to star in The Muppet Show movie in 1979, along with several later films.

Reading Rainbow

This award-winning kids’ television series aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006. Each episode of Reading Rainbow centered on a theme from a children’s book and encouraged children to read. Hosted by LeVar Burton, the show also featured popular celebrities narrating a book. Each episode’s final segment (“Book Reviews”) was highlighted by kids giving brief reviews of books they recommended.

Looney Tunes

Looney Tunes is a Warner Bros. animated series of shorts (six to 10 minute reels) that features popular characters such as Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Sylvester, Road Runner and many more. The original Looney Tunes theatrical series ran from 1930 to 1969. Of course, Looney Tunes’ popularity increased during the television era. New Looney Tunes shorts have been produced and released sporadically for theaters since 1987.

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