From Nationalpost · · 1m 10s
Five Canadian kids' shows worth revisiting
Five forgotten Canadian children's TV shows that shaped Canadian pop culture.
In brief
Five forgotten Canadian children's TV shows that shaped Canadian pop culture. Five Canadian children's TV shows from the 1970s-1990s had lasting cultural impact despite being overlooked. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
The Friendly Giant
The Friendly Giant aired from 1958 to 1985 on CBC after host Bob Homme moved his castle from Madison, Wis.
“Yes, The Friendly Giant did get its start on a radio station in Madison, Wis., followed by its sister television station WHA-TV.”
You Can’t Do That on Television
This Ottawa-based show ran from 1979 to 1990 and became popular for its slime prank on contestants who said 'I don’t know'.
“Any time a contestant on the show would say, 'I don’t know,' a goopy helping of green slop would fall on them”
The Raccoons
The Raccoons aired from 1985 to 1992 and featured Bert Raccoon battling greedy aardvark millionaire Cyril Sneer.
“The lively environmentalism-themed series saw Bert Raccoon (voiced by Len Carlson) and his married BFFs Melissa Raccoon (Linda Feige/Susan Roman) and Ralph Raccoon (Bob Dermer) battle greedy aardvark millionaire Cyril Sneer (Michael Magee).”
Under the Umbrella Tree
This CBC show ran from 1986 to 1993 and featured puppet characters singing and dancing in a living room on Ottawa's Spring Street.
“There was something special about this understated CBC show that ran before hits like Mr. Dressup and Sesame Street.”
The shows' cultural impact
All five shows became popular in Canada and had international reach, with some syndicated on Disney Channel until 1997.
“When production wrapped in 1993, the show was syndicated on The Disney Channel and Canal Famille until 1997.”
Legacy
The shows influenced Canadian pop culture and were celebrated with awards, including the 1988 Gemini Award for best animated series.
“The Raccoons’ accolades include the 1988 Gemini Award for best animated series”
Here's the gist
Five Canadian children's TV shows from the 1970s-1990s had lasting cultural impact despite being overlooked.
