Amy Cissell

The American live-action children's television series 'Wishbone,' which aired from 1995 to 1997 on PBS, featured a Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone. This canine protagonist would daydream about starring in stories from classic literature, with episodes interweaving contemporary plots in his hometown of Oakdale with adaptations of famous books. The show was produced by Big Feats! Entertainment, a division of Lyrick Studios, the same company behind 'Barney & Friends.' However, unlike 'Barney,' 'Wishbone' was aimed at children aged 6 to 11 and was recognized for its integrity in adapting literary works, not shying away from mature themes present in the source material, such as murder and slavery.

Despite its target demographic, the series resonated with a wider audience, receiving letters of appreciation from college students and parents. The show's premise involved Wishbone drawing parallels between the modern-day situations and classic tales, often portraying the main character himself, or secondary roles when appropriate. A distinctive feature was the recurring segment 'Tail Ends,' a behind-the-scenes look at the production elements of each episode. The series concluded its original run in 1997, but reruns continued for several years. The show's commitment to faithfully adapting complex literary themes into an accessible format for young viewers was a key aspect of its critical acclaim.

A unique aspect of 'Wishbone' was its commitment to presenting classic literature to children in a way that respected the original works. The series did not shy away from the more challenging or darker themes found in literature, such as murder, execution, suicide, and the brutal realities of slavery. This approach aimed to provide children with an early exposure to great books, trusting them to engage with the narratives on a meaningful level. The contemporary storylines in each episode were designed to mirror the literary adaptations, particularly in their resolutions, suggesting a philosophical exploration of how timeless human experiences and moral dilemmas manifest across different eras. This faithfulness to source material, even when dealing with difficult subjects, was a hallmark of the show's critical reception.

The concept for 'Wishbone' originated from creator Rick Duffield's desire to produce a children's show from a dog's perspective, eventually evolving into the idea of the dog embodying heroic literary figures. The goal was to make literature entertaining and accessible for young audiences. Comedian Mo Rocca contributed as a writer, describing the experience as intense 'storytelling boot camp' due to the challenge of adapting classic novels into concise, dog-centric episodes. The casting process involved searching for a suitable canine actor, with Soccer the Dog ultimately being chosen. The voice of Wishbone was provided by Larry Brantley. A local repertory company, known as 'The Wishbone Players,' was assembled to perform in the literary segments. The show's production was substantial, with each episode costing approximately $500,000, largely funded by Lyrick Studios, supported by the success of 'Barney & Friends.'

'Wishbone' garnered significant praise from critics and educators for its innovative approach to children's television and its faithful literary adaptations. The series received numerous accolades, including an Academy of Television Arts & Sciences First Honor Roll of Children's Programming, a George Foster Peabody Award, and multiple Emmy Awards for various technical and design aspects. It was also recognized by the Television Critics Association for Best Children's Show. Despite this acclaim, only 50 episodes were produced, with the series ending in 1997. The halt in production was reportedly due to a perceived lack of merchandising potential. Nevertheless, the show's impact endured, inspiring book series, video games, and even a planned film adaptation, demonstrating its lasting appeal and cultural significance.

“an entertaining way for kids to get their first taste of great books”

“storytelling boot camp”