Axed: Arthur
Long-running US animated series has been cancelled after a 25-year run.
- Published by David Knox
- on
Long-running US animated series Arthur has been cancelled after a 25-year run.
The series was produced by US broadcaster PBS and first aired in 1996, inspired by the Arthur Adventure book series from children’s author Marc Brown.
Arthur is an aardvark boy, who attends elementary school with his best friend Buster, a rabbit, while other buddies include poodle Prunella, monkey Francine and bulldog Binky.
Each episode consists of two stories that intend to educate children on a wide variety of subjects and issues that could affect them in their lives.
In an interview on podcast Finding D.W., series developer Kathy Waugh revealed, “Arthur is no longer in production. We had our wrap party two years ago. I think [PBS] made a mistake, and I think Arthur should come back and I’m know I’m not alone in thinking they made a mistake.
“I don’t know if it was a ratings issue or if it felt like it needed to be retired. To me, it felt evergreen, like it was never going to end but it did end, we finished the last episode [of] season 25 two years ago.”
The 25th season airing in 2022, will be the final season.
PBS has said there may be additional content in the future…
Arthur screened in Australia through ABC iview, Foxtel, Binge and Amazon Prime Video.
Source: Radio Times
Share
- Tagged with Arthur
5 Responses
I didn’t realise the show was still in production after so long. I thought it had ended years ago. I had watched it in my youth. A good animated show for children that taught about friendships and family. I agree with Maev about computer generated animation. Often the animators now churn out cheap generic computer generated animations that are soulless and dull unlike the animated programs from the past. A lot of historic quality children’s programs from the past could be aired on ABC2 and ABC ME. We enjoyed them and they’d likely resonate with today’s youth.
And I say hey! not a wonderful kind of day. 🙁
I grew up watching Arthur, it’s a shame to see it end but there are plenty of seasons worth of reruns for future generations.
Loved Arthur…still do….maybe a bit old fashion for the internet generation….
The sort of cartoons I like….not computer generated…
GBH the production company actually spoke to the Executive producer about it on radio.
The show itself is ending in the form we know but they are pivoting to a new production schedule across digital and different media forms where children are today. You can hear the interview with her here: wgbh.org
Would be worth you adding this to your article! Arthur isn’t cancelled! 🙂
I’m afraid podcasts aren’t TV. Looks like eps will run til 2022 and then be avail in various forms which you note. But if production has ended that’s where the news is.