Bailey's PBS Memories

It’s been a while since I last touched on my memories of PBS, being the television station I frequented the most during my childhood. As I reflect on the shows I grew up with on PBS from the early ‘90s to ‘00s, I continue to be surprised at not only the educational value of these programs (which taught me so much as an educational foundation and primed me to love learning), but also at the creativity quality of the programs. There are many of these programs that I will sit through if I happen to come across them on television, or that I actively seek out if I’m in a nostalgic mood. As I rewatch these shows, I realize that I am not merely enjoying them on a nostalgic level, but through new, older eyes. The ability for PBS series to engage viewers both young and old never fails to astound me.  I’m happy to be able to talk about three more of the series that gave me an enthusiasm for learning, as Miss Frizzle would say, “Seatbelts, everyone!”

Dragonfly TV (2002-2008)

Dragonfly TV was a Saturday morning staple for me as a preteen. The series was essentially Mythbusters for kids. Each week kids would pose different scientific questions around a certain theme (speed, sound, animals, etc.) and proceed to experiment to find a solution. These experiments were always really cool, like determining how arm positions affect skateboard flips or testing how coconuts would serve as food in space. Looking through all of the interesting and fun scientific ventures this show went on, I’m tempted to seek out the entire series and give it a rewatch. Alas, while you can find certain segments on YouTube, full episodes of the entire series continue to elude me...

Kratts’ Creatures (1996-2000)

Zoologist brothers Chris and Martin Kratt have had a long career on PBS spanning from my childhood to the present day, particularly with their animated series Wild Kratts (2011-present). While their series Zoboomafu is probably their most well-known production (and will be getting some love in a future installation of my 'memories' posts), there’s a special place in my heart for their first television venture, Kratts’ Creatures. In this series, the brothers travel around the globe observing different wild animals, from the great blue heron to the spiny lobster, and everything in-between! What I loved most about the series was that the Kratts were able to make animal study accessible and fun to the point that even 5-year-old Bailey was excited and understood the exciting and amazing world of animals. I’m so happy that kids today still are taught by the Kratts. Here’s hoping for another 25 years (at least) with these two awesome brothers!

The Magic School Bus (1994-1997)

I mean, what can I say? It’s The Magic School Bus! What ‘90s kid didn’t grow up with this show? Considering its relatively short lifespan for a PBS series (plus a sequel series, The Magic School Bus rides again, which aired 2017-2018), this show had some staying power. Featuring a zany schoolteacher (voiced by Lily Tomlin!) who takes her class on the best field trips ever to study science up close and in person! Miss Frizzle’s magic school bus takes her kids from the vastness of space to the depths of the ocean. My favorite episode is the one in which Ralphie is sick and the children take a trip through his ailing body to learn about the immune system. The series was a staple of ‘90s educational television and instilled an interest in science in a (magically gigantic) bus full of kids. 

What PBS series are you eager for me to revisit? What was your favorite ‘field trip' taken on The Magic School Bus? Let me know in the comments below, and remember to keep the fun of learning in your heart.

Copyright © 2021 Bailey Lizotte