The Canadian Kids Shows of the ’80s & ’90s We Want Back Again
American kids may have grown up on Nickelodeon, but there’s no comparison with Canadian kids’ shows of the ’80s and ’90s. Sure, they were mostly low-budget, and some were pretty weird, but let’s face it, they were awesome.
It seems like everything is getting a reboot these days. Even The Muppet Babies made its way back to TV, but with a strange, CGI twist and without Scooter and Skeeter. I say leave the shows alone; they were perfect as-is! But I do love the idea of re-airing these amazing shows of our youth, especially those in the bizarre and beautiful world of vintage Canadian TV.
Here are some Canadian kids shows that shaped our childhoods that we’d love to see make a comeback…
Photo credit: throwbacks.com
The Elephant Show
Sharon, Lois, and Bram were a Canadian staple. Not one of us can say we didn’t get excited at the sound of that flute flourish signifying the impending arrival of the purple cartoon spider. With a combination of amazing music, great guest stars, fun stories, and concert clips (in which I was featured once, no autographs please) The Elephant Show was the perfect show.
Photo credit: thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
Mr. Dressup
There are two types of people in the world: Those who love Mr. Dressup, and those who are dead inside. He didn’t do anything spectacular, just a little talking to puppets, and some simple drawings that would make Bob Ross drool, but he was like family. No Canadian childhood was complete without Mr. Dressup. Bring back that Tickle Trunk!
The documentary Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe is a feel-good trip down memory lane.
Photo credit: lockerdome.com
Under the Umbrella Tree
If you were like me, watching Under the Umbrella Tree was the only thing that made being home sick tolerable. It’s not 100% clear what this show was about – three animal foster children? We’re not sure – and the characters were always lamenting about something. But it was good television.
Photo credit: canadiandesignresource.ca
Polka Dot Door
This show was apparently so low-budget that the male human character never saw Polkaroo – because he was Polkaroo. I am embarrassed to say I was in my teens when I figured that one out. The main characters were literally inanimate stuffed animals, who could only be heard by the humans on the show, and only on the second try (“What’s that Marigold”?) It was almost always Imagination Day (ironically.) The trip through the Polka Dot Door to an adventure in the real world was rarely interesting. There is no good reason why Polka Dot Door rocked, but it absolutely did.
Photo credit: tvo.org
Today’s Special
Inarguably the best kids show ever made. Go ahead, fight me on it. Whose first crush wasn’t Jeff? Muffy the rhyming mouse? Yes please. Sam and his high-tech computer? What’s not to love? And if you lived in the Toronto area, you could even visit the store Today’s Special was set in!
Dear Aunt Agnes
Perhaps one of the more obscure shows on the list. Dear Aunt Agnes isn’t talked about as much, but enjoyable nonetheless. For a while, I thought Heather Conkie was the biggest celebrity in the world. And her Mama’s Family-esque portrayal of Aunt Agnes was bang on.
Harriet’s Magic Hats
Like the current show Franny’s Feet, but better, Harriet’s Magic Hats was about a child who is transported to fun places by putting on different hats. Like Dear Aunt Agnes it is a bit less-known, but those of us who did watch it will never get the theme-song out of our heads.
Photo credit: mentalfloss.com
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Yup. We all were. That’s what made Are You Afraid of the Dark? so fantastic. It was scary – but not too scary. The stories were interesting, in their cheesy ’90s way. And as a bonus for bringing this back, nearly every Canadian celebrity in our age demographic appeared on this show. Who wants to see Baby Ryan Gosling?
Photo credit: rickstv.com
Readalong
Readalong starred a talking boot. Enough said.
Photo credit: alchetron.com
Fred Penner’s Place
Ah, Fred Penner. The children’s “Red Green.” Who knew shoving a backpack through a log would be so exciting? We’re not sure why Fred had to hike so far into the woods just to talk to us on Fred Penner’s Place, but it was worth it.
Read All About It
Like the creepy ’80s Doctor Who show, Read All About It was strange, suspenseful, sort of scary, and absolutely addictive. It was such quality TV that many of us saw it in school! I’m still not completely sure what was going on, but I just could not stop watching.
Yes, there are lots of great shows on TV for kids now, but can we please bring back some of the grainy, simple shows from our youth? It’s the Canadian thing to do.
Polkaroo and the Toys from Polka-Dot-Door still make appearances with Gisele on TVO kids in the morning, which makes me very happy, and my kids love it too. Keeps the “What’s that Bear?….” alive too.
You missed Maniac Mansion 🙂
https://youtu.be/aOk4khUh5KU
TVOntario Children Shows:
Hello Heather my name is Jaime and My childhood and early adult favorite tv show is Today’s Special. I am not embarrassed to admit that at 18 years of age I could not wait to get home from high school to watch Today’s Special. Do you know Where a can get my hands on the entire series or is there a channel where I can see it? Please help. Let’s Bring Back Today’s Special!!!!!!!!
What Canadian early 2000 kid show is set in a garden. Tall pale bald men, I believe two of them who were twins and rarely spoke. They had a mother/grandmother who was older. I believe it was a children’s show. It was life action. On CBC in the morning I believe