Arthur Read: Thank You!

Take a bow. Arthur ends this week.

The long running animated children's series Arthur is officially ending this week. There will be four new episodes and right now a full scale marathon of Arthur throughout the week. The show is based off the popular books from American illustrator and author Marc Brown.

Brown's tale of an aardvark with glasses living in Elwood City with his mom, father, sister, D.W., sister Kate, his dog, Pal and best friend Buster has been on the air for 25 seasons.

After 25 seasons, it’s time to grow up and glow up! ✨
Find out what Arthur and his friends grow up to be in an all-new episode of @arthurpbs! Tune in for the premiere of “All Grown Up”, Monday February 21. Check your local @PBSKIDS listings to see the schedule! #Arthur25 #Arthur pic.twitter.com/Cts3Q9LTCG

— Arthur Read (@arthurpbs) February 19, 2022

How do you best support a friend while they’re grieving? Watch Muffy learn the power of just listening in a new heartfelt episode of ARTHUR, premiering February 21. Check your local listings. #Arthur25 pic.twitter.com/uxoxsgMPih

— Arthur Read (@arthurpbs) February 18, 2022

The four episodes will air as part of a 25th anniversary “Arthur” marathon, which will feature more than 250 episodes and movie specials from across the series’ run. The marathon will air on PBS Kids and livestream on the PBS Kids YouTube channel from Feb. 16-21. The four new episodes will air on PBS stations and stream for free on PBS Kids on Feb. 21, concluding the show’s 25-year run.

“For more than 25 years, Arthur and his friends have kept viewers learning and growing through their true-to-life experiences,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS Kids, in a statement. “We can’t wait to debut these episodes and introduce new ‘Arthur’ content that will give fans more ways to engage with their favorite aardvark.”

Now all news ain't that bad. The series will be on PBS Kids for years to come.

Arthur has over 255 episodes. Major guest stars were Matt Damon, The Backstreet Boys, Art Garfunkel, Joshua Redman, Yo-Yo Ma, Michelle Kwan, Taj Mahal, Jane Lynch, Idina Menzel, R.L. Stine and Marc Brown, himself appeared on episodes.

The late celebrities includes Fred Rogers, Alex Trebek, John Lewis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joan Rivers and Koko Taylor were on the series.

There were controversial episodes. One that had Lance Armstrong was pulled from rotation after the cyclist admitted to doping. Another episode featured Arthur's teacher Mr. Ratburn getting married to an aardvark named Patrick. The episode involved a different species (same sex) marriage. Alabama and Arkansas public television pulled the episode. 

Like most Arthur episodes it dealt with issues facing children, teenagers and adults. The show also was a part of the real life issues. Unfortunately like many in the far-right, they rather sweep reality under the rug.

Postcards from Buster was a short-lived spin-off from Arthur. It lasted two seasons.

Based on popularity, I expect the Wildbrain/DHX Media, PBS Kids and Paramount could revive the series in the future. I mean they have already rebooted shows from the 1980s and 1990s.