The beloved PBS Kids show Arthur aired its finale today after 25 seasons. The show first premiered in October of 1996, and today it released all the episodes of its 25th and final season. CNN reports that Arthur’s 25-year run makes it the longest-running animated kid’s show of all time. It is the second longest-running animated series overall, with The Simpsons having the longest run of 32 years. The show is based on Marc Brown’s popular book series, and it has won four Daytime Emmys for outstanding children’s animated program. All the episodes will continue to be available on PBS Kids.
TV Line breaks down Arthur’s finale, with the final moments of the episode revealing the characters all grown up. Buster has become a teacher, Muffy is running for mayor of Elwood, George is the owner of the Sugar Bowl, Francine (with a wild new haircut) is working for a sneaker company, D.W. is a traffic cop, and Binky Barnes is a TV news anchor. And as for the titular aardvark himself, Arthur has written a graphic novel series about his life, which starts off with Arthur getting his first pair of glasses. This was the exact premise of “Arthur’s Eyes” which was the very first episode of Arthur.
Thank you for watching! #Arthur25 https://t.co/1AuFsLTzwh
— PBS KIDS (@PBSKIDS) February 21, 2022
Arthur comes to an end just over a year after PBS Kids put an end to another popular show when it stopped airing reruns of Caillou. Granted, more people were happy to see that show go than they are to see Arthur go. This show is celebrated for touching on serious issues and teaching children lessons about kindness, empathy, and inclusiveness. Arthur is a show that aims to teach children to make the world a better place, not unlike another children’s show from PBS, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Were you a fan of Arthur as a child? Are you sad that PBS Kids has decided to let Arthur go after 25 seasons? Share your thoughts at The Nerd Stash Facebook page and @TheNerdStash on Twitter. And don’t forget to like and follow.