Forgotten Gems: Children's Television Series That Almost No One Remembers

It's surprising how many classic children's television series from the past have been forgotten by time, with very few people remembering these memorable shows. In this article, we will highlight some of these rare gems and explore the reason why they remain hidden in the annals of history.

Tomes, Talismans: Teaching the Dewey Decimal System

One such series is "Tomes Talismans", a program that was designed to teach children about the Dewey Decimal System and the basics of conducting research. Though not widely known today, the series was an educational hit in its time. "Tomes" aired in the late 1960s and 1970s, helping kids navigate library systems and understand how to find information effectively.

Read All About It: Immersing Young Minds in Classic Fiction

Another hidden treasure is "Read All About It", a show that introduced young children to various works of Classic Fiction. This series was designed to spark a love for literature in the youth of the 1970s and 1980s, exposing them to timeless stories and characters. "Read All About It" was a true classic, but it has been largely forgotten in today's multimedia landscape.

Personal Favorites: Franny’s Feet and Kukla, Fran and Ollie

On a personal note, one of my favorite childhood shows that almost no one remembers is "Franny’s Feet". I was deeply invested in this show, and to this day, I have never met anyone who has even heard of it. It is a testament to the sheer rarity of such shows. Additionally, "Kukla, Fran and Ollie" was a local show that aired in Chicago. It featured puppets Kukla and Ollie, and the real-life host, Fran Allison. The show was broadcast throughout the 1950s and was particularly charming and gently sweet, much like modern shows featuring puppet hosts.

Iconic Series: Mighty Mouse Playhouse and The Howdy Doody Show

For a child of the 1960s, Mighty Mouse and The Howdy Doody Show were the perfect Saturday morning companions. "Mighty Mouse Playhouse" was especially beloved, as it brought the beloved character to life in a magical, storybook-like format. Meanwhile, "The Howdy Doody Show" was a household name, and its impact on children's television cannot be overstated. These shows were so integral to the weekly routine of many families that any disruption, such as a doctor's visit, could spell disaster. In fact, my first taste of the pressure of adhering to a strict schedule came when I refused to miss a traditional Saturday morning surgery to see Mighty Mouse. My father provided me with an ice cream cap and a popgun in return for my willingness to undergo the operation.

Western Series: Yancey Derringer

Shifting to the Western genre, "Yancey Derringer" was a series that starred Jock Mahoney, a character who would go on to have a successful career in films and on television. The show was a predecessor to other Western series and helped shape the genre.

Wacky Races Spinoff: Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines

The series "Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines" was a short-run spinoff of the famous "Wacky Races". It starred Dick Dastardly and his sidekicks as they embarked on a series of wacky adventures to stop Yankee Doodle Pigeon. This series was a mix of absurdity and fun, much like the infamous "Stop That Pigeon" earworm chorus. The show was not just an extension of Wacky Races but a unique and memorable corner of animation history.

These shows, though forgotten by many, serve as a reminder of the wide and diverse range of programming that once filled children's TV screens. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the lasting impact of these series that they hold a special place in the memories of their viewers, even decades later.