Hidden Gems: Overlooked and Forgotten TV Shows from Childhood

Childhood is full of nostalgic moments remembered from the comfort of our adult years. Among these memories are the shows we watched, some of which have been completely forgotten while others remain fondly remembered by a select few. In this article, we'll explore three such shows that might bring back memories for those who grew up in the 80s and 90s - The Trouble with Father, In Search Of..., and The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth: The Big Mouth Gulch.

The Trouble with Father - A Bumbling Father's Dilemma

During the 1980s, a variety of sitcoms depicted families with bumbling fathers. One such show was The Stu Erwin Show (also known as The Trouble with Father), which ran for five years with reruns going as late as the final year. This show, though occasionally criticized for not sufficiently supporting the father's position in the American household, provided a bumbling and often comical take on fatherhood.

The show featured Sheila James as a cute daughter who went on to star in other popular TV shows, including Dobie Gillis. Additionally, Willie Best played the role of a house servant/handyman, a position that, in retrospect, is regarded as quite cringeworthy. The show, while not well-remembered today, offers a window into the cultural norms of the 1980s.

In Search Of... - Strange Phenomena and Mysterious Stories

In Search Of... was a TV series that aired in the early 1980s during Saturday afternoons at 5:30 PM. The show delved into strange phenomena such as Bigfoot, UFOs, and the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. It was a niche series with an audience of enthusiasts for the unexplained and the peculiar. This series has had a resurgence of interest in recent years, particularly following the resurgence of interest in vintage Nickelodeon shows and retro TV nostalgia.

The show's tradition of introducing its awards show performances with silly and cringe-worthy stunts, likely derived from In Search Of..., has inspired many memes and tributes. This series, while less remembered today, served as an important part of 1980s and 1990s television history.

The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth - The Importance of Oral Hygiene in a Western Setting

The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth: The Big Mouth Gulch is a unique show that was originally broadcasted from 1995-1996 on Nick Jr. and later on Peacock T.V. It's a rare gem that was never released on DVD, Blu-Ray, or any streaming platform until 2020. The show is set in the Wild West and revolves around a talking tooth named Timmy who educates children about the importance of dental hygiene.

The show's niche and unusual nature made it a challenge to watch. However, for those who did manage to catch a glimpse of it, it's a treasure trove of nostalgic value. My personal experience with the show is a testament to its rarity, as it was one of the shows I watched on VHS, a format that is increasingly becoming a distant memory among digital natives.

It's a bittersweet feeling knowing how rare and valuable this show has become. The collector's edition of the VHS tape without its original cover adds to its mystique, making it a piece of trivia in the world of vintage TV.

In conclusion, these shows, while not widely known, hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them. They represent a period of television history that is often forgotten but still holds value and nostalgia for those who remember them.

Conclusion

These shows, while perhaps not part of mainstream television history, have their own significance and value in the realm of nostalgia and childhood. If you're a fan of 80s and 90s TV, these hidden gems might bring back some fond memories or introduce you to some new favorites.

For those interested in learning more about these shows and other nostalgic TV series, here are a few more resources: The Trouble with Father (IMDb), Dobie Gillis Official Site, In Search Of... (TVLand), The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth: The Big Mouth Gulch (IMDb).