PBS Throwback Week: PBS Icons Take the Stage on Social Media

Every time you put on a cardigan sweater, do you think of Mister Rogers and his frequent trips to the Neighborhood of Make Believe? Do you suddenly yearn to feed some fish in an aquarium?

Did you always take Levar Burton’s – the magical host of Reading Rainbow – word for it, even though he told you not to? Did you always believe you could be a “butterfly in the sky,” to quote the opening song?

Haven’t you always wanted to paint “happy little clouds” and “happy little trees” just like Bob Ross? Even if you’ve never had any desire to paint mountains or forests, weren’t you just as mesmerized by watching his brushstrokes on The Joy of Painting?

Did you ever find yourself entranced by the way Julia Child seemed to inhale her words as she waxed poetic about roast chicken, the joys of butter and HOT CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES?

Then this is your week. Our friends at PBS are celebrating the icons-of-yore with a slew of nostalgic remixes that capture words of wisdom from the likes of Mister Rogers, Levar Burton, Bob Ross, and Julie Child. In other words, if any of these characters became electronic music stars, these would be their music videos. Every day until Mister Rogers’ birthday on March 20, they’ll pull something new out of the vault of favorites.

So if you enjoy the Mister Rogers remix, you’ll also want to check out the complete collection.

If you grew up watching programs like Sesame Street, 3-2-1 Contact, Newton’s Apple, and more, then you probably have the phrase “Thanks to viewers like you” burned into your memory. And it’s true. Without the support of viewers, fans, fanatics, and PBS nerds, the sort of programming that encourages you and your children to explore the “garden of your mind,” ceases to exist.

So spread the word. Become a member. Head over to our Facebook page to tell us how PBS has shaped you with the hashtag #ILovePBS. This week is all about throwing it back and looking to the future.

Looking for more nostalgia-inducing content? Our pals at Rewire have officially boarded the nostalgia train for the Neighborhood of Make Believe, with a few other PBS points of interest along the way.

 

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