First aired in 1963, Mister Rogers is PBS' longest running series ever-- and through production stopped in 2001 and Mister Rogers died in 2003, it still airs in most parts of the country. The slow-paced, soothing, folksy show was perfect for little kids-- up until they reached a certain age, when the sing-song Mr. Rogers and his slippers started seeming a little scary (even more so when you grew up to learn that in real life, his full name was Fred McFeely Rogers).

But though he's still ripe for parody, Mister Rogers was as wholesome they come, a stuck-in-time fragment of uncynical Americana. Mister Rogers' widow, Mrs. Rogers, who's chairwoman of the Family Communications board, tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette she'd like to see the original show go on forever because it's "ageless," but admits that some aspects are "dated."

One big potential change: Because the group is seeking partners, the new series may not be produced, as was Mister Rogers, in Pittsburgh (where the show gave local would-be actor Michael Keaton his first show biz gig, when he was still known by his given name, Michael Douglas).

--Tabloid Baby

Posted in Miscellaneous TV by Tabloid Baby at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Last Comment: MissKatrina on Dec 29, 2006 07:05 AM.

Comments (5)

zoobabe :

Where did you find that picture? Is it Mr. R with a gorilla from the Pgh Zoo, or is that Koko?

1 of 5 | Posted by zoobabe | Posted on December 28, 2006 3:58 PM

georgiababe :

I always liked Mr. Rogers, but I gotta say, Mr. Dressup kicks Mr. Rogers' butt.

~Georgia~

2 of 5 | Posted by georgiababe | Posted on December 28, 2006 6:30 PM

zoobabe :

As a native of Pgh., Mr. Rogers was a staple in my formative years. I never knew he visited with the famous gorilla, but I never saw too many other 200+ gorillas sitting in someone's lap so I figured it was her. Thanks for answering my q TBaby.

3 of 5 | Posted by zoobabe | Posted on December 29, 2006 4:52 AM

zoobabe :

that should read "200+ lb. gorillas" :)

4 of 5 | Posted by zoobabe | Posted on December 29, 2006 4:53 AM

MissKatrina :

I hate when people say that Mr.Rogers is creepy and bring up the "McFeely" thing, like he's some molestor. It's the obvious joke to make and it's trite.

How many other kids' show hosts have gotten the Presidential Medal of Freedom?

5 of 5 | Posted by MissKatrina | Posted on December 29, 2006 7:05 AM

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