Wishbone (TV series)

Wishbone was an American half-hour live action children's television series that aired on PBS from 1995 to 1997. The show's primary focus was on classic literature, explored through the eyes of the titular character, Wishbone, a Jack Russell Terrier.

The premise of each episode typically revolved around Wishbone experiencing events in his suburban neighborhood that would trigger in his imagination parallels to classic literary works. These parallel narratives were depicted with Wishbone portraying the main character, or a significant character, from the chosen book. Examples included Don Quixote, The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, and A Tale of Two Cities. The historical settings and costumes for these literary adaptations were meticulously researched and created.

The show aimed to make classic literature more accessible and engaging for young viewers. It intertwined the present-day lives of the kids in Wishbone's neighborhood with the timeless stories of the literary classics. The narratives of the literary adaptations were often interwoven with the contemporary storylines involving the children, emphasizing the relevance of these classic tales to modern life.

The primary cast of children included Joe Talbot (portrayed by Jordan Wall), Samantha Kepler (portrayed by Christie Abbott), and David Barnes (portrayed by Adam Springfield). The human actors would often interact with Wishbone, though he remained a dog in their world, capable only of communicating through barks and expressive gestures, allowing the viewers to interpret his actions and thoughts through the parallel literary narrative.

Wishbone was praised for its educational value, creative storytelling, and positive role models. The show garnered numerous awards, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The series helped to ignite a love of reading and classic literature in many children. After its initial run, Wishbone continued to be aired in reruns on PBS and has been released on DVD.