Captain Kangaroo

Few children's programs have had such an impact as this iconic series. Hosted by Robert Keeshan from the Treasure House, The Captain was named after his distinctive overcoat that featured large kangaroo-like pouches. Each episode brought a mix of stories, skits, vaudeville acts, songs, games, and educational activities for young viewers. The show's memorable characters included Mr. Green Jeans (who always brought an animal to the show),Dennis (an apprentice handyman who always did everything he could),and Mr. Moose and Bunny Rabbit (Mr. Moose was always a master of pranks while Bunny Rabbit was always mute but clever). The Captain, as Mr. Moose's friend, often got into humorous situations. As the series evolved over the years, new features were added, including Uncle Backwards (a simple activity shown in reverse) and "Picture Pages," which featured matching games hosted by Bill Cosby. Slim Goodbody taught children about health, nutrition, and physical fitness. Many actors, actresses, and singers guest-starred throughout its run. In 1980s, attempts were made to modernize the show with new puppet friends and a joke-of-the-day segment but these initiatives failed. By 1984, The Captain's long-running CBS series came to an end after twenty-nine years on air. In the early 1990s, Robert Keeshan hosted a daily series on PBS that aired clips from classic episodes along with new content. Keeshan was a pioneering children's television star, having starred in Howdy Doody alongside Clarabell the Clown before it became one of the first national children's television shows.