Today’s episode is about public television, classic literature, and an extremely charismatic Jack Russell Terrier.

Yes, we are talking about Wishbone, the iconic children’s PBS show that aired from 1995 to 1998. 

It was about Wishbone the dog, who imagined himself as the star of many canonical texts such as The Odyssey, Romeo and Juliet, Oliver Twist, and Cyrano de Bergerac. The shoe aired for 50 episodes, and won 5 Daytime Emmys. 

There’s a new documentary out about the show -- it’s called What’s the Story, Wishbone?. Host Greta Johnsen talks to two of the documentary’s producers, who also worked on the original show --  Betty Buckley, who also produced Wishbone, and Larry Brantley, who played the voice of Wishbone himself.

As the documentary explores, the show wasn’t easy to make. The adaptations were ambitious, the production schedule was intense, and nothing like it had really been made before. But at the same time, there’s a tangible sense of curiosity and joy. 

And of course, a charming dog in pantaloons is always a delight. 

SHOW CREDITS

Creator and host: Greta Johnsen

Senior Producer: Ben Goldberg

Composers: Ross Bellenoit and Jeremy Thal

Tile art: Mac Maclean

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