The long-running kid’s television show Arthur is to end after 25 years.
After airing 25 seasons on the US broadcast network PBS and other international networks, the beloved cartoon’s last episode will air in 2022.
The show’s cancellation was announced by executive producer Carol Greenwald in an interview with IGN. She said: “In the winter of 2022, the 25th and final season of Arthur will debut.”
“Arthur will continue to be available on PBS KIDS for years to come,” she continued.
Based on the books by Marc Brown, the show is the second-longest animated show in US history with 246 episodes so far. The only show to beat it is Fox’s The Simpsons.
“Producers are continuing to work together on additional Arthur content, sharing the lessons of Arthur and his friends in new ways,” Greenwald commented.
Additionally, the production of the show finished two years ago according to writer Kathy Waugh: “We had our wrap party two years ago. I think they’ve made a mistake, PBS and I think Arthur should come back and I know I’m not alone in thinking they made a mistake.”
Over the years, the cartoon has covered a variety of important topics such as cancer, autism, and dyslexia. It also dealt with same-sex marriage with fictional headteacher Mr Ratburn coming out as gay in 2019. The episode that features his marriage garnered a wide amount of controversy including a boycott by Alabama Public Television.
“To me, it felt like evergreen, like it was never going to end,” Waugh said to IGN. “I don’t know if it was a ratings issue or if it just felt like it needed to be retired.”
Arthur also won several awards, including six Emmy’s, and featuring celebrity guests such as Joan Rivers, Matt Damon, and John Lewis. As well as this, the show’s theme song Believe In Yourself is praised as one of the best opening themes in cartoon history.
Words by Amelia Hansford
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