Five forgotten Canadian children’s shows that are worth another look

Welcome to Rewind, a nostalgic new Postmedia feature that reflects on the entertainment and pop culture world’s past — often with a Canadian twist.

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To kick things off, we’re revisiting five long-lost children’s TV shows that didn’t need Elmo’s hype to make their mark on Canada’s cultural scene.

The Friendly Giant (1958-1985)

Yes, The Friendly Giant did get its start on a radio station in Madison, Wis., followed by its sister television station WHA-TV. But the program quickly looked up … and turned Canadian. After CBC’s then head of children’s television Fred Rainsberry invited host Bob Homme to move his castle here, it found a home for several generations. Produced by Toronto’s Daniel McCarthy, the mostly ad libbed 15-minute show featured a memorable opening sequence narrated by gentle giant Friendly (Homme), who led kind, humourous chit-chat with visitors Rusty the Rooster (Rod Coneybeare) and Jerome the Giraffe (also Coneybeare) before settling into a story or musical performance. Its premise: Sweet simplicity, much like childhood itself.

Not to Brag, But: Despite being born in Wisconsin, Homme was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1998 for his work on the show — a rare distinction for a non-Canadian. He died in 2000 at the age of 81.

You Can’t Do That on Television (1979-1990)

Essentially a Second City for teenagers, this low-budget variety series was a blend of sketch comedy, music videos and call-in contests where transistor radios and record albums were up for grabs. Initially produced by and aired on Ottawa’s CTV station, it managed to grasp the attention of a wider North American audience, finding a second home on U.S. cable network Nickelodeon — and going on to become the its highest rated show. What made it so popular? The slime, of course. Any time a contestant on the show would say, “I don’t know,” a goopy helping of green slop would fall on them (apparently the mixture was concocted with green gelatin powder and flour, then oatmeal and eventually cottage cheese and food colouring).

Not to Brag, But: The show helped launch the careers of many performers, most notably Ottawa-born rocker Alanis Morissette, herself a victim of sliming.

The Racoons (1985-1992)

Despite their real-life reputation as bandits, raccoons got to be the heroes in this animated series created by Canadian TV personality Kevin Gillis. What started as a series of specials led to a co-production between CBC and the Disney Channel — and a hit on both sides of the border. The lively environmentalism-themed series saw Bert Raccoon (voiced by Len Carlson) and his married BFFs Melissa Raccoon (Linda Feige/Susan Roman) and Ralph Raccoon (Bob Dermer) battle greedy aardvark millionaire Cyril Sneer (Michael Magee). While seemingly mature in plot, The Raccoons remained light and relatable for its young viewers.

Not to Brag, But: The Raccoons’ accolades include the 1988 Gemini Award for best animated series, and Bert and Lisa Raccoon (Lisa Lougheed) were named mascots of the Canadian Olympic Association’s Junior Olympic Program in 1990.

Under the Umbrella Tree (1986-1993)

There was something special about this understated CBC show that ran before hits like Mr. Dressup and Sesame Street. Created in the days of low-fi television by Ottawa-raised puppeteer Noreen Young, the calming 15-minute episodes captured the escapades of artistic gopher Gloria, prankster iguana Iggy, inventive blue jay Jacob and humourous human Holly (played by Holly Larocque). Nestled beneath a prominent indoor umbrella tree in the cosy confines of a living room in a house on Ottawa’s Spring Street, the quartet’s adventures included singing and dancing, with a valuable life lesson woven into every story. When production wrapped in 1993, the show was syndicated on The Disney Channel and Canal Famille until 1997.

Not to Brag, But: UtUT aired a whopping 285 episodes, and Ottawa born star Larocque was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1993 for her work on the show.

The Big Comfy Couch (1993-2006)

Imagine a time and place when clowns weren’t scary, and you’ll probably land in 1993 on The Big Comfy Couch. Created by Gemini and Emmy Award-winning Canadian producer Cheryl Wagner, what YTV/Treehouse TV’s The Big Comfy Couch lacked in horror, it made up for in quirk. Staples like the Clock Rug Stretch, dust bunny encounters, visits to wise Granny Garbanzo’s garden a unicycle-riding mail man made the calmingly offbeat program unique — but perhaps the largest part of its charm was courtesy of star clown Loonette (played by Toronto actress Alyson Court). She and her doll Molly managed to do their exercise, learn a simple life lesson, read, play and perform a 10-second tidy before cuddling up for a Couch nap all in a matter of 25 minutes.

Not to Brag, But: Did someone say merch? TBCC sparked books, DVDs and Molly dolls, among other licensed products. It also became a live theatrical production called Molly’s Fool Moon Festival in 2005. Meanwhile, Court did go on to take a slightly scarier voice role as Claire Redfield in the Resident Evil franchise.

Honourable mentions:

The Hilarious House of Frankenstein (1971-1974)

Polka Dot Door (1971-1993)

Today’s Special (1981-1987)

Téléfrançais (1984-1986)

Fred Penner’s Place (1987-1999)

Street Cents (1989-2006)

lward@postmedia.com

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