Big Bird on Mr. Rogers

[BEAR]

As I was waiting for the second hurricane episode of SS to come on today, I caught the end bit of Mr Rogers. In the Neighborhood of Make Believe they were talking about how Big Bird was going to come and visit tomorrow. Maybe that means the Mr Rogers episode with Big Bird will be on tomorrow. Just a heads up for those who haven't seen it.

 

[Daffyfan4ever]

I remember seeing that one when I was little. I guess if it is on tomorrow I should tape it. Thanks for the heads up, Bear.

 

[Ziffel]

Yeah thanks for that, Bear. I don't think I've ever seen this one. It comes on at 1pm here (a half hour from now) so I'll tape it and then see. And even if it's not the Big Bird one, I think I'll watch the show anyway. Been a while since I've watched it and ALWAYS a pleasure. Great man.

 

[Ziffel]

And just watched it and it was indeed the one with Big Bird. From 1981.
That was nice to see. Special guest star: Carroll Spinney.

 

[Daffyfan4ever]

1981? I wasn't aware it was that old. I remember seeing it sometime in the 80s, but I would have only been a year old in 81 so I wouldn't have remembered. I didn't think they still played episodes from that far back. I wish they'd do that with "Sesame Street."

 

[BEAR]

1981? I wasn't aware it was that old. I remember seeing it sometime in the 80s, but I would have only been a year old in 81 so I wouldn't have remembered. I didn't think they still played episodes from that far back. I wish they'd do that with "Sesame Street."

Yeah. Well, since Fred Rogers died a few years ago, all they have is reruns to put on the air without removing the show completely.

 

[Ziffel]

And about 1980 or 1981 is as far back as I've seen them show Mr. Rogers episodes. I would love it if they decide to run the shows from the 70's that I watched as a child.

 

[Xerus]

I remember reading that at first, Mr. Rogers wanted Carroll to remove the Big Bird suit so the kids could see the person inside the bird, so they'll know what's real and what's make believe. But Carroll begged Mr. Rogers that he not do that for he said that fantasy is such a short thing in a kid's life and it would totally ruin it for them. So it was agreed that Big Bird would only appear in the Neighborhood of Make Believe.

 

[BEAR]

I remember reading that at first, Mr. Rogers wanted Carroll to remove the Big Bird suit so the kids could see the person inside the bird, so they'll know what's real and what's make believe. But Carroll begged Mr. Rogers that he not do that for he said that fantasy is such a short thing in a kid's life and it would totally ruin it for them. So it was agreed that Big Bird would only appear in the Neighborhood of Make Believe.

Yes, I also read about this. I can't imagine how awful it would have been for them to have Spinney remove the costume. Totally ruins the magic. Kids would never be able to watch Sesame Street the same way again. In fact, I think the whole franchise would be ruined.

 

[Daffyfan4ever]

Yeah. Well, since Fred Rogers died a few years ago, all they have is reruns to put on the air without removing the show completely.

Yeah, I knew that. I just didn't think they went that far back. I just thought they'd stick with 90s episodes. I'm glad I'm wrong about that.

I would like to see PBS do that with "Sesame Street." Maybe air some episodes from the 70s or 80s before Elmo got popular. Heck, if they're showing Big Bird on "Mr. Rogers." Why not show the "Sesame Street" episode where Mr. Rogers appeared? I guess that won't happen anytime soon.

After all, Mr. Rogers was just one person who hosted the show and since he's gone now, reruns are all we have left.

Where as, on "Sesame Street" there are all these new people and Muppets on the show, so they can keep making new episodes.

Sorry to bore you all. Just thought I'd post a few of my thoughts on this.