Premiering on PBS Kids in 1996, Arthur became a cornerstone of children’s television — a smart, funny, and deeply empathetic look at childhood through the eyes of Arthur Read, an eight-year-old aardvark. Created by Marc Brown and produced by WGBH Boston, the show turned ordinary life — homework, friendships, misunderstandings, and big feelings — into timeless lessons told with warmth and wit.
Set in the multicultural town of Elwood City, Arthur blended humor with heartfelt storytelling, tackling everything from sibling rivalries to social issues like bullying, inclusion, and empathy. Its gentle tone and memorable cast — including DW, Buster, and Francine — made it relatable to generations of kids.
Running for 25 seasons, it became the longest-running animated children’s series in U.S. history — a quiet triumph that proved kindness, curiosity, and imagination never go out of style.
