Wishbone

Wishbone is a children's television show. The show's title character is a Jack Russell Terrier of the same name. Wishbone lives with his owner Joe Talbot in the fictional modern town of Oakdale, Texas. He daydreams about being the lead character of stories from classic literature He was known as "the little dog with a big imagination". Only the viewers and the characters in his daydreams can hear Wishbone speak. The characters from his daydreams see Wishbone as whatever famous character he is currently portraying and not as a dog.

Wishbone (1995-1997) is an American public television children's series created by Rick Duffield for PBS Kids, a family-friendly comedy fantasy with a literary bent. Soccer the Dog plays the title role, a Jack Russell Terrier whose voice is provided by Larry Brantley, and he lives with his owner Joe Talbot (Jordan Wall) in the fictional modern town of Oakdale, Texas. The engine of each episode is Wishbone's daydreams: he imagines himself as the lead character of a classic story, and in those fantasies the characters around him see him as the famous figure he is portraying rather than as a dog, so only the viewers and his daydream companions can hear him speak. Ellen Talbot (Mary Chris Wall) and other principal figures anchor the real-world scenes, where his everyday life intersects with his fantasy adventures. The show runs two seasons and fifty episodes, with each installment built as a self-contained story that mixes a playful reimagining of canonical books with gentle lessons about friendship, curiosity and storytelling. Its tone is warm, whimsical and comforting, with a bright, imaginative register suited to young viewers and the families watching alongside them. Fans of Blue's Clues, Arthur and Doug will find resonance in its blend of educational intent, a talking animal companion and playful fantasy.

• Douggentle educational kids programming, talking animal lead, literary imagination
• Blue's Clueslive action kids series with imaginative fantasy interludes and lessons
• Arthuranimal companion narrating and engaging with children's learning
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyerclassic literature reimagined through a dog's daydreams, whimsical kids fantasy

Created by

Rick Duffield

Release Date

1995-09-10

Episode runtime

28 min

Rating

8.3 / 10 (40)

What is Wishbone about?

A Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone daydreams himself into the lead roles of classic literature while living with his owner in small-town Oakdale, Texas.

What is Wishbone like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Wishbone as measured, its intensity as subtle and its storytelling as simple.

Is Wishbone violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Wishbone.

Which shows are like Wishbone?

Shows with a similar feel include Doug, Blue's Clues, Arthur, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

How long is Wishbone?

Wishbone: 2 seasons, 50 episodes.

Is Wishbone still running?

No, Wishbone has ended.