‘Arthur’ Cancelled After 25 Seasons in New Announcement by PBS Kids
Arthur, a household name for American families nationwide, is ending after 25 seasons.
The series has been credited for being the longest-running children’s animated series on American television. The final season of the show will premiere in the winter of 2022 on PBS Kids.
Kathy Waugh, an original developer of the series, shared the news to the Finding DW podcast listeners alongside voice actor Jason Szwimmer, who played James on the animated series.
“Arthur is no longer in production. We had our wrap party two years ago,” Waugh told Szwimmer. “I think [PBS] made a mistake, and I think ‘Arthur’ should come back, and I know I’m not alone in thinking they made a mistake. I don’t know if it was a ratings issue or if it felt like it needed to be retired. To me, it felt evergreen, like it was never going to end, but it did end, we finished the last episode [of] Season 25 two years ago.”
Arthur is being cancelled after 25 seasons. Please respect my privacy at this time. pic.twitter.com/aPxzN6xMvK
— Danielle Pinnock (@bodycourage) July 28, 2021
Arthur began his journey as a children’s book written by Marc Brown in 1976. Two decades later, Waugh began preparing the beloved aardvark for his television debut.
In a statement to Variety, Arthur executive producer Carol Greenwood confirmed the news to the public:
“[Arthur] is known for teaching kindness, empathy, and inclusion through many groundbreaking moments to generations of viewers. In the winter of 2022, the 25th and final season of ‘Arthur’ will debut,” said Greenwood.
“Arthur will continue to be available on PBS Kids for years to come. Producer GBH and PBS Kids are continuing to work together on additional Arthur content, sharing the lessons of Arthur and his friends in new ways.”
i’m so sad arthur got cancelled because that show was so ahead of its time when it came to humor- arthur and his sister had No chill and i loved every second of it pic.twitter.com/YFUCDkgZTi
— jo (@bigbottomjo) July 29, 2021
With over 240 episodes and four Emmys under their belt, Arthur will forever be remembered for its impact not only on social media and pop culture but in the hearts of children everywhere.
