Captain Kangaroo: A Look Back at the Beloved Children’s Show
For nearly three decades, Captain Kangaroo reigned as one of the most beloved children’s shows on CBS. The show, which debuted in 1955 and ran until 1984, starred Bob Keeshan as the titular character. Dressed in a colorful overcoat with deep pockets, which is why he was called “Kangaroo,” Keeshan served as an affable ringmaster over a loose format involving songs, puppets, cartoons, and surprise guests who dropped by The Captain’s Place.
In the annals of children’s broadcasting, Captain Kangaroo remains one of the most treasured shows. Although it may not have the same nostalgic appeal as Sesame Street or Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up watching it.
One of the highlights of the show was its educational segments. In 1978, producer Jim Hirschfeld caught wind of John Burstein, an actor who’d created a “superhero of health” character named Slim Goodbody, complete with an educational stage show. “Hirschfeld sent his production team to watch my show in New Jersey, and they really, really liked it,” recalls Burstein, now 73. “And they say to me, ‘You are going to be on Captain Kangaroo.’”
It took Keeshan some convincing, but when Kraft Foods agreed to sponsor the segments, he relented, and Burstein appeared on the show until 1981. Burstein’s segments were a hit, and he credits Captain Kangaroo with giving him the credibility that enabled his whole career to flow. “I just got a royalty check today from Discovery streaming for stuff I did 35 years ago,” says Burstein.
Another recurring segment was “Picture Pages,” which was hosted by Bill Cosby from 1980 until the show’s cancellation in 1984. Despite Cosby’s association with the show, Captain Kangaroo’s legacy remains solely focused on the positive impact it had on children’s programming.
As technology and entertainment have advanced, children’s programming has evolved, but Captain Kangaroo remains a timeless classic that remains an important part of many people’s childhoods. The show’s values, such as kindness, creativity, and curiosity, continue to be relevant today, and its cultural significance cannot be overstated.
In today’s landscape of children’s programming, it’s worth looking back at Captain Kangaroo and the impact it had on generations of kids who watched the show. For those who grew up with it, the show is a beloved reminder of simpler times and the lessons they learned from The Captain and his many guests. For those who have never seen it, Captain Kangaroo stands as an important cultural artifact that helped define children’s programming for decades to come.
In the end, Captain Kangaroo holds a special place in the history of children’s broadcasting. From its educational segments to its lessons on kindness and creativity, the show remains a timeless classic that will continue to be loved by generations for years to come.
