There's Always A Motorcycle: Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, S5 E1253: Audrey’s Feelings (TV 1972)

Run Time: 28:28
Producer: Family Communications
Director: Bob Walsh
Writer: Fred Rogers
Key Cast: Fred Rogers, Betty Aberlin, Susan Linn

FILM MAKERS

Fred Rogers dedicated his life to understanding childhood. He took that knowledge to the medium of television with his  groundbreaking PBS series, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Fred was the creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as well as the host of all 895 episodes, the composer of its more than 200 songs, and the puppeteer who imagined 14 characters into being. More importantly, he changed the face of children’s television and transformed the way we think about the inner lives of young children. Throughout his career, Fred Rogers was a champion of children in general and PBS in particular. In 1969, he famously testified before a Senate subcommittee that was considering cutting funding for public television. Senator John Pastore was in charge of the proceedings, and after two days of hearings, he remained distinctly unimpressed. Then Fred spoke.

“This is what I give. I give an expression of care every day to each child, to help him realize that he is unique… I feel that if we in public television can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable and manageable, we will have done a great service for mental health.” – Fred Rogers, Senate hearing on PBS funding

Fred Rogers Productions, formerly known as Family Communications, Inc. and The Fred Rogers Company still owns the rights to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Founded by Fred Rogers in 1971, this non-profit organization continues to manage the legacy of the show and produce children’s programming, including new content.

*News! For the first time in the history of YouTube, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood will have its own dedicated channel. Back in March, Little Dot Studios announced that they had partnered with Fred Rogers Productions to bring the beloved children’s show to YouTube for the first time. “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood continues to inspire viewers young and old across four generations,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re excited to partner with Little Dot Studios on this new YouTube Channel that will make the wonder, kindness, and human connection of the series more discoverable and accessible than ever.” As part of the new agreement, the U.S.-based Little Dot Studios team will work with Fred Rogers Productions to produce, launch, and manage a dedicated YouTube channel for the show. The channel will include full-length episodes, digital-first content, and other multimedia assets. – CBS

Stay tuned this summer!