Spoilers for the final episode of “Arthur”
After 25 years and 253 episodes, “Arthur”, the longest-running children’s show in U.S. television history, has ended. Starting its run in October 1996, Arthur is a cartoon about an 8-year-old aardvark and his friends and family as he shows kids how to deal with childhood trauma and challenges. It has dealt with many serious topics such as bullying, asthma, health issues and an autism spectrum disorder. In 2009’s “The Great MacGrady”, the school lunch lady was diagnosed with cancer.
On February 21st, PBS released its final episode titled ‘All Grown Up’. The ending shows a glimpse of what happens in the future to our favorite characters. “Arthur” grows up, showing off new hair and a beard, and we learn he is a graphic novelist. His sister, D.W., becomes a traffic cop and is seen giving a ticket to Bud Compson. “Arthur’s” best friend, Buster, becomes a teacher. Francine, with an amazing new haircut, works at a sneakers company. Binky is a news reporter, Muffy is running for Mayor of Elwood and George, the new owner for Sugar Bowl, cheers her on.
The episode is also filled with easter eggs for viewers to find. Muffy is running against Mayor Hirsch, a nod to the head writer of the show, Peter K. Hirsch. The original voice actor of “Arthur” when the show first premiered, Michael Yarmush, returned to voice adult “Arthur”. Marc Brown, the author of the book series “Arthur” is based on, even made a cameo in the show. “Arthur’s” first book as a graphic novelist, “Arthur’s Eyes”, has the same title as the first-ever episode of “Arthur”.
“Arthur” has become a legacy in children’s television. While it is a kids’ show aimed towards kids 4 to 8, there is a lot of nostalgia with people who watched the show in its run during the past two decades. Whether you watched it in the 20th, 21st or 22nd century, the show will be missed.
While the show itself has ended, this won’t be the last time we’ll be seeing “Arthur”. Reruns will still be aired on PBS Kids and on the video app. The PBS Kids website also has plenty of games related to the animated series. New content will also be coming such as a future podcast and digital shorts featuring the cast.
How do you feel about the “Arthur” ending? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU