This documentary explores the creation and cultural impact of a beloved live-action children’s television series that aired on PBS from 1995 to 1997. It airs at 8 p.m. Monday, June 1, on KLRN Channel 9.1.
The show followed a well-read, literature-loving Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone, who lives with his human owner, Joe Talbot, in the fictional town of Oak Grove, Texas. Whenever Joe and his friends face a real-life dilemma, Wishbone recognizes a parallel to classic literature and slips into a daydream where he plays a lead character of a famous book to figure out a clever solution. While humans only hear regular barking, the audience hears Wishbone's inner thoughts.
The documentary, directed by series veteran Joey Stewart, uses archival footage and first-hand accounts from creator Rick Duffield, writers and cast members. Airing roughly 30 years after the original Emmy and Peabody Award-winning show, this retrospective details how a small crew in Allen, Texas, managed to produce 40 high-quality, theatrical episodes in just one year. A major focus is on Soccer, the Jack Russell Terrier who played Wishbone, and how trainers got him to hit precise marks, do backflips and "emote" on camera.