Thursday, May 22, 2008
Hey You Guyyyyyys!
The New York Times reports that PBS is bringing back The Electric Company, a beloved 1970s-era children's television show that uses SNL-style sketches to help children develop literacy skills. The Electric Company was produced by Children's Television Workshop (since renamed Sesame Workshop, which will be producing the new show), the same organization that produces Sesame Street.
The New York Times reports that PBS is bringing back The Electric Company, a beloved 1970s-era children's television show that uses SNL-style sketches to help children develop literacy skills. The Electric Company was produced by Children's Television Workshop (since renamed Sesame Workshop, which will be producing the new show), the same organization that produces Sesame Street. While Sesame Street is focused on preschool aged students, The Electric Company is pitched to early elementary school students ages 6 to 9. Among other accomplishments, The Electric Company launched the careers of Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno.
Refitted for the age of hip-hop and informed by decades of further educational research on reading, the 2009 version of “The Electric Company” is a weekly, more danceable version of its former daily self. The series, which is expected to make its debut in January, faces challenges the original never did (trying to stand out amid so much children’s programming and to shake the stigma of educational television) as well as familiar ones (trying to make reading a positive experience for youngsters).
“It’s the old one mixed with ‘High School Musical’ and a Dr Pepper commercial,” said Linda Simensky, senior director of programming for PBS Kids, a block of children’s shows that will include “The Electricity Company.” There’s a touch of “Fame” to it, given its cast of
culturally diverse city kids who sing and dance, as well as nods to the original series.
This show certainly brings back memories. I remember it as being classic children's television. I only hope that the new version will be as educational and entertaining as the old one.
// posted by Tammy Wachter @ 5:20 PM 
