Ready Set Learn!: Difference between revisions
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{{quote box|width=22em<!-- Matching up with infobox -->| | {{quote box|width=22em<!-- Matching up with infobox -->| | ||
"Kids don't just sit and watch, they play along and learn at home." | "Kids don't just sit and watch, they play along and learn at home." | ||
|Tagline from TLC's pre-launch pitch video for the block<ref name=courant>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/255299118|title=Television as teacher?|date=1992-12-09|accessdate=2024-09-15|work=[[Hartford Courant]]|page=B.8|url-access=registration| | |Tagline from TLC's pre-launch pitch video for the block<ref name=courant>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/255299118|title=Television as teacher?|date=1992-12-09|accessdate=2024-09-15|work=[[Hartford Courant]]|page=B.8|url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref>}} | ||
The [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] network's foray into preschool television,<ref name=usa-today-199212>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/306598780 |last=Donlon|first=Brian|title=Ready, Set, Learn! takes off|date=1992-12-28|accessdate=2024-09-12|work=[[USA Today]]|page=03D|url-access=registration| | The [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] network's foray into preschool television,<ref name=usa-today-199212>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/306598780 |last=Donlon|first=Brian|title=Ready, Set, Learn! takes off|date=1992-12-28|accessdate=2024-09-12|work=[[USA Today]]|page=03D|url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|306598780}}}}</ref> ''Ready Set Learn!'' was first mentioned as early as August 1992.<ref name=sentinel-92>{{cite news |title=Learning Channel Plans Ad-Free Kids' Shows |url=https://proquest.com/docview/278164348 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |agency=[[New York Daily News]] |date=1992-08-23 |page=F2 |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|278164348 }}}}</ref> Of the first five shows announced for the block, three of them (''[[Bookmice]]'', ''[[Kitty Cats]]'', and ''The Magic Box'') would have their U.S. premieres there;<ref name=broadcasting-92>{{cite magazine |last1=Brown |first1=Rich |title=Ready, Set...Another New Cable Network |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |date=1992-08-24 |page=24 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-08-24.pdf#page=24 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1068-6827 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131023849/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-08-24.pdf#page=24 |url-status=live }}</ref> the other two were rerun packages<ref name=broadcasting-92/> of ''[[Join In!]]'' (previously on the religious [[VISN]] network)<ref>{{cite news |title=Cox Cable Addition of VISN Expands Religious Programs |url=https://oklahoman.com/story/news/1991/01/20/cox-cable-addition-of-visn-expands-religious-programs/62539467007/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[The Oklahoman]] |date=1991-01-20}}</ref> and ''[[Zoobilee Zoo]]'' (a previously syndicated production of [[DIC Entertainment]] and [[Hallmark Cards|Hallmark]]).<ref name=la-times-86>{{cite news |last1=Margulies |first1=Lee |title='Zoo' – Will It Pass Syndication Test? |url=https://proquest.com/docview/292521744 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=1986-12-31 |page=16 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|292521744}}|archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051419/https://www.proquest.com/docview/292521744 |url-status=live }}</ref> Greg Moyer, [[Discovery, Inc.|Discovery Communications]]' senior vice-president of programming, expressed hope that a full-fledged channel would spin off from it<ref name=usa-today-199209/> within one or two years of launch.<ref name=broadcasting-92/> | ||
According to TLC employee John Ford,<ref name=slpd>{{cite news |last1=Elber |first1=Lynn |title=No-Ads Programming for Kids on Cable |url=https://proquest.com/docview/303699224 |access-date=2024-09-12 |work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=1993-01-01 |page=09G |url-access=registration | | According to TLC employee John Ford,<ref name=slpd>{{cite news |last1=Elber |first1=Lynn |title=No-Ads Programming for Kids on Cable |url=https://proquest.com/docview/303699224 |access-date=2024-09-12 |work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=1993-01-01 |page=09G |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|303699224}}}}</ref> the block was inspired by ''Ready to Learn: A Mandate for the Nation'',<ref name=broadcasting-92/> a 1990 [[Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching|Carnegie Foundation]] report<ref name=broadcasting-92/> which stated that 35% of U.S. children began their education unprepared.<ref name=slpd/> Assisted by director of programming Mike Quattrone (who had previously undertaken similar endeavors at [[PBS]]),<ref name=slpd/> Ford selected the shows on the strengths of their educational value along with their visual vibrancy.<ref name=usa-today-199212/> Finding it "extremely well-produced", he also bet on ''Kitty Cats'' as the block's breakout series.<ref name=usa-today-199212/> | ||
''Ready Set Learn!'' debuted on December 28, 1992,<ref name=usa-today-199209>{{cite news |last1=Donlon |first1=Brian |title=On cable, more education joins the 'toons and goods |url=https://proquest.com/docview/306575423 |access-date=2024-09-12 |work=[[USA Today]] |date=1992-09-10 |page=03D |url-access=registration | | ''Ready Set Learn!'' debuted on December 28, 1992,<ref name=usa-today-199209>{{cite news |last1=Donlon |first1=Brian |title=On cable, more education joins the 'toons and goods |url=https://proquest.com/docview/306575423 |access-date=2024-09-12 |work=[[USA Today]] |date=1992-09-10 |page=03D |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|306575423}}}}</ref> with ''[[Iris, The Happy Professor]]'' rounding out the six-show lineup.<ref name=wpost-92>{{cite news |last1=Zad |first1=Martie |title=Ready, Set, Learn! Rory Steers Learning Channel's 30-Hour Pre-School Show |url=https://proquest.com/docview/307605124 |access-date=2024-09-12 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1992-12-27 |page=Y04 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|307605124}}}}</ref> A competitor to the [[PBS Kids|PBS lineup]],<ref name=sentinel-92/> its three-hour schedule aired twice on weekdays, first at 6:00 a.m. and again at 9:00 a.m. (in the Eastern Time Zone)—a slot that Ford viewed as "a safe haven".<ref name=usa-today-199212/> TLC chose to air it commercial-free because doing otherwise would detract from its purpose.<ref name=slpd/> As such, Discovery used the format as a [[loss leader]] for expansion of the network's carriage, which stood at 18 million homes at the time.<ref name=usa-today-199212/> According to the [[Associated Press]], TLC invested $10 million in the block's initial development (excluding tentative fees from [[underwriting]], a supplement that never came to fruition<ref name=broadcasting-93>{{cite magazine |last1=Brown |first1=Rich |title=Underwriters Not Ready for 'Ready' |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable|Broadcasting]] |date=1993-01-04 |page=39 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1993/BC-1993-01-04.pdf#page=41 |access-date=2024-09-18 |issn=1068-6827 |via=World Radio History}}</ref>);<ref name=slpd/> original programming was also planned.<ref name=sentinel-92/> | ||
In its early years, ''Ready Set Learn!'' was hosted by children's entertainer Rory Zuckerman (billed simply as "Rory").<ref name=sentinel-92/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sweetman |first1=Keri |title=Rory hopes for full house at NAC |url=https://proquest.com/docview/240091264 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=[[Ottawa Citizen]] |date=1997-05-06 |page=B.10 |url-access=registration | | In its early years, ''Ready Set Learn!'' was hosted by children's entertainer Rory Zuckerman (billed simply as "Rory").<ref name=sentinel-92/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sweetman |first1=Keri |title=Rory hopes for full house at NAC |url=https://proquest.com/docview/240091264 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=[[Ottawa Citizen]] |date=1997-05-06 |page=B.10 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|240091264}}}}</ref> A resident of [[Bethesda, Maryland]] (where TLC's parent company Discovery was based), Rory set out to teach children language skills through her music, as well as to "welcome the children into the world of The Learning Channel and also the parents, care-givers and other viewers" as hostess.<ref name=wpost-92/> The block would become the home of her own shows, ''Rory and Me'' and ''Rory's Place'', which were seen by one million combined viewers per month in 1996.<ref name=ppg>{{cite news |title=Children Feel Right at Home in 'Rory's Place' (TV Host Rory Zuckerman) |url=https://proquest.com/docview/391766768 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |date=1996-05-15 |page=B-3 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|391766768 }}}}</ref> | ||
Interstitial material on the block was branded under the "Short Stuff" banner, and rounded out each half-hour. Around 1994, music videos began appearing during this feature, starting with clips from [[Joanie Bartels]] (an artist signed to Discovery's former in-house record label). By 1996, TLC played 10–12 videos per day on ''Ready''—showcasing children's artists as varied as [[Fred Penner]], [[Parachute Express]], [[Joe Scruggs]], and [[Sharon, Lois & Bram]]—to the point where they would all but replace the older "Short Stuff" segments from 1992.<ref name=billboard>{{cite magazine |last1=McCormick |first1=Moira |department=Child's Play |title=TLC Rounds Up Music Vids |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=1996-02-03 |page=67 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_w4EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Ready+Set+Learn%22&pg=PA67 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=0006-2510 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> The latter group would later headline the mainline ''Ready'' program ''[[Skinnamarink TV]]''.<ref name=bjt>{{cite news |last1=Sklar |first1=Jill Davidson |title=Rory, Set, Learn! Chevy Chase's Rory Zuckerman is the star of her own educational shows for children. |url=https://proquest.com/docview/222832461 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Baltimore Jewish Times]] |date=1997-10-17 |volume=237 |issue=7 |page=91 |url-access=registration | | Interstitial material on the block was branded under the "Short Stuff" banner, and rounded out each half-hour. Around 1994, music videos began appearing during this feature, starting with clips from [[Joanie Bartels]] (an artist signed to Discovery's former in-house record label). By 1996, TLC played 10–12 videos per day on ''Ready''—showcasing children's artists as varied as [[Fred Penner]], [[Parachute Express]], [[Joe Scruggs]], and [[Sharon, Lois & Bram]]—to the point where they would all but replace the older "Short Stuff" segments from 1992.<ref name=billboard>{{cite magazine |last1=McCormick |first1=Moira |department=Child's Play |title=TLC Rounds Up Music Vids |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=1996-02-03 |page=67 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_w4EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Ready+Set+Learn%22&pg=PA67 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=0006-2510 |via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> The latter group would later headline the mainline ''Ready'' program ''[[Skinnamarink TV]]''.<ref name=bjt>{{cite news |last1=Sklar |first1=Jill Davidson |title=Rory, Set, Learn! Chevy Chase's Rory Zuckerman is the star of her own educational shows for children. |url=https://proquest.com/docview/222832461 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Baltimore Jewish Times]] |date=1997-10-17 |volume=237 |issue=7 |page=91 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|222832461 }}}}</ref> Around 1992, the [[Discovery Channel]] began plans for a counterpart weekend block to ''Ready''.<ref name="broadcasting-93" /> After a four-year delay,<ref name="broadcasting-93" /><ref name="b&c-96-09">{{cite magazine |last1=Brown |first1=Rich |title=Discovery launches kids block |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=1996-09-02 |volume=126 |issue=37 |page=49 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/225352486 |access-date=2024-09-14 |issn=1068-6827 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|225352486}} |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914222336/https://www.proquest.com/docview/225352486 |url-status=live }}</ref> it was launched on Sundays in early 1997 alongside the companion [[Discovery Family#As Discovery Kids (1996–2010)|U.S.]] and [[Discovery Kids (Latin American TV channel)|Latin American]] Discovery Kids formats.<ref name="b&c-96-09" /> | ||
By mid-2002, the TLC block had come under the purview of the Discovery Kids team; a revamped lineup that tentatively included ''[[Animal Jam (TV series)|Animal Jam]]'', ''[[The Save-Ums!]]'', and ''[[Ni Ni's Treehouse]]'' was slated to take effect early the following year.<ref name=htt>{{cite journal |title=Discovery Kids teaming up with NBC for Saturday programming |journal=Home Textiles Today |date=May–June 2002 |page=26 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/223055590 |access-date=2024-09-14 |publisher=[[Cahners]]/[[Reed Elsevier]] |url-access=registration | | By mid-2002, the TLC block had come under the purview of the Discovery Kids team; a revamped lineup that tentatively included ''[[Animal Jam (TV series)|Animal Jam]]'', ''[[The Save-Ums!]]'', and ''[[Ni Ni's Treehouse]]'' was slated to take effect early the following year.<ref name=htt>{{cite journal |title=Discovery Kids teaming up with NBC for Saturday programming |journal=Home Textiles Today |date=May–June 2002 |page=26 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/223055590 |access-date=2024-09-14 |publisher=[[Cahners]]/[[Reed Elsevier]] |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|223055590}}}}</ref> The resulting relaunch on February 24, 2003 introduced [[The Paz Show|Paz the Penguin]] as the new host of the interstitial segments; the 9:00 a.m. repeat moved to Discovery Kids.<ref name=la-times-2003>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/421775326|last=Heffley|first=Lynne|title=Television & Radio — Television Reviews: Making a play for the young set; TLC and Discovery Kids Network launch a new block of lively shows for preschoolers|date=2003-02-24|accessdate=2024-09-14|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|page=E.16|url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|421775326}}|archive-date=September 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912060835/https://www.proquest.com/docview/421775326|url-status=live}}</ref> Paz, created by Irish author Mary Murphy, was seen in both puppet and animated forms;<ref name=la-times-2003/> Discovery's Marjorie Kaplan saw him as "the avatar for his audience, the optimistic, persistent learner we want each of our viewers to be", and with his introduction, "hop[ed] for a 'less hyper, more unified programming environment.'"<ref name=nyt>{{cite news |last1=MacNeille |first1=Suzanne |title=Listening to the Little Penguin That Could |url=https://proquest.com/docview/92691390 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2003-03-23 |page=N55 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|92691390 }}}}</ref> ''[[The Magic School Bus (TV series)|The Magic School Bus]]'', a 1990s PBS staple,<ref name=sentinel-94>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Sally Williams |title='Magic School Bus' Travels to TV with Kid-Friendly Science Lessons |url=https://proquest.com/docview/278452359 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=1994-06-24 |page=E6 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|278452359}}}}</ref> bookended the revised three-hour stretch.<ref name=nyt/> During ''Ready''{{'s}} last few years, new programs on the block premiered on Discovery Kids a week ahead of TLC.<ref name=wpost-2005>{{cite news |last1=Gilles |first1=Judith S. |title=For Kids: New Shows for Fall |url=https://proquest.com/docview/409853514/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2005-09-04 |page=Y07 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref><ref name=wpost-2006>{{cite news |last1=Gilles |first1=Judith S. |title=For Kids: Plenty to Renew Their Interest |url=https://proquest.com/docview/410046731/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2006-09-24 |page=Y.16 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref><ref name=animation-2007>{{cite news|url=https://animationmagazine.net/tv/discovery-unearths-wilbur/|title=Discovery Unearths Wilbur|first=Ryan|last=Ball|date=April 5, 2007|accessdate=2024-09-15|work=[[Animation Magazine]]}}</ref> | ||
The final TLC airing of ''Ready Set Learn!'' occurred on September 26, 2008, with ''[[Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks]]'' and ''The Magic School Bus'' in its closing hour.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diversions {{!}} Television: Friday Morning |url=https://newspapers.com/article/courier-post-friday-morning-tv-listings/155287805/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Courier-Post]] |date=2008-09-26 |location=[[Camden, New Jersey]] |page=30SC |url-access=limited |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004031349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post-friday-morning-tv-listings/155287805/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From that point on, reruns of TLC's remaining programs for older audiences occupied its timeslot.<ref>{{cite news |title=TV Listings: Weekend Daytime: September 29, 2008 – October 3, 2008 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-post-star-weekday-daytime-listings/155291133/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The Post-Star]] |date=2008-09-28 |location=[[Glens Falls, New York]] |page=B4 |url-access=limited |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004031441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-star-weekday-daytime-listings/155291133/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By then, the Discovery Kids version was airing from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.;<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Atkin |first1=Hillary |title=Selling Across Platforms |magazine=[[TelevisionWeek]] |date=2008-04-07 |volume=27 |issue=10 |page=18 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/203832151 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1544-0516 |url-access=registration | | The final TLC airing of ''Ready Set Learn!'' occurred on September 26, 2008, with ''[[Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks]]'' and ''The Magic School Bus'' in its closing hour.<ref>{{cite news |title=Diversions {{!}} Television: Friday Morning |url=https://newspapers.com/article/courier-post-friday-morning-tv-listings/155287805/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Courier-Post]] |date=2008-09-26 |location=[[Camden, New Jersey]] |page=30SC |url-access=limited |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004031349/https://www.newspapers.com/article/courier-post-friday-morning-tv-listings/155287805/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From that point on, reruns of TLC's remaining programs for older audiences occupied its timeslot.<ref>{{cite news |title=TV Listings: Weekend Daytime: September 29, 2008 – October 3, 2008 |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-post-star-weekday-daytime-listings/155291133/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The Post-Star]] |date=2008-09-28 |location=[[Glens Falls, New York]] |page=B4 |url-access=limited |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=October 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004031441/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-star-weekday-daytime-listings/155291133/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By then, the Discovery Kids version was airing from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.;<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Atkin |first1=Hillary |title=Selling Across Platforms |magazine=[[TelevisionWeek]] |date=2008-04-07 |volume=27 |issue=10 |page=18 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/203832151 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1544-0516 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> it evolved into ''HubBub'' after the network's October 10, 2010 rebranding as The Hub.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Reynolds |first1=Mike |title=The Hub Gets Ready to Roll into Kids' Market |magazine=[[Multichannel News]] |date=2010-10-04 |volume=31 |issue=37 |page=29 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/756690358 |access-date=2024-09-14 |issn=0276-8593 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914222336/https://www.proquest.com/docview/756690358 |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of a cross-channel preview campaign leading up to The Hub's debut, TLC briefly returned to family-oriented entertainment with an airing of the [[Hasbro]] game show ''[[Family Game Night (game show)|Family Game Night]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Szalai |first1=Georg |title=Behind the Hubbub |url=https://proquest.com/docview/759605757 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=2010-10-07 |volume=416 |pages=4, 15 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915075224/https://www.proquest.com/docview/759605757 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
Almost three weeks before its launch, the ''[[Hartford Courant]]'' was skeptical on whether the original ''Ready Set Learn!'' could succeed as "[[educational television]]", writing, "What children will learn first and foremost from this 'unprecedented' offering is how to watch TV, something they will master all too soon without TLC."<ref name=courant/> The block managed to premiere to positive press; [[Peggy Charren]] of [[Action for Children's Television]] approved of its commercial-free nature,<ref name=slpd/> while a reporter for the ''[[Northwest Florida Daily News]]'' said, "From what I've seen, they're doing a pretty good job [at making television a teacher]."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/379447295|surname=Shoffer|title=The Learning Channel offers kids TLC|date=1993-01-29|accessdate=2024-09-12|work=[[Northwest Florida Daily News]]|page=8E|url-access=registration| | Almost three weeks before its launch, the ''[[Hartford Courant]]'' was skeptical on whether the original ''Ready Set Learn!'' could succeed as "[[educational television]]", writing, "What children will learn first and foremost from this 'unprecedented' offering is how to watch TV, something they will master all too soon without TLC."<ref name=courant/> The block managed to premiere to positive press; [[Peggy Charren]] of [[Action for Children's Television]] approved of its commercial-free nature,<ref name=slpd/> while a reporter for the ''[[Northwest Florida Daily News]]'' said, "From what I've seen, they're doing a pretty good job [at making television a teacher]."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://proquest.com/docview/379447295|surname=Shoffer|title=The Learning Channel offers kids TLC|date=1993-01-29|accessdate=2024-09-12|work=[[Northwest Florida Daily News]]|page=8E|url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|archive-date=September 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912060835/https://www.proquest.com/docview/379447295|url-status=live}}</ref> Lynne Heffley of ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' favorably reviewed the 2003 relaunch, citing ''[[Hi-5 (American TV series)|Hi-5]]'' (a U.S. remake of an [[Hi-5 (Australian TV series)|Australian format]]) and ''The Save-Ums!'' as the standouts. "All the new shows are colorful, watchable and scrupulously created with the principles of child development firmly in mind," she said. "Several feature characters who talk directly to viewers, in the tradition of the best children's programming."<ref name=la-times-2003/> | ||
In October 1993, ''Ready Set Learn!'' helped TLC secure one of that season's five Golden [[CableACE]] nomination slots;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carmody |first1=John |title=The TV Column |url=https://proquest.com/docview/307719135 |access-date=2024-09-15 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1993-10-11 |page=D06 |url-access=registration | | In October 1993, ''Ready Set Learn!'' helped TLC secure one of that season's five Golden [[CableACE]] nomination slots;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Carmody |first1=John |title=The TV Column |url=https://proquest.com/docview/307719135 |access-date=2024-09-15 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1993-10-11 |page=D06 |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> upon its return in 1994–95, the block received a CableACE Creators Award.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Margulies |first1=Lee |title=HBO Takes Bulk of Prizes at the CableACE Awards |url=https://proquest.com/docview/292969481 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=1995-01-16 |page=2 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://proquest.com/docview/200049970|title=A cable network success story|date=November 1997|accessdate=2024-09-12|magazine=Cablecaster|location=[[Don Mills, Ontario]]|volume=9|issue=9|page=12|url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|archive-date=September 12, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912060834/https://www.proquest.com/docview/200049970|url-status=live}}</ref> During its original run, it was also honored by the [[National Education Association]] and the American Academy of Children's Entertainment.<ref name=htt/> In 2005, the relaunch era's Paz segments won a Silver [[Parents' Choice Award]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Paz (Spring 2005: Television) |url=http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=17512&StepNum=1&award=aw |website=[[Parents' Choice Award]]s |publisher=Parents' Choice Foundation |access-date=2024-09-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805122303/http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=17512&StepNum=1&award=aw |archive-date=2016-08-05 |date=2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
==Merchandise== | ==Merchandise== | ||
A merchandising line for ''Ready Set Learn!'', featuring coloring books and videotapes, was actively considered from the time of its planning stages.<ref name=usa-today-199212/><ref name=broadcasting-92/> Discovery chose Professor Iris to represent the first products under the brand—first through three VHS collections in August 1993,<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCash |first1=Vicki |title=Kid Vids: Muppets, Puppets, Dolls and Dinosaurs Are Competing for Children's Tape Time |url=https://proquest.com/docview/388792764/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |date=1993-08-01 |page=1D |url-access=registration | | A merchandising line for ''Ready Set Learn!'', featuring coloring books and videotapes, was actively considered from the time of its planning stages.<ref name=usa-today-199212/><ref name=broadcasting-92/> Discovery chose Professor Iris to represent the first products under the brand—first through three VHS collections in August 1993,<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCash |first1=Vicki |title=Kid Vids: Muppets, Puppets, Dolls and Dinosaurs Are Competing for Children's Tape Time |url=https://proquest.com/docview/388792764/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |date=1993-08-01 |page=1D |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref><!-- <ref>{{cite news |last1=Zad |first1=Martie |title=Spot Atop a Lot of Fall Videos for Youngsters |url=https://proquest.com/docview/307679865 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1993-09-12 |page=Y05 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> --> and then through two CD-ROM titles, ''Fun Field Trip: Animal Safari'' in November 1994<ref name=usa-today-1994>{{cite news |last1=Snider |first1=Mike |title=Your home computer is a window to the great outdoors |url=https://proquest.com/docview/306690905 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[USA Today]] |date=1994-11-29 |page=03D |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916032319/https://www.proquest.com/docview/306690905 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Abrams |first1=Judith |title=Software heads back to school |journal=Dealerscope Merchandising |date=August 1994 |volume=36 |issue=8 |page=28 |access-date=2024-09-15 |publisher=North American Publishing Company |location=Philadelphia |url=https://proquest.com/docview/218910233 |issn=0888-4501 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> and ''Seaside Adventure'' in May 1995.<ref name=usa-today-1994/> By the twilight of the block's tenure (during 2006–2008), DVD releases of select shows went through [[Genius Products]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Gruenwedel |first1=Erik |title=Genius Taps Discovery Kids DVDs |journal=Home Media Retailing |date=October 29 - November 4, 2006 |volume=28 |issue=44 |page=26 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/197594560 |access-date=2024-09-15 |publisher=Advanstar Communications |location=[[Duluth, Minnesota]] |issn=1553-491X |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kids' DVDs of the Week |url=https://proquest.com/docview/410201914 |access-date=2024-09-15 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2008-02-15 |page=T.39 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> | ||
==Programming== | ==Programming== | ||
| Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
! class="unsortable"|Source(s) | ! class="unsortable"|Source(s) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Bookmice]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Produced by [[TVOntario]]<ref name=g&m>{{cite news |title=TVO sells two series |url=https://proquest.com/docview/385340284 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=1992-10-02 |page=C.9 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Bookmice]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Produced by [[TVOntario]]<ref name=g&m>{{cite news |title=TVO sells two series |url=https://proquest.com/docview/385340284 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |date=1992-10-02 |page=C.9 |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Join In!]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Produced by TVOntario<ref name=g&m/> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | | ''[[Join In!]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Produced by TVOntario<ref name=g&m/> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | ||
| Line 64: | Line 64: | ||
| ''[[Zoobilee Zoo]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || United States || Rerun of DIC Entertainment/Hallmark series<ref name=la-times-86/> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | | ''[[Zoobilee Zoo]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || United States || Rerun of DIC Entertainment/Hallmark series<ref name=la-times-86/> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Professor Iris]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Produced by Desclez Productions<ref name=b&c-96-08>{{cite magazine |last1=Gelman |first1=Morrie |title=Cable is there for kids |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=1996-08-12 |volume=126 |issue=34 |page=34 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/225351370 |access-date=2024-09-14 |issn=1068-6827 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Professor Iris]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Produced by Desclez Productions<ref name=b&c-96-08>{{cite magazine |last1=Gelman |first1=Morrie |title=Cable is there for kids |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=1996-08-12 |volume=126 |issue=34 |page=34 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/225351370 |access-date=2024-09-14 |issn=1068-6827 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051418/https://www.proquest.com/docview/225351370 |url-status=live }}</ref> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{sort|Magic Box|''The Magic Box''}} || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || New Zealand || Created by educator Wendy Pye<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mangan |first1=Jennifer |title=Shows give kids lessons in reading, life |url=https://proquest.com/docview/283393516 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=1992-12-25 |page=2 |url-access=registration | | | {{sort|Magic Box|''The Magic Box''}} || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || New Zealand || Created by educator Wendy Pye<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mangan |first1=Jennifer |title=Shows give kids lessons in reading, life |url=https://proquest.com/docview/283393516 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=1992-12-25 |page=2 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916032317/https://www.proquest.com/docview/283393516 |url-status=live }}</ref> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/><ref name=sentinel-92/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Kitty Cats]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Originally produced in Quebec French as ''Pacha et les chats''<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report: 1994 |date=1994 |publisher=[[Telefilm Canada]] |page=N/A |oclc=20668948 |via=[[Google Books]] Snippets |quote=...''Pacha et les Chats'' (''Kitty Cats''), broadcast on The Learning Channel, which has become almost as popular as the famous ''Barney'' series.}}</ref> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | | ''[[Kitty Cats]]'' || {{dts|December 28, 1992}} || Canada || Originally produced in Quebec French as ''Pacha et les chats''<ref>{{cite book |title=Annual Report: 1994 |date=1994 |publisher=[[Telefilm Canada]] |page=N/A |oclc=20668948 |via=[[Google Books]] Snippets |quote=...''Pacha et les Chats'' (''Kitty Cats''), broadcast on The Learning Channel, which has become almost as popular as the famous ''Barney'' series.}}</ref> || <ref name=usa-today-199212/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''Rory and Me'' || {{dts|September 19, 1994}} || United States || {{ubl|Starring block's eponymous presenter<ref name=wpost-95>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Scott |title='Rory and Me'; Ready, Set, Land A Show of Your Own! |url=https://proquest.com/docview/307790821 |access-date=2024-09-14 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1994-08-28 |page=Y06 |url-access=registration | | | ''Rory and Me'' || {{dts|September 19, 1994}} || United States || {{ubl|Starring block's eponymous presenter<ref name=wpost-95>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Scott |title='Rory and Me'; Ready, Set, Land A Show of Your Own! |url=https://proquest.com/docview/307790821 |access-date=2024-09-14 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=1994-08-28 |page=Y06 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref>|Taped at Atlantic Studios in Northwest [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name=wpost-95/>|Retitled ''Rory's Place'' in 1996<ref name=ppg/><ref name=bjt/>}} || <ref name=wpost-95/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''Chicken Minute'' || {{dts|September 25, 1995}} || Canada || Created by [[Ronnie Burkett]]; tapings began in Montreal in 1991<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nicholls |first1=Liz |title=Charm of a world made small; Marionettiste deluxe finds something humane in cast of puppets |url=https://proquest.com/docview/251810328 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[Edmonton Journal]] |date=1991-10-17 |page=D1 |url-access=registration | | | ''Chicken Minute'' || {{dts|September 25, 1995}} || Canada || Created by [[Ronnie Burkett]]; tapings began in Montreal in 1991<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nicholls |first1=Liz |title=Charm of a world made small; Marionettiste deluxe finds something humane in cast of puppets |url=https://proquest.com/docview/251810328 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[Edmonton Journal]] |date=1991-10-17 |page=D1 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> || <ref name=la-times-95>{{cite news |last1=Mendoza |first1=N{{nbsp}}F |title=Carrey On; Fall Kids' Shows Reprise Popular Masks, Fins and Sleuths |url=https://proquest.com/docview/293110316 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=1995-09-03 |page=4 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''Little Star'' || {{dts|September 25, 1995}} || Canada || Produced by Desclez, [[Société Radio-Canada]], and [[Ravensburger]] || <ref name=b&c-96-08/> | | ''Little Star'' || {{dts|September 25, 1995}} || Canada || Produced by Desclez, [[Société Radio-Canada]], and [[Ravensburger]] || <ref name=b&c-96-08/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Pappyland]]'' || {{dts|September 30, 1996}} || United States || Originally shown on [[Syracuse, New York|Syracuse]] PBS affiliate [[WCNY-TV|WCNY]]<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Trigoboff |first1=Dan |title=Draw me a check |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=2000-04-10 |volume=130 |issue=15 |page=108 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/225315609 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1068-6827 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Pappyland]]'' || {{dts|September 30, 1996}} || United States || Originally shown on [[Syracuse, New York|Syracuse]] PBS affiliate [[WCNY-TV|WCNY]]<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Trigoboff |first1=Dan |title=Draw me a check |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=2000-04-10 |volume=130 |issue=15 |page=108 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/225315609 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1068-6827 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Holston |first1=Noel |title=Cable networks lay claim to fall // They're competing with networks for new season |url=https://proquest.com/docview/426747034/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Minneapolis Star-Tribune]] |date=1996-09-04 |page=01.E |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051422/https://www.proquest.com/docview/426747034/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{sort|World of David the Gnome|''[[The World of David the Gnome]]''}} || {{dts|September 30, 1996}} || Spain || {{ubl|Produced by [[BRB International]]<ref name=embf>{{cite news |title=MIP-TV Review |url=https://proquest.com/docview/201460865 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=European Media Business & Finance |date=1997-04-21 |url-access=registration | | | {{sort|World of David the Gnome|''[[The World of David the Gnome]]''}} || {{dts|September 30, 1996}} || Spain || {{ubl|Produced by [[BRB International]]<ref name=embf>{{cite news |title=MIP-TV Review |url=https://proquest.com/docview/201460865 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=European Media Business & Finance |date=1997-04-21 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051420/https://www.proquest.com/docview/201460865 |url-status=live }}</ref>|English dub by [[CINAR]] and [[Miramax]]{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=672}}|Previously broadcast on [[Nick Jr.]]{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=672}}}} || <ref name=b&c-96-08/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Wisdom of the Gnomes]]'' || {{dts|November 5, 1996}} || Spain || Produced by BRB International<ref name=embf/> || <ref name=b&c-96-08/> | | ''[[Wisdom of the Gnomes]]'' || {{dts|November 5, 1996}} || Spain || Produced by BRB International<ref name=embf/> || <ref name=b&c-96-08/> | ||
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| ''Madison's Adventures: Growing Up Wild'' || {{dts|December 24, 1996}} || {{ubl|United Kingdom|United States}} || {{ubl|Produced by the [[BBC]], [[Lionheart Television]], Wildvision Entertainment, [[Time-Life Video]], and Kookanooga Toons{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=555}}|Rerun of 1994 [[ITC Entertainment|ITC]]-syndicated series<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tobenkin |first1=David |title=Children's TV: New blocks put squeeze on kids syndication |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=1995-07-24 |volume=125 |issue=30 |page=46 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1995/BC-1995-07-24.pdf#page=48 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1068-6827 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131031023/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1995/BC-1995-07-24.pdf#page=48 |url-status=live }}</ref>|Broadcast rights shared with sister channel [[Animal Planet]]{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=555}}}} || {{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=555}} | | ''Madison's Adventures: Growing Up Wild'' || {{dts|December 24, 1996}} || {{ubl|United Kingdom|United States}} || {{ubl|Produced by the [[BBC]], [[Lionheart Television]], Wildvision Entertainment, [[Time-Life Video]], and Kookanooga Toons{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=555}}|Rerun of 1994 [[ITC Entertainment|ITC]]-syndicated series<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tobenkin |first1=David |title=Children's TV: New blocks put squeeze on kids syndication |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=1995-07-24 |volume=125 |issue=30 |page=46 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1995/BC-1995-07-24.pdf#page=48 |access-date=2024-09-15 |issn=1068-6827 |via=World Radio History |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131031023/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1995/BC-1995-07-24.pdf#page=48 |url-status=live }}</ref>|Broadcast rights shared with sister channel [[Animal Planet]]{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=555}}}} || {{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=555}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{sort|Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon|''[[The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon]]''}} || {{dts|July 4, 1997}} || United States || Created by [[Bobby Goldsboro]] for [[WEDU]] Tampa || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Pamela |title=Singing a new tune // Bobby Goldsboro |url=https://proquest.com/docview/263212528 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[St. Petersburg Times]] |date=1997-03-26 |page=1.D |url-access=registration | | | {{sort|Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon|''[[The Swamp Critters of Lost Lagoon]]''}} || {{dts|July 4, 1997}} || United States || Created by [[Bobby Goldsboro]] for [[WEDU]] Tampa || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Pamela |title=Singing a new tune // Bobby Goldsboro |url=https://proquest.com/docview/263212528 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[St. Petersburg Times]] |date=1997-03-26 |page=1.D |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{sort|Big Garage|''The Big Garage''}} || {{dts|1997-09-29}} || {{ubl|Canada|United Kingdom}} || {{ubl|Taped in England<ref name=toronto-95>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Louise |title=Fright night Goosebumps leads the way into YTV's annual parade of Hallowe'en hair-raisers |url=https://proquest.com/docview/437346341 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=1995-10-28 |page=SW.80 |url-access=registration | | | {{sort|Big Garage|''The Big Garage''}} || {{dts|1997-09-29}} || {{ubl|Canada|United Kingdom}} || {{ubl|Taped in England<ref name=toronto-95>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Louise |title=Fright night Goosebumps leads the way into YTV's annual parade of Hallowe'en hair-raisers |url=https://proquest.com/docview/437346341 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=1995-10-28 |page=SW.80 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref>|Produced by Prisma Productions of Montreal and Winchester Entertainment of Great Britain<ref name=toronto-95/>|Original November 3, 1995 Canadian premiere on [[Family Channel (Canadian TV channel)|Family Channel]]<ref name=toronto-95/>}} || <ref name=miami>{{cite news |last1=O'Hare |first1=Kate |title=Family TV Programming: Kids Watch |url=https://newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-kids-watch-the-miami-h/173594003/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |department=Television |work=[[The Miami Herald]] |date=1997-09-26 |page=5F |url-access=limited |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Bingo & Molly]]'' || {{dts|1997-09-29}} || {{ubl|New Zealand|United States}} || Produced at New Zealand's [[Avalon Studios]] for Broadside Entertainment in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |title=Avalon prepares puppets for US TV |url=https://proquest.com/docview/314449039 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Evening Post (New Zealand)|Evening Post]] |date=1997-04-25 |location=[[Wellington, New Zealand]] |page=2 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Bingo & Molly]]'' || {{dts|1997-09-29}} || {{ubl|New Zealand|United States}} || Produced at New Zealand's [[Avalon Studios]] for Broadside Entertainment in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |title=Avalon prepares puppets for US TV |url=https://proquest.com/docview/314449039 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Evening Post (New Zealand)|Evening Post]] |date=1997-04-25 |location=[[Wellington, New Zealand]] |page=2 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> || <ref name=miami/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Skinnamarink TV]]'' || {{dts|October 1997}} || {{ubl|Canada|United States}} || {{ubl|Produced by [[CBC Television|CBC Canada]]<ref name=toronto-97>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Louise |title=Skinnamarink: Sharon, Lois and Bram are back with skits, jokes, puppets and of course tunes |url=https://proquest.com/docview/437743611 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=1997-10-18 |page=SW.16 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Skinnamarink TV]]'' || {{dts|October 1997}} || {{ubl|Canada|United States}} || {{ubl|Produced by [[CBC Television|CBC Canada]]<ref name=toronto-97>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Louise |title=Skinnamarink: Sharon, Lois and Bram are back with skits, jokes, puppets and of course tunes |url=https://proquest.com/docview/437743611 |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |date=1997-10-18 |page=SW.16 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref>|Starring [[Sharon, Lois & Bram]]}} || <ref name=bjt/><ref name=toronto-97/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Salty's Lighthouse]]'' || {{dts|March 30, 1998}} || {{ubl|United Kingdom|United States}} || {{ubl|Produced by [[Sunbow Entertainment]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Sony Wonder Acquires Sunbow Entertainment |url=https://proquest.com/docview/446930097 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=Entertainment Wire ([[Business Wire]]) |date=1998-04-27 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Salty's Lighthouse]]'' || {{dts|March 30, 1998}} || {{ubl|United Kingdom|United States}} || {{ubl|Produced by [[Sunbow Entertainment]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Sony Wonder Acquires Sunbow Entertainment |url=https://proquest.com/docview/446930097 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=Entertainment Wire ([[Business Wire]]) |date=1998-04-27 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051421/https://www.proquest.com/docview/446930097 |url-status=live }}</ref>|Featuring footage from ''[[Tugs (TV series)|TUGS]]''<ref name=collider>{{cite news |last1=Trumbore |first1=David |title=Our Cartoon Lawyers Made Us Watch 'Salty's Lighthouse' So You Don't Have To |url=https://collider.com/saltys-lighthouse-review/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |work=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=2020-05-02 |archive-date=September 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906221615/https://collider.com/saltys-lighthouse-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|Premiered in syndication in 1997<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Schlosser |first1=Joe |title=Syndication's FCC learning curve |magazine=[[Broadcasting & Cable]] |date=1997-07-28 |volume=127 |issue=31 |pages=44–46 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/225338148 |access-date=2024-09-17 |issn=1068-6827 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916225337/https://www.proquest.com/docview/225338148 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} || <ref name=collider/>{{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=614}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{sort|Berenstain Bears|''[[The Berenstain Bears (1985 TV series)|The Berenstain Bears]]''}} || {{dts|November 2, 1998}} || {{ubl|Australia|United States}} || Rerun of 1985 [[Hanna-Barbera Australia|Hanna-Barbera/Southern Star]] series<ref name=animation-2012>{{cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=Berenstain Bears Celebrate 50th Anniversary |url=https://animationmagazine.net/2012/06/berenstain-bears-celebrate-50th-anniversary/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Animation Magazine]] |date=2012-06-04 |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051417/https://animationmagazine.net/2012/06/berenstain-bears-celebrate-50th-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || <ref name=animation-2012/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Ted |title=In the Air |url=https://proquest.com/docview/309842294 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |date=1998-11-02 |location=[[Arlington Heights, Illinois]] |page=6 |url-access=registration | | | {{sort|Berenstain Bears|''[[The Berenstain Bears (1985 TV series)|The Berenstain Bears]]''}} || {{dts|November 2, 1998}} || {{ubl|Australia|United States}} || Rerun of 1985 [[Hanna-Barbera Australia|Hanna-Barbera/Southern Star]] series<ref name=animation-2012>{{cite news |last1=Milligan |first1=Mercedes |title=Berenstain Bears Celebrate 50th Anniversary |url=https://animationmagazine.net/2012/06/berenstain-bears-celebrate-50th-anniversary/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Animation Magazine]] |date=2012-06-04 |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051417/https://animationmagazine.net/2012/06/berenstain-bears-celebrate-50th-anniversary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || <ref name=animation-2012/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Ted |title=In the Air |url=https://proquest.com/docview/309842294 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|Daily Herald]] |date=1998-11-02 |location=[[Arlington Heights, Illinois]] |page=6 |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Jay Jay the Jet Plane]]'' || {{dts|November 2, 1998}} || United States || {{ubl|Produced by [[PorchLight Entertainment]]<ref name=la-times-2001>{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Susan |title=Q & A: Coming In for a Landing at PBS; Television • The novice creator of 'Jay Jay the Jet Plane' sees his award-winning kids' show make the big time. |url=https://proquest.com/docview/421762742 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2001-06-11 |page=F.7 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Jay Jay the Jet Plane]]'' || {{dts|November 2, 1998}} || United States || {{ubl|Produced by [[PorchLight Entertainment]]<ref name=la-times-2001>{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Susan |title=Q & A: Coming In for a Landing at PBS; Television • The novice creator of 'Jay Jay the Jet Plane' sees his award-winning kids' show make the big time. |url=https://proquest.com/docview/421762742 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2001-06-11 |page=F.7 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref>|Created by David Michel<ref name=la-times-2001/>|Originally direct-to-video;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dunne |first1=Susan |title=Review: 'Jay Jay the Jet Plane' |url=https://proquest.com/docview/255936487 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[Hartford Courant]] |date=1998-03-05 |page=20 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> reruns later surfaced on PBS<ref name=la-times-2001/>}} || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Ellin |first1=Harlene |title=Leafing Through the New Fall Shows for Kids |url=https://proquest.com/docview/418730700 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=1998-09-06 |page=2 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Ni Ni's Treehouse]]'' || {{dts|September 25, 2000}} || {{ubl|United Kingdom|United States}} || Developed by Kenn Viselman || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Shattuck |first1=Kathryn |title=Ask a Child to Create a Friend? That's a Ni Ni |url=https://proquest.com/docview/431539002 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2000-09-24 |page=59 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Ni Ni's Treehouse]]'' || {{dts|September 25, 2000}} || {{ubl|United Kingdom|United States}} || Developed by Kenn Viselman || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Shattuck |first1=Kathryn |title=Ask a Child to Create a Friend? That's a Ni Ni |url=https://proquest.com/docview/431539002 |access-date=2024-09-14 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2000-09-24 |page=59 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915051421/https://www.proquest.com/docview/431539002 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| {{sort|Magic School Bus|''[[The Magic School Bus (TV series)|The Magic School Bus]]''}} || {{dts|February 24, 2003}} || {{ubl|Canada|United States}} || Rerun of [[Scholastic Productions|Scholastic]]/[[Nelvana]]/PBS series<ref name=sentinel-94/> || <ref name=la-times-2003/> | | {{sort|Magic School Bus|''[[The Magic School Bus (TV series)|The Magic School Bus]]''}} || {{dts|February 24, 2003}} || {{ubl|Canada|United States}} || Rerun of [[Scholastic Productions|Scholastic]]/[[Nelvana]]/PBS series<ref name=sentinel-94/> || <ref name=la-times-2003/> | ||
| Line 110: | Line 110: | ||
| ''[[Animal Jam (TV series)|Animal Jam]]'' || {{dts|February 24, 2003}} || United States || Produced by [[Jim Henson Productions]]<ref name=htt/> || <ref name=la-times-2003/> | | ''[[Animal Jam (TV series)|Animal Jam]]'' || {{dts|February 24, 2003}} || United States || Produced by [[Jim Henson Productions]]<ref name=htt/> || <ref name=la-times-2003/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Peep and the Big Wide World]]'' || {{dts|April 12, 2004}} || United States || {{ubl|Produced by [[WGBH-TV|WGBH]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Suzanne C. |title=Preschoolers get 'Peep' at science |url=https://proquest.com/docview/404886607 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=2004-04-10 |page=D.12 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Peep and the Big Wide World]]'' || {{dts|April 12, 2004}} || United States || {{ubl|Produced by [[WGBH-TV|WGBH]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Suzanne C. |title=Preschoolers get 'Peep' at science |url=https://proquest.com/docview/404886607 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |date=2004-04-10 |page=D.12 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916110236/https://www.proquest.com/docview/404886607 |url-status=live }}</ref>|Based on a 1988 [[National Film Board of Canada|NFB]] short<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maes |first1=Nancy |title=For the Kids: A Film Festival Where They Are the Critics |url=https://proquest.com/docview/282487424 |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=1988-10-14 |page=5 |url-access=registration|id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916110234/https://www.proquest.com/docview/282487424 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Heffley |first1=Lynne |title=Television & Radio: Television Review; 'Peep' raises squawks of delight |url=https://proquest.com/docview/422072381 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=2004-04-12 |page=E.13 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Timothy Goes to School]]'' || {{dts|September 2004}} || Canada || {{ubl|Produced by [[Nelvana]]|Rerun of [[PBS Kids Bookworm Bunch]] series|Based on books by [[Rosemary Wells]]}} || {{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=652}} | | ''[[Timothy Goes to School]]'' || {{dts|September 2004}} || Canada || {{ubl|Produced by [[Nelvana]]|Rerun of [[PBS Kids Bookworm Bunch]] series|Based on books by [[Rosemary Wells]]}} || {{sfn|Lenburg|2009|p=652}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[ToddWorld]] || {{dts|November 8, 2004}} || United States || {{ubl|Based on the book series by [[Todd Parr]]|Theme song by [[Smokey Robinson]]}} || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Shattuck |first1=Kathryn |title=Somewhere, Inside the Rainbow, Blue Boys Fly |url=https://proquest.com/docview/432924523 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2004-11-07 |page=2 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[ToddWorld]] || {{dts|November 8, 2004}} || United States || {{ubl|Based on the book series by [[Todd Parr]]|Theme song by [[Smokey Robinson]]}} || <ref>{{cite news |last1=Shattuck |first1=Kathryn |title=Somewhere, Inside the Rainbow, Blue Boys Fly |url=https://proquest.com/docview/432924523 |access-date=2024-09-15 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2004-11-07 |page=2 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}} |archive-date=September 15, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915133034/https://www.proquest.com/docview/432924523 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Balamory]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|September 26, 2005}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|October 3, 2005 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || United Kingdom || Produced by the BBC || <ref name=wpost-2005/> | | ''[[Balamory]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|September 26, 2005}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|October 3, 2005 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || United Kingdom || Produced by the BBC || <ref name=wpost-2005/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Hip Hop Harry]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|September 25, 2006}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|October 2, 2006 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || United States || Developed by Claude Brooks<ref name=tv-week>{{cite magazine |last1=Hibberd |first1=James |title=The Rap on Literacy |magazine=[[TelevisionWeek]] |date=2005-06-06 |volume=24 |issue=23 |page=2 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/203823462 |access-date=2024-09-16 |issn=1544-0516 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Hip Hop Harry]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|September 25, 2006}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|October 2, 2006 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || United States || Developed by Claude Brooks<ref name=tv-week>{{cite magazine |last1=Hibberd |first1=James |title=The Rap on Literacy |magazine=[[TelevisionWeek]] |date=2005-06-06 |volume=24 |issue=23 |page=2 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/203823462 |access-date=2024-09-16 |issn=1544-0516 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}|archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916110236/https://www.proquest.com/docview/203823462 |url-status=live }}</ref> || <ref name=wpost-2006/><ref name=tv-week/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|September 25, 2006}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|October 2, 2006 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || Canada || Produced by [[CCI Entertainment]]<ref name=playback>{{cite magazine |title=Sold! |magazine=[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]] |date=2006-10-16 |page=17 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/196339259/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |issn=0836-2114 |url-access=registration | | | ''[[Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|September 25, 2006}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|October 2, 2006 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || Canada || Produced by [[CCI Entertainment]]<ref name=playback>{{cite magazine |title=Sold! |magazine=[[Playback (magazine)|Playback]] |date=2006-10-16 |page=17 |url=https://proquest.com/docview/196339259/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |issn=0836-2114 |url-access=registration |id={{ProQuest|<!-- insert ProQuest data here -->}}}}</ref> || <ref name=wpost-2006/><ref name=playback/> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ''[[Wilbur (TV series)|Wilbur]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|April 16, 2007}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|April 23, 2007 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || Canada || Produced by [[Mercury Filmworks]] || <ref name=animation-2007/> | | ''[[Wilbur (TV series)|Wilbur]]'' || {{ubl|{{dts|April 16, 2007}} {{small|(Discovery Kids)}}|April 23, 2007 {{small|(TLC)}}}} || Canada || Produced by [[Mercury Filmworks]] || <ref name=animation-2007/> | ||
| Line 126: | Line 126: | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*Other preschool-oriented programming banners in the United States: | * Other preschool-oriented programming banners in the United States: | ||
**[[BabyFirst]] (First Media) | ** [[BabyFirst]] (First Media) | ||
**[[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]] ([[Cartoon Network]]/[[Warner Bros. Discovery]]) | ** [[Cartoonito (American programming block)|Cartoonito]] ([[Cartoon Network]]/[[Warner Bros. Discovery]]) | ||
**[[Disney Jr.]] ([[The Walt Disney Company]]) | ** [[Disney Jr.]] ([[The Walt Disney Company]]) | ||
**[[Nick Jr.]] ([[Paramount Global]]) | ** [[Nick Jr.]] ([[Paramount Global]]) | ||
**[[Smile (TV network)|Smile]] ([[Trinity Broadcasting Network]]) | ** [[Smile (TV network)|Smile]] ([[Trinity Broadcasting Network]]) | ||
*[[List of programs broadcast by TLC]] | * [[List of programs broadcast by TLC]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
===General=== | ===General=== | ||
*{{cite book |last1=Lenburg |first1=Jeff |title=The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons |date=2009 |publisher=Checkmark Books ([[Facts on File]]) |isbn=978-0-8160-6599-8 |edition=3rd |url=https://archive.org/details/the-encyclopedia-of-animated-cartoons-third-edition-jeff-lenburg-z-lib.org |access-date=2024-09-15 |via=[[Archive.org]]}} | * {{cite book |last1=Lenburg |first1=Jeff |title=The Encyclopedia of Animated Cartoons |date=2009 |publisher=Checkmark Books ([[Facts on File]]) |isbn=978-0-8160-6599-8 |edition=3rd |url=https://archive.org/details/the-encyclopedia-of-animated-cartoons-third-edition-jeff-lenburg-z-lib.org |access-date=2024-09-15 |via=[[Archive.org]]}} | ||
===Specific=== | ===Specific=== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041128020000/http://kids.discovery.com/fansites/readysetlearn/readysetlearn.html |date=November 28, 2004 |title=Official website}}<!-- readysetlearn.com --> | * {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041128020000/http://kids.discovery.com/fansites/readysetlearn/readysetlearn.html |date=November 28, 2004 |title=Official website}}<!-- readysetlearn.com --> | ||
{{Former KidsTVBlocksUSA}} | {{Former KidsTVBlocksUSA}} | ||
Latest revision as of 02:12, 26 June 2025
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Italic title Template:Infobox programming block Ready Set Learn! is a defunct American television block broadcast from late 1992 until 2010 across the Discovery Communications-owned TLC and Discovery Kids networks. A cable competitor to PBS's children's offerings, it broadcast twice on weekday mornings and comprised three hours of original, imported, and rerun programming plus music videos geared towards preschoolers. In its early years, it was hosted by children's entertainer Rory Zuckerman, who was billed mononymously; an early 2003 relaunch replaced her with Paz, a penguin who was represented in animated and puppet form.
A 1990 Carnegie Foundation report inspired Discovery to develop the block; shows were selected based on their educational value and visual vibrancy. Amid a $10 million investment from TLC, a line of home video and software releases, and plans to spin it off into a standalone channel, the parent company used Ready as a loss leader to expand the network's carriage. A counterpart for older children debuted on the main Discovery Channel in early 1997. By mid-2002, the TLC block ended up under the management of Discovery Kids, whose schedule it also appeared on.
Ready Set Learn! ran on TLC from December 28, 1992 to September 26, 2008, with Discovery Kids following suit during the 2000s. Despite brief skepticism on its chances as an "educational television" outlet, it was positively reviewed during both its 1990s and 2000s incarnations. The block helped TLC receive a CableACE Creators Award in 1995, and was also honored by the National Education Association, the American Academy of Children's Entertainment, and the Parents' Choice Foundation.
History
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"Kids don't just sit and watch, they play along and learn at home."
Tagline from TLC's pre-launch pitch video for the block[1]
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The TLC network's foray into preschool television,[2] Ready Set Learn! was first mentioned as early as August 1992.[3] Of the first five shows announced for the block, three of them (Bookmice, Kitty Cats, and The Magic Box) would have their U.S. premieres there;[4] the other two were rerun packages[4] of Join In! (previously on the religious VISN network)[5] and Zoobilee Zoo (a previously syndicated production of DIC Entertainment and Hallmark).[6] Greg Moyer, Discovery Communications' senior vice-president of programming, expressed hope that a full-fledged channel would spin off from it[7] within one or two years of launch.[4]
According to TLC employee John Ford,[8] the block was inspired by Ready to Learn: A Mandate for the Nation,[4] a 1990 Carnegie Foundation report[4] which stated that 35% of U.S. children began their education unprepared.[8] Assisted by director of programming Mike Quattrone (who had previously undertaken similar endeavors at PBS),[8] Ford selected the shows on the strengths of their educational value along with their visual vibrancy.[2] Finding it "extremely well-produced", he also bet on Kitty Cats as the block's breakout series.[2]
Ready Set Learn! debuted on December 28, 1992,[7] with Iris, The Happy Professor rounding out the six-show lineup.[9] A competitor to the PBS lineup,[3] its three-hour schedule aired twice on weekdays, first at 6:00 a.m. and again at 9:00 a.m. (in the Eastern Time Zone)—a slot that Ford viewed as "a safe haven".[2] TLC chose to air it commercial-free because doing otherwise would detract from its purpose.[8] As such, Discovery used the format as a loss leader for expansion of the network's carriage, which stood at 18 million homes at the time.[2] According to the Associated Press, TLC invested $10 million in the block's initial development (excluding tentative fees from underwriting, a supplement that never came to fruition[10]);[8] original programming was also planned.[3]
In its early years, Ready Set Learn! was hosted by children's entertainer Rory Zuckerman (billed simply as "Rory").[3][11] A resident of Bethesda, Maryland (where TLC's parent company Discovery was based), Rory set out to teach children language skills through her music, as well as to "welcome the children into the world of The Learning Channel and also the parents, care-givers and other viewers" as hostess.[9] The block would become the home of her own shows, Rory and Me and Rory's Place, which were seen by one million combined viewers per month in 1996.[12]
Interstitial material on the block was branded under the "Short Stuff" banner, and rounded out each half-hour. Around 1994, music videos began appearing during this feature, starting with clips from Joanie Bartels (an artist signed to Discovery's former in-house record label). By 1996, TLC played 10–12 videos per day on Ready—showcasing children's artists as varied as Fred Penner, Parachute Express, Joe Scruggs, and Sharon, Lois & Bram—to the point where they would all but replace the older "Short Stuff" segments from 1992.[13] The latter group would later headline the mainline Ready program Skinnamarink TV.[14] Around 1992, the Discovery Channel began plans for a counterpart weekend block to Ready.[10] After a four-year delay,[10][15] it was launched on Sundays in early 1997 alongside the companion U.S. and Latin American Discovery Kids formats.[15]
By mid-2002, the TLC block had come under the purview of the Discovery Kids team; a revamped lineup that tentatively included Animal Jam, The Save-Ums!, and Ni Ni's Treehouse was slated to take effect early the following year.[16] The resulting relaunch on February 24, 2003 introduced Paz the Penguin as the new host of the interstitial segments; the 9:00 a.m. repeat moved to Discovery Kids.[17] Paz, created by Irish author Mary Murphy, was seen in both puppet and animated forms;[17] Discovery's Marjorie Kaplan saw him as "the avatar for his audience, the optimistic, persistent learner we want each of our viewers to be", and with his introduction, "hop[ed] for a 'less hyper, more unified programming environment.'"[18] The Magic School Bus, a 1990s PBS staple,[19] bookended the revised three-hour stretch.[18] During ReadyTemplate:'s last few years, new programs on the block premiered on Discovery Kids a week ahead of TLC.[20][21][22]
The final TLC airing of Ready Set Learn! occurred on September 26, 2008, with Bigfoot Presents: Meteor and the Mighty Monster Trucks and The Magic School Bus in its closing hour.[23] From that point on, reruns of TLC's remaining programs for older audiences occupied its timeslot.[24] By then, the Discovery Kids version was airing from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.;[25] it evolved into HubBub after the network's October 10, 2010 rebranding as The Hub.[26] As part of a cross-channel preview campaign leading up to The Hub's debut, TLC briefly returned to family-oriented entertainment with an airing of the Hasbro game show Family Game Night.[27]
Reception
Almost three weeks before its launch, the Hartford Courant was skeptical on whether the original Ready Set Learn! could succeed as "educational television", writing, "What children will learn first and foremost from this 'unprecedented' offering is how to watch TV, something they will master all too soon without TLC."[1] The block managed to premiere to positive press; Peggy Charren of Action for Children's Television approved of its commercial-free nature,[8] while a reporter for the Northwest Florida Daily News said, "From what I've seen, they're doing a pretty good job [at making television a teacher]."[28] Lynne Heffley of The Los Angeles Times favorably reviewed the 2003 relaunch, citing Hi-5 (a U.S. remake of an Australian format) and The Save-Ums! as the standouts. "All the new shows are colorful, watchable and scrupulously created with the principles of child development firmly in mind," she said. "Several feature characters who talk directly to viewers, in the tradition of the best children's programming."[17]
In October 1993, Ready Set Learn! helped TLC secure one of that season's five Golden CableACE nomination slots;[29] upon its return in 1994–95, the block received a CableACE Creators Award.[30][31] During its original run, it was also honored by the National Education Association and the American Academy of Children's Entertainment.[16] In 2005, the relaunch era's Paz segments won a Silver Parents' Choice Award.[32]
Merchandise
A merchandising line for Ready Set Learn!, featuring coloring books and videotapes, was actively considered from the time of its planning stages.[2][4] Discovery chose Professor Iris to represent the first products under the brand—first through three VHS collections in August 1993,[33]}}}}</ref> --> and then through two CD-ROM titles, Fun Field Trip: Animal Safari in November 1994[34][35] and Seaside Adventure in May 1995.[34] By the twilight of the block's tenure (during 2006–2008), DVD releases of select shows went through Genius Products.[36][37]
Programming
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See also
- Other preschool-oriented programming banners in the United States:
- List of programs broadcast by TLC
References
General
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Specific
External links
Template:Former KidsTVBlocksUSA Template:Former TLC Programming Template:Discovery Communications
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f g h Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedwpost-95 - ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedembf - ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedtoronto-97 - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedcollider - ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Template:Cite magazine
- ↑ a b Template:Cite magazine