Arthur, the longest running children’s animated series in the US, will soon come to an end.
PBS Kids plans to end the beloved television show after 25 seasons, said an original developer of the show during a podcast released on Wednesday. The final season will air in 2022.
Kathy Waugh, who was a guest on the Finding DW podcast, said the animated series is no longer in production. She said the show’s wrap party was two years ago.
“I think (PBS) made a mistake, and I think Arthur should come back and I know I’m not alone in thinking they made a mistake,” Waugh said.
“I don’t know if it was a ratings issue or if it felt like it needed to be retired.”
The series, which first aired in 1996, is based on the popular book series by Marc Brown, who created the Arthur character in 1976. It stars the aardvark character along with his family and friends. It has been shown in other countries, including the UK.
The cartoon, which has won multiple Emmy awards and other accolades, is known for teaching children lessons about diversity and inclusion.
The show attracted controversy in 2019 for an episode that featured a same-sex wedding. The program, which saw Arthur’s teacher Mr Ratburn marry his partner Patrick, was deemed inappropriate for young viewers by Alabama Public Television. The broadcaster refused to air the episode.
Executive producer Carol Greenwald said PBS Kids will continue to air reruns of the show.