Though short-lived, ‘Oswald’ was a beloved Nick Jr. fixture
Credit: Dan Yaccarino/Instagram; Nickelodeon Network/Courtesy Everett Collection
NEED TO KNOW
- Oswald aired on Nickelodeon from Aug. 2001 to Sept. 2003
- The animated preschool series was a peaceful way for kids to explore and though it aired for just 26 episodes, it had a significant following
- Creator Dan Yaccarino has recently spoken out about what it means to him to hear from fans who are all grown up about how the show still impacts them, over two decades later
Oswald is still touching the hearts of its viewers, over 20 years later.
The animated children’s series, which aired on Nickelodeon from Aug. 2001 to Sept. 2003, followed a blue octopus named Oswald and his dog, Weenie, as they spent time and learned with friends in Big City. Fred Savage voiced the titular character, with the cast also including David L. Lander, Laraine Newman, Richard Kind, and more.
Creator Dan Yaccarino addressed Oswald fans in a recent post, sharing a Substack essay by an author named Shamika G., who opened up about rediscovering the show as an adult. In his Instagram post, Yaccarino praised Shamika’s discussion of how the show still feels like safety, all these years later.
“I created Oswald to be a gentle, kind, and comforting show for children. I never imagined that, years later, it might still be bringing that same sense of comfort to people who have grown up and become adults. This beautiful Substack essay by Shamika G. explores how returning to Oswald as an adult helped calm her nervous system and reconnect her with the feeling of a simpler time,” Yaccarino wrote.
“As a creator, there is no greater compliment than knowing something you made has stayed with someone… and can still bring them a little peace years later,” he continued, concluding, “Thank you, Shamika, for sharing this. It means more than you know.”
In June, Yaccarino shared his gratitude for the love around Oswald after a ranking video where Dr. Arif Khan celebrated the show’s emotional intelligence and what it provided young viewers.
“As a creator, you never really know what kind of impact your work will have on people. So it was incredibly gratifying to come across Dr. Arif Khan’s thoughtful video praising Oswald, and highlighting its gentle storytelling, kindness, empathy, and positive messages,” Yaccarino wrote.
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“When I created Oswald, my goal wasn’t simply to entertain children; it was to create a world where compassion, friendship, patience, and understanding were at the heart of every story,” he continued. “It’s wonderful to see those qualities still being recognized and appreciated years later. Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your kind words and for reminding me why creating Oswald was such a special experience.”
Oswald has the unique distinction of also bringing one of Hollywood’s most beloved duos back together on one project. Lander, who voiced Henry the penguin on the show, was reunited with his Laverne & Shirley costar Michael McKean, who voiced Maestro Bingo Bunny, as well as Henry the penguin’s cousin, Louie the penguin.
Lander died in Dec. 2020 from complications related to multiple sclerosis.
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