PBS just celebrated the 50th anniversary of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" with the dynamic television special "Mister Rogers: It's You I Like." The special is a heartwarming trip down memory lane. For those who missed out on the hit show, the special gives them an introduction to what made the show special for young viewers.
Those who grew up with Fred Rogers and his beloved show will be propelled back to their childhoods, with the help of a long list of celebrities who are watching episodes and stand amazed at how Mister Rogers handled each episode and spoke directly to his audience.
Hollywood stars show their appreciation
Among the celebrities who appeared include Sarah Silverman, John Lithgow, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his son Nicholas. The special showed how Rogers was able to present sensitive topics for children in a gentle but personal way. Throughout his show, Fred Rogers addressed issues such as death and disability. During one episode a young child who had a physical disability appeared with him.
The special also focuses on Fred Rogers and his love and appreciation of the arts, including jazz and classical music. The special is hosted by Michael Keaton, who actually has experience with the "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" program. His greatest moments happened when he was talking to a child or an adult but what they like doing, how they feel, or what they may fear.
During an interview on ABC, Keaton said that Fred was one of the nicest and most authentically good people you will ever meet. He said he had a great sense of humor.
Fred Rogers was one of a kind
This special highlighted the success Fred Rogers had in creating a show in the 1970s, which drew in millions of viewers. Through this special, we can see what shows like "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" and "Sesame Street" have done in the overall media world.
Fred Rogers did 900 shows. Incredible. The number of children whose lives he influenced and touched during that period would be impossible to count. Yes, i was a fan. Yes, I want one of those Mr. Rogers mugs in which his sweater changes colours when you pour something hot in it
— Gary Mason (@garymasonglobe) March 7, 2018
It's hard to picture how Fred Rogers would fare in a commercial network that was filled with cartoons and mass advertising.
"Mister Rogers" will live on in our hearts and in specials like this one. We will always remember the friendly smile, the sweaters and the heartfelt messages delivered by Mister Fred Rogers.
Fred Rogers never appeared to be intimidated by some of his larger-than-life guests like Yo-Yo Ma. He often asked them to teach him something. The special closed out with little clips of Rogers' performing his signature tunes at different points of his life.
