X
  • PBS
  • Oct 9, 1995
  • PBS
  • Oct 9, 1995

Summary Wishbone is about a little dog (a Jack Russell Terrier) with a BIG imagination. A very popular and award winning show in the mid-1990's, it encouraged children to read by alternating the main storyline of the show with a classic novel/play/short story with a parallel premise.

  • PBS
  • Oct 9, 1995
  • PBS
  • Oct 9, 1995
Wishbone
Season 1
Season Premiere: Oct 9, 1995
Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 5 Critic Reviews
79
User Score Available after 4 ratings
tbd
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

Summary Wishbone is about a little dog (a Jack Russell Terrier) with a BIG imagination. A very popular and award winning show in the mid-1990's, it encouraged children to read by alternating the main storyline of the show with a classic novel/play/short story with a parallel premise.

Season Episodes

View All Seasons
Episode 1 • Oct 9, 1995
A Tail in Twain: Part One
Joe, Samantha, and David investigate the mysterious behavior of a man who is digging up a historical site in the local park; Wishbone experiences life as Tom Sawyer in Twain's classic novel.
Episode 2 • Oct 9, 1995
A Tail in Twain: Part Two
Joe, Samantha, and David seek help from Ellen (Joe's mother), and neighbor Wanda, who is leader of the local historical society, in the mystery of the man digging up the unknown grave in the park; Wishbone continues as Tom Sawyer.
Episode 3 • Oct 9, 1995
Twisted Tail
Joe befriends a new boy, Max, from school. When Max gets involved with another boy who may be a thief, Wishbone is reminded of the story of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Episode 4 • Oct 10, 1995
Rosie, Oh, Rosie, Oh!
Wishbone falls in love with a dog from the pound and is reminded of the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Episode 5 • Oct 11, 1995
Homer Sweet Homer
The kids work to save their favorite park from developers; Wishbone plays Odysseus from Homer's The Odyssey.
Episode 6 • Oct 12, 1995
Bark That Bark
The kids help put on a traditional story-telling show to raise money. David's Uncle Homer is the star and throughout the episode, tells verbal African folk tales. Wishbone plays the part of Anansi and others in the folk tales.
Episode 7 • Oct 13, 1995
Cyranose
Wishbone takes on the 'prominent' role of Cyrano de Bergerac as the kids have to study poetry in school. David struggles the most with having to write his own poem and uses his own anonymous Cyrano to cheat.
Episode 8 • Oct 16, 1995
The Slobbery Hound
A stray dog is causing trouble in the neighborhood and Wishbone is getting the blame. As Joe, Sam, and David try to track the dog down, Wishbone is reminded of Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of Baskervilles.
Episode 9 • Oct 17, 1995
Digging Up the Past
Episode 10 • Oct 18, 1995
Bone of Arc
With their star player injured, Sam offers to help the boys win their soccer championship against an unbeatable team. Sam's bravery reminds Wishbone of the story of Joan of Arc.
Episode 11 • Oct 19, 1995
The Impawssible Dream
Joe tries to set a world record for shooting baskets which inspires Wishbone to recall the story of Don Quixote. Wishbone plays the part of Sancho Panza.
Episode 12 • Oct 20, 1995
Fleabitten Bargain
Episode 13 • Oct 23, 1995
Sniffing the Gauntlet
The kids have to do a spelling bee, Samantha has an allergic reaction to coconut which takes her out of the competition, and Wishbone plays Ivanhoe.
Episode 14 • Oct 26, 1995
The Hunchdog of Notre Dame
Wishbone takes on the role of Quasimodo as the trio face off against bully Damont in hockey. A new boy, Nathaniel, is so clumsy that no one wants him to play - until he reveals his hidden worth.
Episode 15 • Oct 27, 1995
Golden Retrieved
Wishbone is Silas Marner; Joe has a new mountain bike that is absorbing his attention, causing him to neglect and fail to appreciate Wishbone.
Episode 16 • Oct 30, 1995
A Tale of Two Sitters
Wishbone brings Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities' to life by playing Charles Darnay, while the boys feel like theirs is ruined. They have to babysit David's sister and her friend.
Episode 17 • Oct 31, 1995
Frankenbone
David is making a secret project for the school science fair. This leads Wishbone to recite the classic story Frankenstein.
Episode 18 • Nov 1, 1995
Hot Diggety Dawg
In this episode, the kids digging a hole for an Arbor Day tree causes Wishbone to imagine himself as Professor Lidenbrock in Jules Verne's classic adventure story, Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Episode 19 • Nov 2, 1995
One Thousand & One Tails
Wishbone becomes the magical Ali Baba in Scheherazade's Arabian Nights. The trio gets into trouble with a new computer and Wanda loses her purse. David's sister, Emily, finds it but doesn't want to return it.
Episode 20 • Nov 3, 1995
Mixed Breeds
Episode 21 • Nov 4, 1995
The Canine Cure
Episode 22 • Nov 6, 1995
The Pawloined Paper
Episode 23 • Nov 14, 1995
Bark to the Future
Episode 24 • Nov 8, 1995
Paw Prints of Thieves
Episode 25 • Nov 9, 1995
Furst Impressions
Based on "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. Wishbone stars as Mr. Darcy while Joe has to deal with David and Sam falling out over rumors about who's asking who to the school dance.
Episode 26 • Nov 10, 1995
The Prince and the Pooch
Wishbone and Joe live parallel stories of experiencing how the other half lives in this adaptation of 'The Prince and the Pauper'. Joe believes he'd be better at coaching than the coach, so he gets his shot to prove it.
Episode 27 • Nov 13, 1995
The Count's Account
'The Count of Monte Cristo' and Edmond Dantes are brought to life by Wishbone as David builds a snow machine that Damont uses to make trouble. But the revenge David and the others take is not the best path.
Episode 28 • Nov 14, 1995
Salty Dog
Samantha enlists Joe and David's help to find a legendary horseshoe in a condemned barn before it's torn down. Wishbone plays Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island, where he also encounters dangerous obstacles to search for a great treasure.
Episode 29 • Nov 15, 1995
Little Big Dog
Episode 30 • Nov 16, 1995
A Dogged Expose
Episode 31 • Nov 17, 1995
A Terrified Terrier
Episode 32 • Nov 20, 1995
Shakespaw
The school is putting on a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest, with David directing, Joe working as stage manager, and Sam as Miranda. Meanwhile, in the fantasy sequences, Wishbone portrays Ariel in the same play.
Episode 33 • Nov 21, 1995
Muttketeer!
Wishbone is d'Artagnan in one story, while also trying to join the kids in school in the other. Once inside, he hunts down Mort the rat, who has been chewing up the school.
Episode 34 • Nov 22, 1995
Hercules Unleashed
Sam searches for the perfect present for her father's 40th birthday, which reminds Wishbone of Hercules' quest for the golden apples of the Hesperides.
Episode 35 • Nov 23, 1995
¡Viva Wishbone!
Episode 36 • Nov 24, 1995
The Entrepawneur
Joe starts a grocery delivery business, but learns that his single-minded pursuit of money could cost him his friendship with Sam and David. In the fantasy sequence, Wishbone tells the story of Midas and his golden touch.
Episode 37 • Nov 27, 1995
Pantin' at the Opera
After a magazine article is published praising Ellen's computerized library cataloging system, mysterious things begin to happen at the library reminding Wishbone of The Phantom of the Opera
Episode 38 • Nov 28, 1995
Dances with Dogs
Episode 39 • Nov 29, 1995
Rushin' to the Bone
Wishbone stars in a Mr. MacPooch dog commercial. The play, "The Inspector General" by Nikolai Gogol.
Episode 40 • Nov 30, 1995
Picks of the Litter
In a recap of many of the episodes, Wishbone is one again everyone from Tom Sawyer to Oliver Twist. Wanda leaves a friend's dog with the Talbots, for them to dog-sit, and Wishbone tries to entertain her by re-telling his favorite stories.

Top Cast

View All

Larry Brantley

Wishbone, Larry Brinkley

Jordan Wall

Joe Talbot

Christie Abbott

Sam Kepler

Adam Springfield

David Barnes

Mary Chris Wall

Ellen Talbot

Angee Hughes

Wanda Gilmore

Soccer the Dog

Wishbone

Sean Hennigan

Baskerville Spirit, Beralde, Danglars

Cliff Stephens

Man, Anchises, Billy Bones

Kevin Page

Antonio, Bobchinski, Cardinal Richeleu

Joe Duffield

Damont Jones, Artful Dodger

Joe Nemmers

Brom Bones, Athos, Christian, Claude, Defense Attorney, Dr. Jekyll, Ferdinand, Fernand, Groom #1, Hlestakov, Isreal Hands, King Richard, Mr. Hyde, Mr. Wickham, Poins, Prince Turnus

Brent Anderson

Townsman, Bartender, Cleante, Doc Robinson, Dunston Cass, Eliab, Godfrey Norton, Jupiter, Mr. Bingley, Parrot, Porthos, Servant, Sir Brian de Bois Guilbert, Sydney Carton, Union Soldier #1

Christopher Carlos

Crazy Joe, Aramis, Ben Gunn, Bishop, Capulet #1, Carrasco, Man, Officer, Policeman, Salean, Thief #1, Wilson

Lynn Mathis

Bacchus, Chief Inspector, Falstaff, Fat Master, Guard, Judge, Lord Piggleby, Morrel, Old Stranger, Poseidon, Preacher, Prometheus, Squire Trelawney

Jeanne Simpson

Carlotta, Caroline Bingley, Joan of Arc, Juliet, Kalypso, Maid, Maid Marian, Maria, Miranda, Rebecca, Toinette

Julio Cesar Cedillo

Travis del Rio, Thief #2

Dee Hennigan

Dolly Winthrop, Eleanor Tilney, Elizabeth Bennett, English Woman, Gretchen, Juno, Lady #2, Mercedes, Queen, Rosanna Spearman, Serving Woman

Billy Eugene Jones

Barber, Cabman, Cardinal's Guard #2, Copreus, Count de Chagny, Ellis Duckworth, Guard, Kasim, Mercury, Pew, Strolling Immortal

Randy Moore

Judge Thatcher, Abbe Faria, Alonso, Don Quixote, Dr. Mortimer, Jacques, Jesse, Professor Waldman, Silenus

View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 5 Critic Reviews
79
80% Positive
4 Reviews
20% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 5 Critic Reviews
79
80% Positive
4 Reviews
20% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Jan 20, 2022
This one has everything - humor, high production values, solid acting and imaginative story lines that teach without knocking you over the head. [09 Sep 1995, p.1]
By Mike McDaniel FULL REVIEW
88
Jan 20, 2022
Wishbone is a near-perfect PBS kids' show. [08 Oct 1995]
By David Zurawik FULL REVIEW
75
Jan 20, 2022
An amazingly complicated little show that teaches the classics to young children (all right: ages 6 to 52) through an exuberant, cocky, humorous and highly knowledgeable terrier named Wishbone. [28 Apr 1996, p.2]
FULL REVIEW
70
Jan 20, 2022
It may take a superhero to pry your kids away from The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers or Saved by the Bell, which go up against Wishbone weekdays at 4:30, but the little dog has power. Once kids see him, they may want to return of their own free will. [09 Oct 1995, p.D05]
By Jonathan Storm FULL REVIEW
60
Jan 20, 2022
What with the dog stunts (Wishbone has three stunt doubles), all the kids and the large cast of costumed actors for the literary segments, this is a very labor-intensive effort for a five-times-a-week show. Computerized special effects are even used. Still, the dramatizations feel amateurish, hardly above your church group's talent night. [09 Oct 1995, p.6E]
By Gail Pennington FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Related Shows

Samurai Jack

93
Universal Acclaim

Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal

91
Universal Acclaim

Battlestar Galactica (2003)

89
Universal Acclaim

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock

89
Universal Acclaim

The Baby-Sitters Club (2020)

87
Universal Acclaim

Game of Thrones

86
Universal Acclaim

The Pacific

86
Universal Acclaim

Harley Quinn

86
Universal Acclaim

Shogun (2024)

85
Universal Acclaim

Rick & Morty

85
Universal Acclaim

The Last of Us

84
Universal Acclaim

Lost

84
Universal Acclaim

X-Men '97

82
Universal Acclaim

The Midnight Gospel

82
Universal Acclaim

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance

82
Universal Acclaim

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

82
Universal Acclaim

Star Wars: Visions

81
Universal Acclaim

Toy Story That Time Forgot

81
Universal Acclaim

The Legend of Vox Machina

81
Universal Acclaim

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2017)

81
Universal Acclaim

Station Eleven

81
Universal Acclaim

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

80
Generally Favorable

Related News

What to Watch on Apple TV+ Right Now

What to Watch on Apple TV+ Right Now

Jason Dietz

Get a list of the best movie and TV titles recently added (and coming soon) to Apple TV+, updated frequently.

  • tv show
What to Watch on Peacock Right Now

What to Watch on Peacock Right Now

Jason Dietz

Get a list of the best movies and TV shows recently added (and coming soon) to the Peacock streaming service, updated frequently.

  • tv show
May 2024 TV Preview

May 2024 TV Preview

Jason Dietz

The month ahead will bring Apple's latest sci-fi series, the return of Hacks, a new Doctor Who, and more.

  • tv show
What to Watch on Paramount+ Right Now

What to Watch on Paramount+ Right Now

Jason Dietz

Find a list of the best movies and TV shows recently added to Paramount+ and Paramount+ With Showtime, plus a list of titles coming soon to the streaming services.

  • tv show
What to Watch on Max Right Now

What to Watch on Max Right Now

Jason Dietz

Get a list of the best movies and TV shows recently added (and coming soon) to Max--plus all of the titles leaving the streaming service this month--updated frequently.

  • tv show
What to Watch on Prime Video Right Now

What to Watch on Prime Video Right Now

Jason Dietz

Get a list of the best movies and TV shows recently added (and coming soon) to Amazon's Prime Video, updated frequently.

  • tv show