Thursday, January 4, 2018

Classic Nick Thursday – Mr. Wizard’s World

Long before most of us were born Don Herbert, aka Mr. Wizard, made science a national pastime with his show “Watch Mr. Wizard” which originally aired on NBC from March 3, 1951–1965. This concept of the show was simple but effective, Mr. Wizard would demonstrate the science behind ordinary things. The show drew millions of viewers and was constantly praised with high ratings and awards throughout its history. By 1956, it had prompted the establishment of more than five thousand Mr. Wizard science clubs, with an estimated membership greater than one hundred thousand.

Much like it’s modern counterpart, “Mr. Wizard’s World” which aired on Nickelodeon from October 3, 1983 – August 25, 2000, every Saturday morning a neighbor boy or girl (played by child actors) would visit Mr. Wizard where he always had a laboratory experiment going that taught something about science.

1983-1990: Mr. Wizard's World
Fast forward to October 3, 1983 when the, still fledgling, Nickelodeon launched “Mr. Wizard’s World” which aired three times a week with Don Herbert reprising his role as Mr. Wizard. The new format included this segment “Ask Mr. Wizard” where Mr. Wizard answered questions sent in by viewers of all ages. This revival was produced in Canada (this time in Calgary) and produced 78 episodes from 1983 onwards and continued in reruns until (around) August 25, 2000.

While airing on Nickelodeon “Mr. Wizard's World” was the channel's #3 rated show in 1983 behind Livewire and You Can't Do That on Television. While it aired on Nickelodeon the series was sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Some episodes of “Mr. Wizard's World” were reaired in 2005-2006 on The Science Channel, where it still frequently airs.

Don Herbert died June 12, 2007, of multiple myeloma, four weeks before what would have been his 90th birthday, at his home in Bell Canyon, California.


Selected episodes of Mr. Wizard's World are available on DVD from Mr. Wizard Studios Inc. in 10-Single Volumes featuring 4-Episodes on each disk, Gift Box-Sets is also available. Five seasons of the show, 75 episodes, of the 78 total were released on Amazon instant streaming.

Thirty-two episodes of “Watch Mr. Wizard” were selected by Don Herbert and released on eight DVDs. They can be found at  http://www.mrwizardstudios.com

On Amazon
Mr. Wizard's World 5 Seasons 1984

Season 1
Buy Episode 1 SD $1.99

Buy Episode 1 SD $1.99 

No comments:

Post a Comment