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Wishbone's Wild Ride: 40 Episodes Made on the Fly!
27 May
Summary
- A town was built, not set, for the show's production.
- Child actors and a dog proved challenging to manage.
- 40 episodes were produced rapidly within eight weeks.
The creators of the beloved PBS series Wishbone have shared insights into the demanding production of its initial season. Initially conceived as a show about children from any neighborhood, it evolved to feature a dog bringing classic literature to life.
To create the show's world, the production team built a town on a 10-acre backlot and converted 50,000 square feet of warehouse space into sound stages. This significant undertaking required transforming undeveloped land in North Texas into a functional Hollywood-style production facility.
Filming presented unique challenges, particularly managing child actors and a dog, alongside a rapid production schedule. Dog trainers described the experience as a constant adventure, preparing new behaviors and wardrobe weekly for the fast-paced environment.
Creator Rick Duffield recalled the pressure of producing 40 episodes in a single year, with network demands requiring the entire season to be ready at once. This rapid production model, intended for daily "strip" programming, proved to be an immense challenge.
The documentary "What's the Story, Wishbone?" will debut on public television stations from May 27 through June 9, 2026, followed by a TVOD/Digital release on June 10, 2026.
