Make a Wish (TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Make a Wish |
|
|---|---|
| Genre | Children's |
| Created by | Lester Cooper |
| Written by | Lester Cooper |
| Directed by | Lester Cooper Arthur J. Ornitz |
| Starring | Tom Chapin |
| Composer(s) | Bernard Green |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Lester Cooper |
| Producer(s) | Tom Bywaters Peter Weinberg |
| Running time | 25 mins |
| Production company(s) | ABC News |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | September 12, 1971 – September 5, 1976 |
Make a Wish was an American children's television show. It aired on the ABC network from 1971 to 1976. ABC News produced the show. It was hosted by musician Tom Chapin. Lester Cooper created and produced the series. Make a Wish took the place of Discovery, another children's show from ABC News that started in 1962.
What Was Make a Wish?
Make a Wish was a unique show for young viewers. It aimed to teach kids about different topics in a fun way. Each episode lasted about 25 minutes.
How the Show Worked
Every Sunday morning, a new episode of Make a Wish would air. Each episode focused on a single theme. For example, one episode might be all about snakes. Another could be about motorcycles.
Tom Chapin would introduce the topic with a special phrase. He might say, "I think a snake is what I'll be. Imagine all the possibilities." After that, the show would explore the theme using different visuals. It featured old film clips, animated parts, and Chapin's music. He would also provide voiceover comments. The show used a fast-paced style. It quickly moved between different ideas and images related to the theme.
Awards and Music
Make a Wish was recognized for its quality. In 1971, the series won a Peabody Award. This award is given to excellent television programs. It was honored as the Best Children's Series that year.
Some of the songs heard on the show were written by Tom Chapin's brother, Harry Chapin. The main composer for the show was Bernard Green. He also wrote the music for the show's title song, "Make a Wish." Lester Cooper wrote the lyrics for this song, and Tom Chapin sang it.
After Make a Wish
Make a Wish ran for five seasons. In 1976, another show called Animals, Animals, Animals replaced it. This new show also used a fast visual style and featured folk-style songs, similar to Make a Wish.
