For over two and a half decades, Arthur Read, the endearing bespectacled character, has captured the hearts of both children and adults through his eponymous TV program. “Arthur” made its debut in October 1996, drawing inspiration from the Arthur Adventure book series, penned and illustrated by Marc Brown. This landmark show concluded on February 21, 2022, after an impressive 25 seasons, having been confirmed for cancellation by executive producer Carol Greenwald in July 2021. Throughout its remarkable run, “Arthur” fearlessly tackled diverse subjects, from same-sex marriage to dyslexia awareness, enriching the lives of its viewers.
The animated series boasted a diverse ensemble cast of anthropomorphic animals, ranging from rabbits to rats. Despite Arthur’s prominent presence on our screens for so many years, a question lingers in the minds of many fans: What Animal Is Arthur?
Decoding Arthur: The Aardvark Identity
Arthur is definitively identified as an aardvark. However, it’s important to note that there are notable distinctions between Arthur and his real-life counterparts. Aardvarks are nocturnal mammals native to Africa, recognized as insectivores with a penchant for termites and ants, as detailed by National Geographic.
One significant deviation from the typical aardvark is Arthur’s geographical origin. While aardvarks are native to Africa, Arthur resides in the fictional Elwood City. Beyond location, the most striking difference lies in their facial features. Aardvarks are characterized by their elongated, pig-like snouts, essential tools for sniffing out their insect prey. In contrast, Arthur sports a noticeably flattened nose with diminutive nostrils, a departure from the pronounced snout of a real aardvark.
From Snout to Snub: Arthur’s Design Evolution
Interestingly, Arthur’s initial design was more faithful to the aardvark form, featuring a more pronounced snout. The very first book in the series, “Arthur’s Nose,” delves into the character’s journey of self-acceptance regarding his nose. The story revolves around Arthur grappling with classmate Francine Frensky’s teasing about his nose, leading him to contemplate altering it.
However, as the book series progressed, the visual representation of Arthur and his family underwent gradual changes. Their snouts became less prominent, receding over time. Furthermore, distinct aardvark features such as paws, claws, and tails were completely omitted from their design.
These design modifications were seamlessly integrated into the PBS Kids show, shaping the Arthur we recognize and adore. This evolution in appearance explains why Arthur may not immediately strike viewers as a typical aardvark, yet his core identity remains rooted in this unique animal.
Arthur’s Enduring Appeal
While “Arthur” concluded its remarkable run, the reasons for its cancellation were never explicitly stated. Writer Kathy Waugh mentioned on the podcast “Finding D.W.” that production had ceased in 2019. Despite the absence of new episodes, “Arthur”‘s legacy endures as the longest-running kids’ animated series in history.
Executive producer Carol Greenwald aptly summarized the show’s impact: ” ‘Arthur’ is known for teaching kindness, empathy and inclusion through many groundbreaking moments to generations of viewers.” Indeed, “Arthur” has left an indelible mark, continuing to broadcast on PBS Kids and remaining available for future generations to discover and learn from. So, while Arthur may not possess the quintessential snout of an aardvark, his heart, lessons, and animal identity are undeniably aardvarkian, resonating with audiences worldwide.
