For over two decades, Arthur Read, the endearing bespectacled character from the animated TV show “Arthur,” has captured the hearts of both children and adults. Based on the “Arthur Adventure” book series by Marc Brown, the show premiered in 1996 and concluded in 2022 after 25 remarkable seasons. “Arthur” fearlessly addressed important topics, from same-sex marriage to dyslexia awareness.
The series featured a diverse cast of anthropomorphic animals, including rabbits and rats. While Arthur has been a prominent figure on our screens, many viewers remain uncertain about his true animal identity.
Decoding Arthur: Unveiling His Animal Species
Arthur is an aardvark. According to National Geographic, aardvarks are nocturnal, insectivorous mammals native to Africa. However, Arthur deviates from his real-life counterparts in several ways. One notable difference lies in their geographical location; Arthur resides in the fictional Elwood City, while aardvarks are native to Africa. Furthermore, significant dissimilarities exist in their facial features. Aardvarks are characterized by their elongated, pig-like snouts, which they use to locate insects. In contrast, Arthur sports a flat nose with minuscule nostrils, a departure from the characteristic aardvark snout.
Arthur’s Evolving Design: From Snout to Snub
Initially, Arthur’s design closely resembled that of a typical aardvark, complete with a pronounced snout. The first book in the series, “Arthur’s Nose,” revolves around Arthur’s journey to accept and embrace his nose after classmate Francine Frensky makes a disparaging comment, leading Arthur to contemplate altering it.
As the book series progressed, Arthur and his family underwent gradual design modifications. Their snouts became less prominent, and their distinct aardvark paws, claws, and tails gradually disappeared. These alterations were seamlessly integrated into the PBS Kids show, contributing to the Arthur we know and love today.
The End of an Era: Why Was “Arthur” Canceled?
The cancellation of “Arthur” was officially announced in the summer of 2021. Kathy Waugh, a writer for the show, revealed during an appearance on the podcast “Finding D.W.” that production had concluded in 2019.
While an explicit reason for the cancellation was not provided, episodes of “Arthur” continue to air on PBS Kids.
Carol Greenwald, executive producer, stated that “Arthur” is the longest-running kids’ animated series in history. Known for teaching kindness, empathy, and inclusion through groundbreaking moments to generations, Arthur will continue to be available on PBS KIDS for years to come.
Arthur’s Legacy: More Than Just an Aardvark
Ultimately, Arthur’s enduring appeal lies not just in his animal identity but in his relatable character and the valuable life lessons he imparts. Despite not completely resembling his real-world counterpart, Arthur embodies the spirit of friendship, understanding, and acceptance, making him a timeless icon for children and adults alike.
