DefunctTV: The History of Between the Lions

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[@clubsandwich2974]

Funding for pbs kids is provided by: Chuck E Cheese, where a kid can be a kid. And viewers like you, thank you.

[@jayson1505]

And the corporation for public broadcasting

[@rosiecarrot4269]

Yasss!

[@NitroIndigo]

A powerful rat.

[@ashton9699]

I would've never thought that I still remember what the voice sounded like, until I started reading it in my head.

[@daniboy4153]

That hits hard

[@joe-fl9hg]

Aw. That "funded by viewers like you" hit me right in the childhood.

[@sameboi944]

This show reminds me of another show from my childhood that both started and ended in 2008

[@PhirePhlame]

@@sameboi944 Woud you happen to remember its name?

[@sameboi944]

This show was also one my childhood favorites

[@HuyenPhan-ir2wo]

joe 6969 It hit me right in the head and the chest at the same time!

[@ichaukan]

Took me back to the late 80's for sure.

[@Yoshimaniac]

it's been so long that I just realized why the show is called Between the Lions

[@what_memes_are_these9824]

Didn't know you would be here.

[@anna.1910]

@happyningaturtle CAN'T... HOLD... ON... MUCH... LONGER!!

[@NitwitsWorld]

@@anna.1910 I'm sad that phase hasn't become an internet meme yet?

[@NitwitsWorld]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Really now? Even I knew what that meant and I wasn't a reader back then. lol

[@FruitBatsLyra]

Lol, same here! XD

[@DeltaFRFX]

This show deserved to live on forever like Sesame Street imo. It was proven to be effective, so the fact that they stopped rerunning episodes by 2011 and haven't done anything new since is baffling to me.

[@ralphwiggum1982]

Early 2000s pbs was on a different level now whenever my daughter watches it I shake my head cause the shows on there now are just terrible

[@Ambipie]

Probably 2 problems. PBS kids was made cheaper around that time for worse, and it's a little expensive to make such an engaging show. It deserves to come back, but theres a war on animation right now

[@hunterra217]

@ralphwiggum1982 unfortunately this has more to do with funding than anything else, we were much more willing to spend tax money on education even just a few decades ago, now all that goes straight to faux wars and oil companies. It's a depressing sight

[@Slateproc]

It was too effective

[@adamantooth1987]

Same

[@itslash8493]

*i feel like cliff hanger has some meme worthy material untapped into*

[@binkers4998]

You know now you say that, you might be on to something

[@thomasmurrell9832]

You'd be surprised how much meme material is in things that aren't popularized by memes. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the Tim Burton one) is an absolute goldmine.

[@TheSmart-CasualGamer]

Can't... Hold... On... Much... LONGER!

[@BarkertheScrunkly]

Looking back, the Cliff Hanger segments were pretty dark. I mean this dude is seconds away from plummeting to his doom.

[@jollygrapefruit786]

Oh absolutely

[@Rabaru]

I watched this growing up in Japan, and taught me English. Without it, I couldn’t write this comment.

[@mintyperidot]

thats so cool that it could do that for you. they have these shows in japan?

[@Rabaru]

I can’t recall how I was able to watch it. I think a friend from America sent VHS tapes of it to us.

[@puttputtbj3260]

How did you have a friend in the us if you didn’t know how to speck English?

[@MilkTheCouch]

あ、すごい！　この番組はすばらしいですね。

[@miininna]

@@puttputtbj3260 There are people in the US that speak Japanese...

[@jcrprod.co.6973]

It took me 18 years, but i just noticed that "Between the Lions" was a pun on "between the lines"!

[@3bydacreekside]

I always say "lions" instead of "lines" ...a few people catch me when I do. XD

[@NathanCassidy721]

Holy shit you’re right... I completely missed that as I am old enough to remember the image of a library entrance flanked by two lions statues, which the theme song references. But considering the idea behind the show, it makes total sense. Damn, this show was good.

[@danteshorewaves2587]

The show failed you

[@jooniperlynn]

And the door to the library was between Cleo and the daughter in the opening theme song

[@BuddyBoo-qz1dh]

Oh my gosh, you're right! I annoy the crap out my family with puns; how did I not realise that?

[@bobjones574]

The segment that always stuck with me was the scientist. He'd announce some new universal rule of English spelling. His assistant would then innocently praise him, using words that violated this rule. Got me to understand the futility of "correct" spelling from an early age.

[@g-saviour6581]

Yes Dr. Nitwit

[@Lucifronz]

@@g-saviour6581 "NitWHITE, that's Dr. Nit-WHITE!"

[@DompeyKong1]

OOH AHH DO THE SMARTY PANTS

[@brycevo]

I loved this show as a Kid

[@christophersmith2068]

Bryce McKenzie Me too!

[@jacquizzlemons1980]

I have so many memories of watching it with my mom when I was a toddler. It was so good

[@lastheavens]

I wasn't born yet when it first aired, but I loved the reruns and later seasons

[@moonmannd7501]

Yeah Defunctland was my shit.

[@mileidyclass]

Same!

[@notandum]

As soon as I saw the Cliffhanger scene a bunch of memories came flooding back, not gonna lie.

[@GcorpCoPrez]

Kid With A Computer same here! Along with the cooking skit. That always cracked me up

[@rexxavier6807]

I know. Nastalgia's hitting me hard right now.

[@iFrostNight]

God right! its like that scene had been floating around in my brain somewhere and was finally called back

[@zepperfox7669]

Me too bro i got the same feeling

[@LilFrg]

Same but with the entire video XD

[@GenerationWest]

You know, it took me WAY TOO LONG to get pun "Between the Lions" as "Between the lines", like 6 years ago, watching the intro as an adult, it just clicked. OOH AH DANCING SMARTY PANTS! OOH AAAHHH DANCING SMARTY PAAAAANNNTTTTSSS!!!!!

[@thesimulacrum]

I thought it just had to do with the new york library

[@tugst547]

GenerationWest I thought it meant because you enter the library between two lion statues.

[@thesimulacrum]

@@tugst547 same

[@whoopshaha4726]

I thought it was because the of the new york library's lions at the front door.

[@colehalford1893]

Hahahahahaha. GenerationWest, thanks. 👍

[@daviddo658]

When I was in 1st grade, our teacher, Ms. Roland would take us into the library every Friday to watch this show. Thanks for reuniting me with six-year-old me; it's been a while since we talked.

[@kat1064]

Yes! same with my first grade teacher, Miss. Art, this show brings back so many good memories

[@daydreams6956]

yes. our teachers would always put this show on for us. we all loved it sm.

[@nateo3040]

That last line hit me hard man

[@AnimalAlmighty]

I miss elementary school

[@ScottBorder]

This video was like an unfiltered shot of pure nostalgia.

[@TheZigzagman]

You're not kidding. I've had the Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers episode of this show stuck in my head for twenty years.

[@TigirlakaLaserwolf6]

THEY STOPPED AIRING _BETWEEN THE LIONS?_ No wonder my numerous clever Cliff Hanger references have been going unappreciated. CAN'T. HOLD. ON. MUCH. LOOOOOOONGER!

[@bluezebra8675309]

Cliiiiiff Hanger, hanging from a cliiiiff! _And thats why he's called Cliff Hanger!_

[@AnimeGames16]

EXCUSE ME? EXCUUUSE ME?!

[@kieakewii]

😂😂😂

[@blacksmith4703]

BUT I WILL NEVER LET GO!

[@maggieent3215]

And eventually we'll fall and land back on the cliff again... Maybe

[@lordbob1995]

My dumb ass just realized this show was teaching me to read as a kid. Just goes to show how good the content was in getting kids excited about learning. Thank you so much for sharing 😊

[@doityourselfbombs]

right? I had no idea

[@manuelcardenas6837]

Dude I was just simply vibing watching cable I had no idea I was being learnted

[@carmen9610]

@@manuelcardenas6837 ttgggffy to go 7ttytttt

[@carmen9610]

Thank the love 😘😘 t

[@carmen9610]

@@manuelcardenas6837 to do that to you for

[@lillyp6905]

As a first generation eldest daughter of immigrants, pbs and shows like this one were the backbone of my household. I didn’t have the experience of having a parent read a book to me so between the lions filled that gap for me

[@xtinaxaiyavong]

anyone first gen would love pbs kids - a first gen child from lao

[@happyzombiikitti]

This was also my experience Lilly! PBS made me learn so much about American history, English, books, it helped me feel less alone.

[@iamonlymeee]

That was my experience too! Teachers would send home books for my parents and me to read together but that was not possible because they didn't speak English. My parents left me to my own devices and this show definitely helped me correct my phonetics. At first i struggled thinking i hated reading but it was that missing experience of someone being encouraging and showing me how a pair of words is supposed to sound

[@mauandainuralarconm.9121]

Me 2😅😊

[@ready2cry]

same :D

[@LifeAsAnonymous]

Arthur, Liberty's Kids, Between the Lions, and Cyberchase were my SHIT growing up.

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

Felix Thomas I now know that I'm part of a generation- you add Fetch! to that lineup & that's me.

[@keithharvey7478]

Liberty's kids is all on KZbin now!

[@taymay4894]

and ELECTRIC COMPANY!!

[@NoahClevinger]

Liberty's Kids is AWESOME. I love that it's both educational and entertaining.

[@judahosborne8868]

Me too, and Ruff Ruffman!

[@skeletontoaster3811]

The show's creator was the husband of a teacher in my school in New York. I wrote a letter to the show's production team and got a reply. I was asked to write a few sentences for homework. What was turned in was a sarcastic story about Cliff Hanger as a child. He recklessly hung on lightbulb switches, much to his mother's dismay. She questioned how helpful his survival manual was when it only gave advice over problems that could never happen. After yelling at him, Cliff's solution was to hang on a bookshelf and knock it over. The manual did not explain how to avoid his mother. Apparently, the crew members could not stop laughing. The humor of children is comedy gold.

[@NitwitsWorld]

That could have been his origin story. Gives Batman a run for his money. lol

[@NitwitsWorld]

@Ash Kitt I believe there is. And also another child help write an episode for Dexter's Lab

[@DattMann]

That's beautiful, I love when creators have a moment with their fans.

[@dragonlordthekingofdragons6373]

@Ash Kitt there was

[@hawktalon7890]

That's actually pretty cool. :)

[@benwasserman8223]

Wow, I'm surprised at how much of this show's reoccurring characters and gags I actually remember

[@studoc6143]

Fucking same my dude.

[@marcusblackwell2372]

I can tell ya which ones I recall. & not even from revisiting it on KZbin! Cliffhanger, Dance In Smarty Pants (I think), that kitchen one, Opposite Bunny, the one with the knights, one with a white haired guy who... put words together? Or was that one about syllables?

[@lunatheluma3804]

Ben Wasserman I have thought of this show so many times since I was a kid but it always haunted me how I couldn’t remember the name

[@applesaurusrex8075]

I don’t remember much of this show, but I remember the lions and the cliffhanger very well

[@TheHedgehogGiraffe]

the chicken jane jingle had been stuck in my head for years with me not remembering the name of the show, glad I finally do,

[@jerriandfriends]

This just made me so so SO happy. I have a core memory of my mom noticing that I knew all the words to the Between the Lions theme song, writing down the words, and practicing the sight words with me even when I wasn't watching the show. I learned how to read super early (~2/3) and based on this video, it seems like I got hooked right around season two. PBS absolutely raised me, and I will FOREVER have the fondest memories of watching these shows every morning at my Grandma's house.

[@Lucifronz]

I used to sing that song all the time. I can still sing through most of the song to this day and it's actually quite catchy. Hasn't soured one bit.

[@marklopez7775]

Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Brian López. What is your favorite Between the Lions episode? Please let me know in the comments down below.

[@eithiana1602]

I had a reading disability. This show actually helped me get through it. My little sister learned to read at an early age because of it too. She learned she hates cliffhangers.

[@richieosborn2639]

Diana Ledesma good childhood and by the way, Knuckles The Echidna hates cliffhangers too!

[@HuyenPhan-ir2wo]

Diana Ledesma DAMN YOU, CLIFFHANGERS

[@deusexrockina]

I'm so happy to hear that! Awesome for your sister too! ✌

[@mctriplefatal]

I can see you like miraculous ladybug. I do to

[@frenchfry55]

this show made cliffhangers so triggering and this show helped me read at a second grade level at 4-5 years old, and I just love it

[@maventheraven7321]

Is it weird that I don't remember the lions but Cliff Hanger is like engrained in my memory for some reason. Like, I remember a lot of this stuff but it was kinda forgotten until about now.XD

[@evecampbell3069]

@@LordFyrestone And that's why he's called Cliff Hanger!

[@LordFyrestone]

YASSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@greatcanadianmoose3965]

I randomly will just think, "Can't.... hold.... on... MUCH LONGER!!!!"

[@dugood70]

Dude, I'm the exact opposite. I remember everything except the Cliff Hanger bits. Those aren't in my memory anywhere.

[@greatcanadianmoose3965]

@@dugood70 Dude.... really?

[@gabriellavedier9650]

That cooking segment made me realize Leo and Cleo are just age-appropriate Gomez and Morticia Addams, a married couple passionately in love and able to be weird together. Also, they freaking had a Sailor Moon parody. Damn

[@jonna2834]

Indeed

[@gracieayers8706]

The cooking segment may attribute to why I'm a baker now. 😅🤣

[@AnimeboyIanpower]

Wait... What episode was the Sailor Moon parody in?!

[@gabriellavedier9650]

@@AnimeboyIanpower I don't know. One of the later ones. It's on here I think, I'm sure I saw it

[@christopheralthouse6378]

@@AnimeboyIanpower That question made me just HAVE to look it up, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7OqYKnncaXiK8 It's a segment called "Little Wendy Tales", not sure what Between The Lions episode it's from but it has something to do with a party...

[@cyanimation1605]

Nobody in my family knows how I learned to read. When I started 1st grade I was already ahead of everyone. I can't prove it but I think it was Between the Lions.

[@PopPunkKing30]

I had a lot of trouble really reading in 3rd grade. My teacher had me watch an episode a day after school along with zoboomafoo. It literally helped me be more confident in reading. By the time I hit middle school I was reading at a 12th grade reading level and not high school either. College. I could read some pretty advanced books and words at a young age. It actually led me to reading the entire cirque de freak series in middle school. So this show DEFINITELY helped me.

[@theonewithdoggo]

"Viewers like you. Thank you!" Me: *My Childhood. You remembered. You are my favorite youtuber.*

[@kyley4003]

Yes

[@moosegangmoosegang5056]

PREACH !!!!!

[@cat-ol7mf]

yes!!!

[@livywithane]

Yes

[@BeanyBoi1252]

Oh, hey doggo

[@stalewater5571]

I grew up with this show and uhh... I don't remember the tummy lady. I think that might be a good thing.

[@PresidentJamesDean]

Same here

[@HuyenPhan-ir2wo]

Stale Water I don't even know her in my memories of watching it.

[@thanatoast]

Please don't bully the tummy lady, she has self esteem issues

[@EntertainmentFan11]

I've never even HEARD of that sketch until this video. Weird.

[@tomeeshahaller4226]

I don't remember tummy lady either...

[@Rockamolie]

Me and my siblings used to watch this show on PBS all the time.

[@RobsRides]

same

[@rufuscord7160]

My good, sir Rock amolie may I inquire as to the name of the anime that thou has taken to using as thy profile picture?

[@knottyorchid1212]

Rock amolie Right here my childhood

[@laurenyamada551]

I saw this as a kid but I just remembered it lmao

[@karalee1561]

@@rufuscord7160It's called Panty and Stalking with Garterbelt

[@henrygreen2096]

Although it breaks my heart to hear a show like this stop being made. I am happy that the show ended because the people working on it decided to end it. Not because of it being cancelled or business relationships, or a star passing away. I have nothing but good to say about this show. My sister and I still talk about this show to this day.

[@henriquedearruda8902]

One of the best puppet shows since Jim Henson Sesame Street I hope it gets a new series someday.

[@CheapSushi]

Yeah, I think it's so much nicer when shows gracefully end.

[@LieutenantBoii]

no cartoon character has suffered more than Cliffhanger and i will support his trying times

[@pokelover66544]

Cant hold on much longer!!!

[@gwendolynstata3775]

Did he ever get off the cliff for good? I feel so bad for him.

[@kaitlynrauch3454]

Cliff Hanger, hanging from a cliff, and that's why he's called Clff Hanger! Really though DID he get off that cliff?

[@pokelover66544]

According to the wiki he did but lional convinced the author to write another book so he ended up back on cliff

[@TDImiracle]

#CliffHangerDeservedBetter

[@CascadianRanger]

10 seasons and 130 episodes. Thats a worthy legacy for such a high production value educational show. At some point, it has to end, but it's good to see this seemed to get a respectable end overall

[@HuyenPhan-ir2wo]

Cascadian Ranger That is 13 episodes average!

[@MrWolfSnack]

Especially a puppet based show - no small feat. I loved this show. One of the best for its time, along with Bear's Big Blue House.

[@thisismissmic]

The nostalgia :') I'll never forget a meteor shower episode where the kid lions kept singing about how excited they were about a "meat shower" thinking drumsticks would rain down

[@garlandthompson5970]

"Meateor shower"😂

[@horse14t]

As a kid with Dyslexia this show probably helped me more then I could've ever realized as a kid. Reading and writing were always the most frustrating, difficult parts of school and Between the Lions was the perfect way to help at the time. No time deadline, no one yelling or getting mad, great characters, reruns and more. This show will always have a special place in my heart.

[@mwerkeller1872]

Same. 😊

[@LeeofChaldea]

I’m dyslexic to and I went to a private school that was very judgmental till the 3rd grade so I feel you dude

[@horse14t]

Christopher Calvert Dude I wasn't even diagnosed 'till grade 6... and even then no one told me or my family... Wasn't until grade 11 when I started self diagnosing when the truth came out... and even then the "psychologist" said "Oh we don't call it "that" anymore... We call it Genuine Reading Disorder".... My mom had to actually pry it out of her to say that I genuinely have Dyslexia.... All those years I could've had a diagnosis and compensation but nope.... Not visible or severe enough to get that.... Even after the diagnosis came out things didn't change much... But I'm graduated now so I don't have to deal with that anymore :D

[@LeeofChaldea]

It’s sad how people don’t take learning disability’s as serious as they should

[@horse14t]

Indeed... My high school was full of crappy teachers... Just because it's not painfully obvious doesn't mean it's not there... My grade 10 English teacher thought Dyslexia didn't exist and that you could tell someone's intelligence from their ability to read and write.... She was also the one that played favourites and sent me to summer school which in the end proved to be a waste of time...

[@juneradar]

I don't get nostalgic about that many things, but bring up an early 2000's PBS Kids show & I turn into a sobbing mess

[@acs_99]

joshua miller I watched an episode of mr Rogers neighborhood yesterday and I’m still sad

[@alistairmooncrest5018]

I would not hear these for decades, but as soon as the theme songs come on, I start bawling and remember every word.

[@WillowwoodVA]

Why did reading that make the cyberchase theme play in my head

[@octogonSmuggler]

Dragon Tales?

[@KelbyRoberson]

You had my tear ducts at "Hey now" Nostalgia is ROUGH

[@iyana8234]

Mine too 😥😥

[@Levleup]

CHARLIE Same here

[@EclipseOfGod]

Idk if it’s the nostalgia, would it be a bad idea to recommend this to my 30 yo friends?

[@hmm..1560]

Yessss

[@NIkki-ox1ej]

My heart

[@Sourandsweet749]

My reading levels were advanced for my age back in elementary school. I 100% attribute that to watching these old educational PBS shows. They made such a difference in my education.

[@Lucifronz]

I feel like I underestimate just how influential children's shows were on my education as a kid. I can't quite remember what I watched when I was really little, but I know when I got into Kindergarten, I was ready Day 1 to point out things like shapes when asked. First question we were ever asked in class, which I was intimidated about until I heard the question, was "what is this shape" and I remember raising my hand and answering confidently "triangle". Never quite nailed down the social anxiety pressure until I got into college, though, and past early childhood school got harder and my focus became more erratic (I am now quite certain that was undiagnosed ADHD), but the point is that there's inherent value in entertainment education. TV especially. I will always remember this show fondly.

[@JunaidWolf3]

My reading level was so bad when I was in 5th grade I could only read at a 2nd grade level and could barely spell I figured out I was dyslexic when my brother told me about it

[@Joanna-ed8ic]

Audible sponsor? *THIS IS IT BOYS, THIS CHANNEL IS LEGIT*

[@Caledon91]

Makes sense after talking about a show that taught reading to kids.

[@robertrivera5569]

Lol

[@Cheyenne_Hayden]

He still needs that Blue Apron sponsorship

[@maggieent3215]

The excitement is audible.

[@justaregularuser79]

Arthur, Sagwa, Liberty's Kids, Anne of Green Gables and In Between the Lions were my favorite PBS shows growing up. They made education and "lesson learning" fun.

[@johnroso841]

nostalgia!!!

[@LKZ36]

Don't forget Clifford and cyberchase lol. Those were better times, man I miss childhood.

[@justaregularuser79]

@@LKZ36 Oh yeah! Those were great too!

[@LKZ36]

@ariannasv22 Oh yea I do remember that a lil. I also forgot about the last show to air before the news came on, which would be dragon tales. Does anybody remember zoboomafoo?

[@aliceangel7644]

candiigurl7893 good ol’ childhood tv right there

[@RacerC45]

Used to watched this show as a kid along with Sagwa the Siamese Cat.

[@maddog197x]

Sagwa, now there's a lost treasure.

[@thehackingburger3002]

Sagwa! That's what it was called! Out of all my young childhood shows, that was somehow the most obscure in my memory. All I remember is that it had something to do with Ancient China, cats, and a bat...

[@kangomatocryptid86]

For me it was Zaboomafoo and Cyberchase

[@shadou1234567]

i loved sagwa

[@xiaomusmash1494]

RacerC45 I remember Sagwa too!

[@ThemedNumber02]

This show was high quality art. The production value is stupendous! No wonder why I loved watching this show as a kid.

[@Crazyswamphag]

Yes. It was SO well done.

[@christopherdoney5499]

Oh my lord, I remember I loved watching this show as a kid. I particularly remember the Cliff Hanger portions of the show. I recall that I felt really bad for Cliff Hanger as no matter what he did, he would go through a never ending cycle of finding a way off the cliff and then returning to the same branch on the cliff.

[@geistgrace6452]

There WAS a show that had him off the cliff. But he was convinced to go back.

[@Rickkysimo]

The branch always almost snapping made me so nervous lol

[@davidshi451]

Sisyphus Hanger?

[@finleypoteet3705]

Christopher Doney AND THATS WHY HES CALLED CLIFFHANGERRRR

[@magicrainbowkitties1023]

My family and I LOVED this show when my brother and I were kids. We'd be watching whatever was on Nick Jr (Noggin back then, I'm a real OG), like Dora or Backyardagains, then I'd get to an episode I didn't like (I've always taken pride in my tastes) and change the channel. Or rather my dad would XD. He'd flip through the channels, I'd see "Between the Lions" on the list, I'd yell "MOMMY! BETWEEN THE LIONS IS ON!", and all movement and other activities stopped. Everyone would rush to the living room, occupy places on the couch and loveseat, sit there, and quote the characters, songs, and catchphrases as they were said. It's a wonderful show that brought my family together, and I'll always cherish it for that.

[@maggieent3215]

(I remember watching Noggin as well.)

[@stagger1787]

I heard noggin

[@xiaomusmash1494]

MagicRainbow Kitties I remember doing that with my family too!

[@lucykwiatek5159]

First Zoboomafoo, and now this? Are you determined to turn every aspect of my PBS childhood into a video? And more importantly, is Cyberchase next?

[@nicknamegoddess]

Cyberchase is still made!!!

[@1slayer959]

You know whats weird. Cyberchase episodes were pretty decent, but the early season finales had some ridiculously great scenes. Member when hacker, finally hacked motherboard. "And now!!! I am your mummy too!!!" Chilling... 10 year old me was like, "what the fuck!!!"

[@devinaschenbrenner2683]

Oh god. Did we all have the same childhood?

[@andrew_cunningham]

I think a Defunctland TV episode on Cyber Chase just might bring me to tears. I don't remember much about that show, but I know it was my favourite.

[@lucykwiatek5159]

@@andrew_cunningham This episode's intro alone nearly did it for me.

[@FreakingFerret]

Between the Lions makes my eyes water every time. On days that I feel overwhelmed with bad emotions, I sometimes watch episodes on KZbin. I don’t know what it is about the show, it was always so soothing for me.

[@marklopez7775]

Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Brian López. What is your favorite Between the Lions episode? Please let me know in the comments down below.

[@magickaldust1213]

That "hey now" REALLY hit me in the feels

[@kieranstark7213]

Hey wow

[@Unsure.Certainty]

Here’s how

[@schelleluzius6527]

@@Unsure.Certainty come and read

[@tysargent9647]

@@schelleluzius6527 between the lions

[@schelleluzius6527]

@@tysargent9647 come on

[@BearchoKarofsky]

I'm from Tijuana Mexico and this show was the main reason I learned English. I never took any real classes. In middle school we had English, but they where so basic I always got the best score because I had already learned from this and other PBS kids shows and I even have been working since 2008 on costumer bilingual service and haven't had any complains about my english (apart from my accent, but I like to have an accent). I love Between the Lions :D

[@VisualEnjoyer9756]

You and me both dude. PBS Kids was the reason I learned english while being from Mexico as well:). English classes were so boring in school because by the time they taught me something I had already learned it on PBS Kids xD. I, to this day, still remember Vowel Boot Camp and the long/short sounds for the vowels:')

[@keepcalmsavehyrule]

Bearcho Karofsky That’s amazing to hear! Thanks for sharing. :)

[@lilahpurpus8336]

goddamn I remember all of this like a grandfather having vietnam PTSD

[@WindyREDPanda]

Do ya even know how PTSD works?

[@zoda5898]

@@WindyREDPanda Why do ya even give a shit.

[@WindyREDPanda]

@@zoda5898 why not?

[@zoda5898]

@@WindyREDPanda It's alright, how bout you come back with an actual response and none of this "why not?" shit. Because you've clearly got a reason to be triggered by a joke.

[@WindyREDPanda]

@@shutupmokuba7915 That's a Joke? Hmm... Yes. Ya right. Fuck me, I fucked up. Lmao

[@AAAAAMMM]

This is the first defunctland I've watched for something deeply deeply nostalgic and near and dear to my heart. I was so obsessed as a kid, and I probably watched it even longer than I needed, long after I was already beyond proficient in reading. I was just smiling the whole time.

[@katanikoneko9036]

I remember so much of this show! I still find myself saying, "Can't hold on much LONGER!" In my head all the time.

[@michaelrhett4958]

AND THAT’S WHY HE’S CALLED *CLIFFHANGER!!*

[@LunaRanisWorld]

Don't forget the story which gave me the other catchphrase "Justin TIME!" to go along with that one

[@flamewolfscout3978]

As soon as I heard that theme song again, my heart utterly melted from the sheer happy nostalgia that came flooding in. I'm not even joking about that. This show helped define my childhood, and it's always fun to revisit an old classic like this. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go look up the opening theme and potentially cry tears of joy (gonna depend on how much it gets to me).

[@eliteparodox777]

I literally got the same feeling. Omg I love this show

[@noneofyourbusiness3341]

Omg I thought I was the only one 😂❤❤

[@xelopi]

It’s sad as how I get older I seem to forget the things that meant so much to me in a different time.

[@lawrencecalablaster568]

fresa cheesecake I used to watch this show almost obsessively as a child- by now, I had completely forgotten the opening theme & many lovable characters- mainly I remembered it for Fred Newman.

[@InstigationFixation]

fresa cheesecake thanks for the depression

[@TheAstharoshe]

Same. I had completely forgotten about this show. I would watch it every single day after school. My favorites were the cliffhangers and Dr.ruth. I’m so glad this was here to remind us.

[@waterwater8911]

I always thought this was an obscure show that I watched as a kid, I'm glad it was so widely enjoyed though

[@mcpeanutful]

Well, I met people that didn't know what Between the Lions was. On the other hand, everybody knew who Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and the Teletubbies were.

[@readbyzoe]

Arty Smartypants haunts my dreams to this day.

[@Liminal-Galaxy-System6819]

I always had to close my eyes/leave the room when he’d come on. Sometimes the singing lips would creepy me out too lol.

[@ДаниилФирсов-о6н]

Aw. That "funded by viewers like you" hit me right in the childhood.

[@RoyGribbleston01]

Ooo ahhh dance in smarty pants OOO ahh dance in smarty paaaannnttts

[@teethsv4824]

@@Liminal-Galaxy-System6819 LITERALLY i remember id change the channel wait a few minutes bc i didnt wanna see that thing 😭😭

[@BrendanBarney]

@@teethsv4824 IDK what the he’ll you’re talking about. I thought he was alright

[@missybarbour6885]

Recurring gags like Cliff Hanger, Chicken Jane, Gawaine's Word, and Sam Spud were how I learned about tropes which I'm sure were inserted to entertain the parents. It probably had a larger influence on my sense of humor today than I can possibly remember. But dishonor on you for making me remember what Arty Smartypants' face looked like.

[@dannywapbang]

He looks like Jimmy Neutron, Pee Wee Herman, and Woody had a threesome.

[@Splatball]

My guy you gotta warn me before you hit me with that between the lions intro

[@eppoif1]

IKR I start dancing out of nowhere.

[@randombrokeperson]

@@eppoif1 I was boppin, too. It was so unexpected.

[@JeanDeaux666]

I haven't seen or heard it since I was four. I feel like my subconcious was violated

[@EsmenettaRien]

Shit touched my nostalgia in ALL sorts of ways

[@WolfenX4]

My guy I was fighting back tears

[@Angel-Gia-Joy]

Somehow, I wish "Between the Lions" could come back. This really made a great impact in my life. I more than became a reader, but a writer as well. As a Teacher and Parent, I would like to share the experience with my Students and Children

[@drdewott9154]

You know with such a rich library of episodes under their belt I'm surprised that PBS or some other stations haven't reaired the show. Surely there could be a new audience if there was put passion into finding a place for the show to educate the kids of tomorrow.

[@FireofGia111]

yeah, not to sound like an old person, but I feel like kids nowadays don't really read books as much. I mean, they read phones and such, but it isn't the same. This show seems really cute and could get younger kids excited about reading? Or maybe they just watch the show idk

[@foreverdead1248]

@@FireofGia111 I love physical books - I have two bookshelves to prove it - but I'm of the mind that a child reading is a child engaged and learning. Whether they're holding a physical book, reading on a tablet, or their dad's phone, it doesn't matter. Get. Them. Reading.

[@ianlinn596]

They should reair shows like Zaboomafu, Mr Roger's Neighborhood, and Reading Rainbow. I grew up with those shows, they're timeless.

[@FireofGia111]

@@foreverdead1248 that's a fair point. Literature is literature.

[@KamilaDalmate]

I LOVED this show, it made me love to read.

[@3mi3mi]

My childhood was comprised of: - this show - Sagwa - Blue's Clues - Zaboomafoo - Arthur - Mister Rogers - Wallace and Gromit as far as I'm concerned, the nineties and 00's was the golden age of children's television. Presently, there is nothing else on tv that compares.

[@Malevolent_Q]

Hey where's George shrinks?

[@suiren5272]

Battlestar Lelouch I thought I was the only person that remembered that show. I loved George Shrinks

[@Iriswildgem]

Right and when I got older and had little brothers I watch kids show with them and like it. But recently these baby shows are just bad...

[@Malevolent_Q]

@@Iriswildgem I know right it's so disconnected from reality and is instead substituted with fiction and science fiction that blurs the meaning behind the core values they are trying to teach

[@ElegantHope]

Arthur still airs and is still ongoing too.

[@oliverball5453]

This episode reawakened deep buried memories that I wasn’t even aware I had.

[@Nicky2414]

You are not alone, nostalgia brother.

[@Lucrativecris]

Same

[@zackv3957]

This was hands down my favorite PBS show. It was so real to me. I always wanted to go to that library. The visuals and segments were also so damn great. I could honestly watch it as an adult and be transfixed.

[@marklopez7775]

Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Brian López. What is your favorite Between the Lions episode? Please let me know in the comments down below.

[@djenaba5024]

I really love the lionesses' African beaded jewellery!

[@Sakis_Husband]

It's the little things

[@tigerkite9520]

Me too, Cleo had fantastic style👌

[@ambskater97]

And Theo's mane was fashioned into dreadlocks

[@0yourmom019]

SAMEEE

[@pwnorbepwned]

Really makes Cleo the most visually memorable of the bunch.

[@falchionofeternity433]

Man, that PBS reference with the "Viewers like you. Thank you." gets me every time.

[@PunkHime89]

Falchion Of Eternity OMG seriously. When I watch someone say thank you on camera, I feel so disappointed that they don’t say it PBS style.

[@alb5338]

I know, it's priceless.

[@joeybaseball7352]

Yeah ok. Like you ever donated to your local PBS station.

[@PixTron515]

I remember when I was a kid, I had a nightmare that Cliff Hanger actually fell off the cliff I woke up in cold sweat that day

[@geistgrace6452]

I never got that it was a joke on Cliff Hangers! ♪CLIFF HANGER!!! HANGING FROM A CLIIIFFF!!!! AND THAT'S WHY HE'S CALLED CLIFF HANGEERRRRR!!!!!♪

[@urielgonzalez900]

That kinda sounded like me when I was younger

[@Eeeveelution_snuggleplayz]

Same.

[@super8bitable]

*CAN'T* *HOLD* *ON* *MUCH* *LONGER*

[@EntertainmentFan11]

Yikes.

[@TheKingNaesala]

I'm glad so many episodes are available online, I grew up with Between the Lions and now use it to teach my daughter

[@robbyosborne9708]

That's amazing. You're a good parent doing that.

[@kanniekosplayyes2799]

man I miss this show, I forgot how much I liked the segment with Theo and Cleo having a cooking show only to end up eating the meat after realizing how long it would take to cook it x3

[@mastermarkus5307]

I remember thinking that it was really cool that I was able to be interested in the "parent" characters in a TV show, and looking back on it, I also find it really charming that despite the characters being heavily anthropomorphized, they still got to be "animals" sometimes.

[@trentonwalden8785]

Are you sure they ate it?

[@kevinhoward9593]

$500,000 a episode to produce? My God. That's a lot of funding. This show had a lot of potential. It's sad that it got cancelled. A lot of children could have benefitted from watching it. I didn't have this kind of show growing up.

[@staticdust81]

Not nearly in the same content or style, King of the Pride, with John Goodman, also took $1M per ep to create since the project was put together by Siegfried and Roy. Which is also the anagram for Sarmoti.

[@staticdust81]

+Static Dust Wait... Father of the Pride. That's what I meant. XD

[@manictiger]

One of our cruise missiles costs more. Shows where our priorities really lie.

[@layjahlove]

I was heartbroken when it was canceled it was literally my favorite show

[@curacao7546]

Hey Defunctland, I don't know if you'll see this, but I was wondering if you could be an episode on "*Fetch With Ruff Ruffman*"? While I was watching this episode, it brought back a flood of wonderful memories of me sitting in front of the TV and learning about the joys of reading and other PBS shows, FWRR being one of them. Words can't justify for how many hours I've watched both Between the Lions and Fetch with Ruff Ruffman. Seeing how most of the comments demonstrate the vast amounts of people the show touched, I wanted to know how FWRR compared. Thanks! Another show that came to me was "Martha Speaks" which also provided learning opportunities for children of the same demographic, I still somehow remember some words that I picked up from that show and still use today, which I found pretty interesting. It focuses on more 'advanced' and higher level words that a child wouldn't usually learn in the classroom until at least 4 years down the road.

[@MajesticRosie]

yes! both of these were fantastic, it would be great to see them have the spotlight as well.

[@theberrby6836]

I agree! Both!

[@pluv1e]

YES i LOVED those!!

[@thexvthmember4910]

Holy sh*t, Fetch was my Jam! It was the show that really got me into learning physics and history as a kid!

[@Cometpluto]

OH MY GOD YEAAAAAAAAAAH

[@ADreamCalledEternity]

It makes me so happy seeing a staple of children's entertainment coming from my hometown. I used to adore this show along with others like Sesame Street, Sagwa the Chinese Cat, and Cyberchase. Between the Lions deserved all the praise it got. I think along with early learning with my parents, this show helped me read before kindergarten.

[@mysticat]

I thought I had never heard of this, but wound up recognizing almost every clip you showed O_O

[@landenmorton4543]

Me too!

[@TrvisXXIII]

Mandela effect lol

[@DefaultMii]

I loved watching this in school, shame it ended

[@poob2372]

Same

[@SnapperChannel]

It’s a shame the show ended. Now we’ll never know if Cliff Hanger is still hanging from that cliff.

[@ZacSaleski]

Some say they can still hear him yelling lol

[@JitteringCritterling]

He is.

[@RiversChungus]

I guess they just left it on a cliff hanger.

[@alexandramcginnis8872]

That always bother me as a kid. I always wanted him to get off the branch

[@magik4353]

and thats why it's called a cliffhanger

[@JinjoVitis]

Is it sad that I only now realized the pun Between the "Lions" only at the end of the video?

[@SamuraiMotoko]

The exact same thing happen to me

[@professional.commentator]

Oh my God! *Epic facepalm* I can't believe it took me this long to see it too.

[@0yourmom019]

i realized it at the beginning

[@totoromags]

SAME OMG

[@sweetpotato3427]

same

[@Rantiok]

I never thought I’d get so emotional over a kids show, but the nostalgia is immense! Between the Lions means a lot to me 💝

[@artnHim]

SAME

[@QJDWG]

Y'all, you don't know how much nostalgia that intro for Between the Lions gave me.

[@neonlightmole9634]

I know, it's amazing..

[@TheHikeChoseMe]

your avi is disturbing

[@jeorgia562]

I sung along with it tbh

[@davidficca8963]

I agree

[@BriarMB13]

Didn't Arty Smartypants always have popcorn that popped out of is pants? Or is that one single episode that I have a horrifyingly vivid memory of?

[@tomvolz3760]

I just remembered that too, and I think that was just a one time thing, but I’m not sure. Good God, my childhood feels like a past life sometimes.

[@shimmerotter]

That's a bit from The Amanda Show!

[@BriarMB13]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/baC3iH5ti913pJo I FOUND IT IT IS FROM IN BETWEEN THE LIONS

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

Baylie Crowley Thanks, now I can never eat popcorn again

[@quietstarsilence7038]

I seem to remember noodles coming out of his pants

[@WolfGeek64]

Ah finally something that brings me such unbridled joy. Thank you so much I really needed this.

[@abyxunknown4043]

This is one show where you can just tell how much the creators loved reading and writing and how much they wanted to convey that to kids

[@itsukori609]

The tummy lady was the one thing my brain apparently refused to accept into the trauma tank and now i can see why. Thats just, too much to process

[@mariacortez9754]

I forgot all about it until I saw it again in this video. When I was a child I never realized it was a lady’s stomach and thought it was a weird deformed human. Creeped me put.

[@opossumsauce4472]

WHOAH same here! Maybe because I have issues with body weight so my brain completely blocked it out! I don't remember that character at all, and I loved this show and remember the Smarty pants song

[@agnetalykins7564]

I have absolutely no memory of that character, despite this show being probably my favourite when I was a kid. But when I saw that clip, I said aloud "I'm not high enough for this". I feel like I must have blocked that out entirely.

[@itsukori609]

@@agnetalykins7564 same me too! I feel like it was just too much for our little brains to handle lol

[@ninafamilia2619]

Girl it's not deep at all

[@jcam.hart8]

Poor chicken Jane, she deserved so much better.

[@yourboyslim348]

Pink Guy Yo, where that new pink season album at?

[@gengarguy8801]

Press F to pay your respects to Chicken Jane F

[@seanmyster6]

#JusticeForChickenJane

[@futuremiIf]

Oh does this bring back the childhood emotions... I literally forgot this show existed until just now and I have no idea why

[@jupiterkelthuzad7289]

sAME Like, I forget about it, until someone brings it up.

[@thedarkapex5327]

NOSTALGIA man

[@alistairmooncrest5018]

That theme song had me crying.😯

[@tipsntipsy]

as a kid I was always so excited when this show came on. this program was a godsend and I didn't even realize it was targeted to inner city and developing kids. freaking amazing

[@Charziken]

This was about half my childhood, the other half being Arthur

[@teeroy766]

For some reason I started to get annoyed by Arthur, luckily there was Cyberchase.

[@thehackingburger3002]

I'll tell ya, when I was really young, it was this, Zamboomafo, Bear in the Big Blue House, Sagwa, ect. Then, when I was a little older, Arthur and Cybeechase. Then, Word Girl and Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman. PBS was my childhood defined!

[@maggiew1512]

Charziken Same! I frickin loved Arthur, and I was so sad when Between the Lions was canceled

[@SamplingKid]

arthur, this, dragon tales, clifford....good lord. All good stuff back then

[@peepoobeepoo5842]

@@teeroy766 cyberchase?... Ooohhhh Que Vietnam flashback

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

Didn't realize the show lasted that long. Thank you Mississippi Public Broadcasting!

[@SorryThisChannelIsUnavailable]

Holy cow, my nostalgia level just hit an all time high. I remember coming home after school to watch this tv show a long time ago... dang how time has passed

[@Shannon.RebelReis]

My teacher would play this in class, and they were my FAVORITE days - I absolutley loved this show, it brings back some happier core memories ❤

[@marklopez7775]

Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Brian López. What is your favorite Between the Lions episode? Please let me know in the comments down below.

[@staticdust81]

CLIFF HANGER!!!!!!!!! IS A BEAST!!! Even as a kid, I thought he was a beast. I loved, this show. Phew, I cannot emphasize it enough. This show was gold... I never knew why it went away... Great video! Love the content!

[@fizzyd.a.d.2855]

CAN'T HOLD ON MUCH LOONNNNNGEERRRRR

[@eduardovillagomez3675]

cliff hanger was my favorite segment from the show, particularly the asshole choir on the chopper who never helped him

[@TV-8-301]

Man in 1st grade I took the cliffhanger thing too literally. When our teacher asked us if we knew what a cliffhanger was, I answered a guy hanging off a cliff, and she was condescendingly like "No, it's not," and I'm like hey, can you blame me for thinking that?

[@romaneo789]

@@fizzyd.a.d.2855 This is literally what I think every time someone says cliffhanger, jingle and all.

[@faithtinywishes8232]

For some reason, I’ve never met someone outside my house that recalls this show. I still remember all these characters and songs, thank you for covering this awesome crazy show🙏💕

[@hzzzzz1]

My family loves this show. This and dragon tales were always on reply. Even my grandmother was on this show.

[@D1rtytaco]

Same here

[@bakedbaker9882]

Same, it's such a nostalgia trip! ❤ I'm very happy he covered this childhood classic

[@Lucifronz]

Cliiiiff Hanger, hanging from a cliff, and that's why he's called Cliff Hangerrrrr. No one ever gets why I sometimes sing that song. Even when I reference it online.

[@DeadMemesAndWeirdDreams]

The "Dance in Smarty Pants" song just brought up some repressed memories I didn't know I had.

[@MyDogIsYoshi]

I actually loved the "terrifying" bits. The tummy people were so strange, I enjoyed them.

[@shpup]

when you're little enough to be watching PBS shows, its just silly and weird, not so much terrifying. however, now that I'm an adult, I am deeply unsettled by the tummy people

[@MoxieCat]

This is such a perfect episode for the holidays, because remembering this show made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Thank you for reminding me how fun learning used to be!

[@mtarango]

I remember watching this every morning before Catholic school

[@richardbourton4523]

Jaedon, that's such a lovely sentiment! I used to be a teacher and hearing you say how much fun you found learning to be has made me really (surprisingly) emotional. Not sure why it got to me so much, but thank you.

[@pastelhotmess9299]

I'm 18 now and i can feel the nostalgia hitting me like a bus....

[@IMVUDressUp]

halo MagiMoon me too 😭

[@anti_honey]

I'm 26 and on the same boat

[@sunshinechild1757]

Me too! Ughh I loved this show so much as a kid!

[@Iwant2beaEggMonster]

Same

[@forcabarca4607]

18, same

[@careL3SSworld]

As a kid with adhd sitting down and reading wasn't really something I was fond of I probably never realized how much this show actually helped me in reading and comprehension

[@onemorebonktonight]

same here! this was the show that taught me to read!

[@felixc.6663]

Hearing their theme song again is wildly nostalgic for me, in love, how the singer puts do much life and energy in the song

[@brycevo]

Can't... Stop... Watching... DefunctTV!!!

[@YonderYoshi]

I agree. Bing watching :)

[@carminecdinoproductions]

Bryce McKenzie Binge watching!

[@brycevo]

I hope someone cought on this is a reference to Cliff Hanger

[@YonderYoshi]

@@brycevo Yes, yes I did.

[@alb5338]

Same here, and yes, I saw the reference after some thought.

[@Lampent12]

That theme song set off a nostalgia bomb that I didn't even know I had in me until just now.

[@davidficca8963]

Me too

[@Hellooo134]

I vividly remember arty smartypants but I couldnt remember what he was from and I'm so glad I found this video

[@theberrby6836]

I could remember what Cliff Hanger was from until this.. Glad we watched this video lol

[@madamhidden9400]

The freaking lips still haunt me.

[@3991justin]

I'm grateful to have grown up watching this show, with its amazing production values and smart humor. Forget learning to read - the various skits are a master class in how to introduce cultural references that make children more well rounded in general, and I'm not sure the effect can be duplicated so thoroughly with animation. The whole feeling around the Sam Spud segments, for instance, is down to the lighting, camera work and other live-action goodies that just come to life with the help of a talented crew. Thanks BTL!

[@strawberries1186]

I suddenly remembered everything except the tummy lady

[@GuyTakashi73]

There's probably a reason we didn't

[@technopoptart]

yeah, i have no recollection of the tummy lady

[@Dominion69420]

I could only remember Cliff until watching this

[@EntertainmentFan11]

I've never heard of that sketch until this video. That clip had me scratching my head in confusion, like, "What the fudge...?"

[@BirdsofParis]

Ok, y’all are talking about Cliffhanger but I’m over here like “CHICKEN JANE DESERVED BETTER!” 😂😂 She should have left those kids

[@yazzmancooley8274]

😂😂😂😂 exactly what I was thinking

[@Kiwi-shamrock]

Lol, I remember thinking that too every time something fell on her, or she got hurt. She should have just ditched them because it was too painful teaching them. And they always seemed to forget the lesson! Lol

[@Roberto-mm4gr]

She cares about them

[@kimbatai]

This just gave me a memory shot. Kinda cried when I remembered it because I used to watch this every morning.

[@MrLordvoldemort101]

I felt the same way.

[@DWFORTY]

Bro you just unlocked a childhood memory in my head. I haven’t seen this show since first grade, we used to watch it at the end of the day before going home. God the memories of that library in the show. I’ve been trying to find the name of this show for years. Thank you.

[@1MarmadukeFan]

Well I successfully forgot about this for 20+ years until just now.

[@thicciesmalls]

#1 Marmaduke Fan it hasn’t even been around for 20 years

[@mckstellar1005]

I was gonna say, I think he missed math day on sesame street. 😆

[@XavierIsBigBoy]

It’s been out since the year 2000, so I guess you’re kinda right.

[@wertbe1718]

same here

[@miragic]

2020 sure came fast