Watch Beakman's World

Beakman's World was a children's educational television show that aired from 1992 to 1997. The show was hosted by the eccentric scientist and performer Beakman, played by actor and puppeteer Mark Ritts, who was accompanied by his two sidekicks, Lester the Rat, and the female assistant Josie, initially played by Alanna Ubach, then replaced later by Eliza Schneider and Senta Moses. Paul Zaloom, who also played Beakman's alter ego, was the show's director, writer, and performer of various characters and experiments.

The show's format was a mix of sketches, experiments, and interviews that aimed to teach kids about science in a fun, accessible, and entertaining way. Beakman, dressed in a green coat, red bow tie, and black glasses, spoke directly to the camera and the young viewers, using humor, props, and catchy catchphrases like, "Science rules!" and "Hey, kids, work like a scientist!" to engage them in various topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and astronomy.

Each episode featured a thematic question or topic, often submitted by a young viewer, that served as a jumping-off point for Beakman's explanations, demonstrations, and comedic antics. For example, "Why do balloons stick to walls?" "What are germs?" "How do airplanes fly?" "What is radiation?" "Why is the sky blue?" were some of the questions Beakman answered in his inimitable style, aided by visual aids like diagrams, videos, animations, and live animals.

Beakman's World also had a recurring cast of characters, both human and puppet, that added to the show's zany and unpredictable atmosphere. Lester the Rat, Beakman's loyal sidekick and comic relief, was a puppet with a New York accent who frequently interrupted Beakman's explanations with sarcastic comments and bad jokes. Josie, the female assistant, was a live-action performer who helped Beakman with his experiments and occasionally got into humorous situations, like being shrunk or transformed into a chicken.

Other recurring characters included Phoebe, a talking cigarette butt who taught kids about the dangers of smoking; Liza, a cartoon character who explained complex concepts in simple terms; and Art Burn, a mad-scientist type who conducted dangerous and absurd experiments in his own segment called "Burn's Corner."

One of the most popular and memorable features of Beakman's World was the "Beakman Challenge," a segment where Beakman and his cohorts attempted to perform a daring or unusual experiment related to the day's topic. These challenges ranged from flying a kite indoors to making a volcano erupt to smashing a watermelon with a rubber band. The challenges were often accompanied by jokes, puns, and funny faces, making them both exciting and hilarious.

Another highlight of Beakman's World was the "World of Whimsy," a surreal and dreamlike segment where Beakman and his friends interacted with bizarre and fanciful creations, such as a giant pencil, a living piece of gum, or a dancing dinosaur skeleton. The World of Whimsy added to the show's whimsical and imaginative tone and encouraged kids to think outside the box and use their imagination.

Beakman's World was lauded for its educational content, which was both accurate and engaging for young viewers. The show won several awards, including four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sound Editing, Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series, and Outstanding Sound Mixing. Beakman's World also inspired a spin-off series called "Beakman's Electric Theatre," and a line of science toys, books, and videos.

In conclusion, Beakman's World was a beloved and influential children's show that combined science, humor, and imagination in a unique and effective way. The show's quirky host, zany characters, and wacky experiments made science accessible and fun for kids of all ages and helped inspire a new generation of scientists and curious minds.