O Mundo de Beakman

This show is nothing less than an absolute landmark in educational TV, and dare I say it, in TV in general. It was like they found the perfect formula: the characters, the timing, the scenery, the lines, the sound effects, and just about everything else. Good old Beakman could talk about *everything* using simple speech, good humour, enthusiasm, always aided by his assistant (originally Josie) and not-exactly-aided by the man in the rat costume, Lester. The three characters completed each other perfectly, and all through the episode, there was not a single second wasted: to every line, there was a perfect reply, and to every question, there was a perfect answer. This is brilliance and talent in their highest forms. Beakman's World can make me laugh harder than any adult comedy show out there can, and I still learn great things with it. It was a shame that Alanna had to leave the series ("Sister Act II", remember that?), and had to be replaced. Liza took herself too seriously, and didn't fit in too well with the other characters. Josie was unbeatable.

And of course, the show was cancelled. I doubt even Beakman could explain us how the execs had the courage to do that.

This show was so great. Why did they ever stop making it.

Beakman had the COOLEST experiment, the wildest hair, and the craziest assistants. Especially Lester the dim-witted Rat. Jean Stapleton as Beakman's mom was hilarious. Saturday morning TV was never the same when this show went away.

I wish I could find it on video.

This show was a scream- funny, smart and just plain fun. I was a teacher in my 40's when I discovered it, and never missed a show. I learned things I didn't know, and still use in classes. The pace frenetic. The three characters worked together like fingers. Beakman was frantic and a riot, Lester the Rat was the best sidekick ever seen on television, and of the women- all great, but Josie was my favorite! The show explained science in ways that anyone could understand, and left you wanting to know more. I'm 50 now, and just discovered it's on re-runs- I hope it outlives me. What fool pulled the plug on it? I hope whoever decided to is bagging groceries.

Our entire family enjoyed this show. It appealed to our three sons on different levels, for the education, the comedy, and for the discovery that learning can be goofy and profound at the same time. The actors clicked and the science was fun to learn. Outrageous, smarmy, sly, and delightful. The props were creative and dazzling. This show should serve as a lively example of children's programming for 3rd through 8th graders. Kids in the 8-15 age range deserve programs that don't insult their intelligence and that encourage maturity. The humor in this show is both sophisticated and silly -- a great mix for kids in this age range. It was smart and sassy. Buy the videotapes/DVDs if they're available. They'll be worth it.

In the 1990's I worked for a video post production facility that made broadcast air masters for Beakman's World. Whenever someone was needed to do quality control on a finished tape I would beg for the assignment so that I could watch this wonderful show (and even get paid for it!!!). Even though I was in my mid 40's at the time I always enjoyed the humor that the performers brought to the subject of science.

I recently (June 2013) watched "The Pirate" starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. There is a song in the film called "Be a Clown" that is performed by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. While listening I suddenly realized that Lester the Rat sang a song called "Be a Mouse" on Beakman's World that used the melody from "Be a Clown".

LONG LIVE THE BEAKMAN!!!