The Bozo Show

television series

The Bozo Show is an American television series for children. It was a locally made program that was broadcast on WGN-TV in Chicago. The Bozo Show was also broadcast nationally on WGN America. The series was based on the children's record book series, Bozo the Clown by Capitol Records. It aired from 1960 to 2001.

The Bozo Show
Bozo's Circus cast-1968.
Cast of Bozo's Circus, 1967.
From left: Ringmaster Ned (Ned Locke), Mr. Bob (bandleader Bob Trendler), Bozo (Bob Bell), Oliver O. Oliver (Ray Rayner), Sandy (Don Sandburg).
Based onBozo the Clown created
by Alan W. Livingston
Directed byRon Weiner[1]
StarringBozo the Clown
Opening theme"The Greatest Show on Earth" (closing theme from film)[2]
Ending themeVarious Circus Marches (1960s-1981; 1984-2001)
Tom Fitzsimmons Arrangements (1981-1984)
Country of originUnited States
Original release
NetworkWGN-TV
Release20 June 1960 (1960-06-20) –
14 July 2001 (2001-07-14)

The series is a local version of the internationally franchised Bozo the Clown format. It is also the longest-running version in the franchise. The Bozo Show is known as the most popular and successful locally produced children's program in the history of television.[3] It aired under this name for 14 of its 40+ years. Other titles were Bozo, Bozo's Circus, and The Bozo Super Sunday Show.

The series starred Bob Bell as Bozo, Ned Locke as Ringmaster Ned, Ray Rayner as Oliver O. Oliver, Bob Trendler as Mr. Bob and Don Sandburg as Sandy.

References change

  1. Chavis, Blair (4 December 2009). "Get to know…three-time Emmy winner Ron Weiner". Trib Local-Highland Park-Highwood. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  2. Hollis, Tim, ed. (2001). Hi there, boys and girls! America's local children's TV shows. University of Mississippi. p. 361. ISBN 1-57806-396-5. Retrieved 6 February 2011.
  3. "Local Kids' TV". Pioneers of Television. 8 February 2011. PBS.