DefunctTV: The History of Under the Umbrella Tree

Kevin explores the history of the Canadian classic puppet show, Under the Umbrella Tree.

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[kerisuthecynic]

It's actually really refreshing to have an episode where nobody is evil, nobody's dreams get crushed, and no massive failures happen xD

[annaadams]

the idea that kids were sending in stories they saw on other cartoons to be acted out on a show that later got sued for plagiarism is literally so funny

[jessicawinner]

This was my absolute favorite show growing up. My mom even made me an Iggy Iguana out of a Kermit plush. I wrote a postcard to Bob Stutt’s fan mail and a month later he called as Iggy Iguana. I can still remember that phone call 25 years later, and a few years back I found his contact and thanked him for that memory. Thank you so much for making this video. This show always gives me such warm memories, and is almost impossible to find content on!

[jawzdeadeye]

As a Canadian, I didn't know one woman was just as prolific as Jim Henson in the puppet media I was watching in the late 80s early 90s.

Amazing research as always.

[joshwhite]

My mind is absolutely blown right now. I haven’t thought about this show in probably 20+ years. Literally 30(ish) mins before this video was released, my wife asked me if I remembered Under the Umbrella Tree. As soon as I saw this video in my feed I ran to her and said, “You’re not going to believe this.” I still can’t believe the timing of it.

[Lemieux_channel]

“What are you doing in the pickle juice? You’re not the secret ingredient”
Somehow, that statement out of context is the most hilarious thing I’ve ever heard

[wolfstar]

If you’re open to suggestions, I’d love to hear a video tackling Wordgirl, especially since it’s popular right now. Even if the current hype for it dies down, it’s still a fantastic show that was way better than it had any right to be honestly.

[sophiedegoey]

I'm a Canadian, born well after the show concluded. That being said, I watched the DVDs RELENTLESSLY as a kid. The impact this show had on me is huge (alongside Fraggle Rock) and I have immense nostalgia for it. Now an adult with my own apartment, I recently bought a little Umbrella Tree and named it Holly Higgins. Every time I see it, I hum the theme song to myself. I never did know the extent of the backstory of the production. What a treat this video was! Thank you.
Edit: I also grew up watching Ananas/Telefrancais (french immersion kid) but I had NO IDEA they were both by Noreen Young! It's all coming together.

[shinyagumon]

I've never heard of this show before, but it's sounds like it's loads of fun. I especially like the characters and their designs.

Also Noreen Young sounds like an awesome person, a real friend of the puppetry art.

[rachelmartin]

One thing that will always stick out to me about Under the Umbrella Tree: it was the first show that I remember having a Chanukah special (or maybe Chanukah was included in the Christmas special, I'm not sure). As a Jewish kid, that meant a lot!

[austinreed]

These old 80’s and 90’s puppet shows are a classic to kids, who grew up in that era.

It’s nice that this channel documents them all.

[GroceryGoat]

This has made my week. I grew up with this. Canadian born in 85, so probably early 90's re-runs. Mom and I would always watch this together.. or maybe sometimes it was just me on the edge of the coffee table while she was just meters away in the kitchen occasionally checking in. I loved the cozy vibe of that couch with the large tree between it and the solarium style windows. It seems like they would really create a lot of atmosphere with those windows too. Sometimes it'd be bright and sunny, other times pelting rain in the evening. And Holly had such kind expressive eyes.. I loved her. She came across so natural.. Her and the gang were actual people having a time. Lol.. I loved all of them.

[carolliinekiing]

have i ever heard of this show? no
did i love watching this anyway? yes

[singingpepper]

I remember this show as a kid. We couldn't afford the Disney channel but one week out of the year we got a trial run & so we would watch all we could. This was one of the shows I made sure to watch. I always loved Gloria. This was a fun blast from the past. Another show I would love to see you guys cover is Eureeka's Castle. That was my other big childhood show.

[VoidNull]

Not gonna lie, seeing Gloria, Jacob, and Iggy in that thumbnail felt exactly like seeing three old friends

[Evergreen_]

OMG! I LOVED this show as a kid. No one ever knows what I’m talking about when I mention it; even my siblings don’t remember it. I was obsessed with Iggy as a kid; I would doodle him all the time 🤣 thanks for the nostalgia bomb 💚

[ImmundaDeus]

Now that Arthur has ended, I'd love to see the history behind that show. I haven't watched it since the 90s, but I'm sad to see it go.

[danielleverdant]

My partner's username for everything has "Iggy" in it because of how much he loved this show. Great work! It's so awesome to hear about all of these local places and the actors/people involved💜

[sabined]

My school recently did some puppeteering workshops with Noreen Young and Bob Stutt! It was incredible to hear them break down the processes of this era of puppets in television and get to experience their wit and talent firsthand (and I got to help puppeteer the OG Iggy with Bob!!).

[CelticMagician]

I actually met Noreen Young a few times in my lifetime. Very talented lady. Wild to have seen this treasure of the past covered by you, thanks so much for the memories!