DefunctTV: The History of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

In this episode of DefunctTV, Kevin explores the history of the Carmen Sandiego franchise, specifically the hit PBS game show Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

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[Kevin-jbpv]

The fact that Rockapella were making up those songs basically on the fly is insane talent on display.

[unclegumbald]

Lynne Thigpen was the HEART & SOUL of that show.

[kimifw]

Let me get this straight. This show was popular because it was good, and it was good because the people working on it cared about what they were making to the point of consulting the creators of the source material, listening to a good chunk of their target demographic, and using music that was current for the time? Unthinkable!

[ACommonSpring]

One thing I loved about this show and the fact they had it on PBS is it made a fun show accessible to the poor kids like me. We didn't have cable, we used the rabbit ears and were only able to pick up 2 channels - PBS channel 2 and one that played a lot of golf lol. So many shows I wasn't able to watch as a kid and having a 'hip' show on PBS really helped me feel like I fit in.

[lirpa]

As a kid in the early 90's without basic cable, after school PBS programming was a godsend. Carmen Sandiego, Ghost Writer and Bill Nigh the Science Guy. Great time.

[LARKXHIN]

"Where in the USA" fair
"Where in Europe" ok
"Where in Time" neat
"Where in North Dakota" *amazing*

[Frame_Late]

The fact that they brought Greg's mom on just to prank him is a testament to how much they loved making this show.

[PrinceAnt]

My best friend was a contestant on the original series. At the time, he was the tallest Gumshoe to compete (a little over 6 feet tall). One of the things that I remember was the use of maps with no names. I had a teacher in high school that would do the same method; identify locations by shapes only. It's a skill that I still put to use to this day.

Shows like this, as well as Reading Rainbow and Square One, made it possible for a generation of children to enjoy learning. PBS were the standard bearers of this and for that, I'll be forever grateful.

Thank you.

[AlterRaigo]

This show is proof that elaborate, interesting and successful educational kids shows don't need all the money in the world, but a team of people passionate enough.

[DiegoAlvarezBeltran.]

I love that Greg absolutely broke character the second he saw his mom, it was so sweet.

[artchic]

RIP Lynn Thigpen. She will always be Chief of ACME Detective Agency in my heart.

[TheDunestrider]

I'm 70 now. How I fondly remember when I was in my 30s, coming home from work to see an episode of "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego"! Wonderful memories!

[finmiles]

My dad never cared to tell any of the Carmen Sandiego extended universe apart, so when I was a kid we played “Where the Hell is Carmen Sandiego”, a memory I had completely forgotten until now. At least I can hope for an identically-titled spin-off in a perfect world

[mrtempleton]

I still have my gumshoe kit from the show! They gave them out in pieces to collect at Wendy's! I was living in a hotel after a house fire and my mom bought me so many Wendy's kid meals for dinners. I'd watch the show in the hotel room and then go pretend to try and catch Carmen around the hotel. Thanks PBS for making a rough time in my life a little better!

[MrSkerpentine]

Greg’s pure genuine shock to seeing his mom pop up on screen is so good and wholesome lol

[LivvyGranger]

I wasn't expecting the intense hit of nostalgia at hearing The Chief's voice

[BriGuyIL]

Greg Lee getting teary eyed to his mother appearing on the show was sweet.

[marielaveau]

I used to watch this show with my 5 year old son, who fell in love with geography because of it. He was a finalist in two Geography Bee's when he was in middle school. He couldn't decide if he wanted to be a Meteorologist or map maker growing up. He finally graduated college with a Geography degree, and now works as a cartographer. Amazing how a kids show can influence a child's life.

[RonJomero]

I took my brother to a Rockapella concert sometime in the mid 2000s. They were great. And at the end of the show they told the audience to "say it." They didn't need to explain. The entire stadium bursted out "DO IT, ROCKAPELLA!" and then the place lit up even more as they sang the song from this show.

[Adrian-zdcs]

I'm 40 and didn't realize how much of this show I remember!
Great stuff ❤