12 Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Kids’ Shows That Will Shock You
Here's a wild look behind the curtain of beloved kids’ shows that reveals the strange and sometimes dark truth behind childhood TV.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Kids’ shows may seem wholesome on the surface, but their behind-the-scenes stories tell a different tale. From serious scandals and tragic near-misses to strange rumors and hidden production struggles, these revelations cast iconic programs in a shocking new light. Understanding what really happened off-camera gives a deeper appreciation — and sometimes disbelief — at what went into shaping our childhood favorites.
1. Barney’s Actor Received Death Threats
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David Joyner, who played Barney from 1991 to 2001, received death threats and disturbing fan mail during his time in the costume. The sweet purple dinosaur may have taught kids love and friendship, but behind the scenes, the role took a toll on Joyner’s mental health. The show’s intense popularity created an unexpected wave of backlash and dark urban legends.
2. Steve from Blue’s Clues Didn’t Die—He Went to College
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Rumors swirled that Steve Burns from Blue’s Clues died of a drug overdose, but in truth, he simply left the show to go to college and pursue music. Burns later addressed the rumors and even returned in 2021 to reassure fans with a heartfelt message. His emotional comeback reminded millennials how deeply connected they were to a childhood host.
3. The Teletubbies Set Was Soaked in Mud
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The whimsical Teletubbyland may have looked magical, but the set was often flooded with mud due to the real farmland location in Warwickshire, England. The crew had to constantly clean and pump water from the ground to make filming possible. It made working conditions miserable despite the show’s surreal and happy tone.
4. Elmo’s Voice Was Involved in a Scandal
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Kevin Clash, the longtime puppeteer and voice of Elmo, resigned from Sesame Street in 2012 after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. Although the lawsuits were later dismissed, the controversy shocked fans and the public. Clash had been a beloved figure who helped define the character of Elmo for over two decades.
5. Dora the Explorer Was Meant to Teach Math, Not Spanish
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In its early concept, Dora the Explorer was intended to focus on math and logical problem-solving. However, producers pivoted to bilingual education when they saw a cultural gap in mainstream kids’ programming. The shift helped shape Dora into a cultural icon and paved the way for more diverse representation.
6. Power Rangers’ Original Cast Faced Racism and Low Pay
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The original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers actors were paid only $600 per week despite the show’s massive success. Several cast members, including Walter Emanuel Jones and Thuy Trang, later spoke out about typecasting and racial stereotyping. They even had to pay their own way to fan conventions and received no royalties.
7. Mr. Rogers Was Once Accused of Being a Sniper
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A bizarre urban legend claimed that Fred Rogers was a former military sniper with confirmed kills, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Rogers was actually a lifelong pacifist and ordained minister who used television to spread kindness and emotional awareness. The false rumor highlights how people often invent myths about public figures who are “too good to be true.”
8. The Voice of Arthur Is a Woman
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Although Arthur is portrayed as a young boy, he has been voiced by multiple young actors — most notably, Canadian actress Melissa Altro voiced Arthur’s friend Muffy and later took on other voice roles in the franchise. Arthur’s voice actors were often replaced as they aged out. The behind-the-scenes casting kept the voices consistent and youthful over the show’s 25-year run.
9. The LazyTown Creator Was an Olympic Athlete
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Magnús Scheving, the actor who played Sportacus and created LazyTown, is an Icelandic gymnastics champion and fitness guru. He originally developed the show to inspire children to live healthy lifestyles. His energetic performances and real-life athleticism made the message all the more believable.
10. A SpongeBob Episode Was Banned for Being Too Adult
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The episode “Mid-Life Crustacean” was pulled from rotation due to concerns about its adult humor. In the episode, Mr. Krabs joins SpongeBob and Patrick for a “panty raid,” which led Nickelodeon to quietly retire it from reruns. While subtle, the suggestive content sparked debates over what’s appropriate in kids’ media.
11. The Fairly OddParents Was Almost Cancelled After One Season
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Despite its popularity, The Fairly OddParents was nearly canceled after season one. Creator Butch Hartman fought to keep it alive, and the show went on to run for over 15 years. Fan support and strong ratings convinced Nickelodeon to reverse its decision.
12. Big Bird Almost Went to Space
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NASA once invited Sesame Street’s Big Bird to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger to promote STEM education. The idea was scrapped due to costume constraints, and teacher Christa McAuliffe was chosen instead. Tragically, the shuttle exploded shortly after launch, and Big Bird’s absence likely saved a puppeteer’s life.