MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE on DVD

PBS Distribution announces the release of “MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE” on Digital September 3 and on DVD October 2. “MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE,” is a celebrity-filled special that celebrates MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD, the pioneering PBS series that premiered nationally 50 years ago and became an iconic and enduring landmark in the world of children’s television and beyond. Cast members from the groundbreaking series share their personal perspectives and insights in this new program, which pays tribute to television’s longest-running children’s series, still broadcast on many PBS stations today. The program also features interviews with numerous celebrities who have been influenced and inspired by Fred Rogers, a modest man who always said, “I am not a teacher, I simply help children learn.”

“MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE” will be available on Digital September 3 and on DVD ($19.99 SRP) October 2, 2018. The program has a run time of approximately 60 minutes.

Michael Keaton, who worked as a stagehand and made appearances on the series in the 1970s, hosts the special. Judd Apatow, Joyce DiDonato, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Kratt, John Lithgow, Yo-Yo Ma and son Nicholas Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Silverman, Esperanza Spalding and Caroll Spinney reveal their favorite memories from MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD, while Joe Negri (“Handyman Negri”), David Newell (“Mr. McFeely”) and Joanne Rogers, Fred’s widow, share their personal stories. Also featured are performances from the archives by Tony Bennett, The Empire Brass Quintet, Hillary Hahn, Margaret Hamilton,

Yo-Yo Ma and Nicholas, Wynton Marsalis, and Perlman.

The nearly 900 episodes created by Fred Rogers encompass topics that resonate to this day with adults and children alike. Favorite segments, such as a visit with Koko the Gorilla, Big Bird’s appearance in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe as well as trips to the Crayola Factory and the Radio Flyer Wagon Company, are highlighted. 

“MISTER ROGERS: IT’S YOU I LIKE” is produced by JoAnn Young (JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala, Oscar Hammerstein: Out of My Dreams) and John Paulson (JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala and A Raisin in the Sun Revisited). Ellen Doherty and Kevin Morrison of Fred Rogers Productions are executive producers.

My Thoughts

Mr. Rogers has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I used to sit and watch it with my grandparents.  I have so many great memories from my own childhood, and my four children have grown up watching it was well. This DVD set brings together some of the best spanning the last fifty years. A full cast of stars come together to honor this icon and share stories.

I just love this show. It's a timeless classic that kids have enjoyed for generations. Each show teaches kids valuable lessons about emotions, acceptance, and education. I also love how Mr. Rogers has always stood up for children, and fought to make his show available to everyone. With Mr. Rogers, it's always a beautiful day in the neighborhood. It's been fifty great years, and I'm sure he will continue to entertain kids for many years to come.  This DVD honoring his legacy is a wonderful way to keep the tradition alive.