Beakman's World

Watch Beakman's World

  • TV-PG
  • 1992
  • 4 Seasons
  • 8.6  (2,950)

Beakman's World was a children's educational television show that aired from 1992 to 1997. The show was hosted by the eccentric scientist and performer Beakman, played by actor and puppeteer Mark Ritts, who was accompanied by his two sidekicks, Lester the Rat, and the female assistant Josie, initially played by Alanna Ubach, then replaced later by Eliza Schneider and Senta Moses. Paul Zaloom, who also played Beakman's alter ego, was the show's director, writer, and performer of various characters and experiments.

The show's format was a mix of sketches, experiments, and interviews that aimed to teach kids about science in a fun, accessible, and entertaining way. Beakman, dressed in a green coat, red bow tie, and black glasses, spoke directly to the camera and the young viewers, using humor, props, and catchy catchphrases like, "Science rules!" and "Hey, kids, work like a scientist!" to engage them in various topics, from physics and chemistry to biology and astronomy.

Each episode featured a thematic question or topic, often submitted by a young viewer, that served as a jumping-off point for Beakman's explanations, demonstrations, and comedic antics. For example, "Why do balloons stick to walls?" "What are germs?" "How do airplanes fly?" "What is radiation?" "Why is the sky blue?" were some of the questions Beakman answered in his inimitable style, aided by visual aids like diagrams, videos, animations, and live animals.

Beakman's World also had a recurring cast of characters, both human and puppet, that added to the show's zany and unpredictable atmosphere. Lester the Rat, Beakman's loyal sidekick and comic relief, was a puppet with a New York accent who frequently interrupted Beakman's explanations with sarcastic comments and bad jokes. Josie, the female assistant, was a live-action performer who helped Beakman with his experiments and occasionally got into humorous situations, like being shrunk or transformed into a chicken.

Other recurring characters included Phoebe, a talking cigarette butt who taught kids about the dangers of smoking; Liza, a cartoon character who explained complex concepts in simple terms; and Art Burn, a mad-scientist type who conducted dangerous and absurd experiments in his own segment called "Burn's Corner."

One of the most popular and memorable features of Beakman's World was the "Beakman Challenge," a segment where Beakman and his cohorts attempted to perform a daring or unusual experiment related to the day's topic. These challenges ranged from flying a kite indoors to making a volcano erupt to smashing a watermelon with a rubber band. The challenges were often accompanied by jokes, puns, and funny faces, making them both exciting and hilarious.

Another highlight of Beakman's World was the "World of Whimsy," a surreal and dreamlike segment where Beakman and his friends interacted with bizarre and fanciful creations, such as a giant pencil, a living piece of gum, or a dancing dinosaur skeleton. The World of Whimsy added to the show's whimsical and imaginative tone and encouraged kids to think outside the box and use their imagination.

Beakman's World was lauded for its educational content, which was both accurate and engaging for young viewers. The show won several awards, including four Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sound Editing, Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series, and Outstanding Sound Mixing. Beakman's World also inspired a spin-off series called "Beakman's Electric Theatre," and a line of science toys, books, and videos.

In conclusion, Beakman's World was a beloved and influential children's show that combined science, humor, and imagination in a unique and effective way. The show's quirky host, zany characters, and wacky experiments made science accessible and fun for kids of all ages and helped inspire a new generation of scientists and curious minds.

Beakman's World
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Seasons
Fingerprints, Beakmania & Flatulence
26. Fingerprints, Beakmania & Flatulence
March 15, 1997
Beakman gets his hands on some facts about fingerprinting and then gives a crystal-clear recipe for crystalline formations. Finally, the science crew gets gassed up on some interesting information about flatulence.
Horses, Beakmania & Refrigerators
25. Horses, Beakmania & Refrigerators
March 8, 1997
Beakman horses around with some facts about horses. Horses were tamed and ridden more than 5,000 years ago and used for sports, in war and as transporters.
Protozoology, Beakmania & Movie Stunts
24. Protozoology, Beakmania & Movie Stunts
 
Beakman discovers a zoo of animals in a drop of water and reveals the delicate diet of baby birds in "What's for Lunch?"
Action-Reaction, Beakmania & Talking Birds
23. Action-Reaction, Beakmania & Talking Birds
February 22, 1997
Beakman toys around with Newton's third law of motion by building his own toy Beakmobile. Beakman and his trusty science team crack open a question about egg-laying mammals, and Nurse Phoebe uses nature's healer -- ice -- to cool Lester's wounds.
Human Growth, Beakmania & Solutions and Suspensions
22. Human Growth, Beakmania & Solutions and Suspensions
February 15, 1997
Beakman gives the long and short about growing pains and the human body. Then, the science team discovers why it's so easy to strike out in baseball. Beakman clears up some facts about chemical reactions and the science of solutions and suspensions.
Dogs, Beakmania & Bio-Medical Engineering
21. Dogs, Beakmania & Bio-Medical Engineering
February 8, 1997
Beakman barks up the science tree of knowledge to discover some amazing facts about man's best friend. Then Lester is challenged to put his paw in a jar of water without getting it wet. Finally, Beakman rises to answer a monster of a question.
Polar Exploration, Beakmania & Circular Motion
20. Polar Exploration, Beakmania & Circular Motion
February 1, 1997
Beakman melts away some chilling facts about the North and South Poles. Then, in Beakmania, the crew discovers the bloody details about the lamprey. Finally, Beakman spins circles around a question about how ice skaters spin so fast.
Sound Barrier, Beakmania & Healthy Living
19. Sound Barrier, Beakmania & Healthy Living
January 25, 1997
Beakman breaks the sound barrier to find out what the famous "boom" has to do with speed. Then, Nurse Phoebe soothes an ailing foot blister and Beakman gives some sound advice about healthy living.
Whales, Beakmania & Optical Illusions II
18. Whales, Beakmania & Optical Illusions II
January 18, 1997
Beakman makes a splash answering a whale of a question about the importance of these great mammals. Then, in Beakmania, Beakman finds out how spiders don't eat their victims, and contestants on "What's for Lunch?" have the life squeezed out of them.
Sunken Treasure, Beakmania & Archimedean Screw
17. Sunken Treasure, Beakmania & Archimedean Screw
January 11, 1997
Beakman dives into the deep blue sea of science to uncover the mysteries behind sunken treasures. Then, Chef Art Burn gives away a delicious science recipe for Punch à la Art, complete with dancing raisins.
Pigs, Beakmania & Sound Frequency
16. Pigs, Beakmania & Sound Frequency
January 4, 1997
Beakman gives us the facts on pigs and hogs and wrangles up the science behind the lariat. Then Lester croons the blues while Beakman investigates how the harmonica works.
Magic Science, Beakmania & Cosmetics
15. Magic Science, Beakmania & Cosmetics
December 21, 1996
Beakman pulls more than a lucky rabbit out of his science hat to answer a question about magic. Then the science team gives us a hair-raising look at the naked mole rat and unveils the science behind all those cosmetics in your medicine cabinet.
Chimps, Beakmania & the Eye Exam
14. Chimps, Beakmania & the Eye Exam
December 14, 1996
Beakman monkeys around with a question about apes and humans with a guest appearance from Eddie the chimpanzee. Then Phoebe uses science to turn one glass of water into six glasses.
Electromagnets, Beakmania & Senses
13. Electromagnets, Beakmania & Senses
December 7, 1996
Beakman is drawn to answer a very magnetic question about electromagnets, and Chef Art Burn brings a touch of dinner theater to demonstrate the uses of gelatin. Then the science crew gives us a feel for all of the senses in our body.
Bread, Beakmania & Measurement
12. Bread, Beakmania & Measurement
November 30, 1996
Beakman feeds a viewer's hunger for knowledge with plenty of facts about bread. Beakman continues his feeding frenzy on the game show "What's for Lunch," showing the complexities of the food chain.
Skin, Beakmania & Oxygen
11. Skin, Beakmania & Oxygen
November 23, 1996
Beakman gives us the skinny on the largest human organ -- skin. Nurse Phoebe treats Lester's sunburn and offers cool remedies for sun-baked skin. Finally, Beakman reveals some breathtaking facts to answer a quintessential question about breathing.
Elephants, Beakmania & X-Rays
10. Elephants, Beakmania & X-Rays
November 16, 1996
Beakman reaches into his science trunk and pulls out some large facts about elephants. Beak-Mom proposes a challenge to Lester, and in the tradition of the Beakman family, wins a sweet victory.
Boomerangs, Beakmania & Circus Science
9. Boomerangs, Beakmania & Circus Science
November 9, 1996
Beakman and the crew go down under to answer some high-flying questions about boomerangs. Then they dish out the dirt on soil and bacteria, and find out just how disgusting the dung beetle can be.
Camels, Beakmania & Density
8. Camels, Beakmania & Density
November 2, 1996
Beakman and his trusty assistants quench a viewer's thirst for facts about camels and water storage. Then Beakman busts open the mystery behind the painless art of karate chopping.
Rubber, Beakmania & Hair
7. Rubber, Beakmania & Hair
October 26, 1996
A viewer question about rubber puts a bounce in Beakman's step, and Chef Art Burn gives away a flowery recipe for changing the color of carnations. Then, the science team combs through some hair-raising facts about hair and nails.
Catalysts, Beakmania & Aerosol Cans
6. Catalysts, Beakmania & Aerosol Cans
October 19, 1996
Beakman clears the air about the science behind car smog and enzymes in our bodies, then stays cool under the pressure of aerosol cans.
The Mouth, Beakmania & Sizing & Scale
5. The Mouth, Beakmania & Sizing & Scale
October 12, 1996
Beakman belts out a lot of hot air about stinky breath. Then, the science crew wiggles their way into the world of slimy worms. Finally, Beakman gives us the secret strengths behind the mathematics of size and scale.
Cats, Beakmania & Dynamite
4. Cats, Beakmania & Dynamite
October 5, 1996
Beakman untangles the mystery behind cats and their incredible nine lives. Nurse Phoebe gives us helpful hints on getting rid of pesky lice, and Beakman demonstrates the dynamics of dynamite and even creates an explosion with household products.
Bunsen, Beakmania & Sewage
3. Bunsen, Beakmania & Sewage
September 28, 1996
Beakman fires up to answer questions about flames. With amazing footage of basketball superstar Michael Jordan, he reveals the science behind the illusion of hang time. Then Beakman journeys into the depths of a toilet to follow the plight of sewage.
Migration, Beakmania & Living Space
2. Migration, Beakmania & Living Space
September 21, 1996
Scientist Beakman soars with a viewer question about bird migration. He reveals why thousands of animals migrate every year. Beakman meets a challenge about weight lifting and sheds some light on the mystery of toilets in space.
Sweat, Beakmania & Weighing a Car
1. Sweat, Beakmania & Weighing a Car
September 14, 1996
Sweat, Beakmania & Weighing a Car
Description
  • Premiere Date
    September 12, 1992
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (2,950)
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