New season of Arthur kicks off Nov. 11 on WV PBS

Credit WGBH

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Watch Arthur weekdays at 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m. on WV PBS

Starting Monday, Arthur kicks of its  17^th season with a week of new episodes on WV PBS and award-winning actor Alan Cumming (Masterpiece Mystery!; The Good Wife) makes a special appearance in “Show Off,” Monday’s episode.

Monday, Nov. 11: “Show Off”/”Dog’s Best Friend” 

In “Show Off” It’s the Elwood City dog show and Killer is facing off against Sebastian Winkleplotz, the snooty, championship-winning poodle. At stake: the Read family’s honor. Can Killer’s coach, Pal, transform her from combative canine to sophisticated show dog? Educational Objective: Pal and Amigo learn how to use teamwork to defeat a bully.

In “Dog’s Best Friend” — Arthur agrees to watch Amigo while Alberto is off at camp. At first Pal is thrilled to have the company! (He even teaches Amigo his coveted table begging secrets!) But when Arthur appears to favor Amigo during a game of catch, Pal begins to worry that he’s lost his place as top dog… Educational Objective: Pal learns not to let jealousy get the better of him.

Tuesday, Nov. 12: “Adventures in Budylon”/”Ladonna Compson, Party Animal”

In “Adventures in Budylon”  D.W. and Bud embark on an epic wilderness adventure! Dense jungles, jagged peaks, mystical ruins…the backyard has never been so exciting! Educational Objective: D.W. and Bud learn that you can make the ordinary, extraordinary when you use your imagination.

In “Ladonna Compson, Party Animal” — Apple picking, bake sales, craft classes…there’s so much to do in Elwood City in the fall! And Ladonna’s determined to do it all. But when you’re juggling so much at once, you’re bound to drop a ball…or five… Educational Objective: Ladonna learns that you can’t always say “yes” to every opportunity.

Wednesday, Nov. 13: “Molina’s Mulligan”/”Buster Bombs”

In “Molina’s Mulligan” — Alberto discovers that he has a natural talent for golf and begins competing at the local country club. But will his dad’s over-enthusiastic and embarrassing cheers cause him to give up the sport altogether? Educational Objective: Alberto learns to appreciate the support of his father.

In “Buster Bombs” — The unthinkable has happened! Buster has lost his flair for funny, and the harder he tries to make people laugh, the worse it gets. Fortunately, comic legend Vince Ruckles is on hand to teach Buster the true secret to comedy. Educational Objective: Buster learns that there are some things you can’t force; they just have to happen naturally.

Thursday, Nov. 14: “Opposites Distract”/”Just the Ticket”

In “Opposites Distract” — Arthur and Buster have always been best friends. But when a leaky roof forces Arthur to study in Buster’s room, they quickly discover that they make better friends than roommates. Educational Objective: Arthur and Buster learn that they can still be friends, even if they don’t always agree.

In “Just the Ticket” – Arthur is ecstatic when he wins free concert tickets on the radio. They’re even in the front-row! Problem is, he can only take one friend. Let the pestering begin! Educational Objective: Arthur learns that some things really are too good to be true.

Friday, Nov. 15: “All Thumbs”/”Kidonia”

In “All Thumbs” — When Arthur catches Buster sucking his thumb, Buster worries that Arthur will tell the entire school. Can Arthur stay mum? Or is this secret just too juicy not to share? Educational Objective: Buster and Arthur learn the importance of trust and acceptance in a friendship.

In “Kidonia” — Tired of doing chores, Arthur and the gang decide to invent their own country: Kidonia. But when there are no rules, no laws, and no chores, someone’s bound to ruffle a few feathers. Will this kid-ruled utopia flourish or descend into anarchy? Educational Objective: The gang realizes the importance of rules (and chores!).

About the show

Arthur is an animated children’s television series designed for viewers between the ages of four and eight. The program’s goal is to help foster an interest in reading and writing, and to encourage positive social skills.

Based on the children’s books by Marc Brown, Arthur premiered in 1996 as one of the first ongoing animated programs based on a book series. The show chronicles the adventures of Arthur (an eight-year-old aardvark) through engaging, emotional stories that explore issues faced by real kids. It is a comedy that tells these stories from a kid’s point of view without moralizing or talking down. Situations on Arthur develop in realistic ways, and don’t always turn out as we — or Arthur and his friends — might expect.

Visit the Arthur website and play 39 different games with Arthur and his friends. Also video clips, printables and more.

Parents, teachers and caregivers have a site too with lots of resources for reinforcing the show’s educational objectives.