Wishbone Documentary Celebrates Dog Who Made Millennials Love Books

Thousands of adults are tearing up over a trailer for a documentary about a dog who taught them to love books.

The documentary celebrates Wishbone, the groundbreaking PBS show that ran from 1995 to 1997. The series followed a Jack Russell terrier named Soccer who helped his young owner Joe solve real-world problems by reimagining himself as characters from classic literature.

Wishbone didn't just entertain kids. He introduced them to Robin Hood, Joan of Arc, The Odyssey, and Sherlock Holmes without dumbing down the stories.

The show's impact went far beyond its two-year run. Soccer, the dog who played Wishbone, became a cultural icon before his passing in 2001 at age 13.

Now millennials are flooding the documentary trailer with over a thousand comments sharing how the show changed their lives. "Wishbone was INSTRUMENTAL in encouraging me to read, especially the classics," one viewer wrote.

Another shared they were the only person, including adults, who could name the author of the Iliad on a test, thanks to Wishbone. Parents bought their kids Wishbone books that made classical literature accessible and taught literary devices without children even realizing it.

The show earned four Emmy Awards and a prestigious Peabody Award. Critics recognized what kids already knew: this wasn't just good television, it was important television.

Why This Inspires

Wishbone proved educational content doesn't have to be boring to be effective. The show taught synthesis, prompting kids to draw connections between stories and their own lives.

Executive producer Rick Duffield called Soccer "one of the most talented canines I've ever worked with." Creating the show required extraordinary effort: a dog lead actor, child performers, intricate historical costumes, detailed sets, and tight production timelines.

The documentary reveals the behind-the-scenes magic that made this ambitious series possible. It's a miracle the show existed at all, and now that story is finally being told.

What's the Story, Wishbone? directed by Joey Stewart, airs on public television from May 27 through June 9, giving a new generation the chance to meet the little dog who sparked a love of reading in millions of kids.