Monday, June 8 at 9 PM

Wishbone began with a deceptively simple question: What if a dog could be the hero of the story?  What’s the Story, Wishbone? goes behind-the-scenes of the beloved PBS series that turned classic literature into adventure, starring one unforgettable little dog with a very big imagination.

Through rare archival footage and new interviews with the cast, creators, and fans who grew up with the show, this documentary tells the behind-the-scenes story of how an unlikely group of creators—many early in their careers—came together to build something truly original, and how that “crazy idea” resonated far beyond what anyone imagined.

More than nostalgia, the film reveals how Wishbone sparked a genuine love of reading, inspired generations of viewers, and proved that children’s television could be smart, cinematic and emotionally honest.

Produced entirely in North Texas, Wishbone was shot on film with a cinematic style rarely afforded to children’s television. Every episode created a new world—from medieval courtyards to Victorian streets—built from scratch at a relentless pace by a young, passionate creative team. Classically trained actors, handcrafted period costumes, original visual effects, and a meticulously trained dog performer combined to bring literature to life without condescension or simplification.

At the center was Soccer, the dog actor, whose expressive performances—paired with the playful, heartfelt voice of Wishbone—made audiences forget they were watching an animal at all. He wasn’t a gimmick. He was a character. A hero. A guide.

Why this film matters

For many of us, Wishbone wasn’t just television. He was our first Shakespeare, our first mystery, our first time seeing ourselves inside a story. He made books feel alive — and made reading feel like an adventure. Decades later, fans still remember every episode. This film explores how a small PBS series became a lasting cultural touchstone, and why its message still matters today.