Beakman's World (1992–1997) User Reviews

One of the best TV shows of all time

[dorotka24 · 10/10 · 4 August 2008]

This show had it all - highly entertaining, educational, and just plain fun all rolled into one. The funny thing is that its target audience was obviously children, but I was 22 when it first aired, had no children of my own, and throughly enjoyed the show.

Most if not all of every show revolved around questions posed by the audience, i.e., children. The hosts (primarily Beakman) would proceed to answer by performing basic, yet interesting scientific experiments or explain the prevailing theory, with a thick dose of humor over all.

From all the great shows, the one I remember most was this question - "why do farts smell bad?" Now naturally, this question was fodder for all sorts of jokes by the sidekick guy in a rat suit. But Beakman, as always, tackled the question with a fantastic blend of serious science and circumstantial humor. I've never heard such a question asked on a children's show before, but it was handled very well, with the anticipated humor not completely detracting from the serious matter of providing the answer.

As a young adult I was amazed by this show, and even got up regularly, on Saturday morning no less, to see what Beakman had in store next. The show was cleverly designed to please both adults and children, and certainly worked its magic on me. Definitely give this one a chance.

I was a religious Beakman watcher...

[lady-alathia · 10/10 · 12 November 2007]

I still remember the address... Josie's voice over the cartoon screen, "Beakman's World, P.O. Box 30087 Kansas City, MO 64112" No, I haven't seen an episode in over 14 years.

I remember as a kid my brother and I would make up a million questions to mail in to Beakman... we'd write them on construction paper cut into all sorts of wacky designs like they had on the show. And every time I had a GOOD one... one I just KNEW would actually make the show... there it was the next morning. "Dear Beakman, How do batteries work?" "Dear Beakman, what are Pixels?" (this was 1993) The best part was re-creating his experiments at home: making "movie glass" that you can break with your fist and not get hurt (and it tastes like a lollipop), or seeing if an egg or a tennis ball hits the ground first when you drop it off the top bunk (Mom wasn't too impressed with that one, even though they both hit the ground at the same time).

I wish they would bring this show back in some way, even in re-runs. Re-runs at some other time than five in the morning. I wonder if it's on DVD...

It was all about a mix of entertainment and learning.

[insomniac_rod · 9/10 · 25 July 2009]

It was all about having fun and learning at the same time. I remember watching this anytime I could catch it on México's cultural channel by excellence (channel 11).

I watched it's reruns and never got tired of it because I have to admit that I learned a lot from it.

I didn't care if I was out of school or whatever, Beakman taught me on biology, science, physics aspects. I had a great time with the show's colorful art direction and atmosphere.

The performances were funny and witty. I just was addicted to this show. It's sad to admit that when puberty comes to you, you just can't help but forget about such great shows like this one.

I wish my kids will have the chance to watch it.

And they canceled it? How??

[Tubular_Bell · 15 January 2005]

This show is nothing less than an absolute landmark in educational TV, and dare I say it, in TV in general. It was like they found the perfect formula: the characters, the timing, the scenery, the lines, the sound effects, and just about everything else. Good old Beakman could talk about *everything* using simple speech, good humour, enthusiasm, always aided by his assistant (originally Josie) and not-exactly-aided by the man in the rat costume, Lester. The three characters completed each other perfectly, and all through the episode, there was not a single second wasted: to every line, there was a perfect reply, and to every question, there was a perfect answer. This is brilliance and talent in their highest forms. Beakman's World can make me laugh harder than any adult comedy show out there can, and I still learn great things with it. It was a shame that Alanna had to leave the series ("Sister Act II", remember that?), and had to be replaced. Liza took herself too seriously, and didn't fit in too well with the other characters. Josie was unbeatable.

And of course, the show was cancelled. I doubt even Beakman could explain us how the execs had the courage to do that.

Love The Beakman

[vidiot49 · 10/10 · 24 June 2013]

In the 1990's I worked for a video post production facility that made broadcast air masters for Beakman's World. Whenever someone was needed to do quality control on a finished tape I would beg for the assignment so that I could watch this wonderful show (and even get paid for it!!!). Even though I was in my mid 40's at the time I always enjoyed the humor that the performers brought to the subject of science.

I recently (June 2013) watched "The Pirate" starring Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. There is a song in the film called "Be a Clown" that is performed by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. While listening I suddenly realized that Lester the Rat sang a song called "Be a Mouse" on Beakman's World that used the melody from "Be a Clown".

LONG LIVE THE BEAKMAN!!!

Even viewed as an adult it holds water and is entertaining

[flyboy-17 · 10/10 · 13 January 2007]

Okay, I'm certainly no "kid" and I'll admit that when I first came upon the show while channel surfing way back when, It's true, I was drawn to pause on the channel because Alanna Ubach was on the screen.. BUT, it didn't take more than the one episode to realize this was well done and had a very unique and fun way to present science facts to young people.

Okay, here's where I show my age.. it's not unlike the old Soupy Sales show in it's use of off stage and inside jokes. Nothing offensive for the kids, but things that an adult can find and enjoy.

It takes a lot of good writing and acting to serve up facts and figures in a way that might keep a person glued to the screen for the whole "class" but these people managed to do it in my opinion.

Everyone did a great job on this show and it should still be aired more often as it still has lots to give people of all ages 8-)

As a matter of fact, I'm off to see if it's on DVD now..

Organized Chaos

[retroman99 · 10/10 · 4 October 2006]

Every episode in in the series was an example of organized chaos. Organized because they did the same segments in the same order, but chaotic in the shear randomness of what would be explained. They often took one or two ideas and expanded on it, while most everything else was just a simple question and answer.

They had so many random characters. Famous dead guys, like Newton for gravity, fictional characters like Gulliver from Gulliver's Travels, explaining why insects are small, to off-the wall original characters, like Balance Man. One of my most memorable segments was while discussing sweat. They did a sports-themed segment, with a sports announcer named Jim Shorts. (gotta love the puns).

Every episode had Beakmania. It would be introduced the same way:

You (random verb) 'em, I'll (random rhyming verb) 'em, Let's (random dance)!

When they opened the cage, there was always some random, and often hilarious, sound effect. (Don't look at me in that tone of voice!) There was always the random Fast Fact. And, finally, the puns. It was a punapalooza. In addition to Jim Shorts, after a fast fact about a human filling up an Olympic-sized swimming pool in under a day, Lester asked who would care about that. The answer, Mark Spitz! hahahaha.

It was on during a time when every station had some sort of science show, from Bill Nye to other, less memorable shows. This show stood out, made science fun, interesting, and cool, and was ahead of its time. I am amazed that Beakman's World didn't have more of an impact on children's television. It was imaginative, cutting edge, and what children's television should have been, and what it should turn into.

Underrated!

[rkj3cr · 10/10 · 22 June 2008]

Our entire family enjoyed this show. It appealed to our three sons on different levels, for the education, the comedy, and for the discovery that learning can be goofy and profound at the same time. The actors clicked and the science was fun to learn. Outrageous, smarmy, sly, and delightful. The props were creative and dazzling. This show should serve as a lively example of children's programming for 3rd through 8th graders. Kids in the 8-15 age range deserve programs that don't insult their intelligence and that encourage maturity. The humor in this show is both sophisticated and silly -- a great mix for kids in this age range. It was smart and sassy. Buy the videotapes/DVDs if they're available. They'll be worth it.

What a hoot!

[mydeskclock · 10/10 · 30 September 2006]

This show was a scream- funny, smart and just plain fun. I was a teacher in my 40's when I discovered it, and never missed a show. I learned things I didn't know, and still use in classes. The pace frenetic. The three characters worked together like fingers. Beakman was frantic and a riot, Lester the Rat was the best sidekick ever seen on television, and of the women- all great, but Josie was my favorite! The show explained science in ways that anyone could understand, and left you wanting to know more. I'm 50 now, and just discovered it's on re-runs- I hope it outlives me. What fool pulled the plug on it? I hope whoever decided to is bagging groceries.

Some of the Best of Beakman's World

[changsmith · 10/10 · 27 September 2000]

In this video, there are some of the highlights of the award winning show, "Beakman's World". There, of course, aren't all the best things on this tape, yet it is very funny and educational. It mostly features Beakman and Lester, but Josie, Herb, and Don are in it, too. I wish I could find the show on tv, though.

Totally better than Bill Nye.

[hoodgirl84 · 9/10 · 2 January 2020]

Never understood why they cancelled this show. They made science fun. Our whole family would watch together. Did an excellent job explaining helicopters.

I Love It!!

[Thor2000 · 23 June 2001]

I loved this show for so many reasons. It made science interesting to me for the first time, it was fast, funny and furious and it had one of the cutest ingenues as an assistant. Alanna Ubach made this show for me with her funny one-liners and quips; when she got replaced, it almost killed me, but at least Beakman and Lester, the down-on-his-luck-actor-in-a rat-suit, got me through it. The show had so many good things going for it; I just wish this show had been around in my youth, I could have been a better student than I was.

beeeuuuttttiiiffffuuuuulllll

[jaustinred · 10/10 · 19 May 2017]

I watched this program with my two young daughters. We did the experiments, made the beakmobile, made bubbles, made the periscope and many other things. My daughters adored Josie. My daughters let their hair grow long and sometimes had 5 pony tails just like Josie. This program was interesting for me also. It made me laugh and I enjoyed watching it. Paul Zaloom, Alanna Ubach (at 15 years of age) and Mark Ritts were very good together. We hated to see Josie go but my daughters still watched the show with Eliza Schneider, and Senta Moses but my daughters liked Josie the best.

The best science series

[hztomassi · 10/10 · 16 October 2017]

I never saw a better way to teach science to young people. Even for lay adults, Beakman's world is the best way to teach science because it turns it simple and easy to understand. The series show a lot of difficult themes in a way everyone can understand, and makes it a funny journey. As a scientist myself, I definitely recommend it for everyone. Too bad we had only four seasons!

A nursing home favorite

[flynnmcn · 10/10 · 2 March 2021]

All my elderly clients just love the giant disgusting rat in this show, they never cease clamoring for more!

Educational and fun

[patchway-29769 · 10/10 · 3 September 2021]

This show was very interactive with its viewers during the time it was on the air. All the segments were short and to the point and very educational tot he point that nothing was confusing at all. In comparison to something like Bill Nye, this is very free flow and easier to follow. I wasn't distracted by all the other things going on, the lessons weren't broken up between other bs things while trying to teach you what the thing is. Not to mention it gives history to why it is how it is.

One of the better thought out shows out there

[The_Strider_Flash · 11 April 2004]

An absolutely brilliant series. This is one of those unforgettable shows which not only used over 1000 sounds in one show but had the most brilliantly characterised actors such as Beakman (Paul Zaloom) and the enthusiasm put into it just makes science more interesting by far.

The only problem was the fact that it stopped running and that Liza was replaced by Josie. Liza just had that amazing spark like Beakman and Lester, however she was replaced soon by Josie who had little to no talent. It always seems the good shows out there are the first taken off and replaced by absolute junk.

But anyway, brilliant show. They deserve every ounce of credit they get.

One of the best shows of its time.

[M_I_Goff · 6 July 2003]

This show was so great. Why did they ever stop making it.

Beakman had the COOLEST experiment, the wildest hair, and the craziest assistants. Especially Lester the dim-witted Rat. Jean Stapleton as Beakman's mom was hilarious. Saturday morning TV was never the same when this show went away.

I wish I could find it on video.

As I Remember It...

[donbuckIII · 23 January 2008]

From what I remember... CBS and it's executives took a stand over Beakman explaining to a viewer's letter of "why" flatulence "had sound" and Beakman explained in nutritional and clinical terms of what happens to the body as it passes gas. Remember this is the same Network as "Touched By An Angel" and "Murder She Wrote". Hello... They canceled Pee-Wee for something the Actor did in his free time. (Ok... not so good for kids to know, But...) Although their standards have loosened, at that time, such terminology (like "Sphinkter") in a teaching show for children, was unacceptable. I wish I could remember the name of the episode. IMDb is limited in the episode content.

Melting Polar Caps

[carmenyfred · 19 February 2006]

This movie and the series are very funny and informative science presentations. One in particular illustrates what some places in the world would look like under water if the Polar Caps melted. But, have you ever watched the ice melt in a glass of water filled with ice. The water level goes down not up as suggested by the trio. Try it and see for your self. Instead of the water level being half way up the Tower of London as shown, one would be able to walk to Paris. Without checking everything they have presented or illustrated, I wonder if there are other questionable assumptions. Throughout history many scientists have given us what they thought were logical conclusions that turned out to be wrong. Perhaps, this should have been pointed out somewhere in the movie or in the series.

Don and Herb, the penguins

[Chuck-174 · 13 March 2005]

I don't know if this is a hard fact, but I remember hearing, at the time the show was in production, that the names Don and Herb were selected as an homage to Don Herbert. Don Herbert, now in his late '80's (2005) played "Mr. Wizard", the greatest of all children's science programs hosts.

Mr. Wizard was explaining science long before "Bill Nye, the science guy" or "Beekman" ever came along.

The "Watch Mr. Wizard" show format was somewhat similar to Beekman's World. Take a science concept and explain in simple, but yet interesting terms that appeal to both kids and adults. Mr. Wizard did his demonstrations in what might be described as a "home kitchen laboratory" with simple props made from items you would find around the house (except for some of the weird chemicals.) The shows were shot with professional, child actors (because they wanted kids used to performing so as not to just stare blankly at the camera) but very little rehearsal, usually just a production meeting describing what to expect and a run-through, so that the expressions of the actors would be fresh and natural.

Several of the child actors went on to successful careers in television.

Don Herbert is alive and well today and still producing science oriented content for young people though his production company, "Mr Wizard Studios"