‘Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like’ marks the beloved series’ 50th anniversary

Revisit the Neighborhood of Make-Believe with us this March in “Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like,” a celebrity-filled, hour-long special that celebrates the pioneering children’s program. When “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” premiered nationally 50 years ago, it became an iconic and enduring landmark in the world of children’s television and beyond.

In this new production, cast members from the groundbreaking series share their personal perspectives and insights into television’s longest-running children’s series. The program also features interviews with numerous celebrities who have been influenced and inspired by Fred Rogers, a modest man who always said, “I am not a teacher, I simply help children learn.”

Michael Keaton, who worked as a stagehand and made appearances on the series in the 1970s, hosts the special. Judd Apatow, Joyce DiDonato, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Kratt, John Lithgow, Yo-Yo Ma and son Nicholas Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Silverman, Esperanza Spalding and Caroll Spinney reveal their favorite memories from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” while Joe Negri (“Handyman Negri”), David Newell (“Mr. McFeely”) and Joanne Rogers, Fred’s widow, share their personal stories. Also featured are performances from the archives by Tony Bennett, The Empire Brass Quintet, Hillary Hahn, Margaret Hamilton, Yo-Yo Ma and Nicholas, Wynton Marsalis and Perlman.

The nearly 900 episodes created by Fred Rogers encompass topics that resonate to this day with adults and children alike. The special highlights a few favorite segments, such as a visit with Koko the Gorilla, Big Bird’s appearance in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe as well as trips to the Crayola Factory and the Radio Flyer Wagon Company.

When to watch

Sunday, Sept. 6 at 12 p.m.

Or, watch it again and again when you get the DVD, mug and tote bag set.

Family Night on Arizona PBS KIDS

Introduce the kids to classic episodes of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” paired with episodes of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” on a special Arizona PBS KIDS Family Night. Tune March 2, 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. on Arizona PBS KIDS. See the full March schedule for Arizona PBS KIDS here.

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