The PBS Station That Produces ‘Arthur’ Has Some Thoughts On The Show Being A Meme Sensation

America’s longest-running children’s animated series, Arthur, has become an unlikely smash on Twitter, but the PBS station that produces it isn’t exactly 100 percent onboard with how their kid-friendly characters are being used.

WGBH-TV (a station you may know from its logos appearing on videos your over-refreshed science teacher would put on in class) has spoken up about the recent #ArthurMemes trend. Based on the animated aardvark and not Dudley Moore’s lovable drunk, #ArthurMemes takes stills from the show and puts them in a new context. As you might imagine, some of the #ArthurMemes aren’t likely to be trotted out during a pledge drive, but some are better for their tweaks. Examples ahoy!

https://twitter.com/SavionWright/status/758762441144545280

https://twitter.com/GoGoACH/status/759071070439677953

https://twitter.com/EightBlocksLeft/status/758762885770280960

According to WGBH, they’re happy people are including Arthur in their internet frolics, but are unhappy by the amount of crude content attached.

“We appreciate the memes that have been created and shared in good fun,” offered a WGBH spokesperson in a statement on the matter. “We are, however, disappointed by the few that are outside of good taste.”

The station notes that they are happy that there’s a loyal fan base for Arthur and continued interest in the PBS kids program. They simply ask that people take into account that Arthur is a show that has a large children’s audience, y’know, because it is a show for children.

“Our hope is that Arthur and his friends will be depicted in a way that is respectful and appropriate for all audiences, including young Arthur fans and their families,” explained WGBH spokeswoman Ellen London.

Maybe #ArthurMemes enthusiasts will agree to WGBH’s argument and switch to #ThisOldHouseMemes for the naughty stuff. Probably not, but we’re intrigued by the prospect.

(Via Entertainment Weekly & The Boston Globe)