Ready Set Learn: TLC's Educational Block for Preschoolers
Ready Set Learn! was an American television block that aired on TLC and Discovery Kids from late 1992 until 2010. As a cable alternative to PBS's children's programming, it aired twice on weekday mornings and included three hours of original, imported, and rerun programming, as well as music videos aimed at preschoolers.
Origins and Development
Discovery developed the block after being inspired by a 1990 Carnegie Foundation report; shows were chosen for their educational value and visual vibrancy. TLC invested $10 million in Ready Set Learn!, which included home video and software releases, as well as intentions to turn it into a separate channel. The parent company used Ready as a loss leader to expand the network's carriage. In early 1997, a counterpart for older children debuted on the main Discovery Channel.
Broadcast History
Ready Set Learn! aired on TLC from December 28, 1992, to September 26, 2008, and on Discovery Kids in the 2000s.
Programming and Content
The block featured a mix of original, imported, and rerun programming, as well as music videos. Interstitial material on the block was branded under the "Short Stuff" banner in its early years, and it rounded out each half-hour. Music videos began appearing during this feature around 1994, beginning with clips from Joanie Bartels (an artist signed to Discovery's former in-house record label).
Featured Shows
Several shows were featured on Ready Set Learn! throughout its run. Some notable examples include:
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- The Big Garage: This show, which appeared in the Ready Set Learn! block in 2000, featured episodes like "Boo Who?" and "Stop and Listen."
- Pappyland: Episodes like "Turtle Lou Gets a Package" and "Pappy's Wild West Adventure" were featured in the Ready Set Learn! block in 2000.
- Jay Jay the Jet Plane: This show, which also appeared in the Ready Set Learn! block in 2000, featured episodes like "I Love your Funny Face ~ Snuffy's Rainbow" and "Are We There Yet? ~ Problem In Pangabula." The show's creator saw his award-winning kids' show make the big time.
- Skinnamarink TV: Episodes like "Places" and "Imagination" were featured in the Ready Set Learn! block in 2000. Sharon, Lois, and Bram returned with skits, jokes, puppets, and tunes on this show.
- Nini's Treehouse: The premiere episode, "Silly Shapes," aired on September 25, 2000.
- Salty's Lighthouse: This show featured episodes like "Taking Off ~ Let's Party."
- Magic School Bus: This show featured kid-friendly science lessons.
- Peep and the Big Wide World: This show was added to the schedule on April 19th. Preschoolers get a peep at science with this show.
- ToddWorld: This show was introduced to the lineup on November 15th.
- Timothy Goes to School: This show premiered on August 30th.
Scheduling Changes
The Ready Set Learn! schedule was frequently adjusted. For example, on April 19th, Peep and the Big Wide World was added to the schedule, moving Save-Ums!, and replacing one episode of Magic School Bus. On August 30th, Timothy Goes to School premiered, replacing Brum's repeat time slot. On November 15th, ToddWorld was introduced to the lineup, and the schedule was reshuffled.
Reception and Impact
Despite initial skepticism about its chances as an "educational television" outlet, Ready Set Learn! received positive reviews during both its 1990s and 2000s incarnations. One review highlighted Theodore Tugboat (a remake of an Australian format) and The Save-Ums! as standouts, noting that "all the new shows are colorful, watchable and scrupulously created with the principles of child development firmly in mind."
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