Gerbert (TV series)

Gerbert was a Christian-based children's television series, the namesake of which is a puppet reflecting moral positivity. The Gerbert TV series was created by Andy Holmes and first aired on Family channel. Gerbert was also performed and written by Andy Holmes. Other writers include Greg Perkins and Mark Holmes.

Brad Smith and Chris Christian were executive producers of the series. The music was primarily written by Joe Ninowski and Andy Holmes. Joe Ninowski was the series' main producer.

Nelson Coates served as the series' original Art Director/Designer. Mark McCord was Art Director for the last two seasons. Mark McCord also created "insert segments" including "McCordians" and "Binney Brush".

Gerbert's friends include Miles, Stu, his teacher Miss Deegan, and a variety of multi-ethnic children. Gerbert teaches children about kindness and friendship, and the importance of loving your neighbor. He continually shares the love he has for all types of people on the show. Despite his physical differences from the other characters, who are all live actors, it is never acknowledged that he is any different from his friends or classmates.

His show first aired in the mornings on the old CBN Cable network (now ABC Family) from 1988-1991, and was also sold as a video series. Gerbert has aired on Christian television stations and networks continuously since its 1988 debut.

At the end of many episodes of Gerbert, the camera would zoom into a dark hole in a hollow tree, cutting to a 3-4 minute episode of Ploom. Ploom was a white, plume-like puppet who could speak only in nonsense syllables.

Gerbert's adventures

Gerbert goes on various adventures, which are shown in his television series. In one episode, "Loving my Neighbor", Gerbert is sad because he thinks that his friends and neighbors have forgotten his 5th birthday. He sulks in his room, talking to his stuffed lion Roary. Meanwhile, Miles, Miss Deegan, and company are planning his surprise party. Gerbert is pleased when he later finds his room decorated and ready for a party. He opens gifts such as a dollar-store porcelain animal, a black and white photo, and a football (that is too big for him). Everyone sings an upbeat birthday song to Gerbert and, after donning some 3-D glasses, he sings about friendship. Sadly, another problem arises when the group is playing a game and they go outside before Gerbert gets a turn. He stays in his room until Miles comes and comforts him. Gerbert makes it clear that he is happy to have his neighbors, and that it doesn't matter that their gifts aren't the greatest in monetary value. The music of Gerbert is administered by CC Entertainment.

Trivia

• TV Guide named Gerbert one of television's top ten children's shows.
• A secular version of Gerbert, without religious content (probably the show's second season), was seen on many public television stations in the early-1990s.
• Gerbert was heard as a duet vocal for the song "We're in This Thing Together" on Sandi Patti's 1989 album, "The Friendship Company".
• Gerbert was also nominated for an ACE AWARD (Cable's Emmy)

Funding

• Viewers Like You
• Chuck E. Cheese's
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting
• Kellogg's Froot Loops
• Pampers
• Kimberly Clark
• Oral-B
• Johnson & Johnson Corporation
• Polaroid
• Elbow Drop Championship Wrestling