The Puzzle Place

The series follows a multi-ethnic group of children (puppets) from different parts of the United States who gather and socialize at a special kids' hangout area known as the Puzzle Place. In each episode, the characters are confronted with an everyday conflict usually encountered in childhood years, such as making moral decisions, sharing, racism and sexism.

• Julie Woo (performed by Alice Dinnean) is a Chinese-American girl from San Francisco, California. She is very sensitive and caring of her personal possessions and she sometimes tries a little too hard. She especially loves singing; although, outside of the show's musical numbers, her voice can be heard from a cacophonous to humorous effect.
• Kiki Flores (performed by Carmen Osbahr) is a Mexican-American girl from San Antonio, Texas. She is very outgoing and has a temper. She once pretended to be a space alien after being teased about her accent (episode: Accentuate the Positive). She is a great chili cook and has a Spanish-speaking cousin named Magdalena ("Hello Maggie") who helps everyone to learn about acceptance.
• Ben Olafson (performed by Jim Martin) is a Scandinavian American boy (he is of German and Norwegian descent) from a farm near Renner, South Dakota. He is without both parents, but unlike Jody Silver who's parents are divorced, Ben's father is deceased ("Big Boys Don't Cry"). He is good at solving difficult puzzles and is a talented dancer. Although normally easygoing and friendly, he can be unforgiving when angered.
• Leon MacNeal (performed by Noel MacNeal in seasons 1 and 2, with Eric Jacobson puppetering to his voice in season 3) is an African-American boy (possibly of the West African origin) from New York City. He wears dreadlocks, gets jealous easily, and sometimes does not think before he acts. He is a fan of hip-hop music and loves to play basketball.
• Skye Nakaiye (performed by Peter Linz in seasons 1 and 2, and Matt Vogel in season 3) is a Native American boy from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation of a reservation in Arizona. He always wears a bandana, a yellow coat, and a feather necklace. He is naturally curious and believes in staying true to his values and culture.
• Jody Silver (performed by Alison Mork in season 1, Stephanie D'Abruzzo in season 2, and Terri Hardin in season 3) is a Jewish-American girl (of Lithuanian descent) from Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents are divorced, with her mother living in New York City ("Rip van Wrinkle"). She does not like to be called names, and she can be gullible but is rather enthusiastic.

• Kyle O'Connor (performed by Drew Massey, and later puppeteered by Allan Trautman to Hardin's voice) is an Irish-American boy and wheelchair user who appears in some episodes.
• Weebus is the group's smart talking super-telecomputer that they use to communicate with people outside of the Puzzle Place. She is also capable of performing automated tasks and playing video clips to answer a question.
• Nuzzle (performed by Peter Linz in seasons 1 and 2 and Matt Vogel in season 3) and Sizzle (performed by Alice Dinnean) are the pet dog and cat, respectively, at the Puzzle Place. They are seen mostly in the basement, talking to each other, and acting as animals around the kids. They are usually involved in a subplot.
• The Piece Police are multicolored inhabitants of the Puzzle Place. They communicate amongst themselves using gibberish, although they understand English. It is hinted in some episodes that they all know what Sizzle and Nuzzle are saying. Originally performed by Osbahr, Martin, MacNeal, and Mork, with D'Abruzzo replacing Mork in season 2, and Jacobson and Hardin replacing MacNeal and D'Abruzzo in season 3. D'Abruzzo also provided their singing voices.{{Citation needed|date=July 2022}}

In early 1994, two pilot episodes were produced for the series known as The Puzzle Works. Eventually, the show was renamed The Puzzle Place shortly before its premiere months later.

{{Series overview

| color1 = #CEA132

| link1 = Episode List#Season 1 (1995)

| episodes1 = 40

| start1 = {{Start date|1995|1|16}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaimed+Hollywood+screenwriter+Wesley+Strick+to+adapt+Lancit's...-a015952563|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130604230711/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Acclaimed+Hollywood+screenwriter+Wesley+Strick+to+adapt+Lancit's...-a015952563|title=Acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter Wesley Strick to adapt Lancit's Maniac Magee for Disney Feature Film; Writer of Cape Fear and Wolf tackles Newbery Medal-Winning book as "A Gift for my Kids"|website=Business Wire|archive-date=June 4, 2013|date=December 21, 1994|access-date=August 13, 2021|via=The Free Dictionary}}

| end1 = {{End date|1995|3|10}}

| color2 = #5024CB

| link2 = Episode List#Season 2 (1996)

| episodes2 = 25

| start2 = {{Start date|1996|1|15}}

| end2 = {{End date|1996|2|16}}

| color3 = #222285

| link3 = Episode List#Season 3 (1998)

| episodes3 = 10

| start3 = {{Start date|1998|10|19}}

| end3 = {{End date|1998|12|4}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#CEA132 |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 1

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Tippy Woo

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|16}}

|ShortSummary = Julie obtains a teddy bear, and names him after herself "Tippy Wu". She also remarks on some unflattering nicknames other kids have given her, per her last name "Wu".

Featured song: "It's My Name", performed by Julie and the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 2

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Train Driving Kids

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|17}}

|ShortSummary = The boys have a model train but refuse to share with the girls, insisting it's a boys' activity. Gradually everyone takes to other suggested activities, leaving only Leon and Kiki still wanting to play with the model train. Nuzzle struggles to play a toy xylophone.

Featured song: "I Can Do Anything", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 3

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = Rip Van Wrinkle

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|18}}

|ShortSummary = Leon, Kiki, Julie and Skye host a slumber party, but have to work together to help each other's bedtime routines/needs be met, or else the "slumber" part will be difficult. Sizzle and Nuzzle try to be nocturnal, but it's harder than it seems. Ben and Jody only make cameo appearances.

Featured song: "Kumbaya", performed by an uncredited session singer and the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 4

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Accentuate the Positive

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|19}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki dresses as a space alien, distressed that other kids at school laughed at her Hispanic accent.

Featured song: "Small World", performed by Kiki and the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 5

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Gotta Dance

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|20}}

|ShortSummary = The kids obtain a sheet of dance steps and learn of various cultural dances while trying to decipher it. Sizzle recalls the time Nuzzle criticized her for carrying her tail wrong and refuses to dance with him again.

Featured song: "Cha-Cha", performed by the kids

Guest stars: Nia Peeples and Fred Kelly as themselves

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 6

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Rudy One

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|23}}

|ShortSummary = A robot shows up at the Puzzle Place and befriends Leon, while insulting everyone else, in an attempt to sabotage everyone's friendship. Sizzle turns to Nuzzle for advice after a new cat calls her a "snooty patootie".

Featured song: "You Can't Say That", performed by the kids and Rudy One

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 7

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = Butterfingers

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|24}}

|ShortSummary = The kids hold a relay race, but Ben drops his baton, prompting the nickname "Butterfingers" from everyone else. Nuzzle tries to show off his bravado by wanting to be called "Professor Muscles".

Featured song: "I Believe in Me", performed by Ben

Guest star: Mark Nizer as Ben's cousin Mark

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 8

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = Rock Dreams

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|25}}

|ShortSummary = Skye aspires to perform music, but is discouraged by the fact that he doesn't know very many Native American performers. Eventually he makes contact with Native American Robby Romero and his band, Red Thunder, who reassure him. Nuzzle gets so tired of watching Sizzle listen to Swiss yodeling music that he tries to make her yodel herself.

Featured songs: "Born to Strum", "Stevie Wonder", and "Julio Iglesias", performed by Skye; "The Prayer Song", performed by Red Thunder

Guest stars: Red Thunder as themselves

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 9

|EpisodeNumber2 = 9

|Title = Roamantics

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|26}}

|ShortSummary = Ben brings in an ant farm to show everyone, but Leon unwittingly wreaks havoc in an attempt to give the ants fresh air, and has to make some sacrifices to restore order to The Puzzle Place. Nuzzle gets carried away with a roll of paper towel.

Featured song: "Anticipate", performed by Leon

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 10

|EpisodeNumber2 = 10

|Title = Spud Buds

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|27}}

|ShortSummary = Skye finds a party box in the kitchen, but everyone else is too distracted watching TV to take interest. Nuzzle wishes he hadn't let Sizzle use a flying machine all she wants.

Featured song: "Changing Channels", performed by Skye and the kids

Notes: Several of the puppet performers appear on-screen in live-action clips the kids watch on TV: Jim Martin and Alison Mork as paleontologists who meet a dinosaur; Peter Linz and Alice Dinnean as the stars of a cheap children's show; and Carmen Osbahr as a soap star.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 11

|EpisodeNumber2 = 11

|Title = Different Drummer

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|30}}

|ShortSummary = Julie plays referee to Skye and Leon's dispute over whose cultural drum is more significant. The two eventually agree that both drums are significant in their own way, and neither's is necessarily better. Sizzle takes up skateboarding. Ben, Kiki and Jody make cameo appearances

Featured song: "All the Different Drummers", performed by Skye and Leon

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 12

|EpisodeNumber2 = 12

|Title = I Love Kiki

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|1|31}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki is at a loss as to what to do when she unwittingly "breaks" Julie's toy horse, and can't bring herself to tell her. Sizzle looks after the sneaker that Nuzzle likes to chew on, but when the Piece Police throw it out as she naps, she panics. Ben does not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "I Think I'll Do It", performed by Kiki

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 13

|EpisodeNumber2 = 13

|Title = True Colors

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|1}}

|ShortSummary = The kids all partner up to paint one another, but initially can't find a suitable paint color for everyone. Their second attempt, using chalk of different colors, is much more successful. Sizzle wants to paint a self-portrait, but it's too hard for her.

Featured song: "Colors", performed by an uncredited session singer

Guest star: Anna Mason as herself

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 14

|EpisodeNumber2 = 14

|Title = Cute Is as Cute Does

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|2}}

|ShortSummary = Julie wants to emulate her favorite singer, Penny Candy, but sees her true colors when a crisis in the greenhouse hits. Nuzzle bores Sizzle to sleep when he tries to show her a photo album of when he was a puppy. Leon and Ben only make cameo appearances.

Featured song: "C.U.T.E. Cute",{{efn|Referred to in the episode as "And I'm Cute to Boot", but listed in the credits as "C.U.T.E. Cute."}} performed by Amy Hill/Penny Candy

Guest star: Amy Hill as Penny Candy

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 15

|EpisodeNumber2 = 15

|Title = Leon's Pizza

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|3}}

|ShortSummary = Leon wants to make a pizza for everyone, but he needs a creative solution to satisfy everyone's different topping preferences. Sizzle and Nuzzle fight over which toy is better.

Featured song: "Pizza", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 16

|EpisodeNumber2 = 16

|Title = Real Heroes

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|6}}

|ShortSummary = The kids compare their favorite superheroes but need to band together when the pets get caught in a dangerous situation.

Featured song: "My Hero", performed by the kids

Guest star: Robert Townsend

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 17

|EpisodeNumber2 = 17

|Title = Going by the Book

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|7}}

|ShortSummary = The kids want to play Sleeping Beauty, but as four of them don't fit the description of the protagonists, they research other princes and princesses that reflect their individual heritages.

Featured song: "No One Can Be It Like You", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 18

|EpisodeNumber2 = 18

|Title = Mad Music Magic

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|8}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki leads the kids in a makeshift band, but her authority seems to do more harm than good when she won't allow them to play their preferred instruments. Sizzle attends her cousin's birthday party, so Nuzzle tries to be the dog and the cat at the same time.

Featured song: "I Can Sing", performed by Kiki

Guest stars: Walter Turnbull and Boys Choir of Harlem

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 19

|EpisodeNumber2 = 19

|Title = Party of One

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|9}}

|ShortSummary = Leon learns a hard lesson in racism when he's barred from attending a friend's birthday party simply because he's African-American. Nuzzle refuses to fetch a stick for Kiki because she didn't say "the magic word" (which Sizzle tries in vain to guess).

Featured song: "A Lot Like Me", performed by Leon and the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 20

|EpisodeNumber2 = 20

|Title = Dancing Dragon

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|10}}

|ShortSummary = Skye and Kiki unwittingly invade Julie's privacy by opening a package meant for her. Nuzzle and Sizzle cause some mischief with it.

Featured song: "Dancing Dragon", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 21

|EpisodeNumber2 = 21

|Title = Picture Perfect

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|13}}

|ShortSummary = Ben is unwilling to wear his glasses for a group picture because of some teasing, but unwittingly wreaks havoc when he spends a day without them. Nuzzle goes for a "hip cat" approach, which fails to impress Sizzle.

Featured song: "My Glasses", performed by an uncredited session singer

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 22

|EpisodeNumber2 = 22

|Title = Maiden Voyages

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|14}}

|ShortSummary = While the others turn the basement into a moonwalk with many balloons, Kiki and Julie enjoy moon cakes, but a humorous misunderstanding may mean Julie will marry Leon.

Featured song: "You for Me, Me for You", performed by an uncredited session singer

|LineColor = CEA132

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 23

|EpisodeNumber2 = 23

|Title = Donuts and Dithering

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|15}}

|ShortSummary = The kids receive six assorted donuts, and Jody gets first dibs, but she struggles to decide which one she wants. Leon attempts to manipulate her choice to keep her from picking the one he wants, but it backfires. Sizzle and Nuzzle so badly want to take a donut themselves.

Featured song: "It's Up to You", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 24

|EpisodeNumber2 = 24

|Title = Bully for Jody

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|16}}

|ShortSummary = Jody is a victim of bullying when a bigger student keeps stealing her lunch. Sizzle also tries to keep away a bigger cat.

Featured song: "Friends", performed by the kids

Guest stars: Sinbad as himself, Ben Ryan Ganger as the bully

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 25

|EpisodeNumber2 = 25

|Title = Ben's Bad Hair Day

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|17}}

|ShortSummary = Ben attempts to change his "boring" hairstyle with disastrous results, before learning that his hair was fine the way it was.

Featured song: "Hair", performed by Ben and the kids.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 26

|EpisodeNumber2 = 26

|Title = All Weather Friends

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|20}}

|ShortSummary = When a storm hits the Puzzle Place, Leon is embarrassed to admit he is afraid of thunder and lightning.

Featured song: "Children of the Earth", performed by Skye

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 27

|EpisodeNumber2 = 27

|Title = Bread and Matzoh

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|21}}

|ShortSummary = Skye brings some special bread from his tribe to share with the kids but is troubled when Jody refuses to try any for eight days. It turns out the reason is because of one of her own Jewish customs. Sizzle and Nuzzle get very hungry because the kids forget to feed them.

Featured song: "Bread", performed by an uncredited session singer and the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 28

|EpisodeNumber2 = 28

|Title = Owning It

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|22}}

|ShortSummary = Leon obtains a new watch but drives everyone else crazy with it, causing them to snap back at him. Kiki is preparing chili in the kitchen, and Sizzle and Nuzzle want to taste it so badly.

Guest star: Paula Poundstone

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 29

|EpisodeNumber2 = 29

|Title = Baffled Ben

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|23}}

|ShortSummary = Ben is struggling to put together a puzzle but angrily snaps and puts down anyone who tries to help him. He also insults Skye's special plant, which grows when complimented, but shrinks when put down.

Featured song: "Saying Something Nice", performed by Ben and the kids

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 30

|EpisodeNumber2 = 30

|Title = Practice Makes Perfect

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|24}}

|ShortSummary = While nearly all the kids are sick with chickenpox, Skye finds a guitar and wants to play it, but he is slow to understand that he has to put time and effort into becoming good at it. Sizzle tries playing billiards. Ben and Julie only make cameo appearances.

Featured song: "Keep on Trying", performed by an uncredited session singer

Guest stars: Los Camperos de Nati Cano as themselves

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 31

|EpisodeNumber2 = 31

|Title = Finders Keepers

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|27}}

|ShortSummary = Julie finds Skye's misplaced Apache pollen pouch and is so enamored with it that she doesn't return it right away, damaging her friendship with Skye when she finally does. Jody does not appear in this episode, but, she does send the other kids an automatic popcorn snack, which, when heating up, makes Sizzle and Nuzzle curious. Ben only makes a cameo appearance.

Featured song: "The Sacred Ways of My People", performed by Skye.

Note: Part of this episode appeared on the video Kids for Character to illustrate trustworthiness.

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{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 32

|EpisodeNumber2 = 32

|Title = You Say Potato

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|2|28}}

|ShortSummary = The kids bring in items for a picnic but can't seem to agree on where to have it. While Leon and Jody are content to go anywhere, Skye and Julie prefer the mountains and Ben and Kiki prefer the park. Even the two duos can't agree on the specifics. Sizzle and Nuzzle are excited to go on the picnic themselves, especially for bird-watching.

Featured song: "Picnic", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 33

|EpisodeNumber2 = 33

|Title = At the End of Our Rope

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|1}}

|ShortSummary = The boys challenge the girls to a game of tug of war but are unexpectedly defeated and can't figure out why.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 34

|EpisodeNumber2 = 34

|Title = Just Kidding

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|2}}

|ShortSummary = The others tease Skye when he forgets to bring a bat to a baseball game, prompting Skye to get upset and leave. Ben feels badly about their teasing, even though they were just joking, and eventually convinces the others that they were wrong to do so. Sizzle and Nuzzle climb up a tree in the greenhouse but are too scared to come down. Leon and Kiki only make cameo appearances

Featured song: "I'm Glad I'm with You", performed by Sizzle and Nuzzle

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 35

|EpisodeNumber2 = 35

|Title = Everything in Its Place

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|3}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki makes plans to clean the place, but it doesn't go as planned.

Featured song: "Do It Right", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 36

|EpisodeNumber2 = 36

|Title = Big Boys Don't Cry

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|6}}

|ShortSummary = Leon gets upset and cries when the others exclude him from his own pancake making recipe and is labelled a "crybaby" by Ben and Skye. Julie convinces the two that they've had reason to cry in the past. Sizzle and Nuzzle filch all the pancakes made, and get sick from doing so. Kiki and Jody only make cameo appearances.

Featured song: "Let Them Show", performed by an uncredited session singer

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 37

|EpisodeNumber2 = 37

|Title = Here's to the Winners

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|7}}

|ShortSummary = Ben becomes discouraged when everyone but him has won a trophy for something, even though he does have an impressive skill that's worthy of a prize in and of itself, singlehandedly raising a pig. Sizzle and Nuzzle do not appear in this episode, and Skye and Julie only make cameo appearances.

Featured song: "Ben the Winner", performed by the kids

Guest star: Justin Lord

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 38

|EpisodeNumber2 = 38

|Title = A World of Difference

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|8}}

|ShortSummary = Everyone except Skye disguise themselves as identical superheroes, but Skye can use each one's individual quirks to tell who is who.

Featured song: "One of a Kind", performed by Skye, Nuzzle, Sizzle, and the kids

Guest star: Eartha Kitt as narrator

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 39

|EpisodeNumber2 = 39

|Title = Willing and Able

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|9}}

|ShortSummary = Ben takes pity on Skye's friend Kyle, who's in a wheelchair. Sizzle and Nuzzle find out the hard way that she can't bury a bone and he can't climb a tree. Leon and Kiki only make a cameo appearance in this episode.

Featured song: "We're All the Same", performed by the kids and Kyle

Guest performer: Drew Massey as Kyle

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 40

|EpisodeNumber2 = 40

|Title = It's Magic

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1995|3|10}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki becomes scared when her friends disappear after a failed magic act. Nuzzle becomes inspired by a heroic dog on TV.

Featured song: "On My Own", performed by Kiki

|LineColor = CEA132

}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#5024CB |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 41

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Deck the Halls

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|15}}

|ShortSummary = The kids prepare for Christmas but Ben is shocked that Jody does not celebrate Christmas with them.

Featured songs: "Holiday Lights", performed by the kids; "Jingle Bells", performed by Patti LaBelle

Guest star: Patti LaBelle as herself

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 42

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Dressing Up Is Hard to Do

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|16}}

|ShortSummary = Julie criticizes what Jody wants to wear to the "grown-up" theme party at Puzzle Place. But when the others kids like Jody's outfit better than hers, Julie learns that the only reason you need for wearing something is because you like it.

Featured song: "It's You", performed by the kids

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 43

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = One Way

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|17}}

|ShortSummary = Skye and Leon find out that there are many ways to make kites and that just because one way works doesn't mean another way won't work just as well. Sizzle attempts playing basketball. Julie and Ben do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Each in Our Own Way", performed by Kiki, Leon, Skye, and Jody

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 44

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = Oldies But Goodies

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|18}}

|ShortSummary = Julie is torn between spending the day with her grandmother or singing in the talent show. Skye and Jody do not appear in this episode.

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 45

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Helping Hands

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|19}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki decides to prune a big tree by herself and becomes exasperated when she discovers that the job is too much for her to do alone. She learns that it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Nuzzle obtains a motorcycle and Sizzle so badly wants to try it herself. Julie, Ben, and Leon do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Just Call My Name", performed by Jody, Kiki, Kyle, Sizzle and Nuzzle

Guest performers: Allan Trautman (puppeteer) and Terri Hardin (voice) as Kyle

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 46

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Yellow Belt

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|22}}

|ShortSummary = When Ben teases Jody that girls can't learn martial arts, she quickly teaches him a lesson.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 47

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = The Mystery of the Fabulous Hat

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|23}}

|ShortSummary = Leon learns that playing Sherlock Holmes isn't enough to solve a mystery. He needs Dr. Watson, his teammate Ben. Everyone learns that being part of a team means respecting your teammates and appreciating their unique contributions. Sizzle and Nuzzle steal the fabulous hat in question and destroy it. Julie and Skye do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Two Heads Are Better Than One", performed by Leon and Ben

Guest star: Lynne Thigpen as The Chief

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 48

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|24}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki tries to prove to her mother that she's ready to take care of a pet by taking care of Nuzzle. She soon realizes that she's not ready for the responsibility. Sizzle so badly wants to climb a curtain in the basement but keeps falling down. Julie and Skye do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Doggone Shame" performed by Nuzzle and Sizzle

Guest star: Elda Lopez as Kiki's mom

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 49

|EpisodeNumber2 = 9

|Title = The New Adventures of Julie Woo

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|25}}

|ShortSummary = Julie tries out a new and different game and realizes how much fun it can be. Nuzzle takes up the Scottish bagpipes and tries to get Sizzle to play too, all the while annoying her by calling her "lassie". Kiki and Leon do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Into the New", performed by Julie

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 50

|EpisodeNumber2 = 10

|Title = We Three Kings

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|26}}

|ShortSummary = When Leon's uncle tells him he's the "king of kids", Leon suddenly gets an ego boost and acts royally around The Puzzle Place, making Skye and Ben his subjects. Eventually, pro-basketball player Cedric Ceballos tells them that there is a difference between being bossy and being a leader. Sizzle suddenly decides to be "queen of cats" and makes Nuzzle do everything for her. Julie, Kiki, and Jody only make cameo appearances in this episode.

Featured song: "If I Were King", performed by Leon and the kids

Guest stars: James Black as Leon's Uncle Ray, Cedric Ceballos as himself

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 51

|EpisodeNumber2 = 11

|Title = Hello, Maggie

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|29}}

|ShortSummary = Kiki's cousin Maggie visits from Mexico. Even though she only speaks Spanish, the other kids learn that friendship and communication can develop through gestures and a few simple words. Nuzzle gets trapped in a dollhouse. Leon and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Friendship Is a Garden", performed by Skye and Maggie

Note: Carmen Osbahr performs Maggie.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 52

|EpisodeNumber2 = 12

|Title = Off the Track

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|30}}

|ShortSummary = Ben and Leon fight over who gets to lay the last piece of train track. They get so angry that they hit each other and their fight ruins the game for everyone, including themselves. Once they realize that fighting is a bad idea, they learn what else they can do when they feel so angry that they want to hit someone. A replay of their fight shows them points where they could have stopped to talk things out.

Guest star: Ernie Hudson

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 53

|EpisodeNumber2 = 13

|Title = Beautiful Doll

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|1|31}}

|ShortSummary = Unbeknownst to Julie, Nuzzle has taken her favorite doll. Julie is understandably upset, so Leon decides to conduct an all-out search. Ben and Skye do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "You're My Doll", performed by Julie, Kiki, Leon, and Jody

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 54

|EpisodeNumber2 = 14

|Title = Tattle Tales

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|1}}

|ShortSummary = Leon sees his brother accidentally break his father's favorite lamp. Leon doesn't want to be a tattletale, but he doesn't want to lie either. When he learns that telling the truth is not the same as tattling, he knows just what to do.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 55

|EpisodeNumber2 = 15

|Title = Those Ears, Those Eyes

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|2}}

|ShortSummary = Julie is upset because a classmate calls her eyes "funny". Her friends help her see that everyone's eyes are different and beautiful, and that they are all just right for them. Nuzzle imagines what it would be like to have different kinds of ears. Skye and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Lookin' at You" performed by an uncredited session singer

Guest star: Rosalind Chao as herself

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 56

|EpisodeNumber2 = 16

|Title = That's Weird

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|5}}

|ShortSummary = The children think Ben's Norwegian dancing and traditional costumes are weird. They soon learn that things that are new to them just might be interesting, not weird. Sizzle, likewise, finds Nuzzle chewing on a toy car weird. Skye and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Note: This episode does not feature an original song.

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 57

|EpisodeNumber2 = 17

|Title = The Ballad of Davy Cricket

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|6}}

|ShortSummary = When Jody's pet cricket dies, the friends share how different cultures deal with death. Children learn what to do with all the strong feelings that come up when someone (or something) they love dies. They find answers in the traditional practices of their culture, their families and their friends. Nuzzle is so excited to see his favorite dog groomer that Sizzle couldn't care less. Ben and Skye do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "When I Think of You", performed by Jody and the Kids

Guest star: Martin Grey as Jody's dad

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 58

|EpisodeNumber2 = 18

|Title = Little Leon, Big Ben

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|7}}

|ShortSummary = The children decide to host a circus. But Leon is too small to fit into a costume. With his friends' help, he discovers that size shouldn't matter. Kiki, Skye, and Jody only make cameo appearances in this episode.

Featured song: "I'm Me" performed by Ben and Leon

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 59

|EpisodeNumber2 = 19

|Title = I Scream, You Scream

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|8}}

|ShortSummary = Jody and the kids learn that dealing with a difficult situation is easier when you're able to talk about your feelings, especially with issues like divorce and remarriage. Sizzle and Nuzzle think of ways to organize the basement. Julie and Ben do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Can We Talk", performed by Jody

Guest stars: Susan Angelo as Debbie, Martin Grey as Jody's dad, Lyndon Mosse as a waiter

Note: Noel MacNeal appears on screen as a French waiter.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 60

|EpisodeNumber2 = 20

|Title = Skye's Coat

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|9}}

|ShortSummary = Everyone has a new raincoat except Skye. The kids convince him that he can make his raincoat special by decorating it in his own way. Kiki and Ben do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "In the Rain", performed by Skye

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 61

|EpisodeNumber2 = 21

|Title = It's Mine

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|12}}

|ShortSummary = Julie and Kiki want to play with the same thing at the same time. With the help of Skye's Uncle Victorio, a member of the Tribunal Council, they learn that the best way to solve a conflict is to make a rule that everyone agrees to follow. The kids brainstorm lots of ideas before they finally find a rule that everyone thinks will work. Sizzle and Nuzzle fight over napping spots. Ben and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Find Another Way", performed by Julie, Kiki, Leon, and Skye

Guest star: Miguel Najera as Skye's Uncle Victorio

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 62

|EpisodeNumber2 = 22

|Title = One Big, Happy Family

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|13}}

|ShortSummary = Ben, Skye and Julie cheer up Jody after a boy makes fun of her nontraditional family.

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 63

|EpisodeNumber2 = 23

|Title = Leon Grows Up

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|14}}

|ShortSummary = Leon wants to be a grownup because he thinks grownups can do whatever they want. When he realizes that there are lots of things grownups have to do that kids don't have to worry about, he decides he can wait. Sizzle wears a new sweater that makes her sneeze, and Nuzzle thinks he can be a doctor to her. Julie and Skye do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "When I'm a Grownup", performed by Leon and the kids

Guest star: T.C. Carson as himself

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 64

|EpisodeNumber2 = 24

|Title = Cowpokes

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|15}}

|ShortSummary = Julie and Leon are scared of something they've never tried: horseback riding. They find out that when you have the courage to try new things you end up being proud of yourself. Ben and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Cowboy Way", performed by Julie, Kiki, Leon, and Skye

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 65

|EpisodeNumber2 = 25

|Title = Hurricane Julie

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1996|2|16}}

|ShortSummary = When Julie sees that her excitement about playing in the wading pool is actually hurting people (and pets), she understands that it is important to be careful. Skye and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "Be Cool", performed by Ben, Kiki, Julie and Leon

|LineColor = 5024CB

}}

}}

{{Episode table |background=#222285 |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 66

|EpisodeNumber2 = 1

|Title = Family Fun

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|19}}

|ShortSummary = On family photo day, the gang learns about diverse types of families. Nuzzle and Sizzle see a single-parent family, a grandparent lead family, and an adoptive family.

Guest star: Lauren Tom as Julie's mom

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 67

|EpisodeNumber2 = 2

|Title = Anything She Can Do

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|20}}

|ShortSummary = Julie is upset because her mother gives so much attention to her baby sister, Helen. Nuzzle is suspicious of the newly installed pet door.

Guest star: Lauren Tom as Julie's mom

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 68

|EpisodeNumber2 = 3

|Title = You Don't Match

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|21}}

|ShortSummary = Ben's lack of exposure to diversity causes him to assume that Tim can't be Leon's cousin because Tim is too fair-skinned. When he learns he is wrong, Ben's openness in accepting his mistake helps his view of the world grow as he discovers that even people who are the same race have different colors of skin.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 69

|EpisodeNumber2 = 4

|Title = To Have and Have Not

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|26}}

|ShortSummary = Skye worries that the others won't play with him because his parents refuse to buy an expensive new toy. Nuzzle fakes an injury to get sympathy.

|LineColor = 222285

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 70

|EpisodeNumber2 = 5

|Title = Fiesta Follies

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|27}}

|ShortSummary = The gang wants to throw Kiki a birthday party, but they learn that she likes different things than they do. Meanwhile, Sizzle becomes a Mexican heartthrob's biggest fan.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 71

|EpisodeNumber2 = 6

|Title = Between You and Me

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|28}}

|ShortSummary = Skye refuses to let Leon wear his Apache necklace, and Leon gets upset. When the kids hide Nuzzle and Sizzle's favorite toys, they search everywhere to find them.

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}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 72

|EpisodeNumber2 = 7

|Title = A Star Is Burned

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|29}}

|ShortSummary = Skye is directing the kids' production of Rapunzel. Julie gets mad when he praises costar Ben so she hits him to get a peace of her mind. Kiki and Jody do not appear in this episode.

Featured song: "I'm a Star" performed by Skye, Ben, & Julie

|LineColor = 222285

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 73

|EpisodeNumber2 = 8

|Title = Spooky

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|30}}

|ShortSummary = Skye and Ben exclude Kiki and Julie from their Count Spookula club because they don't think girls like spooky stuff, but they learn that some girls do like scary stuff, and some boys don't. Leon and Jody do not appear in this episode. Sizzle and Nuzzle only make cameo appearances.

Featured song: "Scary Stories", performed by Julie, Kiki, Ben, and Skye

Guest stars: Tommy Koenig as Count Spookula, Cathy Ladman as Doris Spookula

|LineColor = 222285

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 74

|EpisodeNumber2 = 9

|Title = Up!

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|12|3}}

|ShortSummary = Julie and Ben are surprised by Kyle's new activity of rock climbing. They incorrectly assume that people who use wheelchairs can't do something physically challenging, like climbing rocks. They soon become Kyle's biggest supporters, though.

|LineColor = 222285

}}

{{Episode list

|EpisodeNumber = 75

|EpisodeNumber2 = 10

|Title = I'm Talking to You

|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|12|4}}

|ShortSummary = Skye is ignored when he asks to use a video game so he assumes the girl is being mean. Then he discovers that she didn't hear him because she is deaf. After he learns some sign language, he realizes he has found a new friend. Nuzzle gets interrupted from his nap by Sizzle trying to catch a butterfly. Julie, Ben, and Jody do not appear in this episode. Leon only make cameo appearances.

Guest star: Marlee Matlin as herself, Marlo Lovitch, Sheena McFeely

Note: This episode does not feature an original song.

|LineColor = 222285

}}

}}

Besides the PBS stations in the United States, the series also aired on TV Cultura in Brazil, Discovery Kids in Latin America, RTP in Portugal, Israeli Educational Television in Israel, Fox Kids in Scandinavia, Kids Station in Japan, Channel 5 in the UK, and ABC Kids in Australia.

During its launch, Sony Wonder (and later KidVision) released The Puzzle Place on VHS.

• Tuned In (10. Spud Buds and 14. Cute is as Cute Does)
• Rock Dreams (18. Mad Music Magic and 8. Rock Dreams)
• Rip Van Wrinkle (17. Going by the Book and 3. Rip Van Wrinkle)
• Accentuate the Positive (6. Rudy One and 4. Accentuate the Positive)
• Deck The Halls
• Sing-Along Songs

In the weeks after its debut, The Puzzle Place won a great deal of acclaim and "enjoyed an average audience-per-viewing second only to Barney and Friends among shows in the popular PBS daily children's block".{{cite web |url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1995_April_4/ai_16769498 |title=Lancit Media sees domestic "Puzzle Place" licensing guarantees approaching $12 million; CEO reports "highly promising" early ratings for Lancit/KCET Series at Alex. Brown Media/Communications seminar in NYC |access-date=2008-06-25 |date=1995-04-04 |work=BNET |publisher=CNET Networks, Inc. Business Wire }} It received a citation of excellence from UNIMA-USA for its use of puppetry.{{cite web|url=http://unima-usa.org/citations/96recorded.html|title=Citations of Excellence Recipients (1996) RECORDED MEDIA CATEGORY|access-date=2008-06-25|publisher=UNIMA-USA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515072047/http://www.unima-usa.org/citations/96recorded.html|archive-date=2008-05-15}} In 1997, ten more episodes of the show were "in the works".{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-05-ca-28967-story.html |title=KCET Chief Leads Station Into Expansion Era |access-date=2009-02-06 |last=Michaelson |first=Judith |date=1997-09-05 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007235035/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/05/entertainment/ca-28967 |archive-date=2012-10-07 |url-status=live }} Toys "R" Us, Sears, and Payless ShoeSource all announced that they would carry merchandising from the series and showcase that merchandise in its own separate "boutique" rather than integrating it with the other products.{{cite journal|date=1995-08-21 |title=PBS' The Puzzle Place has apparel solved |journal=Discount Store News |volume=34 |issue=16 |issn=0012-3587 |id= {{ProQuest|228443836}}}}

• Arthur
• Barney & Friends
• Sesame Street
• Dragon Tales
• Between the Lions
• Clifford the Big Red Dog
• Lamb Chop's Play-Along
• The Magic School Bus
• Kidsongs
• Wishbone

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

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Category:1995 American television series debuts

Category:1998 American television series endings

Category:1990s American children's television series

Category:American children's musical television series

Category:American preschool education television series

Category:1990s preschool education television series

Category:American television shows featuring puppetry

Category:American English-language television shows

Category:PBS Kids shows

Category:PBS original programming

Category:Television series about children