Riders In The Sky (partially lost CBS children's series; 1991)
Title card.
Status: Partially Found
Riders in the Sky was a 1991 children's television series on CBS. Described as a "spiritual-successor" to the immensely popular Pee-Wee's Playhouse (reusing many of the Playhouse production crew and writers), the series starred the country/western band Riders In The Sky. Plagued by low ratings and constant schedule changes on the CBS Saturday Morning line-up, the show was cancelled after only one season consisting of 13 episodes. The series has never received an official home media release due to production company ownership issues.[1]
Series Overview
A Pee Wee's Playhouse-like children's show, the series focused on the lives of the members of Riders in The Sky on their home of Harmony Ranch in Tumbleweed Valley. The Riders would interact with other residents of Tumbleweed Valley, which were a combination of puppets and real people. Episodes featured alternating segments, one entitled "The Adventures of Riders in The Sky" (a parody of movie serials of the 1930's and 40's and would end on a cliffhanger to be picked up near the end of the episode) or a "Gila-Monster" stop-motion short. All episodes were directed by Gary Halvorson.
Episodes
Note: episodes are in production number order. It is unknown if this is also the broadcast order as well.
| # | Episode Title | Airdate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saddle Pals | September 14, 1991 | Missing |
| 2 | Harmony Ranch | September 21, 1991 | Missing |
| 3 | Horsenapped | September 28, 1991 | FOUND |
| 4 | Save The Buffalo | October 5, 1991 | FOUND |
| 5 | Cook Out | October 12, 1991 | FOUND |
| 6 | Sourdough's Surprise | October 19, 1991 | FOUND |
| 7 | Muley's Revenge | October 26, 1991 | FOUND |
| 8 | Trail Weevils | November 2, 1991 | Missing |
| 9 | Fool's Gold | November 9, 1991 | FOUND |
| 10 | Bad Brothers | November 16, 1991 | FOUND |
| 11 | Curse of The Mine | November 23, 1991 | Missing |
| 12 | The Contraption | November 30, 1991 | Missing |
| 13 | Mail Order Brides | December 7, 1991 | FOUND |