Saturday morning cartoons, preferably accompanied by a giant bowl of sugary cereal, are largely a thing of the past. But federal educational/informational programming mandates remain (for broadcast networks, anyway), which is probably at least partially why The CW is launching a new block of family educational programming called “One Magnificent Morning.” The new programming block will consist of 10 live-action shows that will air on Saturday mornings between 7 a.m. and noon, including a “family edition” of Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan that will exclude the graphic nudity and drug content that has so polarized the Dog Whisperer community.
Other shows include Rock The Park, a travel show about America’s national parks; Calling Dr. Pol, a reality show about a veterinarian’s office; The Brady Barr Experience, featuring herpetologist Dr. Brady Barr; and Expedition Wild, a wilderness adventure show for kids. That’s a lot of nature shows, but now that Animal Planet has shifted its emphasis to Bigfoot and tree houses, The CW’s move from talking animals to talking about animals may turn out to be a savvy one.