Like most of you, I’m saddened that Tom and Ray Magliozzi, also known as the “Tappet Brothers” from NPR’s hit series Car Talk, are retiring from the radio show after a long 35 year run. I’ve always enjoyed listening to the Car Talk series, whether through WAMC or through a downloadable podcast. They were just hilarious to listen to, and their thick New England accents, self-depreciating senses of humor and good-natured goofing on their callers made listening to them every Saturday morning a fun time indeed.
But did you know that a few years ago, there was actually a Car Talk prime time animated series?
Now would I lie to you about such things?
In 2008, PBS commissioned ten episodes of Click and Clack: As the Wrench Turns, a family-friendly spoof of their radio show. Tom and Ray provided the voices of radio hosts Click and Clack, and… well… look for yourself in this PBS promotional ad.
The show was pitched as PBS’s first prime time animated series, and it even featured guest appearances by such PBS luminaries as Garrison Keillor, James Carville, Jim Lehrer and Carl Kassell. The program poked fun at PBS’s pledge drives, at its highbrow broadcast schedule, and its nowhere-near-as-large-as-the-big-four-networks ratings.
Here’s an episode of Click and Clack: As The Wrench Turns, entitled “Gigantic Motors.” It’s in three parts; you know the drill.
Unfortunately for all concerned, Click and Clack: As The Wrench Turns was a huge flop. Only ten episodes were produced, and PBS chose not to greenlight a second season.
All ten episodes of Click and Clack: As the Wrench Turns were released on DVD in 2008, and the series is still viewable on PBS’ website; just click this link and watch the show!
Thanks for 35 great years, Tom and Ray. But before you go… I’ve got a 2005 Saturn Ion with a radio console that has a mind of its own… can you help me out?
Chuck The Writer 
Do you think that this cartoon went off the air because they couldn’t find a corporate sponsor?
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I’m almost thinking that the show was scheduled for an initial 10-episode first season, and when the reviews came in – and they weren’t pleasant – the show was quickly aired and dropped. Trust me. If this show had the ratings and critical appeal of let’s say Downton Abbey, PBS would have run it morning noon and night.
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Chuck, I was playing riffing off the subject matter of the cartoons — where Click and Clack keep losing sponsors because they criticize their products. In general, the three episodes that you linked to spelled out the trade off for corporate sponsorship/advertising.
But thanks for your answer to my literal question. I think that you’re right about the reason that the show was dropped. What I’ve noticed is more and more advertising (also known as “underwriting”) on public radio. I always wonder if such corporate involvement comes with a price to the listeners.
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I watch PBS all time and I have absolutely no recollection of this show. PBS couldn’t have done much of job promoting it.
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