‘What’s The Story, Wishbone?’ launches globally with donation to Reading Is Fundamental

Novel Tails and Loud Pictures launched the Wishbone documentary in more than 60 countries on major digital platforms June 10, 2026, and pledged 10% of net proceeds to Reading Is Fundamental. The release ties a 30th-anniversary tribute to the PBS series to a literacy nonprofit that has served millions of children since 1966.

Why it matters: - The release connects a nostalgia-driven documentary with a literacy nonprofit that works to put more children on a path to reading proficiency. - A 10% net-proceeds donation gives the film a direct community impact beyond entertainment. - The launch arrives as Wishbone marks its 30th anniversary, which gives the campaign added cultural relevance.

What happened: - Novel Tails, in association with Loud Pictures, launched the global TVOD/digital release of What’s The Story, Wishbone? on June 10, 2026. - The documentary is available on Apple, Amazon, YouTube Movies, and other major digital platforms in more than 60 countries. - The filmmakers said 10% of net proceeds from the release will go to Reading Is Fundamental. - The film had a public television run from May 27 through June 9, 2026, and reached more than 200 stations nationwide. - Director Joey Stewart said the donation is meant to help Wishbone inspire future generations to read.

The details: - What’s The Story, Wishbone? is a behind-the-scenes documentary about the PBS series Wishbone. - The film revisits how a Jack Russell Terrier-led series brought classic literature to millions of children. - The series won a Peabody Award and multiple Emmy Awards. - The documentary runs just under 90 minutes. - The film includes rare archival footage and interviews with writers, cast, and creators. - Featured voices include Mo Rocca, George W. Bush, Dan Rather, Rick Duffield, Betty Buckley, Larry Brantley, Stephanie Simpson, Jackie Kaptan, Mary Chris Wall, Angee Hughes, Jeanne Simpson, Matt Tompkins, Chris Henry, Steven Chudej, Mike Losurdo Jr., and Caris Turpin. - The documentary was directed by Joey Stewart. - The film was produced by Betty Buckley, Joey Stewart, Larry Brantley, and Stephanie Simpson. - The project revisits the creative team behind the original series and the process that turned an ambitious idea into a cultural touchstone. - The series originally aired in the mid-1990s and introduced children to stories including Sherlock Holmes and The Odyssey. - More information is available at the film’s website. - A scene clip is available at YouTube. - The film is also listed on Apple, Amazon, and YouTube Movies.

Between the lines: - The release leans on Wishbone’s cross-generational appeal, using a beloved children’s brand to drive attention to reading and literacy. - The donation also helps position the film as a cause-linked release rather than a standard catalog documentary. - The choice of Reading Is Fundamental fits the film’s core theme because the documentary celebrates stories that helped make reading feel accessible and fun.

What’s next: - The documentary will continue rolling out on digital platforms in the more than 60 countries where Wishbone originally aired. - Viewers can find platform and market availability through the film’s website. - Novel Tails and Loud Pictures are likely to keep using the film’s anniversary timing to extend its audience and fundraising reach.

The bottom line: - What’s The Story, Wishbone? is using nostalgia to do more than entertain: it is turning a beloved TV memory into support for children’s literacy.