Call It Macaroni is an American children's television series that premiered on January 24, 1975. It was produced by Group W (Westinghouse Broadcasting Company, Inc.) with executive producers Gail Frank and Stephanie Meagher. Prior to its release, Donald McGannon, the chair of Group W, announced the show was a call to action for children to have a specific slot for their television. Intended to be a 12-part series of children's specials to be aired once a month, due to its popularity, another 12 specials were produced.
Its goal was to show 10–12-year-olds different things they could experience in the United States. It follows a different group of children each episode as they go to different places within the country, learning about a culture, city, environment, job, or hobby.
The first season was sold to 100, 103 or 104 stations in syndication. It was well received and won a Peabody Award in 1975.
Episodes There are 24 half-hour episodes of Call it Macaroni. Air dates listed below may be later than the first airing. One episode, "Gym Dandys", is viewable on YouTube. Episode Air date Synopsis It's a Long Way Up January 24, 1975 Three teens climb Mount Hood in Oregon. Give the Circus a Tumble February 19, 1975 Three 11-year-olds spend a week with Circus Vargas as it tours and performs in Colorado. Fly like a Bird March 19, 1975 Two San Franciscans take glider and hang gliding lessons. Once Upon a Horse April 20, 1975 Two 12-year-olds get horse riding lessons and participate in a riding competition. Sail on the Winds of Time April 24, 1975 Teens learn aboard a replica of a 19th century schooner. Texas Tenderfoot May 30, 1975 Three teens from the San Francisco Bay region become wranglers, helping to drive horses from Big Bend National Park in West Texas to a ranch away. Exploring Yesterday June 6, 1975 Three children get to experience how the Native Americans of northern Minnesota lived. A Seaful of Adventure July 22, 1975 Three youngsters from the Boston area take a cruise on the Florida shrimp boat Lady Gin. The Boys and Girls of Summer September 4, 1975 A boy and a girl from Philadelphia go to the Philadelphia Phillies spring training camp in Florida. Path of Papagos November 16, 1975 Three youngsters experience the Native American way of life. Puppets and Other People December 6, 1975 Three children from Boston construct a puppet under the supervision of puppeteer Kermit Love. Kevin Clash, the best known puppeteer to perform as Sesame Streets Elmo, saw this episode as a teen and asked his mother to help him contact Love; she succeeded, and Love eventually became his mentor. Where Do we Sign Up, When Do We Leave? December 15, 1975 Three kids from the San Francisco area spend a week on a racing schooner exploring the Channel Islands of California. Nashville: Over the Rainbow April 18, 1976 In the first episode of the second year, a 13-year-old Dobro guitar player goes to Nashville and gets to perform with Bobby Bare. Lights, Camels, Action May 21, 1976 Three New Yorkers join a production company working on the film Hawmps!, a comedy about the United States Camel Corps, on location in Arizona and become extras in one scene. And That's Jazz June 11, 1976 Two budding musicians from New York go to New Orleans and join a jazz session. Rogue Runners July 23, 1976 Some youngsters go on a five-day rafting trip on the Rogue River. Some of My Best Friends are Dolphins August 20, 1976 Two children work with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium. It's Really Magic September 21, 1976 Two 11-year-olds from New York travel to Hollywood to work with the magician Shimada and perform at the Magic Castle. How Do You Make a Moose Smile? October 1, 1976 Three New York 11- and 12-year-olds are taught by a professional how to photograph wildlife in the wilderness. North of the Arctic December 4, 1976 Two youngsters from Portland, Oregon, become acquainted with an Eskimo family in Alaska. Dance to the Music December 5, 1976 Two teens spend a week at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. When Bold Knights Lanced January 10, 1977 A boy and a girl attend the annual Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. Gym Dandys February 11, 1977 Two kids from San Francisco receive lessons from gymnasts training for the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. Sing, West Virginia, Sing March 15, 1977 Two young Philadelphians learn about the music and culture of Appalachia.
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