8.1
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Today's Special
1982·Show
·121Episodes in7Seasons·
Today's Special fingerprint
Striking style, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
- Adrenaline0
Heart
Heartwarming and uplifting
- Wholesome10
- Hopefulness9
- Wonder8
Humor
Some situational comedy and slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy5
- Physical Comedy5
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
Kept in the background
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
- Direction6
Style
Standout score and sound design
- Music Centrality9
- Music Composition8
- Sound Centrality8
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Today's Special is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline0High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension0Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Heart
MediumHeartwarming and uplifting
Emotionally, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Wholesome10Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness9Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Catharsis2Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos1Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance0Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy0Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and slapstick
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and slapstick.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome10Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumKept in the background
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity0Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue2Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity2Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational9Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout score and sound design
Look and sound: the score and sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Music Centrality9Songs central to storytelling.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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You want dark or edgy material
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Today's Special was a Canadian children's television show produced by Clive VanderBurgh at TVOntario from 1981 to 1987. It also ran on Nickelodeon and the Faith and Values Channel/Odyssey as well as many PBS stations throughout the United States. It was set in a department store, based on the flagship location of the now defunct Simpson's in Toronto. Many sequences for it were shot at the Queen Street West and Yonge Street store after hours.
Children's EducationalPuppet ShowDepartment Store SettingGentle ComedyImaginative & WholesomeClassic Canadian TVMusical ElementsLife LessonsNostalgic Comfort
Actors
Crew
Written by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Today's Special
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Today's Special worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 8.1). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does Today's Special have?
7 seasons
It has 7 seasons with 121 episodes.
When did Today's Special air?
S1S3S7S2S5S4S6
It ran from 1982 to 1982 and has ended.
What language is Today's Special in?
English
It was made in English.
What tropes does Today's Special use?
Separate Scene StorytellingMagical LandYounger Than They LookSkilled, but NaiveWham EpisodeThird Line, Some WaitingPlanet of HatsProtagonist-Centered MoralityLiving MannequinTrap DoorSlurpasaurTrademark Favorite Foodand 93 more
TV Tropes lists 105 storytelling tropes for Today's Special, including Separate Scene Storytelling, Magical Land, Younger Than They Look.