Kids DVDs for Queer Adults

Everyone knows that H.R. Pufnstuf — well, actually, any of the psychedelically strange kids shows produced in the '70s by Sid and Marty Krofft —was even more fun if you watched as an adult (with or without other indulgences). A look back at a few new DVDs released from Warner Archives shows that's true for a great deal of tot TV. These five series prove that sometimes the best time to watch shows aimed at kids is when you're all grown up.

BY Diane Anderson-Minshall

February 21 2013 6:00 AM ET

Yogi's Gang
It's here, it's queer, and it's got Boo Boo Bear! This spin-off from the smash hit ABC Saturday Superstar Movie (remember those?) entitled Yogi's Ark Lark, has Yogi and his pals confronting the evils of the era with villains as Lotta Litter, Gossipy Witch, Mr. Bigot, and the Sheik of Selfishness. Do I even need to explain the inherent LGBT-ness of it all? Yogi's younger bow-tie wearing, moral compass sporting sidekick, Boo Boo Bear, is there along with a queerish crew of other toon superstars including Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Quick Draw McGraw, Baba Looey, Atom Ant, Secret Squirrel, Morocco Mole, Wally Gator, Squiddly Diddley, Augie Doggy, Doggy Daddy, Touché Turtle, Peter Potamus, and Magilla Gorilla. There's hardly one of them that isn't sort of gay when you listen to the dialogue or read between the scenes. Also on this two-disc, 16 episode collection is the 1973 film that started it: Yogi’s Ark Lark.

All of these DVDs manufactured on demand (MOD), so you can find them only at The Warner Archive Collection or the WB Shop.