Mr. Rogers neighborhood ran for an amazing 31 seasons. At it's peak, 8% of US households tuned in to watch.
He was a Presbyterian minister and had a degree in Music Composition. Not to mention a Peabody Award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom and 40 honorary degrees from various universities.
The Smithsonian displays one of his trademark sweaters as a "Treasure of American History".
I'd think one of the coolest things about Mr. Rodgers as a parent would be the complete lack of merchandising surrounding his "brand," or lack of. If I had a kid, I wouldn't even want to have a TV in the house because of all of the consumption messaging that kids are inundated with. It seems that every bit of educational programming is just stealth marketing to get you to pony up. That's not the worst part. The worst part is the values it teaches kids, and the fetishisation of consumer goods, -at least as I see it. Anyway, I'll see your red sweater and raise you a glove.
We got rid of cable several years ago. Our kids are older so there it's not like that are being saved from anything but the only reason the TV is on is so we can watch a movie or something similar as a family. It's turned out to be a really good thing.
We have a 2 year old and one of the great things about having her be the age she is right now is how much she loves Mr. Rogers. He really was a gift to the world, I can't tell you how many times that I've welled up with emotion watching old episodes with her, remembering learning my life lessons from his programing. Having a child is such a look inward at times. I'm realizing all of the things that formed my early opinions and virtues and Mr. Rogers was right up there with my actual family lessons. I would guess that he is one of the most influential Americans of any generation. Honestly. Have you seen his Emmy acceptance speech or his reflections on music or the best, his testimony to congress. Here is a link that briandmyers posted in a comment a while back titled "15 Reasons Mr. Rogers was the Best". -He sure was!