Additional resources (images, video, etc.)

*A limited number of media passes to an advance screening of Bucky! at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Union South are available. Please email [email protected] for details.

---

Emmy-winner Charlie Berens narrates the story of University of Wisconsin’s beloved mascot, Bucky Badger.

Bucky Badger is an enduring figure and a symbol of pride for the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the entire state. Bucky!, a new historical documentary from PBS Wisconsin narrated by comedian Charlie Berens, will premiere on Tuesday, Dec. 2, on PBS Wisconsin. Berens is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author and creator of The Manitowoc Minute. As the narrator of Bucky!, Berens, a native Wisconsinite and UW-Madison alum, will share the story of Wisconsin’s iconic, fun-loving furry mascot and what he means to people across Wisconsin.

“Charlie brings so much fun to the show,” producer Grant Fenster said. “His quintessential Wisconsin demeanor and brand of humor perfectly capture Bucky’s joyfulness.”

While Bucky Badger specifically serves as a representative of UW-Madison, his appeal stretches to every corner of the state and beyond. Bucky! is a whimsical and heartwarming story for everyone from in- and out-of-state alumni, to fans of Wisconsin sports teams, and those who are curious about how the Badger State got its most famous representative.

This playful and celebratory story uses archival footage and photos, interviews, and original cinematography to chronicle the origin of Bucky Badger and his evolution into the iconic mascot we know and love today.

“We’re telling the true origin story of Bucky,” director Jon Hornbacher said. “And it’s as surprising and entertaining as Bucky himself.”

A diverse group of experts and familiar faces from Wisconsin sports explain how Bucky Badger went from an unruly live animal at Camp Randall Stadium to a cultural phenomenon:

• Brian Adam (former Bucky)
• RoseAnn Donovan (former Bucky)
• Josette Jaucian (UW-Madison Spirit Squad Director and handler of Buckys)
• Mike Koval (former City of Madison Police Chief and former Bucky)
• Matt Lepay (Badgers’ men’s basketball radio broadcaster)
• Doug Moe (journalist and author)
• Deb Nicolaus (daughter of first Bucky, Bill Sagal)
• Bill Sachse, Jr. (son of Bucky creator, Bill Sachse, Sr.)

Funding for Bucky! is provided by Robert J. Lenz, Charles H. and Barb A. Merry, The Dancing Goat Distillery, Dr. Henry Anderson, Lau and Bea Christensen, Cynthia and David Shaw, Elizabeth Olson in memory of Modesta Booke Olson, the Alfred and June Kohlwey Family Foundation, donors to the Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programs, and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.

Following its premiere on PBS Wisconsin on Tuesday, Dec. 2, Bucky! will be available for streaming shortly after the broadcast at pbswisconsin.org/bucky and on the free PBS app on all streaming devices.

PBS Wisconsin is a service of the Educational Communications Board and The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

PBS Wisconsin is a place to grow through learning on WHA-TV, Madison; WPNE-TV, Green Bay; WHRM-TV, Wausau; WLEF-TV, Park Falls; WHLA-TV, La Crosse; and WHWC-TV, Menomonie-Eau Claire.

-END-