As we approach our 35th season, Donnybrook takes the title as the longest running, local program in the PBS system. We also have bragging rights as the longest running local show in the PBS system without ever updating our set. Ok...Ok maybe the set thing isn’t something to boast about.
Actually, during the first season, the set featured some floating grids and set pieces and didn’t have a table. Similar to our recent temporary set that didn’t go over so well with many fans. (It was temporary, people!)
For the next 34 years, the set featured the iconic brick walls, the big green (fake) table, heavy wooden chairs, old decor, and pictures of St. Louis athletes and loved ones we’ve lost along the way. It wasn’t pretty but it was loved and lasted generations.
Over the last decade, there was a lot of discussion at Nine PBS and among Donnybrook fans about changing the set. This has been a highly controversial topic. St. Louis doesn’t like change. If we changed it, what could we do? How can we honor those who have sat around the table over three and half decades and maintain the sacred space of “polite conversations” on local issues, while at the same time move the set into the modern day?
Well, I watched a lot of “Ask This Old House” during the pandemic and felt a make over, and not a bull dozer, would be the perfect compromise. We in-listed the talents of veteran set designer, Paul Casey. I threw out trendy design terms like “board and batten" and " reclaimed wood” and before we knew it, we were looking at something familiar yet better.
Thank you Carol House for providing the table and chairs. I’m looking forward to another 35 years of Donnybrook! (The show, not the set!)
Anne-Marie Berger is the Senior Director of Content at Nine PBS, and the Executive Producer of Donnybrook.
Tune in to Donnybrook every Thursday at 7 pm on Nine PBS, or streamed on the PBS Video App.
Follow Donnybrook on Twitter @DonnybrookSTL, or and share your comments and ideas with us at donnybrook@ninepbs.org.