The last original episode of the program aired in 2001. It remains one of the most appreciated and beloved shows on PBS.

Rogers always spoke calmly and slowly, catering his words (and the rest of the show) towards the growth and development of children.

Midway through each episode, he brought out a toy trolley, which the camera followed to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, a fantasy land where puppets interacted with people to further elaborate on the lessons Rogers taught. Many of the puppet voices were Rogers's.

Rogers sometimes went on excursions in his "neighborhood" to museums and zoos, or played videos on a screen he called "Picture Picture" to show how certain objects were made. He also often used models or toys to teach children to use their imagination.

He closed most of his shows with a song, "It's a Good Feeling," reassuring children that people can like them "exactly as they are."