Family TV Round-Up: A 'Wonder Years' reunion on 'Generator Rex,' A New Season of 'Arthur' ... and More

Welcome to the Family TV Round-Up, a recap of all kid-friendly programming across the television universe. We sum up all of the news related to children's programming, as well as profile the people and shows that your kids, tweens and teens are talking about.

We begin this week's column with some Cartoon Network news that's indirectly related to 'The Wonder Years.' During the late '80s and early '90s young actors Fred Savage and Danica McKellar were the "It" couple as Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper on the ABC coming-of-age comedy. Now, after a 17-year break, they're reuniting on tonight's episode of 'Generator Rex.'

In the episode Danica plays Claire Bowman, a groovy gal who ends up going to the prom with Rex's friend Noah, who is voiced by Savage. To see how it all turns out, and if there are any veiled references to 'The Wonder Years,' tune in tonight at 8:30.

Switching to public television, the 14th season of 'Arthur' will premiere October 11th on PBS Kids Go! (check local listings for time). Created by author Marc Brown back in 1976, 'Arthur' has been a mainstay of the PBS lineup since its debut in 1996. This season a new character designed by the winner of last season's Create a Character contest will be introduced. Her name is Lydia and she'll be a wheelchair basketball player who connects with Arthur and his extended circle of friends.

Also featured this season is a guest appearance by 'Coraline' author Neil Gaiman. Airing during Halloween week, Gaiman will appear as Sue Ellen's spiritual guide to writing and illustrating a graphic novel.

In other news:

• The FCC has decided to look into complaints initiated by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood that the new Nicktoons series 'Zevo-3' might violate the Children's Television Act of 1990. As reported here last week, 'Zevo-3' features characters initially created to promote various lines of Skechers shoes. The FCC is seeking public comment on the CCFC petition before making a ruling.

• Starting this weekend, Sprout's morning block of programming called 'The Sunny-Side Up Show' will air live seven days a week from 9 a.m. until noon. Since it's premiere in 2007, the show was strictly a Monday-Friday offering.This Saturday will also mark the premiere of Sprout's first original show in its five year history. 'Noodle and Doodle,' hosted by 'Sunny-Side Up' host Sean, will focus on family activities such as cooking, crafts and play.

• Fans of 'The Suite Life on Deck' have something to celebrate. Production is set to begin on 'The Suite Life Movie' this month with a premiere on the Disney Channel sometime in 2011. Executive produced by 'Suite Life' stars Dylan and Cole Sprouse, the movie is written by sitcom veterans Michael Saltzman and Robert Horn. There's currently no information on the plot of the movie, if it will take place on their current home -- the S.S. Tipton -- or if this will pave the way for yet another 'Suite Life' series.

• With the 7th annual Worldwide Day of Play coming up this Saturday, Nickelodeon will perform its yearly ritual of halting all of its programming from noon to 3 p.m. Included in the shutdown are all of Nick's broadcasting platforms -- Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, and Nicktoons -- as well as Nick.com. To help shut the network down, First Lady Michelle Obama will appear in a pre-recorded message encouraging parents and kids to turn off the TV and go and play.

• Here's today's most frightening news item: 'The Flintstones' are 50 years old this month! To celebrate, Cartoon Network's older sibling, Boomerang, will air the show's very first episode on September 30 at 8:30 p.m.; the same time and date ABC premiered it back in 1960. Two additional episodes will follow as well as the animated feature film 'The Man Called Flintstone.' The next day, Boomerang will feature a 24-hour 'Flintstones' marathon.