I love that he apparently got the job because he looked so pathetic that children truly believed he would be unable to solve puzzles created by a cartoon dog without their assistance.
Kids are more drawn to him because he treated them like they are crucial: he engaged them as equals if not better-thans. He treated them like their input mattered which was rare at the time for tv shows (BC predates most other interactive shows and shows that feature other kids like Dora, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Backyardigans, etc.) and often didn't reflect kids' relationships with other adults in their lives. Kids want to be treated as equals and Steve appealed to that. Not all media conforms to your perception that all unconventional-looking middle aged dudes are pathetic need you to fix them, the point he's actually making is much more interesting.







