Pappyland was an award-winning live action children's television show, which originated from a VHS released in 1990. It was originally broadcast on TLC from January of 1996 to December of 1999. Then, after cancellation, aired reruns until 2003. The show starred acclaimed cartoonist-artist Michael Cariglio (born in Whitesboro, New York) as Pappy Drewitt, an artist/49er type character who lived in a magical cabin in a bizarre land with many different creatures and people. More than half of the show was shot on bluescreen. Pappy and other characters danced, sang, taught life lessons and other children's television fare but the main focus of the show was watching Pappy draw pictures. The camera was positioned directly above his paper and he would carefully explain the purpose of each technique used. The purpose was for children viewers to be able to follow along with Pappy and create the same image as he did. Viewers who sent in their work, had their drawing shown during the closing credits. His friend Sing-a-Song Sam was portrayed by Mike Curley (born in Birmingham, England).

When shown on public television, WCNY in Syracuse, New York produced the show. In fact, the P.O. Box plug mentions Syracuse as being the city where home viewers sent in their drawings.