He Started in Canada
Rogers made his first appearance as Mister Rogers the following year on a Canadian Broadcast System show called ‘Misterogers.’ The show helped lay the groundwork both in its look and approach for Rogers’ classic show that we all know and love.
Source: Pittsburgh Magazine
Canada wasn’t where Rogers nor his wife, Joanne, wanted to raise their two young sons. So, the Rogers family went back to Pittsburgh where he launched ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ in 1966. Two years later, the show aired on PBS throughout most of the country.