The Secret City
“Learn to draw with Commander Mark.”
Series Overview
The Secret City was a television program designed to teach children how to draw, starring Mark Kistler as as the fictional ‘Commander Mark’ who led viewers and in-studio club members through various drawing exercises in a sci-fi clubhouse setting full of fun, fantasy, and adventure. While the show’s format essentially prioritizes instruction over narrative, ongoing ‘drama’ is created by the frequent addition of new key features to the emerging scenery of the giant Secret City mural. Often Special Guests would appear on the show to demonstrate other art forms or practical applications for drawing skills. The show was created by John Price & Mark Kistler, based on Bruce McIntyre's AVDP. Much of the series was edited live in-camera and was shot in a somewhat semi-scripted format. It was produced at Maryland Public Television through private funding by Children's Video Associates, and intended for broadcast via national PBS syndication. It also aired on TVOntario.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
1 Season • 65 Episodes
1985 – 1985
Premiered: Mon, Sep 2, 1985
Creative Production Team
Latest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 65: “Cartooning - Club Day”
US Log Line: The Secret City mural is completed. Pre-Production Name (AVM); #165:"Cartooning" {Note: The Log Line as printed in TV Guide was inaccurate. Episode 65 was a Club Day and there are no mural segments on Club Days. The mural was completed the prior Thursday in episode 64. This error likely originates with the pre-production Program Listings developed for the show by Adler Video Marketing which stated "#165: "Cartooning." Cartoonist Al Grosso helps Commander Mark finish the secret city mural."}
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Secret City : Episode 1 : Moonscape Building
Type: Clip • Published 2013-09-24
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Dwight M. Phillips
Michele Musser
L.D. Solomon, John Price
Department Leadership Roster
Dwight M. Phillips
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
TV-Y: All Children — Appropriate for all children.
International Certification Matrix
All Children — Appropriate for all children.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Secret City.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Secret City
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Secret City about?
The Secret City was a television program designed to teach children how to draw, starring Mark Kistler as as the fictional ‘Commander Mark’ who led viewers and in-studio club members through various drawing exercises in a sci-fi clubhouse setting full of fun, fantasy, and adventure. While the show’s format essentially prioritizes instruction over narrative, ongoing ‘drama’ is created by the frequent addition of new key features to the emerging scenery of the giant Secret City mural. Often Special Guests would appear on the show to demonstrate other art forms or practical applications for drawing skills. The show was created by John Price & Mark Kistler, based on Bruce McIntyre's AVDP. Much of the series was edited live in-camera and was shot in a somewhat semi-scripted format. It was produced at Maryland Public Television through private funding by Children's Video Associates, and intended for broadcast via national PBS syndication. It also aired on TVOntario.
How many seasons does The Secret City have?
The Secret City comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in The Secret City?
Key cast members in The Secret City include Mark Kistler, Joel Gori.
Who created or directed The Secret City?
The Secret City was developed and directed by Dwight M. Phillips.