You probably have a hazy memory of it. A group of rowdy high schoolers, a rickety wagon, and some of the biggest stars of 90s television trying to survive the Oregon Trail. No, it wasn't a fever dream. It was Kidz in the Wood, a 1996 TV movie that premiered on NBC and later became a staple of the "late-night-bored-on-the-couch" rotation.
Honestly, it’s one of those weird pieces of media that feels like it belongs in a time capsule. It didn't win any Oscars. It isn't even easy to find on streaming today. Yet, for a certain generation, it’s the ultimate "I know that actor!" experience.
What Was Kidz in the Wood Actually About?
The plot is basically The Breakfast Club meets City Slickers. Dave Thomas—who you might know from SCTV or as the guy from the Wendy's commercials—plays Tom Foster. He's a history teacher at a school filled with "troubled" kids. In a desperate attempt to help them graduate, he drags them out to the wilderness for a two-week reenactment of the Oregon Trail.
It’s as chaotic as it sounds.
You’ve got a group of teenagers who would rather be anywhere else, a teacher who is clearly in over his head, and Julia Duffy playing Ms. Felicia Duffy, the principal’s "spy" sent to document Foster’s inevitable failure. It’s a classic setup for 90s hijinks. They face bees, skunks, and even accidental hallucinogenic berries. Yes, there is a scene where Dave Thomas trips out and sees everyone in pioneer clothing. 1996 was a wild time for family comedies.
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A Cast That Defined 90s TV
The real reason anyone still talks about the Kidz in the Wood movie isn't the riveting screenplay. It’s the cast. If you grew up watching sitcoms, this movie felt like an Avengers-level crossover event.
Look at this lineup:
- Candace Cameron Bure: Fresh off Full House, playing a character named Donna who was... a bit more "adult" than D.J. Tanner.
- Alfonso Ribeiro: Carlton Banks himself, playing a hypochondriac named Tootooe.
- Tatyana Ali: Ashley from Fresh Prince, appearing alongside her TV cousin.
- David Lascher: A 90s heartthrob staple from Hey Dude and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
- Darius McCrary: Eddie Winslow from Family Matters.
It’s basically a "Who's Who" of the TGIF lineup. Seeing them all interact in a low-budget wilderness comedy is half the fun. There’s something deeply nostalgic about seeing the Winslows, the Banks, and the Tanners all trying to navigate a horse-drawn carriage through the mud.
Why Does It Feel Like Lost Media?
If you try to find Kidz in the Wood on Netflix or Disney+ today, you're going to have a hard time. For years, it was considered "lost media" by enthusiasts. It never got a wide DVD release, and for a long time, the only way to see it was through grainy YouTube uploads recorded from old VHS tapes.
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Why the vanishing act? Licensing for TV movies from that era is notoriously messy. Since it was a co-production between Canadian and American companies (including Warner Bros. Television), the rights likely got tangled in the decades since it aired.
However, thanks to the internet's obsession with 90s nostalgia, a clean version recently surfaced on YouTube, sourced from an old Disney Channel airing. It’s not 4K, but it’s the best we’ve got.
Does It Actually Hold Up?
Look, let’s be real. It’s a movie from 1996. Some of the stereotypes are... dated. There’s a plotline involving a Native American character named Brandon Three Tongues (played by Byron Chief-Moon) that involves Dave Thomas using a whip, which feels incredibly awkward by today's standards.
The humor is broad. The "street kid" stereotypes are thick. But if you can look past the cringe of the mid-90s, there’s a genuine charm to it. It’s a movie about people who hate each other eventually finding common ground because they almost died in the woods. It’s predictable, sure. But it’s also comfortable.
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Key Takeaways for the Nostalgic Viewer
- The Soundtrack: It features some hilariously "hip" 90s references, including Julia Duffy attempting to rap. It’s as painful and glorious as you’d imagine.
- The Oregon Trail Connection: For kids who spent their school computer lab time dying of dysentery in the Oregon Trail game, this movie was the live-action version of that frustration.
- The Survivalist Vibes: It’s less Man vs. Wild and more Teens vs. Mosquitoes.
How to Watch Kidz in the Wood Today
Since there is no official digital storefront selling this, your best bet is the "unofficial" archives.
- YouTube: Search for the full title. There are a few uploads from the last year that are surprisingly watchable.
- Physical Media: Scour eBay for old VHS recordings. They are rare, but they pop up.
- Archives: Check sites like the Internet Archive, where people often upload television broadcasts to preserve them.
If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane that involves 90% of your favorite childhood sitcom stars getting lost in the forest, Kidz in the Wood is the deep cut you've been looking for. Just don't expect a cinematic masterpiece—expect a time machine.
To get the full experience, try to find a version that still has the original 1996 commercials attached. There’s nothing like watching Carlton Banks get chased by a bear followed by a commercial for the original SnackWell’s cookies. That is the true 90s experience.