History
For over three decades, Adventures in Odyssey has been sparking imagination, inspiring faith, and bringing families together through stories that entertain, teach, and uplift. Since its beginning in 1987, the series has grown into a multi-media experience that combines unforgettable characters, timeless lessons, and imaginative storytelling for kids and families of all ages.
Read on to explore the milestones that shaped Adventures in Odyssey—from its earliest episodes to the broader stories, books, and media that continue to engage families today.
In the Beginning...
Adventures in Odyssey began as an experiment in 1986. Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family envisioned a high-quality drama series that would entertain, inspire, and provide families with a wholesome alternative to typical children’s programming.
Steve Harris and Phil Lollar, the series’ creators, set out to craft a show that combined imaginative storytelling with meaningful lessons. They chose a small Midwestern town—Odyssey—as the backdrop, creating a place that feels welcoming, timeless, and full of adventure. Their goal was to capture the magic of the golden age of radio while keeping the stories fresh, relatable, and relevant for modern families.
In 1987, a 13-week test series aired on the Focus on the Family broadcast under the name Family Portraits. The episodes followed the lives of Odyssey’s residents—including John Avery Whittaker—and introduced a charming “soda shop and discovery emporium” called Whit’s End.
The response from families was overwhelmingly positive. Encouraged by this enthusiasm, Focus on the Family expanded the concept into a weekly radio program that would become Adventures in Odyssey, launching a beloved series that blends adventure, imagination, and faith-filled storytelling for generations of listeners.
Timeline
1980s
"Spare Tire" airs.
It is the first Focus on the Family radio drama.
"House Guest" airs.
First Focus on the Family radio drama featuring Hal Smith.
"Gone Fishing" airs
Another foundational drama.
"Family Portraits" airs
First Family Portraits drama (Whit's Visitor") airs on the Focus on the Family daily broadcast.
"Tilly" airs
Radio drama "Tilly" airs; it was based on the book by the then unknown author Frank Peretti.
"Whit's Flop" Airs
First Odyssey USA episode ("Whit's Flop") airs on 200 radio stations.
Name changes to Adventures in Odyssey
First episode to air: "The Quality of Mercy."
Odyssey USA
First retail package (Odyssey USA) released.
The Barclays
The Barclays first appear on Adventures in Odyssey in "Family Vacation."
Connie's Conversion Story
In "#052: Connie, Part 2 of 2," Connie becomes a Christian.
"The Imagination Station"
Whit unveils his greatest invention in "The Imagination Station."
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A puts Adventures in Odyssey booklets in its kids' meals.
"The Nemesis"
Dr. Regis Blackgaard arrives in Odyssey. ("The Nemesis")
1990s
Bernard is introduced
In “By Any Other Name,” Bernard first appears in Odyssey.
Daily broadcasts begin nationwide
Adventures in Odyssey starts airing daily on stations around the country.
First video released
First Adventures in Odyssey video released: The Knight Travellers.
Relocation to Colorado Springs
Focus on the Family moves from Pomona, California, to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
First novel released
The first Adventures in Odyssey novel, Strange Journey Back by Paul McCusker is released.
First appearance of Harlow Doyle
Harlow Doyle first appears in Odyssey in “Harlow Doyle, Private Eye.
Eugene meets Katrina
Eugene meets his future wife, Katrina, in “Truth, Trivia, and ‘Trina.”
Hal Smith passes away.
Hal Smith, the original voice of Whit, passes away.
Whit Is Out, Jack Is In
“Gone…” airs. Whit leaves. Jack Allen comes to town.
Mayor Tom Riley
Tom Riley elected mayor of Odyssey in “Tom for Mayor.”
Say Hello to Jason
Jason Whittaker moves to Odyssey. (“A Name, Not a Number”)
Stewart Barclay is Born
“Unto Us a Child Is Born” airs. Stewart Reed Barclay is born.
Eugene is Reborn
In “The Time Has Come, ” Eugene become a Christian.
The End of Dr. Blackgaard
“The Final Conflict” airs. The album Darkness Before Dawn is finished. Dr. Blackgaard dies.
The Barclay Family Moves Away
“Pokenberry Falls, RFD” features the Barclays leaving for Pokenberry Falls.
A New Voice for Whit
Paul Herlinger steps in as the voice of Whit in “The Search for Whit.”
Radio Theatre Debut
First Focus on the Family Radio Theatre production released. (Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol)
Whit Returns to Odyssey
“Home, Sweet Home” airs. Whit returns to Odyssey.
Brief Hiatus
Adventures in Odyssey goes on vacation and takes a break from production. Re-airs the best of Adventures in Odyssey.
We're Back
Production resumes with “For Whom the Wedding Bells Toll.” Jack Allen & Joanne Woodston marry. Eugene & Katrina Shanks get engaged.
The Complete Guide (For Now)
The Complete Guide to Adventures in Odyssey released.
There's A New Mayor in Town
Margaret Faye elected mayor of Odyssey. (“The One About Trust”)
10 Years of Adventures in Odyssey
“New Year’s Eve Live!” is recorded in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to celebrate Adventures in Odyssey’s 10th anniversary.
The Timothy Center Opens
Tom Riley opens the Timothy Center. (“Opening Day”)
Debut of Passages
First Passages book – Darien’s Rise – is released.
A New Century Nears
“A Look Back" celebrates a millennium of Adventures in Odyssey episodes.
2000s
NRB Live Recording
“Mandy’s Debut” recorded live at National Religious Broadcasters’ convention in Anaheim, California.
Odyssey Goes Digital
Official website launched at WhitsEnd.org
The Novacom Saga Begins
“Opportunity Knocks” airs. The Novacom saga series of action – adventure shows begins.
Wooton is Introduced
Wooton Bassett’s first appearance at Whit’s End.
Whit's End Gets a Second Location
Whit’s End Connellsville opens in “Grand Opening.”
Eugene and Katrina Are Married
Eugene & Katrina finally tie the knot & promptly leave the show for several years. (“Plan B: Missing in Action:)
The End of the Novacom Saga
“Exit” airs. The Novacom saga ends.
Adventures in Odyssey's 500th Episode
“500” airs, a show celebrating 500 Odyssey episodes.
25th Anniversary of Focus on the Family
“Live at the 25” recorded at 25th anniversary of Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Washington Family is Introduced
The Washington family first appears in “The Toy Man.”
Connie Getting Married? Not Quite
Connie almost gets married. (“Something Blue”)
Gold Audio Series begins.
The Adventures in Odyssey Gold Audio Series re-released 16 classic albums, including titles previously available only on cassette. Each collection featured bonus content and several included never-before-released episodes.
First Video Games Released
Adventures in Odyssey video games released. (“The Treasure of the Incas” and “The Sword of the Spirit”)
Eugene Returns
“A Most Intriguing Question” airs. Eugene returns to Odyssey with much fanfare.
Meet Leonard Meltsner
Eugene learns that his long-lost father, Leonard, is alive. (“Prisoners of Fear”)
Connie Kendall, Author
Connie starts writing a book. (“Tales of a Small-Town Thug”)
Podcast Debut
The first Official Podcast episode is released.
The Washington Family Gets A Bit Bigger
The Washington family becomes foster parents to a girl named Kelly. (“The Chosen One”)
"Eugene, I'm Your Brother"
Eugene Meltsner discovers that he has a brother, Everett. (“The Top Floor”)
Leonard Meltsner Heads to Africa
Leonard Meltsner leaves for Africa. (“A New Era”
The Best Small Town in America?
Odyssey considered for Best Small Town in America. (“Suspicious Finds”)
First Kidsboro Book
First Kidsboro novel released – Battle for Control
50th Album
50th album released: The Best Small Town.
B-TV: Live
“B-TV: Live” is recorded in Colorado Springs. The Birthday Bash is attended by 4,500 people from 44 states & 7 countries.
The Official Guide
Adventures in Odyssey: The Official Guide released.
Hello, Andre
Andre Stojka first appears as John Avery Whittaker. (“Passages: Darien’s Rise, Part I”)
2010s
Paul Herlinger passes away
Paul was the voice of John Avery Whittaker from 1996 to 2008.
Adventures in Odyssey Goes to Outer Space
An Adventures in Odyssey CD travels to outer space in the International Space Station with astronaut Terry Virts.
Adventures in Odyssey Relaunch
The first episode of the relaunch of Adventures in Odyssey airs. (“The Inspiration Station”)
Imagination Station Book Series Debut
The first Imagination Station book, Voyage with the Vikings, is released.
700th Episode
700th episode airs. (“How to Sink a Sub”)
Eugene and Katrina Confront a Difficult Truth
Eugene & Katrina find out that they can’t have children. (“To Mend or Repair.”)
A New Voice
The Get in the Show Contest finds a new voice for Adventures in Odyssey.
25 Years of Adventures in Odyssey
Nearly five thousand fans celebrate by attending a live performance in Dallas, Texas.
A Call to Serve
Focus on the Family hosts the A.C.T.S. (A Call to Serve) contest, giving fans an opportunity to serve their communities and win a missions trip to Costa Rica and become an Adventure in Odyssey ambassador.
Adventures in Odyssey in Spanish
Odyssey reaches more audiences as episodes in Spanish begin airing on select radio stations in Central and South America.
Odyssey Adventure Club
The Adventures in Odyssey Club launches under the name “Odyssey Adventure Club.” The service contains access to nearly every single Adventures in Odyssey episode, plus exclusive monthly adventures.
Dave Madden passes away
Dave was the voice of Bernard Walton
Wooton and Penny Are Engaged
Wooton Bassett proposes to Penny Wise. (“The Ties that Bind, Part 14”)
Adventures in Odyssey's first Audiobook
“Candid Conversations with Connie,” Odyssey’s first-ever audiobook is released.
The Adventures in Odyssesy Club
The Adventures in Odyssey Club launches globally allowing international members.
60th Album
Adventures in Odyssey’s 60th album (“Head Over Heels”) is released.
Renee Carter's Debut
Renee Carter starts working at Whit’s End. (“Things Not Seen”)
Alan Young passes away
Alan was the voice of Jack Allen
Janet Waldo passes away
Janet was the voice of Joanne, Jack Allen's wife.
800th Episode
“Untech the Halls,” Odyssey’s 800th episode releases on the Adventures in Odyssey Club.
Welcome, Pastor Knox
Pastor Wilson Knox moves to Odyssey. (“No Friend Like an Old Friend”)
"Get in the Show" No.2
Adventures in Odyssey holds the second “Get in the Show” contest, with the winner joining the cast on a cruise ship.
Morrie Tests Olivia
After Olivia makes a bold promise to the drama club, Morrie Rydell decides to secretly test her integrity. (“The Good in People”)
30 Years of Adventures in Odyssey
Adventures in Odyssey celebrates its 30th anniversary on the first-ever Focus on the Family cruise to the Bahamas.
Eugene and Buck's Road Trip
Eugene takes his foster son Buck on a road trip to learn more about the boy’s history. (“Out of the Picture”)
Mr. Skint Returns
Buck Oliver’s old mentor Mr. Skint returns to Odyssey after a long absence. (“The Long End, Part 2”)
A Dangerous Test at Whit’s End
Emily and Matthew are trapped inside an unfinished escape room in the basement of Whit’s End. (“A Sacrificial Escape”)
2020s
Radio Program of the Year
Adventures in Odyssey is Awarded, “Radio Program of the Year,” by the National Religious Broadcasters.
Will Ryan passes away
Will played more than 150 characters across more than 400 episodes but was most well-known as the lovable genius Eugene Meltsner
New Adventures in Odyssey Club launches
The new enhanced Club website and app experience launches with improved sound, personalized features, and family-friendly tools.
The Meltsner Family Moves to Baltimore
It is decided that Eugene, Katrina and Buck will be moving to Baltimore.
One Grand Party
Focus on the Family hosts "One Grand Party" in Colorado Springs to celebrate the 1000th episode of Adventures in Odyssey
1000th Episode
The 1000th episode, "Kris-Crossed, Part 1," airs on radio.
Jules Becomes a Christian
In "On the Edge, Part 2," Connie's sister Jules finally accepts Jesus.
500th Podcast
Hosts Bob and Jesse celebrate by revealing the ten most-listened-to episodes in the Club, complete with never-before-heard audio and behind-the-scenes stories from the cast and crew.
Adventures in Odyssey Film Announced
On the Official Adventures in Odyssey Podcast, hosts Bob and Jesse announce that a full-length animated feature film titled Adventures in Odyssey: Journey Into The Impossible will be coming to theaters in Fall 2026