Digital Sneak Peek for PBS Kids’s Ready Jet Go!

PASADENA: PBS Kids is launching a sneak peek of the new animated show Ready Jet Go!, produced by Wind Dancer Films, on digital platforms ahead of its February 15 linear premiere.

Ready Jet Go! aims to teach children astronomy and Earth science concepts. The program, created by Craig Bartlett (Dinosaur Train), features live-action interstitials with Jet Propulsion Laboratory astrophysicist Dr. Amy Mainzer, who also serves as a science curriculum consultant. Previews of full-length episodes are rolling out this month, totaling a dozen 11-minute installments by January 29, which marks the most full-length video content PBS Kids has ever released in advance of a broadcast debut. The videos are available for free on the PBS Kids website, video app and through PBS Kids Video on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. There are also two mobile-friendly web games, hands-on activities and a live stream of the International Space Station channel.

“PBS Kids delivers high-quality educational content to kids anytime and anywhere, and we find that the learning potential is greater when kids interact with our content on multiple platforms,” said Sara DeWitt, the VP of PBS Kids Digital. “With Ready Jet Go!, we are sharing more content than ever before, prior to a series’ television premiere. We are excited that kids can explore outer space and beyond with Jet and his friends now, building excitement for the series’ on-air debut on PBS stations next month, as well as sparking their curiosity about astronomy and Earth science.”

“When I was a little kid, as soon as I learned just a little bit about the universe, I was hooked for life,” noted Dr. Mainzer. “Kids are born as little scientists, so reaching them early is key to igniting a lifelong love for science and appreciation for the planet we live on.”

“Public media is a natural home for Ready Jet Go!, giving all children a free and safe place to explore science content,” added Debra Sanchez, the senior VP of education and children’s content at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

PBS Kids has also unveiled details for Splash, a tentatively titled new animated series about marine biology and ocean science. The show was created by John Tartaglia (Imaginocean) and produced by The Jim Henson Company and Herschend Enterprises. It will debut on PBS stations around the U.S. in the fall, along with integrated digital content.

“PBS Kids offers high-quality media content to meet the needs of today’s kids, sparking their curiosity and excitement about learning,” said Lesli Rotenberg, the general manager of children’s media at PBS. “While oceans cover the majority of the Earth’s surface, there is a profound lack of educational media for young children that explores the science of the fascinating world under the sea. Splash (w.t.) will introduce kids to the wonders of marine biology, building science skills and fostering an appreciation for the biodiversity that lives in our oceans.”

“We are so proud to bring our newest show to PBS Kids and introduce young audiences to meaningful ‘first friends’ we know they will love,” stated Lisa Henson, the CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “Reeftown is a bustling ocean neighborhood, welcoming kids to get to know the incredible citizens of the sea. Through the adventures of Splash and his friends, we hope to inspire environmentalism by helping young children build confidence in their ability to make a difference. We also hope they develop empathy for all the creatures that share this planet with us.”

“The ocean is a fascinating and essential part of our world, yet most kids have a very limited understanding of what it is, what lives there and why it is so important to all of us,” added Tartaglia, who also voices the titular character. “Splash (w.t.) will engage and educate young viewers by presenting the novelty of the ‘strange-but-true’ world of the ocean with humor and music. Funny, character-driven songs will reinforce the show’s learning goals, helping kids build key skills as they sing along with their underwater friends.”