Fred Rogers Productions Receives $3 Million Grant for Donkey Hodie

Fred Rogers Productions has secured a $3 million, multiyear funding grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) for Donkey Hodie.

The new funding agreement covers series production, digital content, station engagement and promotional activities. Produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, the multiplatform puppet series for preschoolers is set to launch on May 3 on PBS KIDS.

Inspired by Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else, following the adventures of the eponymous yellow donkey with a bright magenta mane and her pals Purple Panda, Duck Duck and Bob Dog. Donkey Hodie is the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

Aimed at kids aged 3 to 5, each episode of the new social-emotional series will include two 11-minute, character-driven stories. The series is currently in production on 40 half-hour episodes. Donkey Hodie is created by Adam Rudman and David Rudman, co-founders of Spiffy Pictures, and developed by Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer of Fred Rogers Productions. Executive producers are Ellen Doherty, Adam Rudman and David Rudman.

Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, said: “The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been an invaluable partner in helping us fulfill our mission of bringing exceptional children’s programming to kids and families across the country every day, and we’re excited to expand our relationship to include Donkey Hodie. We are grateful to CPB for their support, and we look forward to continuing our meaningful collaboration for many years to come.”

Debra Sanchez, CPB’s senior VP of education and children’s content, said: “Fred Rogers was a pioneer in using public television to educate young children and help them understand and manage their emotions, empathize with others, and develop a positive attitude. Donkey Hodie is a wonderful continuation of his legacy. We’re proud to support Fred Rogers Productions and Donkey Hodie in continuing this important work for a new generation.”