TVKIDS
A new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood special, created in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is slated to launch on PBS Kids next month to kick off the new season of the show.
The special episode, titled “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Won’t You Sing Along with Me?,” helps address some of the challenges and disappointments kids and their families may be experiencing due to COVID-19. In the special, Daniel learns he can’t gather with all of his neighbors at the Neighborhood Carnival, which brings up feelings and questions like what to do when he misses the people he loves. Created with funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the special will be available on PBS stations, the PBS Kids 24/7 channel and PBS Kids digital platforms, on August 17.
Lesli Rotenberg, chief programming executive and general manager of children’s media and education at PBS, said: “As COVID-19 continues to pose challenges to families across the country, PBS Kids is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of children, parents and caregivers. Learning lies at the heart of our mission, and we’ve been proud to be able to step in and offer at-home learning solutions, content and resources, like this timely special from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, that reach kids where they are with age-appropriate lessons—especially in areas where families may have limited or no access to broadband internet.”
In addition, five new episodes, including the 22-minute special “Daniel’s Substitute Teacher” will premiere throughout the week. A new digital game from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be available later this summer on pbskids.org and the PBS Kids Games app. In Dance Party, kids can dance along with Daniel and his friends, following their dance moves or listening to the music and dancing in their own way. Further, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood activities and resources will be available on PBS Kids for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.
Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, said: “Season five of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will showcase even more relatable storylines and fresh musical strategies to help keep preschoolers learning, growing, and navigating the world around them. In addition to the upcoming special, the season will include episodes about sudden changes at school, separation from family members, staying safe, hospital stays, respecting one’s personal space, disappointment, generosity, and grown-ups taking care of you.”
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is executive produced by Angela C. Santomero, chief creative officer at 9 Story Media Group; Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer of Fred Rogers Productions; and Vince Commisso, president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group.
