PBS KIDS Launches Civics Content Initiative

PBS KIDS has launched a civics content initiative that aims to encourage viewers to be active and contributing members of their communities.

The effort, which expands on PBS KIDS’ social studies learning goals, spans across new and existing series. It includes a second season of City Island and two new music video series, City Island Sings and Together We Can (w.t.).

The growing franchise of City Island will include a new stable of games that will allow young players to become City Island citizens. City Island Sings will encompass ten music videos that will debut on streaming platforms every Wednesday and Friday beginning May 29. Season two of City Island is set to premiere on July 5 and will build on the first season’s focus on civic engagement.

Together We Can (w.t.), created and produced by Sesame Workshop, consists of 20 live-action music videos that cover civics topics such as what it means to be a member of a community, the importance of rules and rights and brander civics engagement concepts from voting and symbols of democracy to the U.S. Constitution. The first ten episodes are set to premiere on July 3, with the remaining ten rolling out on August 7.

Other new content includes new episodes of Rosie’s Rules covering civics-related topics and the new animated shorts series You, Me & Community.

PBS KIDS is also in development with TIME Studios on a live-action shorts series supporting civic engagement through media literacy.

In addition, in October a playlist of civics-focused episodes from PBS KIDS series such as Arthur, Rosie’s Rules, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Molly of Denali, Alma’s Way, Peg + Cat and Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum will air.

“Kids are so perceptive to everything happening around them, and at PBS KIDS, we believe it’s important that they have a place to go to learn about civics in an age-appropriate way,” said Sara DeWitt, senior VP and general manager at PBS KIDS. “At a time when many K-12 schools have cut back on civics curriculum requirements, we are significantly expanding our offerings to meet the growing need, reinforce the core principles of citizenship, and help kids understand how they can be a good neighbor and have a positive and lasting impact in their communities.”