PBS Kids Unveils Two New Animated Series

PBS Kids has added two new animated series to its pipeline, including Lyla in the Loop from creator Dave Peth (Odd Squad, Peg + Cat) and a weather series from Al Roker Entertainment.

Lyla in the Loop centers on a dynamic 7-year-old Black girl, her close-knit family and her fuzzy blue sidekick Stu as they problem-solve and use their critical thinking skills, whether to create a special sandwich for her family’s restaurant or to search for a missing package sent by an Auntie in Jamaica.

The series is being produced by Mighty Picnic, founded by Peth, with Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why, Alma’s Way, Bubble Guppies) animating. Funding for Lyla in the Loop was provided by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and a grant from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Ready to Learn initiative. Digital content for kids, families and teachers will launch along with the series to reinforce the show’s core messages, support play and experimentation with centra computational thinking skills and encourage creative expression.

“The message of Lyla in the Loop is that everyone has what it takes to be a creative problem-solver,” Peth said. “If you keep asking questions, trying new things and working together, you’ll find more solutions than you could have imagined—and have a lot of fun along the way.”

“In a world where representation matters, Lyla in the Loop features a Black girl who feels there is no problem too big or too small to solve,” noted Fracaswell Hyman, series executive producer and head writer. “Lyla leans in when problems occur or obstacles appear. She is curious, imaginative and, although she sometimes dives in head first without looking, her tenacity and creativity when it comes to problem-solving makes it clear that she will eventually resurface triumphant. Lyla’s loving family, friends and fantastical companion Stu create a warm environment that will attract viewers and invite them to emulate Lyla when challenges come their way.”

“Lyla is a character I would’ve loved to see on television when I was 7,” said Monique D. Hall, story editor. “She’s a little Black girl who isn’t afraid to be her full, smart and silly self. She and Stu get into all kinds of fun messes, but they always manage to find clever ways out of them–even if it takes a few tries. You’ll definitely want to be in the loop for whatever adventure Lyla, Stu and the rest of the Loops Crew get into next!”

“This animated series introduces our youngest learners to creative problem-solving and uses humor to show how these skills apply to everyday life, laying the groundwork for more structured learning experiences at school,” said Debra Tica Sanchez, senior VP of educational media and learning experiences at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “CPB is proud to support this series as part of the Ready To Learn initiative, which aims to ensure that every child develops the basic skills needed to succeed in school.”

“Featuring diverse and lovable characters who are inspired by creativity and the critical thinking skills needed to find solutions, Lyla in the Loop will bring truly charming stories that will keep young minds engaged and entertained,” said Luis Lopez, CEO of Pipeline Studios. “Our world-class artists and technical talent are excited to work with such incredible partners at Mighty Picnic, PBS KIDS and CPB to bring Lyla to life.”

Also added to PBS Kids’ pipeline is Weather Hunters, a new STEM series from Al Roker Entertainment. For kids ages 5 to 8, the series supports kids’ understanding of whether through adventure and comedy. It follows 8-year-old Lily Hunter, a weather detective who shares her investigations with her family, including dad Al Hunter, voiced by Roker.

Each 22-minute episode will explore STEM-based activities and themes to further viewers’ interest and knowledge of Earth science and meteorology. Topics include observing and tracking weather patterns, exploring why weather changes can be different around the country and the world, and the connection between humans and the environment.

Tracie Brennan and Lisa Tucker (Al Roker Entertainment) serve as executive producers, along with four-time Emmy Award-winning animation industry veteran Bill Schultz (Simpsons, Garfield, Clifford the Big Red Dog). The team of artists and writers includes Tyree Dilihay (Bob’s Burgers), animation producer/director Jerry Brice, head writer John Semper (Static Shock, Fraggle Rock) and three-time Emmy Award winner and writer Carin Greenberg (Tumbleleaf). The series is made possible by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies and PBS.

“We’re so excited to be working with Al Roker and his team to bring important weather and Earth science lessons to kids through Weather Hunters,” said Sara DeWitt, senior VP and general manager at PBS KIDS. “We know that parents and kids are looking for content about weather and climate; this show is fresh, funny and forward-thinking and will help kids understand how weather affects their lives every day.”

“Weather Hunters has been a labor of love and a passion project for more than a decade and I cannot think of a better partner than PBS KIDS to make this dream come true,” Roker said. “When it comes to Weather Hunters, I predict increasing animation with downpours of family friendly storytelling and a rising understanding of weather and climate on your local PBS station, pbskids.org, and the PBS KIDS video and games apps.”