Type: Press Releases

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

The Renewal of the Fred Rogers Productions Series Will Feature an All-New Format

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood kicks off its seventh season on August 12, 2024 on PBS KIDS. Season 7 of the animated series from Fred Rogers Productions will feature 14 episodes with exciting new interstitials plus one half-hour special. Since its launch in 2012, the relatable Daniel Tiger has become beloved by children and parents alike as he takes viewers along on his everyday adventures in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Now, viewers will experience the perspective of other fan-favorite characters in an exciting new format change for the series.

For the first time, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will feature stories from the points-of-view of familiar friends. Each half-hour will include one story from Daniel’s perspective and another from the perspective of characters including Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Prince Wednesday, Jodi Platypus, Max, and Chrissie. The show’s iconic “Imagination Moments" will also be presented from the unique perspectives of other characters to illustrate each friend’s own imaginative style.

“We’re excited that the new format will give children more opportunities to see themselves and their experiences represented as they get to know Daniel’s friends in a different way,” said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer, Fred Rogers Productions. “Celebrating friends and neighbors is one of many ways that Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continues the legacy of Fred Rogers.”

“We’re thrilled to continue bringing stories from Daniel and all his friends to kids across the country on PBS KIDS,” said Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, PBS KIDS. “Families love to share with us how much these characters and lessons resonate, and we can’t wait for everyone to see more.”

In addition to new songs and stories—including a helpful potty strategy tune—the seventh season will feature an episode where Daniel and friends wonder what's new about Trolley. Young viewers and their families will also get to visit a new location and meet Jodi’s dad, Mr. Plat, who lives outside the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Starting June 22, families can visit The Magic House to experience a new nationally traveling exhibit, Alma's Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood!, an immersive exhibit developed and fabricated by The Magic House in collaboration with  Fred Rogers Productions. The exhibit is based on Alma’s Way, the hit animated series on PBS KIDS®. The series follows the neighborhood adventures of 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family and a diverse group of friends and neighbors.

The familiar environments from the show come to life as visitors are transported to Alma’s vibrant neighborhood in the Bronx to explore:

Alma’s Family Duplex: Step inside Alma's welcoming Family Duplex, where generations come together to share traditions. Learn to make mofongo, a Puerto Rican dish, or immerse yourself in the sounds of Puerto Rican music by playing instruments like maracas and hand drums. Outside, play hopscotch on the sidewalk or have a barbecue in the backyard.

Bodega: Explore a Bangladeshi Bronx Bodega, a small neighborhood store that is full of a variety of items like food, drinks, snacks, school supplies, household items, and souvenirs. Contribute to a collaborative community mural, adding a creative touch to the vibrant streetscape.

Community Center: Discover the rich heritage of Puerto Rican culture at the Community Center, where you can participate in Bomba dance lessons and learn to play the Bomba drums.

Pet Clinic: Become a veterinarian like Alma’s papi, Dr. Rivera, and perform check-ups while learning about fascinating creatures like parrots, lizards, and red-eyed tree frogs, then create your own video inspired by Dr. Rivera’s internet animal show.

6 Train: Take a subway ride aboard the 6 train, play The Alma Train game, and be a conductor like Alma’s Tía Gloria.

Park: Go on a quest to find coquÍs, tiny frogs native to Puerto Rico. Enjoy a game of checkers, climb on rock formations, or decorate a cardboard clubhouse.

Alma's Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood! is free with Museum admission and will be at The Magic House from June 22 through January 5, when it will begin traveling to other children’s museums around the country.

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

It’s Alma’s Way!, the first album from the hit animated PBS KIDS series, Alma’s Way, is now available on all digital music platforms. The release of the soundtrack comes from the collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions, the esteemed children’s media organization and producer behind Alma’s Way, and Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division. Fans of the acclaimed series, which helps children ages 4-6 develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, will recognize the music celebrating Alma’s Puerto Rican heritage, her adventures in her hometown of The Bronx, and more.

The new album features original music from award-winning composers and lyricists, including Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola Méndez, along with fan-favorite songs like the series title track, “Alma’s Way! (Theme Song)” written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman. Other notable songs include “Alma's Nochebuena Aguinaldo,” “The Bronx Squirrel Stomp," and “Mofongo on the Go Go.”

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the children’s educational media organization behind the hit series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and 9 Story Brands, its worldwide licensing agent for the popular brand, together with toy partner JAKKS Pacific and retail marketing agency Licensing Street, have secured a new retail program for the much-loved preschool property in Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us shops.

The assortment includes eight Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood toy skus rolling out to 200+ Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us shops across the U.S. this month.

Among the toys headed to store shelves are Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Deluxe Trolley, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Family and Friends Figures, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Goodnight Daniel Tiger, and an assortment of mini figures, feature and jumbo plush. One of the new items, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Ultra Jumbo Daniel Tiger plush, is a Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us exclusive for fall 2023 and will be featured in the retailer’s holiday toy catalog.

The special toy collection will join an assortment of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood-brand products currently available online at Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us, including books and games.

“We’re delighted to work with 9 Story Brands and JAKKS Pacific to bring the imaginative world of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to Macy’s Toys ’R’ Us shoppers,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “Children and families now will be able to experience the product range in a fun and exciting, play-focused environment that lets them immerse themselves in the wonder of these new toys.”

“We are excited to see Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood toys return to Toys ‘R’ Us, where the brand originally launched,” said Kyra Halperin, VP, Consumer Products for 9 Story. “With over 10 years on air, the demand for Daniel Tiger products continues to grow. We look forward to continued collaboration with our valued partners to enhance fans' connections to the brand.”

“We are excited to launch this partnership with Macy’s Toys ‘R’ Us as a perfect destination for Daniel Tiger, creating a storytelling experience where kids, parents, and grandparents can bring these beloved characters home,” said Tracy Warshauer, SVP of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific.

Premiering in 2012, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is now in its sixth season on PBS KIDS. The series is co-produced by Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group and animated by 9 Story’s award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films. 9 Story Brands holds worldwide licensing rights. The property has 50 licensees on board, including JAKKS Pacific (toys), Simon & Schuster (publishing), Crayola (coloring), Isaac Morris (apparel), Tonies (audio toy), Waloo Products (sporting goods), and more.

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

9 Story Brands and Fred Rogers Productions are pleased to announce a licensing partnership with new children’s outdoor company carter joey™ for the beloved children’s series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Rights granted include children’s outdoor backpacks, patch packs, and adventure blankets within the U.S. and Canada. The first carter joey™ x Daniel Tiger products will launch later this year and will include a Sling Pack backpack and a patch pack that correlates with episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

“We are thrilled to partner with carter joey™, an exciting new startup on a mission to inspire families to be intentional with their time and be active, not busy.” said Kyra Halperin, Co-VP of Consumer Products for 9 Story. “carter joey™ will help families play-out the learning themes of the series in their own backyards and bring the important themes to life off-screen.”

"We are delighted to have the honor of partnering with such a well-established and wholesome brand like Daniel Tiger," said carter joey™ Co-Founder, Damon Claus. "There is great synergy between how Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood teaches children valuable life lessons and how carter joey™ encourages the same audience to be adventurous in their approach to learning."

"We are excited to work with a fellow like-minded, Pittsburgh-based brand to bring Daniel Tiger to children and families in a new way," said Matt Shiels, vice president of Business and Legal Affairs at Fred Rogers Productions. "Daniel and his friends model fun and adventure outdoors, and carter joey™ is a natural partner to bring that element to life."

After premiering in 2012, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is now in its sixth season on PBS KIDS. The series is co-produced by Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group and animated by 9 Story’s award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films. 9 Story Brands holds worldwide licensing rights. The property has 50 licensees on board including Jakks Pacific (toys), Simon & Schuster (publishing), Crayola (coloring), Isaac Morris (apparel), Tonies (audio toy), Waloo Products (sporting goods), and more.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the iconic children’s media organization behind multiple Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, has formed the Writers’ Neighborhood, a five-year initiative focused on identifying and supporting new and emerging writers from underrepresented racial groups as they build careers in children’s media. The eight-week program aims to help hone the skills and broaden the experience of talented creatives who better represent the increasingly diverse audience for the company’s own hit series, like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Alma’s Way, and Donkey Hodie, as well as that of the broader children’s media industry. In the wake of its successful pilot in fall 2022, Fred Rogers Productions will accept applications for the program’s second cohort from May 1 to May 15.

"Many writers in children's media are freelancers, so we designed the Writers' Neighborhood with a dual focus of developing your craft and building your career," said Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer, Fred Rogers Productions. "Knowing how to write a good story or develop engaging characters is a completely different skill set from finding work, asking for and understanding feedback, or cultivating relationships, and we want to help our fellows gain experience on all fronts."

The Fred Rogers Productions Writers’ Neighborhood will welcome eight fellows per cohort as they learn to be intentional in their writing process, determine context for a series when they are not on a production staff, and interpret and take notes, among other important skills, including how to find and secure jobs in the field.

Beyond the eight-week program, Fred Rogers Productions will offer additional mentorship connections and opportunities to engage in industry activities and events. Many of the fellows who participated in last year’s pilot program are now writing episodes for series currently in production at Fred Rogers Productions.

Fred Rogers Productions will host an application information webinar on April 27, 2023, details for which can be found on LinkedIn.

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad, and Peg + Cat, has secured a two-year $600,000 grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations (AVDF) for its newest series, Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie. AVDF’s mission is to support institutions it views as pillars of American society, and Fred Rogers Productions is one of a few producers of public media receiving continued support.

“The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations is one of the nation’s foremost patrons of public media for viewers of all ages and a valued supporter of Fred Rogers Productions,” said Paul Siefken, president and CEO, Fred Rogers Productions. “Their funding enables us to provide a range of innovative and enriching programming to children and families every day.”

“By working with Fred Rogers Productions, we are supporting the very best in children’s media,” said Michael Murray, president and CEO, AVDF. “The company continues to lead the way with quality content that fills the gap and raises the bar in educational and prosocial children’s programming, and we’re delighted to help ensure that Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie remain sources of learning and growth for young viewers.”

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

 A new collection of products from Donkey Hodie, the hit preschool puppet series, will be introduced nationwide this year. Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s educational media organization behind multiple Emmy®-winning PBS KIDS series, and Licensing Street, licensing agent for the show, have partnered to secure deals with top brands in a variety of categories. The debut Donkey Hodie collection, which will include apparel from Komar and Mad Engine, as well as costumes from Rubies, is set to launch this fall.

“Consumer demand for Donkey Hodie products has been high since the series debut and we’re excited to welcome these best-in-class licensees to the Donkey Hodie family,” said Matt Shiels, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, Fred Rogers Productions. “They are sure to help extend the whimsical and huggable world of Donkey Hodie so children can create their own imaginative series-themed adventures.”

“Donkey Hodie is a winner with kids and families,” said Jason Korfine, Partner at Licensing Street. “Just like viewers who are drawn to the series, licensees have been eager to join in, too, and we’re delighted to be working with Komar, Mad Engine, and Rubies to offer new series-inspired products for fans everywhere.”

The first Donkey Hodie products heading to retail include:

  • Komar – Sleepwear
  • Mad Engine – T-shirts and apparel
  • Rubies – Costumes and role-play

In addition, Jada Toys, master toy partner, will introduce a range of Donkey Hodie toys, including highly anticipated feature plush. Toys and additional character plush are expected later this year.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Kidscreen announced that Fred Rogers Productions has earned the #9 spot in the Production category of their annual Hot 50 honors. The Hot 50 rankings are the results of votes from our peers in the children's media industry.

We are grateful to share these kudos with our production partners, many of whom are fellow honorees.

Kidscreen magazine is one of the premiere trades that covers children's media. The organization also holds an annual summit that brings together companies from across the children's media industry.

Read more to see the full line-up on here..

Posted on by Brooke Wehrle

Fred Rogers Productions is pleased to announce six Emmy nominations for 2022. We are very proud to share this honor with our production partners 9 Story Media Group, Pipeline Studios, Sinking Ship Entertainment, and Spiffy Pictures.

 

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM:

Alma’s Way

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

 

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM:

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

 

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM:

Donkey Hodie

 

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING:

Odd Squad

 

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL EFFECTS COSTUMES, HAIR AND MAKEUP:

Odd Squad