PBS KIDS announced Donkey Hodie, a new social-emotional series for children ages 3-5 created by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, is slated to premiere nationwide on PBS stations, the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and PBS KIDS digital platforms in winter 2021.
The puppet series follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character (now known as “Grampy Hodie”), a puppet from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, who appeared in 59 episodes of the children’s show from 1968-1993. It is set in the land of Someplace Else, which was created by Fred Rogers on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The new multiplatform show is filmed at WTTW, the flagship PBS station in Chicago.
New, original music will be featured in Donkey Hodie — along with reimagined versions of Fred Rogers’ original songs — to reinforce and underscore each story’s message. Each episode of Donkey Hodie will include two 11-minute, character-driven stories with accompanying short form content. The series is currently in production for 40 half-hour episodes.
Along with the television series, Donkey Hodie will offer digital content for kids, parents, and teachers, launching in tandem with the series. Donkey Hodie games will be available on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App. Parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips, and printable activities.