New initiative includes a slate of children’s specials, shorts and curated programming tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary that will debut beginning May 1 with projects from The Jim Henson Company, GBH Kids, Future Brain Media and 9 Story Media Group.
PBS Kids has announced PBS Kids Across America, a new programming initiative highlighting people, places and historical figures from across the United States as the country approaches its semiquincentennial. The initiative will roll out from May through July 2026 and beyond with new specials, shorts and curated content spotlighting communities throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories.
The programming begins May 1 with the premiere of Wowsabout, a half-hour special from The Jim Henson Company. Additional premieres include America’s Awesome Kids, a series of live-action shorts from GBH Kids launching May 22; City Island: USA!, a new six-episode miniseries of two-minute shorts from Future Brain Media debuting June 12; and Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes, four hour-long specials from 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films arriving June 22.
Set in Sequoia National Park, Wowsabout follows Roxy, an artistic and musical hedgehog, and Ronald, a city-raised pig who loves natural science, on their first camping trip together. The special features live-action puppets filmed on location as the pair explore the emotion of awe while discovering natural landmarks and meeting children along the way.
“PBS Kids is uniquely positioned to share content that reflects the lives of our young audience, while also introducing them to the wide array of places and stories from across our country,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS and Education. “We’re excited to embark on this fun and learning-filled adventure with kids and families across the U.S., its territories, and beyond.”
The initiative also introduces several short-form series and specials. GBH Kids’ America’s Awesome Kids presents 25 live-action mini-documentary shorts produced with 23 PBS stations across the country, highlighting children from different regions and what is special about where they live, their hobbies and passions, and how they are making a positive impact in their communities. Each featured kid highlights a range of interests, activities, and experiences that celebrate what’s awesome about America.
The animated and live-action hybrid City Island: USA! follows Watt, a lightbulb character, and Windy the kite as they visit landmarks across the United States with their teacher Mr. Rubric, with locations sharing stories about their historical significance. In true City Island fashion, the landmarks speak for themselves, sharing first-hand accounts of their history and special contributions to the United States.
Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes celebrates “ordinary” American kids throughout history who went on to do extraordinary things. Animated episode compilations from the PBS Kids series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum spotlight numerous American heroes including Julia Child, Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King and the Wright Brothers. The themed specials center on leaders, athletes, artists, and innovators.
Additional programming tied to the initiative includes the two-part Molly of Denali episode “Happy Birthday Qyah,” premiering June 15, and an Alma’s Way short marking America’s 250th birthday debuting July 2. Plus, videos and games from Arthur, Cyberchase, Sesame Street and other properties are also on the way to help boost civics and broader social studies learning.
Producing partners for the initiative include The Jim Henson Company, GBH Kids, Future Brain Media, 9 Story Media Group, Brown Bag Films and Fred Rogers Productions.
PBS Kids believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. The educational media brand for children ages 2–8 delivers content across broadcast, digital platforms and community programs designed to support learning and curiosity. PBS Kids programming is available through the PBS Kids Video app, connected TV devices and pbskids.org, while interactive games are available through the PBS Kids Games app and the PBS Kids website.
Source: PBS Kids
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
