Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to Unveil Format Change That Gives Children ‘More Opportunities to See Themselves’
Things might look a wee bit different when your rugrat visits Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood this August.
PBS KIDS has announced that on Monday, Aug. 12, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will premiere its seventh season, consisting of 14 episodes with exciting new interstitials, plus one half-hour special.
New for the acclaimed series, each half-hour episode will include one story from Daniel’s perspective and another from the perspective of characters such as Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Prince Wednesday, Jodi Platypus, Max and Chrissie.
The show’s “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,” Ellen Doherty, Fred Rogers Productions CCO, said in a statement. “Celebrating friends and neighbors is one of many ways that Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continues the legacy of Fred Rogers.”
In addition to new songs and stories — including (SPOILER ALERT!) a “helpful potty strategy tune” — Season 7 will feature an episode where Daniel and friends wonder what’s new about Trolley. Viewers and their families will also visit a new location and meet Jodi’s dad, Mr. Plat, who lives outside of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Sara DeWitt, SVP and general manager for PBS KIDS, said of the series’ Season 7 order, “We’re thrilled to continue bringing stories from Daniel and all his friends to kids across the country on 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.”
It’s only going to make neocon politicians & media a reason to flip their (powdered) wigs. “How DARE you have a Down Syndrome hedgehog??!! We’ll have you know WE don’t have our DS children anywhere BUT in the attic & we don’t appreciate you libbys normalizing God’s mistakes!!” Ah, who am I kidding… they don’t watch PBS. They watch Mr. Alex Jones’ Neighborhood.