PBS Kids expands its preschool programming with two new animated series, Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Both shows are produced by 9 Story Media Group and animated by Brown Bag Films.
Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures premieres Oct. 5 with seven-minute episodes set within a comic book-inspired universe. Each interactive episode encourages early literacy skills to promote the educational development of preschoolers and kindergarteners. The show expands the Super Why universe, which includes an Emmy-nominated program and a live show.
“Literacy-focused content that engages, entertains, and supports young learners is needed now more than ever, which is why we’re thrilled to expand on the Super Why universe,” says Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS Kids and Education. “Through its fresh, comics-inspired format and fun-filled stories, the new series will help young audiences jumpstart a lifelong love of reading.”
The show reintroduces kids to Super Why, Wonder Red, Alpha Pig, and Princess Presto, along with newcomer Power Paige. With their gadgets and literacy powers, the team defends Reader Valley from villains who attempt to make reading difficult.
“It’s a full circle moment to reimagine Super Why! after 20 years in a way that ups the adventure, includes Super You, and feels true to the literacy power of the original series,” says Angela C. Santomero, Co-Creator and Executive Producer of PBS Kids and Education. “We know that kids and families will benefit from this new series as they learn, laugh, and help save the day.”
Through Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures, PBS Kids aims to increase reading scores for children across the United States.
“Bringing Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures to life has been an exciting opportunity for our team to push the visual storytelling in a bold new direction,” says Coral Schoug, Vice President of Production at Brown Bag Films. “From the dynamic, comic book-inspired world to the pace and energy of each story, the series is designed to immerse young viewers while supporting the show’s core literacy mission in a fun and engaging way.”
Santomero teams up with Sarah Wallendjack and Alex Breen for Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures. The new series is directed by Sean Calligan, who also develops the show alongside Jill Cozza-Turner.
PBS Kids brings young audiences a new Clifford the Big Red Dog series next year. The series continues to share the story’s core values with kids, inspiring social problem-solving skills and a sense of community.
“Clifford has been a favorite with children and families for generations, and we can’t wait to reintroduce this Big Red Dog to PBS Kids audiences across the country,” DeWitt says. “Giving kids the skills, knowledge, and encouragement they need to connect with others and sustain relationships is more vital than ever to prepare them for success in school and life.”
The new show will bring back Emily Elizabeth and Clifford for new adventures that demonstrate to kids how they can impact their communities and how to make friends.
“Since he first filled a page, Clifford the Big Red Dog captured the heart of Scholastic and his adventures connected with readers everywhere, creating remarkable, global recognition,” says Iole Lucchese, Scholastic Chief Strategy Officer, President of Scholastic Entertainment, and Executive Producer for Clifford the Big Red Dog. “This new series builds on Clifford’s most endearing traits through fresh storytelling, creating new opportunities for audiences and marking an exciting step in the continued growth of the franchise.”
The series contains 26 episodes; each episode includes an interactive game and two 11-minute stories. Jason Hopley joins the show as its head writer with Cory Bobiak as the director.
“With this next chapter, we’re leaning into a more comedic approach that amplifies the scale and playfulness of Clifford, while staying grounded in the warmth and emotional connection audiences have always loved,” says Vince Commisso, President and CEO of 9 Story Media Group and Executive Producer for Clifford the Big Red Dog. “We’re also proud to once again partner with PBS Kids, a trusted home for a brand that has resonated with families for generations.”
Upon the premiere of these shows, PBS Kids will also release accompanying games on its official website and the PBS Kids Games app. Digital Super Why! story books will also be available. For more information, visit pbskids.org.
