Donkey Hodie, the hit puppet series from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, has been greenlit for a second season on PBS KIDS. The series is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures.
Inspired by original characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie is a social-emotional learning series for kids ages three-to-five that empowers viewers to dream big and overcome obstacles through practicing skills including resilience, persistence, and problem-solving. Season two of the imaginative series is expected to premiere in spring 2023 on PBS KIDS.
Fred Rogers Productions chief creative officer and the executive producer of show Ellen Doherty said, “Woven into every light-hearted Donkey Hodie story is the central theme of resilience, which is an essential skill for children and it’s one that can be learned. Donkey and her pals model positivity and persistence through stories focusing on being flexible and adapting to change, cooperating with your friends, managing big feelings, and more. Giving young children examples of how to overcome obstacles is especially important now given the unique challenges of the last two years.”
Spiffy Pictures co-founders and executive producers of the show Adam Rudman and David Rudman said, “We are excited to tell more silly, surprising, and endearing stories as we dive deeper into these beloved characters’ backstories and introduce kids and their families to some new neighbours and locales of the whimsical world of Someplace Else.”
PBS children’s media and education GM and SVP Sara DeWitt said, “Since its premiere last year, Donkey Hodie has brought engaging stories full of fun, humour, and important life lessons to kids across the country, helping them to see a world of possibilities. We couldn’t be happier to bring the second season of adventures from Donkey and her friends to PBS KIDS.”
Season two of Donkey Hodie will feature 25 half-hour episodes including two specials. This season will introduce viewers to new pals and locations in Someplace Else, a world where everyone is welcome and can pursue their big dreams. They’ll also learn more about the series’ main characters, Donkey Hodie, Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog. The new season will explore all-new stories while modeling and practicing key learning goals, including empathy, perspective-taking, understanding and managing feelings, and more.
Inspired by the funny, quirky side of children’s television pioneer Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else. The imaginative puppet series follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic and charming go-getter who takes on each day with curiosity and resilience, and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend who wears his big heart on his sleeve; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young mallard who loves to figure things out; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine who is always ready to fetch a ball or boogie to music.