The Jim Henson Company is producing Wowsabout, a new live-action 22-minute preschool special starring new puppet characters and celebrating the power of awe, which will debut on PBS KIDS May 1. (photo:Jim Henson Company)
Premiering May 1, Wowsabout is a family-friendly adventure set in Sequoia National Park. The half-hour special features live-action puppets filmed on location and follows Roxy, an artistic hedgehog, and Ronald, a city-raised pig with a love of science, on their first camping trip together. Through humor, music, and heartfelt moments, the pair explore the emotion of awe, discover the wonders of nature, and meet real kids along the way. [WATCH TRAILER]
On May 22, America’s Awesome Kids launches with 25 live-action mini-documentaries produced with 23 PBS stations nationwide. Each short highlights a child sharing what makes their community special. Viewers will meet Mahry from Iowa, who cares for llamas on her family’s farm; Sahana from Georgia, who loves peaches and Bollywood dancing while helping organize park cleanups; and Jacob from Louisiana, who introduces Cajun culture on a festive swamp tour with Papa Noel. Together, their stories celebrate “all kinds of awesome kids, one awesome country.”
Beginning June 12, City Island: USA! takes viewers on a lively cross-country adventure through six two-minute shorts. Blending animation with real-world locations, the series follows Watt, a bright little lightbulb, and his kite friend Windy as they travel across the five U.S. regions with their teacher, Mr. Rubric. Along the way, famous landmarks come to life and share their own stories and contributions to American history.
Launching June 22, Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes features four hour-long specials inspired by the series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. The themed collections highlight leaders, athletes, artists, and innovators who made a difference—from Julia Child and Mark Twain to Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, and the Wright Brothers—showing how ordinary kids can grow up to do extraordinary things.
The initiative also includes new premieres such as “Happy Birthday Qyah,” a special two-part Molly of Denali episode arriving June 15, and an Alma’s Way short celebrating America’s 250th birthday on July 2.
PBS KIDS will also curate collections of videos and games from popular series that support civics and social studies learning, including Arthur, City Island, Cyberchase, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, Peg + Cat, Rosie’s Rules, Sesame Street, and more. A special Wild Kratts collection will spotlight animals found across America, from bald eagles and bison to beavers, wolves, and rattlesnakes.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities—and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids ages 2–8, PBS KIDS helps children build skills that last a lifetime. Through trusted programming, games, and community-based initiatives, PBS KIDS sparks curiosity and supports learning both in school and at home.
Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime on the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, and pbskids.org—no subscription required. Kids can also play hundreds of educational games on the PBS KIDS Games app and at pbskids.org. Together with local stations across the country, PBS KIDS empowers parents, caregivers, and teachers to support learning anytime, anywhere.
