TVKIDS
Donkey Hodie Delivers Messages of Perseverance & Resilience about the Fred Rogers-inspired series Donkey Hodie
, which has bowed on PBS KIDS in the U.S.
The whimsical puppet series
Donkey Hodie, produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, debuted earlier this week on PBS KIDS in the U.S. The show follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and is inspired by the quirky, funny side of Fred Rogers.
“Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, and I had an idea to do a preschool show about perseverance that focused on a little donkey with big dreams,” says Ellen Doherty, chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions and executive producer of
Just like Mister Rogers, the new series aims to help preschool-aged children navigate the challenges of childhood. The show is set in Someplace Else, the imaginative land Fred Rogers created for his show. Donkey Hodie will include original music and reimagined versions of the iconic songs from Mister Rogers. These songs will reinforce the show s themes and adventures. As kids laugh and sing along with Donkey Hodie and her friends, they will learn important life lessons about teamwork, empathy and resilience to help them see a world full of possibilities, said Linda Simensky, PBS Kids head of content.
The series was created by Spiffy Pictures co-founders Adam and David Rudman and developed by Ellen Doherty, the chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions. All three will serve as executive producers.