PBS Kids

Not to be confused with PBS Kids Go!; or Universal Kids, formerly known as Sprout Channel and PBS Kids Sprout.

PBS Kids is an American educational channel consisting of children's programming that aired on PBS in the United States. Some public television children's programs are not produced by PBS member stations or transmitted by PBS. Instead, they are produced by independent public television distributors such as American Public Television, and are therefore not labeled as "PBS Kids" programming, as it is mainly a programming block branding. The target audience is children between the ages of 2 and 9. The network is also available in sub-Saharan Africa and Australia. PBS Kids brand programming is aired daily on most local PBS stations during a daytime block, typically scheduled in the morning hours, in addition to a separate 24/7 channel (sometimes called PBS Kids Channel or PBS Kids 24/7). Both the block and 24/7 service are broadcast over the air, via cable and satellite providers and on streaming platforms. Select programming is also available internationally. It was originally debuted on January 16, 2017. The channel is aimed at children ages 2-12. In September 6, 1999, the two idents at the end which were Dot and Dash introduced on the same day when the channel premiered. The link to its website is here: http://pbskids.org. PBS Kids also broadcasted all shows. [Vote for your favorite PBS Kids show here.]

TV Schedules

• PBS Kids (block) Schedules from the 1990s
• PBS Kids (block) Schedules from the 2000s
• PBS Kids (block) Schedules from the 2010s
• PBS Kids (block) Schedules from the 2020s
• Sep. 6, 1999 - Apr. 2, 2000
• PBS Kids Channel Schedules from the 2010s
• PBS Kids Channel Schedules from the 2020s

History

Formation

For many years prior to 1993, PBS had already aired a variety of children's programming, including Sesame Street, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow, and Thomas & Friends. In August 1993, PBS introduced a new branding dedicated for young children. The branding included animated characters called the P-Pals, which were 3 characters shaped similar in vein to the "P-head" icons on the PBS logo. These three characters encouraged various social skills in children. The official setup for what would eventually be PBS Kids was established as part of PBS's "Ready to Learn" Initiative, a project intended to cater to children who didn't learn very much. On July 11, 1994, PBS rebranded its programming block under a new name entitled "PTV", and said block aired on 11 PBS stations. PBS also aired interstitials with the P-Pals to appeal the little ones. Older kids were appealed to using live-action and musical interstitials.

On June 26, 1995, as part of a corporate initiative called "Bring Learning Home", Apple Computer provided a $1.5 Million Grant to PTV . A "Ready to Learn" initiative which was revealed on January 8, 1996, marked the development of Dragon Tales and Between the Lions, which both premiered in 1999 and 2000, respectively, in addition to online activities and outreach efforts. By the time of September 1996, 95 PBS stations reaching 3 quarters of the United States carried the PTV service. On October 7, 1996, PBS packaged its programs for school-aged children into their brand new programming block called "The Game", which aired on 31 stations by the end of that same year.

Rebranding to PBS Kids

On January 18, 1999, PBS announced the production of the PBS Kids Channel, meant to act as a centerpiece for a larger initiative. The channel launched in September of that year. On June 8th of that year, PBS announced that it would rebrand its PTV block under a new name, entitled "PBS Kids", partially to correspond with the new separate channel. Most of the branding began rolling out on most stations in October of that year and PBS offered grants to stations to did the branding prematurely. They also increased their budget by 25% and committed to two new Canadian shows entitled Caillou and Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series. PBS began using a thought bubble concept across the brand to promote imagination, creativity, and encouraging children to use their minds. PBS also replaced the P-Pals with brand new sibling mascots named Dash and Dot, who would later become the studio's most popular characters, and icons in children's media. PBS also relaunched its children's website under a new name called "PBS Kids.org". The website also featured unique new areas.

PBS Kids Bookworm Bunch

In August 1999, PBS began working with the Canadian-based company, Nelvana Limited to create a programming block that aired on weekends, particularly Saturday mornings. Time slots on weekends for PBS were usually filled with shows that were more aimed at a more general audience, such as do-it-yourself, crafting, or nature shows. The block featured programming that was based on children's books, such as Elliot Moose, Timothy Goes to School, Seven Little Monsters, George Shrinks, and Marvin the Tap-Dancing Horse. The concept originated from a commissioned study from the University of Kansas that stated that children could learn to read through television. In the first season of the block, all shows were shown 15-45 minutes past the hour, in order to try and discourage watchers from flipping the channel to PBS's competing children's networks, such as Nick Jr. on CBS, a similar block. The block proved very popular, having increased viewership. The first season ended on February 24, 2001, with reruns still airing October of that same year. Time slots and runtimes varied heavily between both the first and second seasons, but most were usually around 15 minutes later on. For example, The Berenstain Bears shared its' half-hour time slot with George Shrinks. The block was discontinued in September 2004, with most programming having been replaced with newly found PBS Kids programming such as Bob the Builder and Thomas & Friends replacing it, along with the newly found PBS Kids Go! block. Most programming that was part of the block was picked up by other networks, such as Discovery Kids, Qubo, PBS Kids Sprout, BBC Kids, and Tiny Pop.

Closure of the original PBS Kids Channel

In 2005, PBS shut down the PBS Kids Channel, as it struck a deal with Comcast's HIT Entertainment and Sesame Workshop to launch a replacement network known as PBS Kids Sprout (which would eventually be bought out and rebranded as Universal Kids in 2013), which would broadcast for 24 hours.

PBS Kids Go!

In 2004, PBS began noticing a lack of elementary aged programming in its branding as opposed to its usual preschool programs. In response, they then decided to take matters into their own hands, as on October 11, 2004, they launched a sub-block dedicated for older aged kids titled "PBS Kids Go!". The block aired late in the afternoon and included a few programs from the main block, while creating new and original programming too. Pre-existing shows included Arthur and Cyberchase, while original programming included Maya & Miguel, WordGirl, Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, and Wild Kratts. It also included reruns of programs such as Wishbone and Kratts' Creatures in its early days. Interstitials included elementary aged children messing around with various block structures in certain fashions. The block was closed on October 7, 2013 (just 4 days shy of its 9th anniversary), when PBS Kids began its new branding across stations with the launch of its new program, Peg + Cat. PBS also noticed that PBS Kids Go! was not as widely recognized as the main PBS Kids block, and that most programming on both blocks' programming were widely viewed by both demographics, making it difficult for parents to differentiate the two. Oddly enough however, despite its cancellation, the block is still sometimes randomly referenced occasionally on weekends post-2013.

PBS Kids Preschool Block

On September 4, 2006, with the launch of one of the network's more popular programs, Curious George, PBS launched a segmental program within their branding entitled PBS Kids Preschool Block. This block included their usual programming while also including new segments in between airing where young children would partake in social and educational activities with teachers, Ms. Rosa and Ms. Lori and computer animated mascot, Hooper. PBS also aired music videos and mini-games in the block. Dash would show the viewers how to play interactive games, such as Dash's Dance Party and Dash's Secret Treasure. The block was discontinued on June 1, 2014 due to PBS Kids airing back-to-back episodes of most of their shows as part of "Double the Fun". Other shows that began airing during this block included some of their more iconic programming, including the aforementioned Curious George, Super Why!, Sid the Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!.

2008 Rebrand

In 2008, PBS Kids launched a whole new set of graphic design, system cues, and interstitials among their block, with most previous bumpers from 1999 being replaced. In addition, PBS also aged their mascots, Dash and Dot up a little. In the bumpers, Dash and Dot sometimes would take part in silly activities, such as puddle splashing, feeding animals, blowing dandelions, and blowing bubbles. The channel's name was then read by either Dash or Dot after the activity showcased was finished. Their website also received a second overhaul as well.

PBS Kids Play!

During the time period between 2008 and 2013, PBS unveiled a new edutainment based subscription service to attract young internet users entitled, PBS Kids Play. It was developed alongside Canadian development company, Tribal Nova. The service was aimed at users aged 3-6 and allowed them to decorate their very own playroom with various odds and ends. Players could also play various games inspired by the PBS Kids shows. The service was shut down in 2015 as it was using "obsolete software". As of 2025, the service is still unusable. However, various people have attempted to archive it, with some even having successfully done so for certain elements of it.

PBS Kids Channel Relaunch

On January 16, 2017, PBS relaunched the PBS Kids Channel. with it this time being structured as an over-the-top and digital multicast television network with a online streaming service on the PBS Kids website and video app, in addition to utilizing mostly the same distribution methoding as the original channel. At the time of the channel's relaunch, no changes were made to the branding. The block is counter programmed from the channel, so airing is different in comparison to the channel.

2013 Rebrand and Current State

In 2013, PBS announced a second rebrand for PBS Kids, which overhauled not only its' graphic design, but also its website. The 2008 cardboardy animation was replaced with a more flat animation style. Dot was also aged up more and given a major redesign. PBS also mostly retired long time mascot Dash from the bumpers since his age became too mature for the role. He still remained within the bumpers as a part of the logo until 2022. Dot stayed within the bumpers however, and joining her from then on was new hosts, Dee and Del, her and Dash's younger siblings. Various shows premiered during the following years, including Nature Cat, Odd Squad, Splash and Bubbles, and Let's Go Luna!. Some bumpers from 2008 still remained intact on various channels, most PBS channels apart from KLCS have completely changed their bumpers to the current ones in 2022. Also in 2022, PBS redesigned the PBS Kids logo to feature only text. This decision was criticized by older viewers who grew up with the old logo and didn't desire for it to change. However, in spite of all its shortcomings, PBS Kids still remains strong to this day and airs to this day! With 15.5 millions viewers usually garnered on a daily basis.

Shows

For a full list of shows, see List of Shows/PBS Kids and List of Shows/PBS Kids (block)

Current Programming includes

• Sesame Street (1969-present)
• Arthur (1996-2022)
• Cyberchase (2002-Present)
• Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman (2006-2010)
• Curious George (2006-2024)
• Super WHY! (2007-2016)
• WordGirl (2007-2015)
• WordWorld (2007-2011)
• Martha Speaks (2008-2014)
• Sid the Science Kid (2008-2012)
• Dinosaur Train (2009-2020)
• The Cat in the Hat Knows a lot About That! (2010-2018)
• Wild Kratts (2011-Present)
• Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (2012-Present)
• Peg + Cat (2013-2018)
• Odd Squad (2014-2022)
• Nature Cat (2015-2024)
• Ready Jet Go! (2016-2019)
• Splash and Bubbles (2016-2018)
• Pinkalicious & Peteriffic (2018-Present)
• Molly of Denali (2019-)
• Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum (2019-Present)
• Hero Elementary (2020-2022)
• Elinor Wonders Why (2020-Present)
• Donkey Hodie (2021-Present)
• Alma's Way (2021-Present)
• Rosie's Rules (2022-2023)
• Work It Out Wombats! (2023-Present)
• Lyla in the Loop (2024-present)
• Carl the Collector (2024-Present)