PITTSBURGH — Kids are going to have more hee-hawesome adventures coming their way this time next year.
"Donkey Hodie," a children's show developed by Pittsburgh-based Fred Rogers Productions that premiered in May 2021, was officially renewed for a second season on PBS Kids, according to an FRP news release. The series chronicles the kid-friendly exploits of the titular yellow donkey, who is the granddaughter of original "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" character Donkey Hodie.
The show is a collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, which was co-founded by brothers Adam and David Rudman. It takes place in the land of Someplace Else — part of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe — and features a cast of colorful puppets that includes Donkey, Purple Panda, Duck Duck, Bob Dog and Clyde the Cloud.
"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 neighbors and locales of the whimsical world of Someplace Else," the Rudmans, who also created and executive produce "Donkey Hodie," said in a statement.
Added Ellen Doherty, Fred Rogers Productions' chief creative officer and a fellow "Donkey Hodie" executive producer: "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."
"Donkey Hodie" is still in the process of airing its first season on PBS Kids. Its second season will consist of 25 half-hour episodes and also include two specials, according to the release. New episodes are expected to resume some time in spring 2023.
In addition to "Donkey Hodie," Fred Rogers Productions also recently debuted "Alma's Way," an animated show centered around a 6-year-old Puerto Rican girl living with her family in the Bronx. There's no word yet on whether "Alma's Way" will be getting a second season or not.
Nielsen broadcast data for January found that "Donkey Hodie" was the No. 2 PBS Kids series with children ages 2-8 during that month, according to the release. That indicates the show was finding its footing with its intended audience.
"Since its premiere last year, 'Donkey Hodie' has brought engaging stories full of fun, humor and important life lessons to kids across the country, helping them to see a world of possibilities," Sara DeWitt, PBS' senior vice president and general manager of children's media and education, said in a statement.
"We couldn't be happier to bring a second season of adventures from Donkey and her friends to PBS Kids."
