The American pubcaster is looking for curriculum-based series aimed at kids two to five or three to eight. Shows that blend literacy, math and characters solving problems using these skills are of particular interest to the kidcaster.
PBS KIDS is interested in building up its content slate with shows of all formats and styles, and is focused on featuring more diversity much like its animated shows Molly of Denali and Alma’s Way highlight Indigenous kids in the far reaches of Alaska and Latino culture in New York City, respectively.
Following the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020, parents reached out to the channel to learn about how to speak to their kids about race and racism. The channel is putting more emphasis on the topic, and is looking for new stories featuring characters from a wide array of backgrounds. It’s important, however, that the behind-the-scenes staff are equally diverse, according to PBS KIDS, and being inclusive at all stages of production is something the pubcaster is asking of its production partners.
While representing a bigger pool of kids, PBS’ focus is now (and always will be) on American kids though. It’s important to the pubcaster that all American kids between the ages of two and eight see themselves on the channel and it’s important it starts out with an American generating the idea.
After the idea comes to PBS though, the pubcaster will often work with an international producer to bring it to life such as 9 Story, Fred Rogers or Atomic Cartoons.
In addition to having an educational focus, all projects need to be able to extend to online and mobile content, such as games. While 30-minute blocks will continue to be the main focus for PBS KIDS, it states the way children watch content—particularly as they shift to new channels and platforms—is opening up new short-form storytelling methods.
Recognizing that filling a 30-minute block with two 11-minute episodes leaves a few minutes on air at the end, the pubcaster is looking to partner with new creatives and prodcos to test short-form content. This will allow the broadcaster to work with new talent who might not yet have the experience to lead a longer show, allow for more experimentation, and also give it a chance to tackle topics that might be difficult to carry a full 11-minute episode—like the importance of nutrition.
As for genres it doesn’t need right now, PBS is covered on the science-show front. Community and civics shows are also well represented at the moment. However the channel always needs new literacy and math shows.
*Updated on May 26, 2023
Team
Adriano Schmid VP of PBS KIDS Content
Sara DeWitt SVP and GM
Tommy Gillespie Director of Children's Programming
Demographic
Kids two to five or three to eight.
Format
2D Animation
3D Animation
CG Animation
Live Action
Mixed Media
Scripted
How to Pitch
Producers can email pbskidsproposals@pbs.org.
PBS can only work with producers who are capable of managing all aspects of a project's development and production. The broadcaster's schedule is determined six to 12 months in advance, which producers should keep in mind if they're submitting timely projects.
All proposals need to include a synopsis, a treatment of how the program will unfold from beginning to end, a schedule of all phases of production, a budget, key talent (eg. directors, producers, writers and experts) and a description of how the educational and entertainment value of the program will be extended through online, outreach and print activities.
