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PBS KIDS announces new series, ‘Carl the Collector,’ featuring main character with autism
August 15, 2024 Leave a Comment
PBS KIDS has announced the premiere date for Carl the Collector, a new 2D animated series for children ages 4-8. The series premieres Nov. 14, 2024, on PBS KIDS in English and Spanish.
Created by New York Times bestselling illustrator and author Zachariah OHora (“My Cousin Momo”), who is also the creator and executive producer, the series breaks new ground as the first PBS KIDS show to feature central characters on the autism spectrum.
Through its relatable stories, characters and messages, and with a production team that includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisers and voice talent, Carl the Collector showcases and celebrates our differences and commonalities, and that we all have something unique to offer.
Carl the Collector follows the everyday adventures of Carl, a warm-hearted raccoon with autism who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family in Fuzzytown. Carl pays extraordinarily close attention to detail and comes up with unique ideas that others might not consider. These traits have helped him amass his extensive collections – from autographs and bottle caps to fake mustaches, pet rocks, sweaters and virtually everything in between – which can come in handy for solving problems around the neighborhood with his friends.
“Carl the Collector spotlights neurodiverse characters while exploring and celebrating the entire spectrum of humanity,” OHora said. “The world of Fuzzytown is designed to be a place where all viewers will see themselves or someone they know in it. We hope Carl and his friends will encourage empathy and understanding, and ultimately show that everyone benefits when we recognize and embrace our differences.”
The series’ digital content for kids, families and teachers, launching in tandem with the series, will reinforce its core messages of self-discovery and identity as well as recognizing and encouraging empathy for the many ways people think and behave.
