Mr. Rogers-Inspired Kids’ Show Renewed for Season 7
By Movieguide® Contributor
DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD is renewed for Season 7 and will start airing on Aug. 12 on PBS Kids.
The animated children’s series will have 14 episodes and will feature a new format as well as a 30-minute special.
“For the first time, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD will feature stories from the points-of-view of familiar friends,” Deadline reported Thursday. “Each half-hour will include one story from Daniel’s perspective and another from the perspective of characters including Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Prince Wednesday, Jodi Platypus, Max and Chrissie. The show’s ‘Imagination Moments’ also will be presented from the unique perspectives of other characters to illustrate each friend’s own imaginative style.”
“We’re excited that the new format will give children more opportunities to see themselves and their experiences represented as they get to know Daniel’s friends in a different way,” said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer at Fred Rogers Productions. “Celebrating friends and neighbors is one of many ways that DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD continues the legacy of Fred Rogers.”
One of Season 7’s episodes will show Daniel and his pals’ new discovery about Trolley. Viewers will also get to meet Jodi’s dad, Mr. Plat, who doesn’t live in their Neighbourhood of Make Believe.
The show is distributed in over 180 countries, has had two live shows and has won 20 awards.
“DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Media Group and animated by 9 Story’s animation studio, Brown Bag Films. Executive producers are Doherty; Angela C. Santomero, creator of the series; and Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group,” Deadline said.
DANIEL TIGER’s NEIGHBORHOOD is inspired by the tiger puppet in minister Fred Rogers’ children’s shows, THE CHILDREN’S CORNER and MISTER ROGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD.
In the original shows, Daniel is known for being shy, yet open about his feelings.
Rogers’ wife, Joanne Rogers said, “He did all the voices” for the puppets on his shows, “But Daniel was the real Fred.”
“On April 5, 1954, Daniel Tiger appeared for the first time on the first episode of THE CHILDREN’S CORNER. Originally, a bird was supposed to come out of the cuckoo clock that was drawn on the set wall,” The Fred Rogers company said. “At the program’s launch party the night before, WQED Station Manager Dorothy Daniel presented Fred Rogers with a tiger puppet as a gift. He decided to use the tiger puppet instead of the bird, and named the puppet Daniel after the person who gave him the gift. And so it was a tiger who emerged out of a cuckoo clock!”
Rogers’ story was told in the movie A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Part of Movieguide®’s review of the movie reads:
“A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is a wonderful movie starring Tom Hanks as the famous children’s television host, Fred Rogers. After getting into a fight with his estranged father at his sister’s wedding, a cynical reporter named Lloyd is assigned to write a short puff piece on Mister Rogers. Lloyd chafes at the assignment and becomes upset when Mister Rogers starts asking personal questions of Lloyd. Also, Lloyd is skeptical that Fred Rogers is as nice, gentle and kind as he appears.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is funny and winsome as Lloyd confronts the straightforward, cheery, childlike optimism of Mister Rogers. However, it’s also a powerful, heartrending movie that tugs at the heartstrings of even the most jaded moviegoer. Eventually, Mister Rogers helps the reporter overcome his personal demons and become a better, more loving man, not only for his father’s sake, but also for the sake of his wife and son. A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD is one of the year’s best, most moving, most inspiring movies. Some light foul language and mature content warrant light caution.
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