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By Kayla DeKraker
While there are many overstimulating shows for young kids, PBS’ new show PHOEBE & JAY focuses on education and instilling a love for learning in young viewers.
The series follows “the adventures of 6-year-old fraternal twins Phoebe and Jay Yarber as they navigate challenges in their communities and solve problems together in Tobsy Towers where they live with their dad and grandma.”
For creators Genie Deez and Thy Than, putting a personal spin on the show made it even more meaningful.
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“A lot of the inspiration for PHOEBE & JAY comes from our lived experience growing up in a multigenerational household and going on adventures with our siblings,” Deez told Parents. “My brother and I passed as twins even into our adulthood, and those adventures are some of my favorite memories. Also, my Grandma Annie who helped to raise us, is the inspiration for Phoebe and Jay’s grandmother. “
Deez explained that PHOEBE & JAY takes a different approach to learning. Unlike shows that focus on letters and sounds in isolation, PHOEBE & JAY centers on functional literacy, the practical use of reading in daily life. In one episode, the twins discover their late mother’s old majorette jacket in a box and must decipher the washing instructions to clean it before they can wear it. This leads them on a rooftop laundry adventure where they follow symbols and words, showing young viewers how real-world text can help solve problems and build independence early on.
Than said, “I hope the show encourages kids to be more curious about their neighborhood and helpful in their families and communities. We designed the show with co-viewing in mind with relatable adult characters, too,” adding, “I hope the show encourages big kids to remember the wonders of being a kid and allow their kids some space to safely explore on their own.”
In a separate interview, Than explained that the creative team focused on building interesting stories to keep children engaged in the show’s learning aspects.
“So we’re very story-focused first,” she told Parenting Patch. “And then we weave the curriculum into the story. So the kids run into a problem, like an everyday problem that any other kid would run into, something very relatable, something very engaging.”
“They run into a problem, just like some kids would run into in real life, and the text helps them solve the problem. So it’s very contextual. And it’s very comprehensive, so it’s not just decoding. It’s very holistic and engaging: it’s a story that can happen to you, and the live-action interstitials reinforce that,” Than said.
PHOEBE & JAY just debuted on Feb. 2, and so far, it seems like a hit with kids and parents alike.
“They’re here! Say hello to Phoebe & Jay, who make everyday reading feel like an adventure. Watch now on PBS KIDS,” PBS announced on Instagram.
“The first thing my kids wanted to do when they got up was watch PHOEBE & JAY before my oldest went to school!” one parent said. Another chimed in, “I love this series… My favorite PBS Kids show now!”
Check back soon for Movieguide®‘s full breakdown of PHOEBE & JAY’s worldview and content to make sure it’s a good fit for your family.
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