PBS Kids has officially renewed Donkey Hodie for a third season, bringing more puppetry magic to screens in 2025. Co-produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, this series has captured the hearts of children and families since its debut in 2021. Inspired by the whimsical and quirky essence of Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie introduces reimagined characters from the beloved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, offering a fresh take on classic favorites.
The upcoming season three of Donkey Hodie promises to deliver 15 new episodes, including two special half-hour features, alongside additional digital content for the young audience. Viewers will continue to embark on adventures with Donkey Hodie and her friends Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog in the enchanting land of Someplace Else. As the show unfolds, it aims to instill important values such as empathy, resilience, and friendship in children aged 3-5, encouraging them to dream big and tackle obstacles with confidence and perseverance.
In a delightful twist, the news of Donkey Hodie’s renewal coincides with the season seven premiere of another beloved series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Also inspired by Mister Rogers’ timeless teachings, this production from Fred Rogers Productions has captivated audiences with its heartwarming stories and valuable life lessons. To celebrate the synergy between the two shows, a special crossover episode is in the works for season three of Donkey Hodie. This groundbreaking event will bring together Daniel Tiger and Dad Tiger as live-action puppets, crossing over from the animated realm of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood to meet Donkey Hodie and her pals in Someplace Else.
Ellen Doherty, the chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions, expressed her excitement about this crossover, highlighting the shared values and creativity that connect both series. She emphasized the importance of storytelling that promotes empathy, resilience, and friendship, echoing the legacy of Fred Rogers that continues to inspire new generations of viewers. The collaboration between Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Donkey Hodie signifies a harmonious blend of learning goals and storytelling traditions that have defined the spirit of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
David Rudman, co-creator and executive producer of Donkey Hodie, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season and the crossover episode, noting the joy of adapting beloved characters into puppets while staying true to their original animated forms. The meticulous design process aims to seamlessly integrate Daniel Tiger and his family into the vibrant world of Donkey Hodie, offering a delightful visual treat for young audiences and fans of both series.
As Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager of PBS Kids, affirmed, Fred Rogers’ enduring lessons are at the core of the network’s programming. The upcoming season of Donkey Hodie promises to continue this tradition, inviting viewers to explore themes of resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging manner. The crossover event with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood adds an extra layer of excitement, uniting iconic characters in a shared adventure that celebrates the values of kindness and belonging.
In the development of Donkey Hodie, creators Adam Rudman and David Rudman, along with Ellen Doherty, have worked closely to bring this imaginative world to life. Kristin DiQuollo from Fred Rogers Productions and Caroline Bandolik from Spiffy Pictures have also played integral roles in shaping the series, ensuring that each episode resonates with young viewers and fosters a love for storytelling and learning.
Subheadings:
Renewal of Donkey Hodie for a Third Season The Crossover Event: Daniel Tiger Meets Donkey Hodie Empowering Children Through Storytelling and Education
Empowering Children Through Storytelling and Education
With the announcement of Donkey Hodie’s third season renewal and the highly anticipated crossover with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, PBS Kids continues to uphold its commitment to providing quality programming that entertains, educates, and inspires young audiences. Through the magical worlds of Someplace Else and the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, children are invited to embark on imaginative journeys that foster creativity, empathy, and a sense of belonging. As the new season approaches, viewers can look forward to heartwarming stories, valuable life lessons, and the joy of seeing their favorite characters come together in a celebration of friendship and learning.