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Donkey Hodie | PBS KIDS Premieres New Preschool Series

Courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions
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PBS KIDS
Purple Panda and Donkey Hodie

Beginning Mon. May 3: Weekdays 10am on WKAR-HD 23.1 & 4pm on WKAR PBS KIDS 23.4 | Vibrant puppet series from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures empowers kids to dream big, overcome obstacles and persevere.

The colorful multi-platform show follows the adventures of Donkey Hodie, granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character from Misters Rogers' Neighborhood  (now known as “Grampy Hodie”). The original puppet appeared in 59 episodes of the beloved children’s series.

Inspired by the quirky, funny side of Fred Rogers, Donkey Hodie furthers the children’s TV pioneer’s mission of helping young viewers navigate the challenges of childhood. The series features original new music along with reimagined versions of Rogers’ songs. 

Set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else, the imaginative social-emotional series for children ages 3-5 centers on the adventures of Donkey Hodie, an enthusiastic, “can-do” yellow donkey with a bright magenta mane, and her pals: Purple Panda, her loyal and empathetic best friend who wears his big heart on his sleeve; Duck Duck, a practical, quick-witted young mallard who loves to figure things out; and Bob Dog, an energetic and eager canine who is always ready to boogie to music or fetch a ball.

In Someplace Else, everyone’s big dreams are possible—whether it’s Purple Panda finding the end of the Golden Rainbow, Duck Duck planning a Book-A-Palooza Festival or Bob Dog playing the largest kickball game in history. Episodes include catchy songs that reinforce the stories’ positive messages and fun adventures.

Along with the television series, Donkey Hodie will offer digital content for kids, parents and teachers, launching in tandem with the series. Donkey Hodie games will be available on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App, along with clips and full episodes streaming across PBS KIDS’ video platforms, including the free PBS KIDS Video App.

Parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer classroom-ready materials for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips and printable activities.

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