As children prepare to head back into classrooms, PBS KIDS is once again making sure families have plenty of thoughtful stories to help guide the journey.
The network has officially unveiled its fall programming lineup, featuring a season filled with brand-new episodes from many of its most beloved preschool series. Leading the slate is The Day You Begin, a heartfelt one-hour animated special inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s award-winning picture book, arriving Aug. 7.
Designed around the emotions that often accompany the first day of school, The Day You Begin follows four imaginative children as they discover that what makes them different is also what makes them special. Through themes of courage, belonging, kindness and self-acceptance, the special encourages young viewers to embrace their own stories while celebrating the unique experiences of others.
The back-to-school celebration continues throughout August and September with new adventures from many of PBS KIDS’ most popular series.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood returns beginning Aug. 10 with new episodes teaching children about personal boundaries, asking for permission before touching others, morning routines and bedtime routines.
Beginning Aug. 17, Donkey Hodie celebrates confidence, creativity, friendships and family traditions through new adventures, while Weather Hunters continues inspiring scientific curiosity with episodes exploring weather forecasting, humidity, rainforest ecosystems and the science behind changing weather patterns.
Later in the month, Carl the Collector returns with new stories centered on friendship, patience, family traditions and trying new experiences, while Work It Out Wombats! encourages teamwork and problem-solving through imaginative play.
September brings even more new adventures as Alma’s Way explores everything from libraries and babysitting to basketball and managing big emotions, while Rosie’s Rules celebrates family traditions, community, imagination and cultural heritage through Rosie and her family’s latest adventures.
Rounding out the lineup, Elinor Wonders Why takes viewers on a rainforest adventure during The Festival of the Moon, blending scientific discovery with storytelling as Elinor and her friends learn how curiosity and culture often go hand in hand.
The lineup also highlights what has long made PBS KIDS a trusted destination for preschool families. Rather than simply entertaining young audiences, each series is thoughtfully designed around the everyday moments children experience—whether it’s making friends, learning new routines, exploring science, understanding emotions or discovering the world around them.
As back-to-school season continues to grow into one of the biggest programming periods for children’s television, PBS KIDS remains focused on creating stories that help children build confidence both inside and outside the classroom. This year’s lineup continues that tradition, offering families a collection of adventures that educate, inspire and remind young viewers that every new beginning is an opportunity to learn something new.
The new PBS KIDS fall lineup begins Aug. 7 with the premiere of The Day You Begin, followed by new episodes of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, Weather Hunters, Carl the Collector, Work It Out Wombats!, Alma’s Way, Rosie’s Rules and Elinor Wonders Why throughout August and September.