Some childhood neighbors have a way of sticking around.
For more than a decade, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” has welcomed preschoolers into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, using familiar songs, stories and everyday situations to help young viewers navigate some of those very big feelings that come with being little.
And as Daniel gets ready to approach another major milestone, his adventures are expanding inside the toy box as well.
Fred Rogers Productions and 9 Story Brands have renewed their long-running agreement with JAKKS Pacific, keeping the company onboard as the master toy licensee for “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”
It is a partnership that goes all the way back to the beginning.
JAKKS Pacific has served as the series’ master toy licensee since “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” premiered in 2012, making this the third multi-year extension between the companies. Now, that relationship will continue with a refreshed and expanded collection of toys inspired by the Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series.
And there is plenty more coming to the Neighborhood.
The renewed agreement covers figurines, playsets, vehicles, bath toys, musical toys, role-play and dress-up products, wooden toys and plush. The upcoming assortment will also continue incorporating the learning strategies found throughout the series into familiar forms of preschool play.
That connection has always made “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” particularly suited for toys.
For young viewers, Daniel’s stories are often built around experiences they are encountering themselves—from trying something new and handling difficult emotions to learning how to interact with the people around them. Taking those lessons off the screen and into imaginative play gives kids another opportunity to explore those same ideas on their own terms.
It also comes as Daniel himself is nearing quite the birthday.
The first animated spinoff of the legendary “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” will celebrate its 15th anniversary in September 2027. After nearly a decade and a half, Daniel has become a preschool staple in his own right, introducing another generation of families to the warmth and values that have defined the Neighborhood for decades.
And with a new generation of preschoolers always getting ready to put on their red sweaters and head into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, there are going to be plenty more little hands looking for Daniel, Katerina, O the Owl, Prince Wednesday and their friends.
After all, it’s always a beautiful day in the Neighborhood.
And it looks like Daniel Tiger isn’t leaving the toy aisle anytime soon.