Groundbreaking Curriculum Will Help Preschoolers Grow Friendships, Strengthen Community Relationships, and More
Austin, TX, May 6, 2026 – Something BIG and red is on the way…! Today, PBS KIDS announced the production of the newest animated series for kids ages 3-5 based on the beloved Scholastic book series by Norman Bridwell, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG®. The series is inspired by the importance of community and will introduce important foundational social skills, including understanding how to engage in social problem-solving, joining groups, making friends, and including others, as well as modeling how even young children can play a contributing role in their communities. The reimagined buddy comedy centers around Emily Elizabeth, a kid with big-hearted ideas, and her giant best friend Clifford, who turns small problems into gloriously oversized adventures – literally! With 9 Story Media Group (SUPER WHY’S COMIC BOOK ADVENTURES, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD) producing and the award-winning studio, Brown Bag Films*, animating, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG is slated to premiere on PBS KIDS in 2027.
“Clifford has been a favorite with children and families for generations, and we can’t wait to reintroduce this Big Red Dog to PBS KIDS audiences across the country,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS and Education. “Giving kids the skills, knowledge, and encouragement they need to connect with others and sustain relationships is more vital than ever to prepare them for success in school and life.”
“Since he first filled a page, CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG captured the heart of Scholastic and his adventures connected with readers everywhere, creating remarkable, global recognition,” said Iole Lucchese, Scholastic Chief Strategy Officer, President of Scholastic Entertainment and Executive Producer for Clifford. “This new series builds on Clifford’s most endearing traits through fresh storytelling, creating new opportunities for audiences and marking an exciting step in the continued growth of the franchise.”
“With this next chapter, we’re leaning into a more comedic approach that amplifies the scale and playfulness of Clifford, while staying grounded in the warmth and emotional connection audiences have always loved,” said Vince Commisso, President and CEO of 9 Story Media Group and Executive Producer for Clifford. “We’re also proud to once again partner with PBS KIDS, a trusted home for a brand that has resonated with families for generations.”
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG by Norman Bridwell was first published in 1963 by Scholastic and now boasts more than 135 million books in print in 20 languages distributed worldwide. This new series will include 26 new episodes, comprised of two 11-minute stories, and an interactive game designed to extend the fun and social skill development for preschoolers. These additions join the already expansive and award-winning library of Clifford content currently available on PBS KIDS, including episodes from both the 2019 and 2000 animated series, as well as three games. The upcoming reimagined CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG series was developed by 9 Story Media Group. Jason Hopley (NANALAN’, BIG AND SMALL, CORN & PEG) is Head Writer and Cory Bobiak (PEG + CAT, XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM) is Director. 9 Story holds worldwide distribution and consumer products rights. The series was commissioned by PBS KIDS (US), CBC (Canada), and Sky Kids (UK).
*Brown Bag Films Toronto is a business unit of 9 Story Media Group.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. With PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Across media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS sparks children’s curiosity, helping them succeed in school and life. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime on the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, pbskids.org and more (no subscription required). Kids can play hundreds of educational games on the PBS KIDS Games app and pbskids.org. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support children’s learning anytime, anywhere – empowering parents, caregivers, and teachers. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Facebook and Instagram.
About Scholastic
For more than 100 years, Scholastic has been meeting children where they are – at school, at home and in their communities – by creating quality content and experiences, all beginning with literacy. Scholastic delivers stories, characters, and learning moments that empower all kids to become lifelong readers and learners through bestselling children’s books, literacy- and knowledge-building resources for schools including classroom magazines, and award-winning, entertaining children’s media. As the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books through school-based book clubs and book fairs, classroom libraries, school and public libraries, retail, and online, and with a global reach into more than 135 countries, Scholastic encourages the personal and intellectual growth of all children, while nurturing a lifelong relationship with reading, themselves, and the world around them. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family-focused intellectual property, now part of Scholastic’s portfolio. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, and Blue’s Clues & You. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International, represents 5,000 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. Its Digital division is a leader in digital content strategy, channel management, and AVOD/FAST distribution, overseeing 130 brands across 17 languages and expanding global reach through strategic platform optimization. www.9story.com
About Brown Bag Films
Brown Bag Films is a creative-led, global animation studio with locations in Dublin, Toronto and Bali. Founded in 1994, the studio is known for award-winning, artist-driven storytelling across television and digital formats, while actively expanding into new audiences and feature-length projects.
At its core, Brown Bag Films is about making great animation – and finding new ways to do it. The studio works across a broad creative spectrum, from original series and digital-first content to longer-form projects, while continuing to invest in innovation through BBF Labs, its dedicated hub for emerging technology and new workflows. Brown Bag Films is part of the Scholastic family, with its Toronto studio operating as a business unit of 9 Story Media Group. www.brownbagfilms.com
We Love Animation®
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Contacts:
PBS; 703-739-8463; pbskidspr@pbs.org
Alison Grand, Grand Communications; 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
Gabrielle Torello, Grand Communications; 917-312-2832; gab@grandcommunications.com