At the Television Critics Association Press Tour, PBS KIDS announced that Alma’s way, a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions, will premiere on 4 October 2021.
The series is created by Sonia Manzano, beloved by generations as Maria on Sesame Street, who broke new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national TV.
Inspired by Manzano’s own childhood, Alma’s Way centers on six-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members.
Infused with Manzano’s humor and grounded in a social and emotional curriculum, the series will give children ages four to six the tools to find their own answers, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.
Manzano said, “I am so excited to be working with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions to introduce Alma, a strong and positive Puerto Rican girl who will empower young viewers, Alma’s way is to think things through, and we hope the new series will show kids that their thought processes are valid and give them the confidence to think critically.”
The engaging modern-day series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; her Abuelo; and their lovable little dog, Chacho. In every episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers with asides and her ‘Think Through’ moments, where she stops, thinks, and processes. She models optimism and determination, showing that if she puts her mind to a problem, she can figure it out. Young viewers will tag along with Alma as she learns to speak up for herself, make tough decisions, figure out how to help friends, and so much more.
Fred Rogers Productions CEO Ellen Doherty said, “The stories on Alma’s way are designed to help kids learn to think for themselves and take into consideration the perspectives of those around them as Alma thinks things through, she models self-advocacy, empathy and social awareness. She’s a smart kid with a big heart — we hope young viewers will think she’s way, way, way fun to watch!”
Each episode showcases different aspects of Latino cultures through language, food, music, and customs. All viewers will see how other families are both alike and different from their own. Music is the backbeat of the series and includes traditional Puerto Rican styles like Plena, Bomba, and salsa along with other Latino genres such as Cuban son and Colombian cumbia.
The original theme song, written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman, is performed by Flaco Navaja and Summer Rose Castillo, who plays Alma. The series music is composed by Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola M. Mendez. The series will be available for viewers in both English and Spanish on all PBS KIDS platforms.
The head of PBS KIDS content Linda Simensky said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Alma and her family to PBS KIDS this fall. Alma’s unique humor and spirit are rooted in the everyday stories of her neighborhood. All children across America deserve to see themselves represented in stories that celebrate and give voice to their lived experiences. That philosophy is at the heart of PBS KIDS.”
Alma’s way is produced, written, and directed by a diverse team, and Latino voices are imbued throughout the series, both on screen and behind the scenes. The series is created by Lifetime Achievement Emmy-winner Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).
Building on this commitment to authentic representation in PBS KIDS content, JELLY, BEN & POGO, a series of funny and engaging animated shorts from Primal Screen, will debut this fall, following episodes of Alma’s way. Created by Jalysa Leva, each short follows the adventures of the intrepid Jelly, her brainy little brother, Ben, and Pogo, a young sea monster who is always ready to get the party started. Jelly and Ben’s family are of Filipino heritage, and the show is infused with Filipino culture throughout, including the Tagalog language and food and music from the Philippines. Jelly, Ben, and Lola (their grandmother) are voiced by Filipino and Filipino American talent. The three best friends help their neighbors – and each other – by identifying a problem and working together to find a solution, often using STEAM concepts and always understanding the unique perspectives and needs of those they are helping.
Alma’s way will debut on PBS stations and begin streaming free on PBS KIDS from 4 October. Launching in tandem with the show, digital content for kids, parents and teachers will further the messages and goals of Alma’s way. Series-inspired games will be available in English and Spanish on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App. Spanish and English language 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 tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips, and printable activities.