-- John Ritter Stars as the Voice of Clifford --
-- Kel Mitchell Stars as the Voice of T-Bone --
PASADENA, CA, January 7, 2000 - PBS, the home of quality educational programming for children, and Scholastic Productions, producers of award-winning children's television, have something new to bark about! CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG, based on Scholastic's beloved best-selling children's books, will launch as an animated television series on PBS in fall 2000.
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG presents a larger-than-life view of the world through the eyes of Clifford, his loving "human," Emily Elizabeth, and dog pals T-Bone and Cleo, who take 3- to 7-year old viewers on a fun-filled journey. The 40 half-hour animated episodes will air Monday through Friday as part of the PBS KIDS® Ready to Learn Service.
Popular television star John Ritter ("Three's Company") is the voice of Clifford, the lovable oversized canine with his head in the clouds, literally, but all four paws firmly on the ground. Kel Mitchell ("Keenan & Kel") is the voice of T-Bone, the thoughtful, timid pup with a sturdy exterior. Grey DeLisle ("Rugrats," "Caroline in the City") stars as Emily Elizabeth, and Cree Summer is Cleo.
"We're excited to be working with Scholastic again and to introduce such a beloved character as Clifford to television," said John F. Wilson, senior vice president, programming services, PBS. "Clifford is one of American children's favorite characters, and he will bring the joy of reading alive on PBS KIDS."
"Scholastic is delighted to be in partnership with PBS to unleash Clifford," said Deborah Forte, executive vice president of Scholastic Inc., and executive producer of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. "Scholastic and PBS share an unwavering commitment to quality programming for children which is exemplified in the CLIFFORD TV show."
The CLIFFORD television series emphasizes good citizenship and the importance of community. Through the character of Clifford, whose heart is as big as he is, children absorb gentle lessons about acceptance and inclusion. It is Clifford's 'every dog' kindness that has made him a beloved icon with children and parents, through Scholastic's award-winning book series, for more than 39 years.
The television series is based on the Scholastic CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG book series by Norman Bridwell. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG, like other Scholastic franchises, will encompass the publishing program, the TV series, licensing and consumer promotions, and other related activities within the company.
The premier destination for children's entertainment and education, PBS KIDS provides a non-violent, noncommercial daily schedule that kids love and parents trust. PBS KIDS extends far beyond the TV screen to the Web (pbskids.org), home videos, educational outreach materials, and the new PBS KIDS CHANNEL. The PBS KIDS Ready to Learn Service leverages the television programs with workshops in local communities to help adults boost children's reading and social skills.
PBS, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, is a private, nonprofit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation's 348 public television stations. A trusted community resource, PBS uses the power of noncommercial television, the Internet and other media to enrich the lives of all Americans through quality programs and education services that inform, inspire and delight. Available to 99 percent of American homes with televisions and to an increasing number of digital multimedia households, PBS serves nearly 100 million people each week. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org.
Scholastic Productions, a division of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. (SEI), is a leading producer of quality, family-oriented television programming, feature films and video, and a major licensor and marketer of children's properties worldwide. In addition to CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG, Scholastic Productions produces: Animorphsú, the critically acclaimed kids adventure series; Goosebumps¨, the award-winning, top-rated children's TV series; Emmy award winner, Scholastic's The Magic School Bus¨; the critically acclaimed Dear America series; and the critically acclaimed films The Baby-Sitters Club, The Indian in the Cupboard, and The Mighty. SEI is the entertainment and media division of Scholastic Inc., a global children's publishing and media company with a reputation for quality education and entertainment.