Collection of digital content will include most full-length videos PBS KIDS has ever released in advance of a broadcast launch; series debuts Monday, February 15 on PBS stations nationwide
Television Critics Association Press Tour, Pasadena, CA, January 19, 2016 – Today, PBS KIDS debuted full-length streaming video content and digital games from its newest multiplatform media property READY JET GO!, an animated series that will help children learn astronomy and Earth science concepts. On digital platforms, viewers can now preview four full-length 11-minute stories from the series. The episodes will continue to roll out throughout the month, totaling 12 11-minute stories by January 29, the most full-length video content PBS KIDS has ever released in advance of a broadcast premiere. The videos are available for free on pbskids.org, the PBS KIDS Video App and PBS KIDS Video on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. In addition, two mobile-friendly web games, hands-on activities for children and families and a live stream of the International Space Station channel are available at pbskids.org/readyjetgo.
“PBS KIDS delivers high-quality educational content to kids anytime and anywhere, and we find that the learning potential is greater when kids interact with our content on multiple platforms,” said Sara DeWitt, Vice President, PBS KIDS Digital. “With READY JET GO!, we are sharing more content than ever before, prior to a series’ television premiere. We are excited that kids can explore outer space and beyond with Jet and his friends now, building excitement for the series’ on-air debut on PBS stations next month, as well as sparking their curiosity about astronomy and Earth science.”
READY JET GO! premieres on-air Monday, February 15, on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings). Created by Craig Bartlett (DINOSAUR TRAIN), READY JET GO! is designed for kids ages 3-8, with a focus on astronomy, technology, scientific exploration, innovation and invention. READY JET GO! follows Jet Propulsion, a new kid in town who also happens to be an alien from outer space. With his Earth Friends Sean and Sydney, Jet goes on astronomical adventures exploring the solar system and how it affects our planet, while learning about friendship and teamwork along the way. READY JET GO! features live-action interstitials with Jet Propulsion Laboratory astrophysicist Dr. Amy Mainzer, who is also a science curriculum consultant for the series.
The overarching goal of READY JET GO! is to spark children’s inherent excitement about science, technology and astronomy, telling stories that feature characters learning about space in a way that appeals to, and is accessible by, young children. The comedy and music help kids learn a variety of physical science concepts, such as gravity, tides and moon phases. At the heart of every episode is a basic, kid-friendly question about outer space or Earth science. In the show, the characters often use a scientific method to find the answers to their questions.
“When I was a little kid, as soon as I learned just a little bit about the universe, I was hooked for life,” said Dr. Mainzer. “Kids are born as little scientists, so reaching them early is key to igniting a lifelong love for science and appreciation for the planet we live on.”
Each episode of READY JET GO! will include two 11-minute stories, as well as a live-action interstitial. The series also features both curriculum and character-driven original songs, sung by the entire cast, with topics ranging from a love duet between Mr. and Mrs. Propulsion to a description of our galaxy’s stars.
“Public media is a natural home for READY JET GO!, giving all children a free and safe place to explore science content,” said Debra Sanchez, Senior Vice President, Education and Children’s Content at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Created by Craig Bartlett, READY JET GO! is produced by Wind Dancer Films. PBS SoCaL is a station partner for the series. Major funding for the series is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
About Wind Dancer
Wind Dancer Films created and produced such successful television series as Home Improvement and Roseanne, along with box office successes such as What Women Want and Bernie. Founded by series creators Matt Williams and David McFadzean, and later joined by principal, Dete Meserve, Wind Dancer Films has produced hundreds of hours of comedies and family projects for film and television. www.WindDancer.com
About the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government’s investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology and program development for public radio, television and related online services. For more information, visit www.cpb.org.
Contacts:
Lubna Abuulbah, PBS; 703.739.8463; labuulbah@pbs.org
Roberta Lee, 360PR; 347-801-2342, rlee@360pr.com
Alison Grand, Grand Communications (for Wind Dancer Films); 212-584-1133; alison@grandcommunications.com
