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‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ debuts on AETN Sept. 3

Posted 11 Sep 2012

A new generation of preschool “neighbors” will get to experience the Neighborhood of Make-Believe when “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” premieres Monday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. on the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN).

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” premieres with a special one-hour block of two back-to-back episodes. Following its debut, the series will air on AETN Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and repeat at 12:30 p.m. 

As the first TV series inspired by the iconic, award-winning “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” The Fred Rogers’ Company program “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” stars 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, the son of the original series’ Daniel Striped Tiger. Each episode consists of two engaging stories that center on a common early learning theme, building on recent research that proves what Fred Rogers advocated throughout his career: social and emotional competencies are the building blocks of doing well in school in life. 

Preschoolers ages 2 to 4 are invited to step into Daniel’s world, where they closely follow and share Daniel’s everyday adventures. Together, young viewers and their families learn fun and practical strategies and skills necessary as they observe the Neighborhood of Make-Believe from a kid’s-eye view. 

“No one knew better than Fred Rogers how to connect with children,” Bill Isler, president of The Fred Rogers Company, said. “And, like Fred, Daniel Tiger will visit preschoolers every day.

“‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ is an exciting new series with all the right elements to appeal to today’s children and families. It’s well-poised to become a much-loved classic for years to come.” 

Reminiscent of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” Daniel Tiger begins his day by donning his red sweater, tying his sneakers and inviting his friends at home into the bright and lively Neighborhood of Make-Believe. “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” features the next generation of the original characters from the classic program, including O the Owl, who lives with his Uncle X; Katerina Kittycat, daughter of Henrietta Pussycat; Prince Wednesday, King Friday’s youngest family member; and Miss Elaina, who lives with her parents, Lady Elaine Fairchilde and Music Man Stan. 

The series will be accompanied by interactive content for young viewers, their parents and teachers, including a website featuring a variety of games that offer preschoolers the chance to ride through the Neighborhood on Trolley, pick up Daniel and his friends, and further explore Daniel’s world and daily routines. Complementary resources for each episode will also be available online for parents, caregivers and teachers.

Over the course of more than 40 years, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” PBS’ longest-running children’s series, earned four Daytime Emmys. As a testament to his legacy, Rogers received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and was recognized in 2002 with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for his contributions to children’s development and education using broadcast television.

AETN airs “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” Saturdays at 5 a.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m., as well as weekends at 10 a.m. on AETN-3.