PBS KIDS Launches ‘Across America’ Initiative to Celebrate Nation’s 250th Anniversary

PBS KIDS is embarking on a nationwide programming event, “PBS KIDS Across America,” designed to celebrate the people, places, and stories that define the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026. The initiative, rolling out from May through July 2026 and beyond, will feature new specials, shorts, and curated content highlighting communities across all 50 states and U.S. Territories.

New Programming Highlights

The initiative kicks off on May 1 with the premiere of Wowsabout, a half-hour special from The Jim Henson Company. Following closely, on May 22, GBH KIDS will launch America’s Awesome Kids, a series of live-action shorts. June will bring City Island: USA!, a six-episode miniseries of two-minute shorts from Future Brain Media, debuting on June 12, and Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes, four hour-long specials from 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films, arriving on June 22.

Wowsabout: An Adventure in Sequoia National Park

Wowsabout follows Roxy, an artistic and musical hedgehog, and Ronald, a city-raised pig with a passion for natural science, on their first camping trip together in Sequoia National Park. The special, featuring live-action puppets filmed on location, explores the emotion of awe as the duo discovers natural landmarks and interacts with children along the way. The Wrap reports this special aims to be a family-friendly adventure.

Spotlighting Kids and Communities

America’s Awesome Kids will present 25 live-action mini-documentary shorts produced in collaboration with 23 PBS stations nationwide. These shorts will highlight children from diverse regions, showcasing their unique hobbies, passions, and contributions to their communities. PBS emphasizes that each featured child will represent the diverse experiences and interests that make America unique.

Exploring American Landmarks and History

City Island: USA!, an animated and live-action hybrid series, will follow Watt, a lightbulb character, and Windy the kite as they visit landmarks across the United States with their teacher, Mr. Rubric. The landmarks themselves will share their historical significance and contributions to the nation. Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes will feature animated episode compilations from the PBS KIDS series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, spotlighting American heroes like Julia Child, Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, Billie Jean King, and the Wright Brothers. Animation Magazine details that the specials will center on leaders, athletes, artists, and innovators.

Additional Programming and Platforms

The initiative similarly includes a two-part episode of Molly of Denali, “Happy Birthday Qyah,” premiering June 15, and an Alma’s Way short commemorating America’s 250th birthday, debuting July 2. Content from popular series such as Arthur, Cyberchase, and Sesame Street will also be integrated to enhance civics and social studies learning.

PBS KIDS content is available through the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, and pbskids.org. Interactive games can be found on the PBS KIDS Games app and website.

“PBS KIDS is uniquely positioned to share content that reflects the lives of our young audience, whereas also introducing them to the wide array of places and stories from across our country,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS and Education. PBS reports that the network is excited to embark on this learning-filled adventure with families across the U.S.