PBS KIDS CITY ISLAND characters smile

In 2024, PBS KIDS is rolling out a full slate of civics-themed content. The effort will span across a range of both new and existing series aimed at encouraging viewers to get involved in their communities and learn more about what’s happening around them. The programming, which will expand on PBS KIDS’ Social Studies learning goals, will feature a second season of hit shorts series, "City Island", and two new music video series, "City Island Sings" and "Together We Can", created with Sesame Workshop. 

“Kids are so perceptive to everything happening around them, and at PBS KIDS, we believe it’s important that they have a place to go to learn about civics in an age-appropriate way,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “At a time when many K-12 schools have cut back on civics curriculum requirements, we are significantly expanding our offerings to meet the growing need, reinforce the core principles of citizenship, and help kids understand how they can be a good neighbor and have a positive and lasting impact in their communities.”

"City Island" is a series of animated shorts for early elementary school-aged children set in a thriving metropolis and living city, where every object is a character. It includes local organizations, government institutions, and a diverse citizenry (like main character Watt, a lightbulb, and his friend Windy, a kite), while highlighting topics like cooperation, conflict resolution, and city planning. The series aims to help foster young viewers’ understanding of how cities and communities work. 

The expanding world of “City Island” includes new games for young players to become citizens. Additionally, “City Island Sings,” a music video spin-off series with 10 videos, debuts on streaming platforms. Season 2, premiering July 5, focuses on civic engagement and media literacy 

Sesame Workshop’s new series “Together We Can”, for children 4-8, features 20 live-action music videos covering civics topics such as what it means to be a member of a community, the importance of rules and rights, and broader civics engagement concepts from voting and symbols of democracy to our Constitution. It premieres the first ten episodes on July 3, with the remaining ten on August 7.

Watch the new "City Island" video, "Let's Vote," a rock anthem inspired by David Bowie's "Let's Dance".