GPB's Premiere Screening Of "Carl the Collector"

On a vibrant Saturday afternoon at Anna Shaw Children’s Institute (ASCI), families gathered for a special event that marked the premiere of “Carl the Collector”, a new PBS KIDS series that is their first with a central character on the autism spectrum. Carl’s character represents PBS KIDS' commitment to highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing all individuals, no matter their differences.

The festivities kicked off with a screening of the very first episodes of “Carl the Collector”. Children and families were introduced to Carl, a thoughtful, young raccoon who sees the world in his own special way. After the screening, excitement built as children and parents got the rare opportunity to meet Julia from “Sesame Street”, a beloved character with autism. Julia’s appearance was a meaningful moment, especially for the children at the event who are also on the autism spectrum. Julia interacted with each child, making it a day to remember for children and adults alike.

Hands-on activities added layers of fun and learning to the event. The Northwest Regional Library hosted a weaving activity, allowing children to explore their creativity while honing fine motor skills. Creative Arts Guild led a hands-on activity to help kid make an argyle sweater, Carl’s signature outfit topper, out of a paper bag and scrapbooking paper. This hands-on learning activity was a hit with the kids, who practiced fine motor skills, flexed their creativity, and tapped into critical thinking skills, then got to take home their own handmade creations, feeling a sense of pride in their work.

Families were invited to participate in other activities, including sensory play with fidgets that were provided by ASCI, and restful moments in the calming corner, which was carefully created with sensory-friendly elements, such as soft textures, dimmed lighting, and interactive sensory tools, to help children with autism feel comfortable.

This special premiere event, co-sponsored by the Early Childhood Initiative of Northwest Georgia, was not just a celebration of a new show—it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and the power of media to shape a more empathetic world. The success of this event was a testament to the importance of representation and the impact that stories like Carl’s can have on young minds, helping to create a more accepting, understanding, and supportive future for all.

Watch “Carl the Collector” or play the show’s new games now!