PBS Kids is the brand name for the children's programming on PBS, the Public Broadcasting Service in the United States. It includes a daytime programming block on PBS member stations, a dedicated 24-hour channel available on digital subchannels, and various digital platforms. It provides educational and entertaining content for children.
August 1993: Introduction of "P-Pals"
In August 1993, PBS introduced new branding for their children's programs featuring the "P-Pals".
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July 11, 1994: Launch of "PTV"
On July 11, 1994, PBS repackaged their existing children's educational programming as a new block titled "PTV".
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1994: Introduction of PTV
In 1994, PTV was first introduced on selected PBS stations as a blanket branding for the network's existing children's programming.
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June 26, 1995: Apple Computer grant to PTV
On June 26, 1995, Apple Computer provided a $1.5 million grant to PTV.
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January 8, 1996: "Ready To Learn" grant unveiled
On January 8, 1996, a "Ready To Learn" grant was unveiled, supported the development of Dragon Tales and Between the Lions.
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September 1996: PTV Reaches Most of the US
By September 1996, 95 PBS stations reaching three quarters of the United States were carrying the PTV service.
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October 7, 1996: Launch of "The Game" block
Starting on October 7, 1996, PBS packaged their programs for school-aged children into the block The Game.
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January 18, 1999: Announcement of PBS Kids Channel
On January 18, 1999, PBS announced that it would launch the PBS Kids Channel in September.
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September 6, 1999: Rebranding to PBS Kids
On September 6, 1999, the rebranding to "PBS Kids" took effect with the launch of the 24-hour PBS Kids Channel.
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1999: Dragon Tales Premieres
Dragon Tales premiered in 1999 as a result of a 'Ready to Learn' Grant.
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1999: Introduction of PBS Kids
In 1999, PBS Kids was first introduced, succeeding PTV.
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1999: Launch of First Iteration of PBS Kids Channel
In 1999, the first iteration of the PBS Kids Channel was launched.
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February 1, 2000: Relaunch of PBS Kids website
The PBS Kids website was relaunched with new areas on February 1, 2000.
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2000: Between the Lions Premieres
Between the Lions premiered in 2000 as a result of a 'Ready to Learn' Grant.
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2002: Low Reach of PBS Kids Channel
As of 2002, the PBS Kids Channel had only reached 9 million households.
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October 2004: Launch of PBS Kids Go! sub-block
In October 2004, PBS Kids launched a late-afternoon sub-block known as PBS Kids Go!.
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2004: Launch of PBS Kids Go!
In 2004, PBS Kids launched the PBS Kids Go! sub-block, targeting elementary school-aged viewers.
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2005: Shutdown of PBS Kids Channel
In 2005, PBS decided to shut down the network on September 26.
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2005: Launch of PBS Kids Sprout
In 2005, PBS launched PBS Kids Sprout in a joint venture with Comcast, HIT Entertainment, and Sesame Workshop.
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2005: Partnership to operate PBS Kids Sprout
In 2005, PBS partnered with Comcast, HIT Entertainment, and Sesame Workshop to operate PBS Kids Sprout.
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2005: End of First Iteration of PBS Kids Channel
In 2005, the first iteration of the PBS Kids Channel ended.
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April 2006: Plans for PBS Kids Go! Channel
In April 2006, PBS announced plans for a replacement 24-hour digital multicast network called the PBS Kids Go! Channel.
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October 2006: Withdrawal of PBS Kids Go! Channel Plans
In October 2006, plans for the PBS Kids Go! Channel were ultimately withdrawn due to high licensing fees.
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October 2006: Cancellation of PBS Kids Go! channel
In October 2006, plans to launch a dedicated PBS Kids Go! channel were cancelled before launch.
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September 8, 2008: Launch of PBS Kids Go! video player
On September 8, 2008, PBS launched the PBS Kids Go! video player on its website.
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May 12, 2011: Public availability of PBS Kids Video app
The PBS Kids Video app initially became publicly available for free on May 12, 2011.
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May 8, 2013: PBS Kids programming added to Roku
On May 8, 2013, PBS Kids programming was added to the Roku streaming player.
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October 2013: Discontinuation of PBS Kids Go!
In October 2013, PBS Kids Go! was discontinued as part of a rebranding of the PBS Kids block.
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2013: Comcast Acquisition of PBS Kids Sprout
In 2013, Comcast acquired PBS Kids Sprout outright via its NBCUniversal division.
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2013: Comcast Assumes Full Ownership of Sprout
In 2013, Comcast assumed full ownership of PBS Kids Sprout.
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2013: Discontinuation of PBS Kids Go!
In 2013, the PBS Kids Go! brand was discontinued to refocus on the main PBS Kids brand.
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February 23, 2016: PBS Announces Revival of 24/7 PBS Kids Channel
On February 23, 2016, PBS announced that the 24/7 PBS Kids Channel would be revived after 11 years, after discovering the value of children's programming during prime time when partnering with Comcast on Sprout.
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July 1, 2016: Agreement with Amazon Prime Video
On July 1, 2016, Amazon Prime Video and PBS Distribution entered into a multi-year agreement.
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2016: PBS Kids Channel Relaunch Planned
In 2016, the PBS Kids Channel was originally set for a relaunch in the fall. This relaunch aimed to create a multi-platform service available through digital subchannels and a free online live stream.
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January 16, 2017: Revival of PBS Kids Channel
On January 16, 2017, PBS revived the PBS Kids Channel as an over-the-top and digital multicast television network.
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April 21, 2017: Launch of PBS Kids Family Night
On April 21, 2017, PBS Kids Channel launched "PBS Kids Family Night," a weekly block on Friday evenings that showcased themed programming, premieres, or special "movie-length" episodes of new and existing PBS Kids children's programs.
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2017: Relaunch of 24-hour channel
In 2017, PBS Kids relaunched its 24-hour channel, operating via digital terrestrial television and streaming.
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2017: Launch of Current Iteration of PBS Kids Channel
In 2017, the current version of the PBS Kids Channel was launched.
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May 22, 2019: Partnership with MultiChoice
On May 22, 2019, PBS Distribution partnered with MultiChoice to launch PBS Kids on DStv and GOtv platforms.
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November 2020: Peanuts Specials on PBS Kids
In November 2020, PBS Kids became the terrestrial television home of select specials from the Peanuts animated library.
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July 1, 2021: PBS Kids Launched in Australia
On July 1, 2021, PBS Distribution partnered with Foxtel to launch PBS Kids in Australia.
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2021: End of Peanuts Specials Agreement
After the 2021 holiday season, the agreement with PBS ended for the Peanuts specials.
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July 19, 2022: New Brand Identity Introduced
On July 19, 2022, PBS Kids introduced a new brand identity by Lippincott.
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February 2023: Reduction in PBS Kids Block Duration
In February 2023, a major shift in program scheduling reduced the duration of the daytime PBS Kids block on local PBS stations.
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February 2023: Reduction of PBS Kids block
In February 2023, the PBS Kids block was cut from 13 to 8 hours per-day.
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July 1, 2023: PBS Kids Discontinued in Australia
On July 1, 2023, the PBS Kids Channel was discontinued in Australia.
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April 23, 2024: The Roku Channel Adds PBS Retro
On April 23, 2024, The Roku Channel added PBS Retro, a free ad-supported streaming channel.
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