History of PBS Kids in Timeline

PBS Kids is the children's programming brand of PBS, the U.S. public television network. It includes a daytime programming block on PBS member stations, a 24-hour channel available on digital subchannels, and associated digital platforms. Its purpose is to provide educational and entertaining content for children.

August 1993: P-Pals Introduced

In August 1993, PBS introduced new branding for their children's programs featuring the "P-Pals", animated characters shaped like the PBS "P-head" logo.

July 11, 1994: PTV Launched

On July 11, 1994, PBS repackaged their existing children's educational programming as a new block titled "PTV", airing on 11 member stations at launch. PTV also incorporated interstitial content with the P-Pals.

1994: PTV Introduced

In 1994, PTV was introduced on selected PBS stations as branding for the network's existing children's programming like Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street.

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June 26, 1995: Apple Grant to PTV

On June 26, 1995, Apple Computer provided a $1.5 million grant to PTV and became its first national underwriter.

January 8, 1996: "Ready To Learn" Grant Unveiled

On January 8, 1996, a "Ready To Learn" grant supported the development of Dragon Tales and Between the Lions, which premiered later.

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September 1996: PTV Reaches 95 PBS Stations

By September 1996, 95 PBS stations reaching three quarters of the United States were carrying the PTV service.

October 7, 1996: The Game Block Airs

Starting on October 7, 1996, PBS packaged their programs for school-aged children into the block The Game, airing on 31 stations by the end of the year.

January 18, 1999: PBS Kids Channel Announced

On January 18, 1999, PBS announced that it would launch the PBS Kids Channel in September, as the centerpiece of a larger initiative.

September 6, 1999: PBS Kids Channel Launched

On September 6, 1999, PBS officially rebranded to "PBS Kids" and launched the 24-hour PBS Kids Channel. This included a bright green logo featuring the mascots Dash and Dot.

1999: Dragon Tales Premieres

In 1999, Dragon Tales premiered, having been developed with the support of the "Ready To Learn" grant.

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1999: PBS Kids Introduced

In 1999, PBS Kids was introduced, succeeding PTV. This coincided with a larger investment into children's programming and the launch of a PBS Kids channel.

1999: First Iteration of PBS Kids Channel Launched

The first iteration of the PBS Kids Channel was launched in 1999.

February 1, 2000: PBS Kids Website Relaunched

On February 1, 2000, The PBS Kids website was relaunched with new areas.

2000: Between the Lions Premieres

In 2000, Between the Lions premiered, having been developed with the support of the "Ready To Learn" grant.

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2002: Channel Reaches 9 Million Households

As of 2002, the PBS Kids Channel had only reached 9 million households.

October 2004: PBS Kids Go! Launched

In October 2004, PBS Kids launched a late-afternoon sub-block known as PBS Kids Go!, aimed at school-aged children (ages 6 to 8).

2004: PBS Kids Go! Sub-Block Launched

From 2004, a late-afternoon sub-block known as PBS Kids Go! broadcast programming targeting elementary school-aged viewers 6 to 8.

2005: PBS Kids Sprout Launched

In 2005, PBS entered into a commercial joint venture with Comcast, HIT Entertainment, and Sesame Workshop to launch PBS Kids Sprout.

2005: PBS Kids Channel Shuts Down; PBS Kids Sprout Launches

In 2005, PBS shut down the PBS Kids Channel and it was effectively supplanted by PBS Kids Sprout, an advertiser-supported cable and satellite channel.

2005: PBS Kids Channel Shut Down

In 2005, the PBS Kids channel was shut down due to lack of success.

2005: First Iteration of PBS Kids Channel Discontinued

The first iteration of the PBS Kids Channel was discontinued in 2005.

April 2006: PBS Kids Go! Channel Announced

In April 2006, PBS announced plans for a replacement 24-hour digital multicast network called the PBS Kids Go! Channel, which would expand upon the afternoon PBS Kids Go! block on PBS.

October 2006: PBS Kids Go! Channel Cancelled

In October 2006, PBS had planned to launch a dedicated PBS Kids Go! channel as a digital network, but it was later cancelled before launch.

September 8, 2008: PBS Kids Go! Video Player Launched

On September 8, 2008, PBS launched the PBS Kids Go! video player on its website, featuring video clips from PBS Kids Go! shows.

May 12, 2011: PBS Kids Video App Launched

On May 12, 2011, the PBS Kids Video app was launched, becoming the primary source for free streaming of PBS Kids programming.

May 8, 2013: PBS Kids Added to Roku

On May 8, 2013, PBS Kids programming was added to the Roku streaming player.

October 2013: PBS Kids Go! Discontinued

In October 2013, PBS Kids Go! was discontinued as part of a rebranding of the PBS Kids block, as the PBS Kids brand was more recognizable.

2013: Comcast Acquires PBS Kids Sprout

In 2013, Comcast acquired PBS Kids Sprout outright via its NBCUniversal division.

2013: PBS Kids Go! Discontinued

In 2013, PBS Kids Go! was discontinued to focus more on the main PBS Kids brand.

2013: Comcast Acquires Full Ownership of Sprout

In 2013, partners sold their stakes in Sprout to Comcast via NBCUniversal, who assumed full ownership of the channel.

February 23, 2016: PBS Announces Revival of 24/7 PBS Kids Channel

On February 23, 2016, PBS announced the revival of the 24/7 PBS Kids Channel after 11 years. PBS president and CEO Paula Kerger stated that PBS had discovered the valuable position in children's programming during prime time through their partnership with Comcast in operating Sprout.

July 1, 2016: Agreement with Amazon Prime Video

On July 1, 2016, Amazon Prime Video and PBS Distribution entered into a multi-year agreement to stream PBS Kids series. However, Sesame Street remains on Max, and Curious George on Peacock.

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2016: PBS Kids Channel Relaunch Delayed

In 2016, the PBS Kids Channel relaunch was delayed from fall, and made available for distribution to digital subchannels of participating PBS member stations.

January 16, 2017: PBS Kids Channel Revived

On January 16, 2017, PBS revived the PBS Kids Channel as an over-the-top and digital multicast television network with an online livestream.

April 21, 2017: Launch of "PBS Kids Family Night"

On April 21, 2017, the PBS Kids Channel launched "PBS Kids Family Night," a weekly programming block on Friday evenings with encore airings on Saturday and Sunday evenings. This showcased themed programming, premieres, or special "movie-length" episodes of new and existing PBS Kids children's programs.

2017: PBS Kids Relaunches 24-Hour Channel

In 2017, PBS Kids relaunched its 24-hour channel, operating via digital terrestrial television and streaming.

2017: Second Iteration of PBS Kids Channel Launched

The current version of the PBS Kids Channel was launched in 2017.

May 22, 2019: PBS Kids Launched in Sub-Saharan Africa

On May 22, 2019, PBS Distribution partnered with MultiChoice to launch PBS Kids on DStv and GOtv platforms across its Sub-Saharan Africa footprint.

November 2020: Peanuts Specials on PBS Kids

In November 2020, PBS Kids and PBS became the terrestrial television home of select specials from the Peanuts animated library via an agreement with Apple TV+.

July 1, 2021: PBS Kids Launched in Australia

On July 1, 2021, PBS Distribution partnered with Foxtel to launch PBS Kids in Australia.

2021: End of Peanuts Agreement

After the 2021 holiday season, the agreement with PBS ended, and the Peanuts specials have not aired on American broadcast television since then.

July 19, 2022: New Brand Identity Introduced

On July 19, 2022, PBS Kids introduced a new brand identity by Lippincott, featuring a new logo and customizable cartoon characters.

February 2023: PBS Kids Block Schedule Reduction

In February 2023, a major shift in program scheduling reduced the PBS Kids block on local stations to eight hours, focusing on mornings and general audiences in the afternoons.

February 2023: PBS Kids Block Cut

In February 2023, the PBS Kids block was reduced from 13 to 8 hours per-day due to a shift towards digital platforms and member stations scheduling more adult programming.

July 1, 2023: PBS Kids Discontinued in Australia

The PBS Kids channel was discontinued in Australia on July 1, 2023, after two years.

April 23, 2024: PBS Retro on Roku Channel

On April 23, 2024, The Roku Channel added PBS Retro, a free ad-supported streaming channel, which consists of older PBS Kids programming like Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and Reading Rainbow.

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