New PBS KIDS Show: Nature Cat

Last week, I was honored to attend the PBS Annual Meeting where PBS and PBS KIDS preview the upcoming season for all their stations and the media. Media, including a group of bloggers like myself who specialize in stalking PBS KIDS shows and their characters.

Did you know that David Rudman, the man behind Cookie Monster, also has an animation studio with his brother Adam? That studio created the amazing Jack’s Big Music Show. And they have a new show in the works called NATURE CAT. I can’t wait for this one to come out because I know my whole family will love it.

The brothers noticed that this generation of kids are less about playing outside and more about playing on screens, so they want Nature Cat to be all about a love of nature. A television show telling you to get outside? YES! Nature Cat will model behaviors they hope that kids will pick up on, but will also provide small screen activities like a scavenger hunt app.

Even more fun? The Looney Tunes style of the animation and voice acting from pretty much every SNL actor there is.

Taran Killam (Nature Cat), Kate McKinnon (Squeeks), Kenan Thompson (Ronald), Kate Micucci (Daisy), and Bobby Moynihan (Hal).

The show follows Fred, a house cat who dreams of exploring the great outdoors. In each episode, once his family leaves for the day, Fred transforms into Nature Cat, “backyard explorer extraordinaire.” Nature Cat can’t wait to get outside for a day of backyard nature excursions and bravery, but there’s one problem: He’s still a house cat with no instincts for nature. With the help of his animal friends, Nature Cat embarks on action-packed adventures full of nature investigation, “aha” discovery moments and humor, all while inspiring children to go outside and “play the show.”

HECK YES! FUN!

Designed to encourage children to explore and develop connections with the natural world, NATURE CAT will premiere on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 (the day before Thanksgiving) on PBS KIDS. Digital content related to the series, including games, streaming video, hands-on activities and parent resources, will be available in the fall as well.

I think we should have a Nature Cat viewing party – the Gieses will be there!