“Carl the Collector” will debut this week on PBS Kids. (Fuzzytown Productions, LLC)
In a first, a new PBS Kids series showcasing a cast of neurodiverse characters is headed to television.
The animated show “Carl the Collector” will premiere Thursday.
Aimed at children ages 4 to 8, the show follows the adventures of Carl — a raccoon with autism who loves to collect everything from autographs and pet rocks to bottle caps and sweaters — and his friends in Fuzzytown as they solve problems.
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Carl’s friends include Lotta, a fox with autism who excels at art and music, but is hypersensitive to sounds, smells and food textures, and Sheldon, an empathetic beaver who helps Carl navigate social situations. There are also Nico and Arugula, twin bunnies with strikingly different personalities, and Forrest, an adventurous, hyperactive and impulsive squirrel who has a tree nut allergy.
Each episode highlights various characters’ strengths and struggles. Carl’s anxiety is apparent, for example, when he freezes up when Nico takes a tumble in an episode called “The Fall.” But Carl’s eye for detail comes in handy in “The Fake Mustache Collection” when he’s able to help Nico and Arugula see their differences after the twins become frustrated that no one can distinguish them.
“‘Carl the Collector’ spotlights neurodiverse characters while exploring and celebrating the entire spectrum of humanity,” said Zachariah OHora, the show’s creator and executive producer. “The world of Fuzzytown is designed to be a place where all viewers will see themselves or someone they know in it. We hope Carl and his friends will encourage empathy and understanding, and ultimately show that everyone benefits when we recognize and embrace our differences.”
In addition to featuring various abilities on screen, the show includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisors and voice talent.
Digital content for kids, families and teachers focused on self-discovery, identity and encouraging empathy will launch later this week alongside the series, which will be available in English and Spanish.
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