Aardvark Studios extends Arthur into short-form video and podcasts

GBH Kids, the production arm of WGBH, announced that the animated series Arthur has reached its 30th anniversary. The station stated that the show has been streamed more than 1.4 billion times since its 1996 debut. It remains the longest-running animated children’s series on PBS.

Dorothea Gillim, Executive Producer of GBH Kids, said the milestone allows the team to reflect on three decades of storytelling. She noted that two members of her current staff grew up watching the program. One of them even hosted an Arthur-themed birthday party as a child. Gillim said the staff now creates new content for the next generation of viewers.

The series originated from books written by Marc Brown. Carol Greenwald, a former PBS Kids executive producer, adapted the material for television. She executive produced the show for 25 seasons. Brown, the creator, described working with children as a dream. He said he tries to be fun and helpful to kids every morning he goes to the studio.

When Arthur first aired, it was the only animated series on PBS Kids. The format faced skepticism from some critics who questioned if cartoons were appropriate for the network. By 1998, the show became the number one program for children ages 2 to 11 across all networks. It has won seven Emmy Awards and featured guest stars including Fred Rogers, John Lewis, and Jane Lynch.

Gillim attributes the show's longevity to its focus on everyday childhood experiences. She said Arthur is not a superhero but a regular child figuring things out. The episodes address topics ranging from hair mishaps to family dynamics. The show has also tackled difficult subjects like climate change, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease with the help of advisors.

GBH Kids has expanded the franchise into digital formats. The show launched the first companion website with games for a PBS Kids series in 1996. In 2022, it released its first gameplay video, a genre popular on YouTube. The company now maintains YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram channels for the series. It also produces an Arthur podcast.

The digital presence has gained substantial traction. The company reported more than 1.57 million followers across its social media channels. A recent video compiling moments featuring the character D.W. received approximately one million views. During the pandemic, the team produced short videos to help children learn hand washing and stay connected with friends.

Gillim said the characters serve as cultural touchstones for millennial and Gen Z audiences. She noted that the humor in the show drives its popularity on social media. The franchise represents diverse experiences, including an autistic character, a military family, and characters with physical disabilities. The team aims to help children understand different perspectives and learn empathy.

Viewers can currently watch the series on YouTube and listen to the podcast. The social media channels remain active with new short-form content. The station will continue to distribute the library of existing episodes alongside these new digital releases.