Boston, Mass. (Apr. 28, 2026) — As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, GBH Kids is proud to announce that it has produced AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS, a new live-action short-form series premiering May 22, 2026, on PBS KIDS. Created in coordination with 23 partnering PBS stations across the country, the series is part of PBS’ “PBS KIDS Across America” initiative.
AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS features 25 mini-documentaries that showcase children from across the country sharing what is special about where they live, their hobbies and passions, and how they are making a positive impact in their local communities. From taking care of llamas in Iowa, to Bollywood dancing in Georgia, to exploring Cajun culture in Louisiana, stories in the series showcase what makes local communities special and how kids are making a difference in the world around them.
“AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS reflects the lives of our young audiences while also introducing them to the wide array of places, cultures, and customs from around the country,” said Dorothea Gillim, executive producer and creative director of GBH Kids. “Working with other PBS stations on this series has been a great opportunity to leverage the strength of public media to capture a uniquely local story for a national audience, and build empathy and a sense of connection across the country.”
In Massachusetts, the series features Tessa, a 10-year-old from Winthrop who shares her rock painting hobby and invites viewers to join her in the Winthrop Horribles Parade for the Fourth of July.
GBH is extending the learning beyond the screen, with AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS educational materials for children, families, and educators being distributed by stations and nonprofits.
Viewers can watch AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS beginning May 22 on GBH Kids (GBH 2 or GBH 44), the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel, and streaming for free on the PBS KIDS Video App, pbskids.org and on the AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS YouTube channel.
AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS joins a robust summer lineup for the “PBS KIDS Across America” initiative, which kicks off May 1 with WOWSABOUT, a new special from The Jim Henson Company. Other highlights include the animated miniseries CITY ISLAND: USA! (June 12) and four new specials of XAVIER RIDDLE CELEBRATES AMERICAN HEROES (June 22). Rounding out the initiative are additional content premieres, including Happy Birthday Qyah, a special half-hour MOLLY OF DENALI episode from GBH Kids on June 15.
AMERICA’S AWESOME KIDS is also part of GBH’s America 250 initiative, a year-long series of multi-platform programs, events, and collaborations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.
For more information, visit gbh.org.
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About GBH
GBH is the leading multiplatform creator for public media in America. As the largest producer of content for PBS and partner to NPR and PRX, GBH delivers compelling experiences, stories and information to audiences wherever they are. GBH produces digital and broadcast programming that engages, illuminates and inspires, through drama and science, history, arts, culture and journalism. GBH is the creator of such signature programs as MASTERPIECE, ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, FRONTLINE, NOVA, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and ARTHUR and MOLLY OF DENALI and a catalog of streaming series, podcasts and on-demand video. GBH’s television channels include GBH 2, GBH 44, GBH Kids and national services GBH WORLD and Create. With studios and a newsroom headquartered in Boston, GBH reaches across New England with GBH 89.7, Boston’s Local NPR; CRB Classical 99.5; CAI, the Cape and Islands NPR station, and as a partner to NEPM in Springfield. Dedicated to making media accessible to and representative of our diverse culture, GBH is a pioneer in delivering media to audience members who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired. With PBS LearningMedia, GBH creates curriculum-based digital content for educators nationwide. GBH’s local programming includes Boston Public Radio, GBH News Rooted, Stories from the Stage, The Culture Show, The Curiosity Desk, and High School Quiz Show. GBH has been recognized with hundreds of the nation’s premier broadcast, digital and journalism awards. Find more information at gbh.org.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS sparks children’s curiosity, helping them succeed in school and life. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime on the PBS KIDS Video app, connected TV devices, pbskids.org, and more.
