Remake of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood: Will You Be Daniel Tiger's Neighbor? Would Mr. Rogers Approve?

Sylvie  Branch
Won't you be my neighbor? PBS wants children of today to visit, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. If you recall, Daniel Striped Tiger was a young puppet on the original show. Apparently, he grew up and had a son, so named Daniel Tiger. This animated show will launch fall of 2012. My first reaction was, "Oh no!" but, Mr. Rogers gentle manner would most likely encourage everyone to get to know the new show before deciding if this is a neighbor worth welcoming into your home.

Who is behind the show?
The fact that the show is being produced by the Fred Rogers Company, is a little comforting. Kevin Morrison, the Chief Operating Officer of the Fred Rogers Company, explains that the show will strive to "instill a sense of curiosity in young viewers about the world around them."

Who is the show for?

Young is the key word here, while the original Mr. Rogers Neighborhood could be watched and enjoyed by a wide range of ages, this new version specifically targets preschoolers. Morrison explains the reason for this, "There are no longer three TV channels a child can watch after school; there are 300." Meaning that programs need to have a focus to survive in today's abundance of choices.

Who are the main players?
While I am hesitant about the launch, one look at Cat in the Hat proves the damage a remake can have on a classic, Daniel Tiger just may be the perfect predecessor to Mr. Rogers. Daniel Tiger is the son of Daniel Striped Tiger, one of Mr. Roger's puppet friends from the Neighborhood of Make Believe. The characters from the original show have all grown up and are now raising kids of their own in the Neighborhood.

What is it all about?
As long as they keep the spotlight on respect, listening, imagination and Mr. Rogers main strength, something, "nobody else had in those literacy and science programs," says Morrison, " an understanding of how people relate to other people, understanding emotions."

Will it stay on track?
Conflict was resolved without reality show bashing or TV sitcom sarcasm. My wish for this new neighborhood is that the creators refrain from falling into the "what's popular" trap, and allow the show to be an oasis of calm in this noisy world.

When is it set to air?
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood will launch on PBS in fall 2012. Time will tell if it really is a beautiful day in this neighborhood.

Published by Sylvie Branch - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Creative professional with a triple whammy of job titles; freelance writer, artist, educator. Sylvie was a Rising Star for Y!CN in 2009, was part of the Top 1000 in 2010 and won the Lifestyle award in 2011....  View profile

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  • Lady Samantha8/15/2011

    why must everything be remade? :(

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