During their annual meeting in San Francisco earlier this month, PBS ripped the wrapping paper off of ODD SQUAD, a brand new live-action multimedia gift from the creators of Adventure Time and The Backyardigans that’s designed to entertain kids ages 5-8 while helping them build their mad math skills. ODD SQUAD will premiere on Wednesday, November 26 2014 with a one-hour broadcast of back-to-back episodes. Probably to early to set the DVR, but once the air gets chilly again you’ll want to dial up ODD SQUAD. Don’t worry, I’ll probably be reminding you as the big date approaches.
Watch some sample ODD SQUAD video clips now and then get excited for the show to air on weekdays following the premiere (check your local listings as the date approaches.)
[press release stuff from here]
ODD SQUAD is created by Tim McKeon (The Electric Company, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Adventure Time) and Adam Peltzman (The Electric Company, The Backyardigans, Wallykazam!) and produced by The Fred Rogers Company and Sinking Ship Entertainment. It is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and the U.S. Department of Education through the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn Initiative, a program that supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted to preschool and early elementary school children and their families.
In each episode of ODD SQUAD, the young agents use math to put things right when oddness strikes. Olive and Otto solve cases ranging from disappearing zeroes to runaway dinosaurs, and the agents often find additional clues in the “Mathroom,” a futuristic space that is just a teleport away.
“We are excited to bring a new math show to the PBS KIDS line-up this November, particularly at a time when STEM education is proving to be so important,” said Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager, Children’s Programming, PBS. “Research shows that kids perform better when exposed early to math concepts, and ODD SQUAD introduces these topics in a fun and engaging way. And as viewers join Olive and Otto on their extraordinary adventures, they will also learn the importance of working together, communication and perseverance — skills that are integral to problem-solving and success in school and in life.”
The ODD SQUAD television series is part of a multiplatform media experience that will include interactive content online and on mobile. With ODD SQUAD’s digital content, kids will have the opportunity to solve cases and stop oddness, just like Olive and Otto and the rest of the Odd Squad. The show’s interactive features will include games, parent resources, mobile apps and more.
ODD SQUAD is part of PBS KIDS’ ongoing commitment to use the power of media to help open up worlds of possibilities for children. PBS KIDS serves young audiences wherever they live, learn and play — through educational apps, on TV, online and in the classroom.
