Clifford the Big Red Dog Courtesy of 9 Story Media Group Logo text Big, Red news: Clifford the Big Red Dog is being rebooted in a new PBS Kids animated series, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The new Clifford, from 9 Story Media Group (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood), aims to teach preschoolers “important foundational social skills,” like how to engage in social problem-solving, joining groups, making friends and including others in play, as well as modeling how young children can contribute to their communities. Also, it’s funny because the dog is much larger than a normal-sized dog.
Emily Elizabeth and her beast of a Vizsla mix will be animated by Brown Bag Films. The 26-episode Clifford the Big Red Dog is set to premiere on PBS Kids in 2027; each episode will be 11 minutes long. “Clifford has been a favorite with children and families for generations, and we can’t wait to reintroduce this Big Red Dog to PBS Kids audiences across the country,” said Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager, PBS Kids and Education. “Giving kids the skills, knowledge, and encouragement they need to connect with others and sustain relationships is more vital than ever to prepare them for success in school and life.”
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“Since he first filled a page, Clifford the Big Red Dog captured the heart of Scholastic and his adventures connected with readers everywhere, creating remarkable, global recognition,” said Iole Lucchese, Scholastic chief strategy officer, president of Scholastic Entertainment and executive producer for Clifford. “This new series builds on Clifford’s most endearing traits through fresh storytelling, creating new opportunities for audiences and marking an exciting step in the continued growth of the franchise.”
A new interactive Clifford game will also be launched as a companion to the series.
“With this next chapter, we’re leaning into a more comedic approach that amplifies the scale and playfulness of Clifford, while staying grounded in the warmth and emotional connection audiences have always loved,” said Vince Commisso, president and CEO of 9 Story Media Group and another executive producer. “We’re also proud to once again partner with PBS Kids, a trusted home for a brand that has resonated with families for generations.”
Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell was first published in 1963 by Scholastic. The franchise has since put more than 135 million books into print in 20 languages, and it most recently spawned a 2021 feature film.
Clifford the Big Red Dog (2021) Paramount Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection Additionally, on Tuesday, Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures, a spinoff of Super Why! and Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures shorts, set its PBS Kids premiere date of Oct. 5, 2026. Like Clifford, the early-literacy-promoting program for preschoolers and kindergartners is produced by 9 Story Media Group and animated by Brown Bag Films.
Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures follows Super Why and his Super Reader pals — Wonder Red, Princess Presto, Alpha Pig, and now Power Paige — on their adventures to protect Reader Valley from a group of silly Super Villains, like The Eraser, Mr. More, The Shuffler and Outta Space.
The original Super Why! launched in 2007. Watch an exclusive clip from the new series below:
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