TCA: PBS Details Three New Series

Sid the Science Kid, Martha Speaks to debut Sept. 1; The Electric Company returns in January 2009.

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/14/2008 1:23:00 PM

PBS introduced three new series to critics in Beverly Hills over the weekend from some of the biggest names in noncommercial production.

KCET Los Angeles and The Jim Henson Co. are teaming on Sid the Science Kid, which debuts Sept. 1 on PBS Kids, the noncommercial service's preschool block. The animated series promotes science and exploration by relating it to the experiences of a preschooler.

WGBH Boston and Studio B are producing Martha Speaks (also debuting Sept. 1), targeted toward four- to seven-year-olds and based on the book series by Susan Meddaugh about a dog who speaks courtesy of a diet of alphabet soup with which she builds her vocabulary.

Finally, Sesame Workshop will bring The Electric Company back in January 2009. That 1970s series took aim at illiteracy, and it will do so again in an age where media literacy has become a key skill.

For the latest news and video from the TCA press tour, click here.