PBS Kids is launching a new animated series! Carl the Collector follows a group of neurodivergent and neurotypical friends, focusing on characters on the autism spectrum – the first series to center an autistic character!
The main character, Carl, is an autistic raccoon who enjoys collecting items and meeting friends and family in Fuzzy Town. His attention to detail and unique ideas have allowed him to expand his collection to include items such as sweaters, autographs, and pet rocks, and to help friends solve neighborhood problems. Carl’s fox friend Lotta is also autistic – she is allergic to certain food textures, smells and loud sounds. She has musical talent and loves art.
Carl’s best friend Sheldon also appears in the show. He is an empathetic beaver who sometimes helps Carl navigate certain social situations and provides support. Other characters include identical twin bunny sisters and an impulsive squirrel with a nut allergy.
Your children can follow along as the TV show celebrates our similarities and differences. It aims to show how we can help each other and understand how people think differently. In each episode, Carl plays with his furry friends and discovers who they are. Sometimes Carl gets anxious in new situations and feels weird when things don’t go well. In one episode, Lotta is nicknamed “Headphone Girl” because she wears headphones due to her sensitivity to noise, and then struggles to suppress her emotions. Kids can watch and connect with different characters or learn how to support friends who look like them on screen.
The show is designed for audiences ages 4 to 8, but children of all ages can learn from and grow with the characters. Carl the Collector will premiere on November 14th on PBS Kids for your family to watch.
