PBS Kids Nature Cat Encourages Outdoor Exploration

Last May at the PBS annual meeting we heard about a new PBS Kids show called Nature Cat that premieres tomorrow November 25th, after the first hour-long WILD KRATTS holiday special, “Creature Christmas.”  Nature Cat is geared towards children ages 3-8 and is designed to encourage children to explore and develop connections with the natural world.

The show was created by the very talented Rudman brothers, David Rudman (“Cookie Monster” and “Baby Bear” on Sesame Street; “Scooter” and “Janice” on The Muppets) and Adam Rudman (Tom & Jerry, Sesame Street, Cyberchase). We had a chance to speak to them at the PBS annual meeting and they spoke about how much fun it was creating Fred, a house cat who dreams of the outdoors but isn’t very equipped! In each episode, once his family heads out for the day, Fred transforms into Nature Cat!  He dreams of being a backyard explorer extraordinaire, but really has no instincts for nature.  Fortunately, his outdoor pals are there to help guide him in many silly (mis)adventures!

The Rudman brothers said that they used their childhood backyard and recreated it for Fred’s backyard.  So every tree, path and hill you see in Fred’s backyard we know comes from their childhood home.  We had a chance to preview a couple clips of the show and I have to say it is really funny!  And the animation (and humor) reminds me of Looney Tunes.  I love when I watch a program with my daughter that we can both enjoy!  Nature Cat has the type of humor that can be appreciated by kids and kids at heart!

The brothers hope Fred’s adventures inspires kids to explore their own world.  There will even be a PBS Kids Nature Cat app that will lead kids on scavenger hunts.  The brothers talked about how they hope the show really inspires children to go outside and play.

The show is voiced by an all-star line-up of comedic actors, including Saturday Night Live stars Taran Killam (Nature Cat), Kate McKinnon (Squeeks), Bobby Moynihan (Hal) and Kenan Thompson (Ronald); Kate Micucci (Scrubs, The Big Bang Theory) as Daisy.  You can see why Nature Cat is so funny with  this awesome comedic talent.

So be sure to take a break from all your Thanksgiving preparations and enjoy the first ever hour-long The Wild Kratt’s holiday special “Creature Christmas” which is followed by the new PBS Kids show Nature Cat!

And share with us if you have a Nature Cat in your household!  Here is ours who is actually pretty savvy outdoors.  Here he is upset because I am messing up his lizard action.  There is a lizard hiding in the branch. (He got away).

Nature Cat is a co-production of Spiffy Pictures and WTTW Chicago.  Spiffy Pictures has created, produced, written and director Scooby Doo! Adventures for WB, Jack’s Big Music Show for Nick Jr. and Bunnytown for Disney.

To read more about Nature Cat be sure to check out PBS.org.  You can find digital content related to the series, including games, streaming video, hands-on activities and parent resources.

Note:  We are part of the PBS Kids VIP blogger program and provided with materials throughout the year but this does not affect our opinion in any way.