‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ returning to PBS KIDS — and Amazon Prime Video

If you love big dogs and good children’s programming, you’re going to love what landed in my inbox. Scholastic Entertainment’s TV version of “Clifford the Big Red Dog” — based on Normal Bridwell’s classic children’s books — is returning to PBS Kids with new episodes, which will also stream on Amazon Prime Video.

From the inbox:

As beloved TV shows from the ’90s and ’00s find new life (and new audiences) in series revivals across platforms and networks, Scholastic Entertainment today announced the biggest reboot of all: the relaunch of its multiple Emmy-winning preschool series Clifford The Big Red Dog. Based on the best-selling Scholastic book series by Norman Bridwell featuring the larger-than-life dog and his best friend Emily Elizabeth, the reimagined animated series will launch on Amazon Prime Video and PBS KIDS in fall 2019. The series is currently in production for 39 episodes.

Scholastic Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Producer of the new series Iole Lucchese believes there is good reason Clifford has captured children’s imaginations for over 50 years. “There is something enduring in Clifford’s gentle, loyal spirit that touches fans even after they become adults,” she said. “We see it in tributes on social media and in fan art, and of course, in every parent who grew up with Clifford and now shares their love of him with their preschoolers. Clifford has always helped children understand their world and face challenges with kindness and understanding, life lessons he’ll continue to share in the new series.”

“Not only will the new Clifford The Big Red Dog series feature an expanded world and bigger adventures, it will introduce all-new designs for main characters Clifford and Emily Elizabeth, original songs and new friends,” said series producer Caitlin Friedman, the VP & General Manager of Scholastic Entertainment. “To accompany the launch of the new show, Scholastic Entertainment is developing a global publishing, broadcast, merchandise and licensing program to help further extend the positive messages of the brand to children and families around the globe.”

Although still set on Birdwell Island, Clifford The Big Red Dog will offer fresh and colorful new locations. The rebooted show will also have a strong emphasis on social-emotional skills such as empathy, along with a solid curriculum designed to boost early literacy and encourage imaginative play – teaching as it entertains with Clifford-sized humor.

Clifford The Big Red Dog is produced by Scholastic Entertainment. 100 Chickens and 9 Story/Brown Bag Films are on board to help bring this great big series to life.

Here’s what Common Sense Media has to say about “Clifford”:

Parents need to know that Clifford the Big Red Dog is chock-full of positive lessons and likable characters — and may remind parents of their own childhood fascination with Clifford. Kids are often magnetically drawn to stories about Clifford because he’s the magical pet every child wishes for. The series is full of educational messages on social, emotional, and physical matters.

Common Sense Media recommends “Clifford” for ages three ad up, and gives it five out of five stars.

Good Dog!

Here’s an episode from the original series: