Our Story
Fred Rogers saw the potential and possibility of media to help children explore the world around them, with special emphasis on their social-emotional learning.
His impact—and the impact of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood—is still felt today in the hearts and minds of children, families, and professionals who continue to be nurtured and inspired by his timeless wisdom.
1968
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood premieres on NET, the precursor to PBS.
1971
Fred Rogers forms Family Communications, Inc., the nonprofit company that produces Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
1993
The 25th anniversary of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is commemorated with a nationwide sweater drive.
2001
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood ends production.
2003
Fred Rogers passes away at the age of 74.
2010
Family Communications, Inc. becomes The Fred Rogers Company.
2012
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the first new series produced by the company in over 40 years, premieres on PBS KIDS.
2013
Peg + Cat premieres on PBS KIDS.
2014
Odd Squad premieres on PBS KIDS.
2017
Through the Woods, our first mobile series, begins streaming on Curious World.
2018
February marks the 50th anniversary of the national premiere of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. This yearlong celebration includes a forever stamp, a Primetime Emmy-nominated PBS pledge special, a new legacy website, and an award-winning documentary.
The company rebrands to Fred Rogers Productions.
2021
Donkey Hodie, our anticipated puppet series produced with Spiffy Pictures, premieres on PBS KIDS.
Through the Woods premieres on PBS KIDS.
June marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the company by our founder, Fred Rogers.
Alma's Way, our animated preschool series created by beloved children's television icon Sonia Manzano, premiered in the Fall.
Our portfolio boasts seven series consisting of 1,150 episodes that air in nearly 200 countries, two Peabody awards, 30 Daytime Emmy wins, four live stage shows, ten mobile apps, nearly 60 online games, two summer camp curricula, hundreds of community engagement events all over the United States, an amusement park ride and show, a children’s museum exhibit, and countless licensees.
Our team carries Fred’s values forward with its continued focus on innovation—both in learning and storytelling—staying at the forefront of what’s new and what’s next in media that help children explore their world in age-appropriate ways.