The beloved, oversized red canine who has captured the hearts of children for over six decades is preparing to make a massive comeback. PBS Kids has officially announced a brand-new animated reboot of Clifford the Big Red Dog, slated for a 2027 premiere. This latest iteration aims to introduce Norman Bridwell’s iconic characters to a new generation of preschoolers, blending the classic warmth of the franchise with a fresh, comedic sensibility.
The announcement comes as part of a broader push by PBS Kids to revitalize its most enduring properties. Developed by 9 Story Media Group and animated by the award-winning Brown Bag Films—the same studio behind hits like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Peg + Cat—the series is being designed to meet the evolving social and emotional needs of today’s young viewers.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Legacy
First introduced in 1963, Clifford the Big Red Dog has grown into a global phenomenon, with Scholastic reporting more than 135 million books in print across 20 languages. While Clifford has seen various adaptations—including the legendary 2000s series voiced by the late John Ritter and a 2019 Amazon/PBS reboot—this new version promises a slightly different tone.
According to Vince Commisso, President and CEO of 9 Story Media Group, the 2027 series will lean into a “more comedic approach” that emphasizes the literal scale of Clifford’s antics. By amplifying the “big” in Big Red Dog, the show will use physical comedy to navigate the “gloriously oversized adventures” that occur when a giant puppy tries to live in a human-sized world.
Focus on Social-Emotional Learning
While the laughs may be bigger, the heart of the show remains its educational curriculum. The series is specifically designed for children ages 3 to 5, focusing on foundational social skills that have become increasingly vital in the post-pandemic era.
Episodes will center on “social problem-solving,” helping children learn how to join groups, make new friends, and practice inclusivity during play. Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS Kids and Education, emphasized that providing kids with the “skills, knowledge, and encouragement” to sustain relationships is essential for their success in school and beyond.
The format will consist of 26 episodes, each featuring two 11-minute stories. This bite-sized storytelling allows the show to tackle specific social hurdles—like sharing or resolving a misunderstanding—in a way that is digestible for its target audience.
The Team Behind the Magic
The production features a roster of seasoned veterans in the world of children’s media. Jason Hopley, known for his work on Nanalan’ and Corn & Peg, serves as the head writer, while Cory Bobiak, a director on Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, is at the helm of the animation.
Iole Lucchese, Scholastic’s Chief Strategy Officer and President of Scholastic Entertainment, noted that this reboot is an “exciting step in the continued growth of the franchise.” It builds on a decade of expansion that included a 2021 live-action feature film from Paramount Pictures and various interactive digital experiences.
A Growing Universe
In addition to the television broadcast, PBS Kids is planning to launch a new interactive game alongside the series. This digital component is intended to extend the social-skill-building lessons of the show, allowing children to practice problem-solving in a virtual environment with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth.
This announcement was also paired with news of other PBS Kids updates, including a spinoff of Super Why! titled Super Why’s Comic Book Adventures, signaling a robust season of programming ahead for the network.
As 2027 approaches, fans can look forward to seeing Emily Elizabeth and her giant companion navigate Birdwell Island once again. Whether it’s Clifford accidentally causing a “big” mess or learning the importance of a small act of kindness, the Big Red Dog is poised to prove that his lessons on friendship are as timeless as ever.
