Daniel Tiger is turning 10! We’ve got all the details about PBS KIDS’ 10th-anniversary celebration.

Image above courtesy of Fred Rogers Productions.

Way back in the fall of 2012, something remarkable was happening. For the first time since “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” premiered way back in 1968, a new television series featuring Fred Rogers’ beloved character Daniel Tiger was about to hit the airwaves.

The new show, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” would be animated instead of live action. But the goals — helping children learn about and understand their world, and supporting them with social-emotional skills — would be the very same goals Fred Rogers kept in mind throughout his decades of creating life-changing television.

When the show premiered a decade ago, I had the fun of talking with Joanne Rogers (Fred’s widow, who has since passed away) about the creation of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” What did Mrs. Rogers think about a brand-new show set in her husband’s iconic neighborhood?

“I’m probably not very objective, but it’s even better than I thought it would be. It’s darling and it’s clever, and I really do enjoy it very much,” Mrs. Rogers said. “I watch it as often as I can, if I happen to be home at the time. … Today I just missed it!”

Ahead of Daniel Tiger’s 10th birthday, Kidsburgh is asking readers:

What has been your child’s favorite (or your favorite?) episode of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”?

Click here to take our survey! 

A decade later, we’re guessing that many Kidsburgh families watch “Daniel Tiger” quite often as well. PBS KIDS tells us that it’s currently their number one animated series for preschoolers. And to celebrate these 10 years of entertaining and teaching a new generation of preschoolers, PBS KIDS will be kicking off a weekend of anniversary programming on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Special anniversary programming that weekend will include movies like “Daniel Tiger Visits a New Neighborhood” and “Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?”

Kids can also enjoy the “Top Ten Tiger Tales,” a five-hour marathon showcasing 10 fan-chosen episodes from over the years. These will  include the very first story, “Daniel’s Birthday,” along with older episodes like “The Baby is Here” and “Daniel Visits the Doctor,” and newer favorites like “Daniel’s New Friend Max.”

New episodes begin streaming on Sept. 5 and will showcase more preschool “firsts,” such as having a new babysitter, going to a sleepover and trying a new activity. The episodes will feature fresh “strategy songs” to help families navigate these relatable situations. The full season will include 18 new half-hour episodes.

“Since its launch a decade ago, ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,’ with its iconic strategy songs and gentle life lessons, has become an integral part of life for preschoolers, parents and caregivers,” says Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “We’re delighted to help children continue to learn and grow alongside their favorite tiger with a whole new season, digital games and more.”

Click here for tips from our friends at Common Sense Media about picking shows for preschoolers.