Jan. 17, 2023
Original children’s series filmed entirely in Arkansas
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) – Arkansas PBS has announced that its original children’s series “Mystery League” will continue Sundays this spring beginning Feb. 11. The 20-episode, live action series is designed to teach kids in kindergarten through second grade about friendship and community.
“From the very beginning ‘Mystery League’ has had a foundational goal of reinforcing the importance of families and community engagement, and those themes were woven into each episode of the series,” Arkansas PBS Education Director and “Mystery League” producer Sajni Kumpuris said. "We embarked on this journey with a clear vision – to capture the essence of Arkansas and illuminate the charm nestled within its small towns.
“Our intent was to create a series that resonates with people, allowing them to see themselves reflected in the story. We are excited to share a sneak peek of our upcoming spring episodes with families later this month. We can all celebrate what we believe is an extraordinary television experience, a tribute to the picturesque small towns that define the heart of Arkansas."
After a well-deserved winter break, fans of the series can once again immerse themselves in the mystery and adventure. “Mystery League” follows three fifth grade “detectives” – Millie, Mike and Marta – as they solve the never-ending mysteries of the fictional, small, Arkansas town of Mulberry Springs. Along the way, the heroes will discover the meaning of friendship and the power of community.
“Mystery League” is filmed entirely in Arkansas, and each episode features relevant storylines that encourage Arkansas kids to problem solve and build relationships. Free resources will be offered to families to support learning targets that align with Arkansas educational standards.
Viewers can look forward to reuniting with their favorite young detectives at a free community screening and fun-filled event scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27, at 10:30 a.m. in partnership with the new Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, 501 E 9th St., Little Rock. Attendees can enjoy exclusive presentations of two episodes from the new season of the educational series, learn a dance, partake in engaging activities, share snacks, and take home their very own mystery bag. Families are encouraged to secure their free tickets through online event registration at Eventbrite at myarpbs.org/MysteryLeagueAMFA
Children will have the chance to participate in music time between episodes at the event, where they can learn the dance featured in "The Dancing Detective" segment. “The Dancing Detective” is Millie, Marta and Mike’s beloved storybook character who inspires them to solve mysteries and care about their community.
“Mystery League” is written and produced by the award-winning, cross-sectional Arkansas PBS team of producers and licensed K-12 educators who helped create “Arkansas AMI,” “Blueberry’s Clubhouse,” “Rise and Shine” and ArkansasIDEAS.
More information about “Mystery League” – including free learning resources, online games, activities and lesson plans that align with and extend the learning – is available at myarpbs.org/mysteryleague. Updates are also available by signing up for emails at myarpbs.org/signup.
Along with the statewide broadcast of “Mystery League” on Arkansas PBS, episodes are also available digitally to families via livestream at myarpbs.org/watchmysteryleague and on demand in the PBS App and at myarpbs.org/mysteryleagueplaylist, as well as through YouTube TV.
About Arkansas PBS
For more than 50 years, Arkansas PBS has served as Arkansas’s statewide public media network. An inventive and award-winning multiplatform producer of local and national public media content, Arkansas PBS empowers learners of all ages and drives conversations, inspiring people and communities to reach their full potential. Arkansas PBS is home to the most utilized teacher professional development resources in the state with more than 4 million credit hours awarded. Arkansas PBS creates and celebrates Arkansas stories, informs through in-depth public affairs content and shares valued PBS programs as an essential service to all Arkansans, deepening connections to communities and the larger world, and changing lives for the better. More information about Arkansas PBS’s broadcast, online, educational and on-demand services and resources is available at myarkansaspbs.org.
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Tiffany L. Head