Oct. 10, 2023
Family events to feature preview screening, fun activities, special treats
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) – Arkansas PBS is excited to announce a slate of community screening events for its all-new original series “Mystery League.” Geared towards children in kindergarten through second grade, “Mystery League” is a live-action series designed to teach valuable lessons about friendship and community. The fun-filled events are set to kick off on Thursday, Oct. 26, offering attendees a chance to enjoy exclusive presentations of two episodes from the new 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. With limited seating, these events are expected to fill up quickly.
"We are delighted to bring this highly anticipated original series to audiences across Arkansas, especially our youngest viewers," expressed Courtney Pledger, CEO of Arkansas PBS. "These 'Mystery League' events provide a perfect chance, in advance of our statewide premiere on Nov. 19, for kids to enjoy themselves while discovering and connecting with their communities."
“Mystery League” follows the adventures of 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 true meaning of friendship and the extraordinary power of community.
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.
These events are free for the public to enjoy, snacks and treats will be provided and kids attending the event will receive a Mystery bag to continue being detectives at home.
Screening events will be held at the following locations:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville - Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. RSVP: https://tickets.crystalbridges-themomentary.org/70422/70423
- Benton Event Center - Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 6 p.m. RSVP: https://myarpbs.org/mysteryleaguebenton
- Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Conway - Saturday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m. RSVP: https://myarpbs.org/mysteryleagueconway
The actors who play Millie, Mike, and Marta will be in attendance for the Nov. 11 screening.
"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. "The first audiences to view this new series will be within some of the key communities who contributed to its production. We are so excited to share what we think is an exceptional television experience filmed about small towns in Arkansas."
“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 and classrooms to support learning targets that align with Arkansas educational standards.
The series will be delivered digitally to school districts across the state beginning in fall 2023. The statewide broadcast premiere of “Mystery League” on Arkansas PBS is slated for Nov. 19, with episodes also livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live. The series will also be available on demand in the PBS App and at youtube.com/arkansaspbs, as well as via YouTube TV.
“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” is available at myarpbs.org/mysteryleague. Updates are also available by signing up for emails at myarpbs.org/signup.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/live, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Gaither) and KETS (Yancy).
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Editor’s NOTE: Press is encouraged and welcome to attend events. Cast members will attend events as schedules allow. Interview opportunities are available with series producers, staff, and cast.