Feb. 6, 2025
TV series filmed entirely in Arkansas slated for PBS KIDS premiere March 21
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Arkansas PBS has announced “Mystery League” – an Arkansas-produced series designed to teach kids about friendship and community – will premiere nationally on PBS KIDS March 21. The series, which has already made a significant economic impact on Arkansas, will highlight the state’s educational excellence, creative production capabilities and unique cultural identity to a nationwide audience.
“We are thrilled that our Arkansas-made children’s television series has been selected for national broadcast by PBS KIDS,” Arkansas PBS Executive Director and CEO Courtney Pledger said. “‘Mystery League’ is a shining example of the incredible production expertise of our Arkansas PBS team and the creative talents of our vibrant Arkansas video crews, cast and locations.
“This opportunity to share the beauty, creativity and talent of our state with families across the nation is a tremendous honor and a proud moment for Arkansas.”
“Mystery League” will be available on PBS KIDS broadcast and streaming platforms. PBS KIDS averages 16 million monthly users and over 350 million monthly streams across digital platforms1. “Mystery League” will also be a part of the PBS KIDS Family Night lineup, which are weekly family viewing events featuring movie specials or themed programming every Saturday and Sunday evening.
In each episode of “Mystery League,” viewers will join Millie, Mike and Marta, three fifth-grade detectives, as they solve the never-ending mysteries in their small Arkansas town of Mulberry Springs. For kids ages 5-8, this live-action series filmed entirely in Arkansas teaches lessons in friendship, civics, geography, economics, leadership and what it means to be a member of a community.
“We are incredibly proud to bring this locally produced program – filled with warmth, fun and friendship while showcasing the unique communities and natural beauty of Arkansas – to kids and families everywhere,” Arkansas PBS Education Director and “Mystery League” producer Sajni Kumpuris said. “The production of this series had a significant economic impact on our state, employing over 500 Arkansas-based crew members, cast and vendors.
“We believe this series places Arkansas filmmakers and cast amongst the best in the country.”
Arkansans will see many familiar faces and familiar places in the series, including:
- Lawson Elementary School in Little Rock.
- The Old State House Museum.
- Parkview High School in Little Rock.
- The Saline County Courthouse.
- The Burger Shack in Benton.
- Ouachita River in the cities of Malvern and Rockport.
- Remmel Dam at Jones Mills, powered by Entergy.
- MacArthur Park in Little Rock.
- A family farm in Scott.
- Value Foods in Little Rock.
- Haskell Hardware in Haskell.
- Benton School District.
“‘Mystery League’ is filmed entirely in Arkansas, and we intentionally focused on capturing life in our small towns,” Kumpuris said. “This series allows Arkansas kids to see themselves, their communities, and their way of life reflected on screen in a meaningful way.
“At the same time, it offers children across the country a glimpse into the rich culture, charm and beauty of life here in The Natural State. It’s a celebration of who we are and a chance to share that story with a much broader audience.”
PBS KIDS Family Night marathons will air on Saturdays, March 22 and 29, and repeat Sundays, March 23 and 30, at 6 each night on Arkansas PBS. In addition to airing on Arkansas PBS and member stations nationwide, “Mystery League” will also be available on all PBS KIDS digital streaming platforms, including the PBS KIDS Video App, and pbskids.org, starting March 21. All the ways to watch Arkansas PBS KIDS 24/7 can be found at myarpbs.org/watch.
Episodes of “Mystery League,” developed in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education, align with curriculum frameworks and emphasize social studies standards for grades K-2. Each episode covers social studies academic standards including civic engagement, community involvement and economic connections.
“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. The series has been honored with five Mid-America Regional Emmy Awards and two Public Media Awards.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on X, Facebook and Instagram.
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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