PBS Kids is embracing the future of children’s entertainment with the launch of a brand-new series, Odd Squad Gaming Unit, a short-form video series blending gameplay, storytelling, and educational content. Aimed at children ages 3 to 8, the show is part of a broader strategy to modernize the network’s offerings and meet young audiences where they already are—online and engaged with digital games.
Each episode of Odd Squad Gaming Unit runs between 4 to 7 minutes and features characters from the popular Odd Squad franchise solving problems, completing missions, and engaging in critical thinking—this time, within the context of gameplay. Instead of traditional cartoon episodes, the series presents a hybrid format that feels like a mix between a Let’s Play and an interactive mystery, all framed within PBS’s signature educational lens.
The goal is to teach children essential skills such as logic, math, pattern recognition, and problem-solving, all while holding their attention through familiar characters and exciting challenges. In a media landscape increasingly saturated with entertainment-only content, PBS Kids continues to carve out a niche where education and fun go hand in hand.
The show is hosted by new members of the Odd Squad universe who interact with both in-game characters and real-time puzzles, mirroring the same type of critical thinking that has defined the franchise since its television debut. By using actual gameplay footage and interactive scenarios, the series allows children to engage passively while still absorbing foundational learning principles.
What makes this new series especially innovative is its distribution strategy. Episodes of Odd Squad Gaming Unit are being released on digital platforms, including PBS Kids’ official YouTube channel and the PBS Kids Video App. This move acknowledges the shift in how children consume content—moving away from scheduled TV programming and toward on-demand, mobile-friendly formats.
The decision to incorporate gaming into educational programming is a direct response to the increasing amount of time children are spending with interactive media. Rather than view gaming as a distraction, PBS Kids is leaning into it, using it as a vehicle for learning and engagement. The hope is that children will not only enjoy the episodes but be inspired to explore educational games themselves, many of which are available for free on PBS’s website and apps.
Parents and educators have welcomed the initiative as a thoughtful way to integrate screen time with meaningful learning. The content is carefully curated and reviewed by child development experts to ensure that it meets both entertainment and educational standards.
With Odd Squad Gaming Unit, PBS Kids is taking a bold step into the evolving world of children’s digital entertainment. By combining the familiarity of their trusted characters with the engaging nature of gameplay, the network is creating a new model for educational content that feels fresh, modern, and relevant. In an age where young viewers are as likely to reach for a tablet as they are a TV remote, PBS is ensuring that quality educational programming continues to thrive—no matter the screen.
