PBS Kids is set to debut a new series called “Lyla in the Loop” in early 2024. This animated series, produced by Mighty Picnic and Pipeline Studios, will tackle the use of real-world AI tools and incorporate AI-assisted conversation in its digital episodes.
The series is created by Dave Peth, the founder of Mighty Picnic and an Emmy-winning producer known for shows like “Odd Squad,” “Peg + Cat,” “Scribbles and Ink,” and “Design Squad.” “Lyla in the Loop” will premiere on February 5, 2024, in both English and Spanish. The production is funded by grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the U.S. Department of Education’s Ready To Learn Initiative.
The story revolves around a 7-year-old girl named Lyla Loops, voiced by Liyou Abere, who lives in Philadelphia with her best friend, family, and her “fantastical” sidekick, Stu, voiced by Izzy Woodbury. Lyla is described as curious and resourceful, always looking for solutions to everyday problems. She never gives up, even when things don’t go as planned. PBS Kids believes that the audience will be drawn to Lyla’s determination and can-do attitude.
The series will feature Lyla taking on various challenges, such as building homemade carnival games using repurposed materials, helping out with the neighborhood trash and recycling route, and creating a puppet show based on the Jamaican folktale “Anansi and Goat.” However, it will also address more timely issues, like the ethics of AI. Lyla and her sister will explore the use of real-world AI tools while working on an art project, presenting an age-appropriate storyline that aims to teach children about the responsible use of technology.
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In addition to the linear release on PBS, the producers plan to release interactive episodes that incorporate AI-assisted conversation between the audience and the show’s main character, Lyla. This is a new use of algorithms for PBS Kids, which has previously used responsive AI to design educational games. The interactive episodes are still in the research phase, with partners at the University of California-Irvine and the University of Michigan conducting efficacy research to evaluate children’s learning and engagement.
To interact with the content, viewers will need a device with a microphone. The interactive episodes will be complemented by digital content that reinforces the series’ core messages and encourages creative expression and computational thinking skills.
“Lyla in the Loop” also features a diverse cast of characters, including Lyla’s friend Everett Phan, voiced by Isaac Ng, and her siblings Liana, Louisa, and Luke, voiced by Eden Cupid, Shechinah Mpumlwana, and Elijah Lindo. The series aims to celebrate and encourage children’s innate abilities to solve problems and use their creativity. It seeks to inspire kids to try new things, express themselves, and see problem-solving as a powerful tool in everyday life.
The series creator and showrunner, Dave Peth, draws inspiration from his hometown of Philadelphia. The theme song for “Lyla in the Loop” is composed and performed by the Grammy-nominated Divinity Roxx, with vocals from students in the public school district of Philadelphia.
Furthermore, the series has a team of consultants to ensure its educational value. These consultants include early childhood education expert Nermeen Dashoush, computing and innovation professor Amon Millner, universal design for learning advisor Yenda Prado, career pathways expert V. Scott Solberg, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) and accessibility advisor Cosette Strong.
Pipeline Studios, known for shows like “Elinor Wonders Why,” “Alma’s Way,” and “Bubble Guppies,” is animating the series, directed by Huy Tran. The supervising producer is Laurie Rabin, and the associate producer is Trina Sanyal. Joon Chung serves as the script coordinator, and Nneka Bolden is the digital producer.
“Lyla in the Loop” aims to engage a wide range of learners ages four to eight by modeling flexible approaches to problem-solving and design. The series will explore foundational computational thinking concepts and present comedic disasters and creative solutions. By creating relatable characters and authentic stories, the creators hope to spark new ways of looking at ourselves and our friends.
Overall, “Lyla in the Loop” promises to be an educational and entertaining series that combines animation with real-world AI tools and interactive elements. With its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, the series aims to encourage children to be curious, creative problem solvers in their everyday lives.
