Overview

PBS Kids Go! was a branded programming block used by the U.S. public broadcaster PBS to present television shows and related content for older children, generally those between about six and thirteen years old. Launched in October 2004, the block occupied weekday afternoon schedule positions on many PBS member stations and was designed to sit alongside the younger-targeted PBS Kids preschool offerings.

Programming and format

The block featured a mixture of animated series, live-action programs, and short-format educational segments. Its shows emphasized age-appropriate learning goals such as problem solving, science and math concepts, literacy, social skills, and civic awareness. Scheduling varied by station: while many stations ran a consistent afternoon lineup, some adjusted the hours to suit local needs or to convert content into weekend blocks.

Education and online resources

Beyond on-air broadcasts, the brand was associated with web-based activities, educational games, printable resources for teachers and parents, and targeted marketing intended to bridge the transition from preschool programming to more complex subject matter. The online components reinforced lesson themes from individual episodes and encouraged interactive learning.

History and development

PBS Kids Go! debuted on October 11, 2004, as part of an effort to better serve multiple school-age audiences and to modernize outreach. The brand remained in use through the late 2000s and early 2010s, but changing distribution strategies, station programming choices, and a consolidation of PBS children's services led to the decision to retire the Kids Go! identity. The block was discontinued on October 7, 2013, after which PBS continued to present school-age content under other PBS Kids branding and distribution models.

Distinctive features and legacy

  • Targeted older children with curriculum-linked entertainment rather than preschool content.
  • Combined on-air shows with web and classroom materials to support standards-based learning.
  • Served as a transitional brand bridging early childhood programming and more advanced youth media.

Although the specific "Kids Go!" label is no longer active, its approach—integrating broadcast programming with online interactivity and educational support—remains influential in public media strategies for school-age audiences.