By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Fred Rogers Productions and Licensing Street have secured several consumer products partnerships for the Donkey Hodie childrens’ entertainment franchise.
The first licensed collections scheduled for release include sleepwear from Komar, apparel from Mad Engine, costumes from Rubies and a range of toys and plush from Jada Toys.
As the series’ master toy partner, Jada Toys will be releasing an additional collection of character plush and other toys later this year.
“Donkey Hodie is a winner with kids and families,” said Licensing Streets’ Jason Korfine. “Just like viewers who are drawn to the series, licensees have been eager to join in, too, and we’re delighted to be working with Komar, Mad Engine, and Rubies to offer new series-inspired products for fans everywhere.”
Donkey Hodie is a preschool puppet series inspired by characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Donkey Hodie was inspired by the funny, quirky side of Fred Rogers’ personality. The imaginative puppet series follows Donkey Hodie, a little yellow donkey with a “can do” attitude—and the granddaughter of the original Donkey Hodie character (now known as “Grampy Hodie”) from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood—and her pals in the world of Someplace Else (also inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood).
Since the show debuted in 2021, the Donkey Hodie franchise has expanded to include three PBS KIDS games and twelve books published by Simon & Schuster.
Donkey Hodie is currently in production on its second season, which will premiere later this year. The series is produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures.
“Consumer demand for Donkey Hodie products has been high since the series debut and we’re excited to welcome these best-in-class licensees to the Donkey Hodie family,” said Fred Rogers Productions VP Matt Shiels. “They are sure to help extend the whimsical and huggable world of Donkey Hodie so children can create their own imaginative series-themed adventures.”
Fred Rogers Productions was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. Since its initial creation, the organization has extended its reach to support childrens’ health and learning through several shows, games, and apps.
Licensing Street is a US-based licensing and consultation service that specializes in creating retail programs for entertainment and consumer brands.
The first licensed collections of Donkey Hodie products are scheduled for release this fall.
Matthew Shiels to Oversee Licensing at Fred Rogers Productions