On November 14, 2024, PBS KIDS premiered Carl the Collector. Produced in English and Spanish, the show follows a raccoon with autism, and his friends as they solve problems and embrace their differences.
Through its relatable stories, characters, and messages, and with a production team that includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisors, and voice talent, Carl the Collector showcases and celebrates that we all have something unique to offer.
The series follows the everyday adventures of a warm-hearted autistic raccoon named Carl, who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family. Carl pays extraordinarily close attention to detail and comes up with unique ideas that others might not consider. These traits have helped him amass his extensive collections—from autographs and bottle caps to fake mustaches, pet rocks, sweaters, and virtually everything in between—which can come in handy for solving problems around the neighborhood with his friends.
Carl’s friends include Sheldon, an empathetic beaver with a knack for connecting people and soft spot for the underdog. As Carl’s best friend, Sheldon is attuned to Carl’s unique logic and ways of looking at the world, sometimes helping him navigate complex social nuances when necessary. Carl’s friend Lotta, a quiet and self-assured fox, is also autistic. She experiences hypersensitivity to loud sounds, powerful smells, and certain food textures, and has exceptional talents in art and music. Other friends include Nico and Arugula, identical twin bunny sisters whose personalities couldn’t be more different, making their quest to define their individual identities extra complicated; and Forrest, a hyperactive and impulsive squirrel with a tree-nut allergy, who is always ready for an impromptu adventure.
In each episode, Carl and his friends work and play together, and in the process, find out what makes each of them who they are. The series’ digital content for children, families, and teachers reinforces the core messages of self-discovery and identity, as well as recognizing and encouraging empathy for the many ways people think and behave.