City Island is an American animated short television series created by Aaron Augenblick. The series features two young friends (voiced by Kimia Behpoornia and Kimiko Glenn) in the fictional city of City Island learning about how the city works, with a focus on civics. The three-minute episodes play between long-form series on PBS Kids. City Island debuted in December 2022.
| City Island | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Created by | Aaron Augenblick |
| Voices of | |
| Theme music composer | Tunde Adebimpe |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 30 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Running time | 3 minutes |
| Production company | Augenblick Studios |
| Original release | |
| Network | PBS Kids |
| Release | December 26, 2022 |
| Related | |
| City Island Sings! | |
Synopsis
editCity Island is an educational series of animated shorts that follow a light bulb named Watt and his best friend, a kite named Windy. The series educates children on civics-related topics including economics, geography, finance, and transportation.[1]
Cast
editMain cast
edit- Kimia Behpoornia as Watt[2]
- Kimiko Glenn as Windy[2]
- James Adomian[3]
- James III[3]
Guest stars
edit- Amy Schumer as Terra, the planet where City Island is located[4]
- Julio Torres[3]
- Ellen Cleghorne[3]
- Rachel Bloom[3]
- Rosie Perez[3]
Production
editCity Island was created by Aaron Augenblick, known for Ugly Americans and Wonder Showzen.[5] Augenblick stated that he created the series in part as an homage to Sesame Street, "because I’ve always liked the idea that, in any episode, kids can … meet all these different people in a location that’s friendly, inviting, and seems like it would be really fun to hang out in."[4] The purpose of the series it to educate children about civics.[4] Augenblick worked with academic Elizabeth Hinde to decide what concepts to cover.[4] Season two expanded content to include media literacy with collaboration from National Association for Media Literacy Education.[6][3]
The theme music was composed by TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe.[4] The style is based on the work of art director Gemma Correll.[5]
Each episode is approximately 3 minutes long and plays as interstitial content between long-form series.[4]
Release
editThe series debuted in December 2022.[4] Season two debuted on July 5, 2024.[3] City Island airs on PBS Kids and on the official website in the United States.[1][6]
City Island Sings!, a spin-off series of music videos with original songs inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Dua Lipa, and David Bowie, premiered in May 2024.[2][7]
Accolades
edit2024
edit- Winner, Webby Awards, Kids & Family Video[8]
- Winner, Webby Awards, People's Voice, Kids & Family Video[8]
References
edit- ^ a b Aquino, Steven. "How PBS Kids' 'City Island' Is Making Learning About Civics, Community More Accessible To Every Child". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b c Sharpe, Josh. "Exclusive: Kimiko Glenn and Kimia Behpoornia Perform 'Block Party in Brickland' from PBS KIDS' CITY ISLAND SINGS!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Zahed, Ramin (2024-07-02). "Aaron Augenblick and Dan Powell Give Us a Tour of 'City Island' Season 2". Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g Eakin, Marah (2023-01-27). "PBS' "City Island" teaches civics with short-form cartoons". Current. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b "Animated short 'City Island' to debut on PBS Kids in December 2022 -". www.animationxpress.com. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b Pearl, Jenna (2024-08-20). "Augenblick Studios on expanding the bustling world of City Island and City Island Sings". Toon Boom Animation. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "PBS KIDS' 'City Island Sings!' Music Videos Coming May 29". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ a b "NEW Webby Gallery + Index". NEW Webby Gallery + Index. Retrieved 2024-10-20.