Donkey Hodie is an American puppet live action musical preschool television series created by David and Adam Rudman for PBS Kids, and is aimed at preschoolers ages 3 to 5. Inspired by characters created by Fred Rogers, the series premiered on May 3, 2021[1] and is the second spinoff of Rogers' television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood after Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.[2]
The series was renewed for a second season which premiered on August 14, 2023.[3][4]
On August 14, 2024, it was announced that Donkey Hodie was renewed for a third season. Season 3 will premiere in 2025 and will have a special 4-part crossover episode with Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, with the Tigers re-imagined as puppets.
The series' title is a wordplay for Don Quixote.
Series overview
edit| Season | Segments | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | ||||
| 1 | 79 | 40 | May 3, 2021 | February 23, 2023 | |
| 2 | 41 | 21 | August 14, 2023 | December 2, 2024 | |
Episodes
editSeason 1 (2021–23)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code [5] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Flying Flapjacks" "Pickle Penguin Problem" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino | May 3, 2021 | 102 |
|
Donkey wants to make Flying Flapjacks all by herself, but she makes a lot of mistakes. She then realizes that she hasn't been doing it by herself and that everybody needs help sometimes. Panda loses his new Pickle Penguin in some rocks, and Donkey tries to help him get it out. They both learn that laughter can make hard things easier. | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "A Big Favor for Grampy" "A Fair Way to Bounce" | David Rudman | Adam & David Rudman Joey Mazzarino | May 3, 2021 | 101 |
|
Donkey has to take her Grampy's pet elephant, Gregory for a walk while Grampy heads to juggling team practice. But this proves to be super strenuous because Gregory is reluctant to move. Donkey is upset, so Clyde the Cloud shows up and teaches Donkey that she can breathe to chill out when she feels upset. Harriett has made a new invention called the Bounce-a-rino. But the gang can't decide who goes first, and come up with unfair ways to decide. They all then learn that there is always a fair way to decide about something and have fun on the Bounce-a-rino. | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Super Duper Sleepover" "Mountain Climb Time" | David Rudman | Adam & David Rudman | May 4, 2021 | 103 |
|
Donkey and Panda are having a super duper sleepover, but they find a monster in the dark and they can't go to sleep. When they find out that it is just Panda's toys, they realize there is always an explanation for things that might seem scary. Donkey and Panda want to climb up Mt. Really High Up, but while Panda wants to stop, Donkey wants to reach the top. Even though they didn't reach the top, Grampy teaches them that practice makes perfect. | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "The Waiting Game" "Planet Purple Party" | David Rudman | Adam & David Rudman | May 5, 2021 | 104 |
|
Donkey wants to open a big present from Harriett, but she has to wait for her friends to get there. The gang and Donkey learn that when they wait, they can use their imagination to pass the time. It's Mama Panda's birthday today on Planet Purple, so Panda plans to throw her a surprise party and he keeps forgetting things. He learns that there are ways to keep track of things and Mama Panda has a great birthday party. | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Masked Veggies" "The Royal Hosts" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino Liz Hara | May 6, 2021 | 105 |
|
Panda is on Game Show Gator's newest show, The Masked Veggies, and Panda is nervous. In the final round, he learns that his friends are always there, even when he can't see them. Donkey and Panda have to act as Royal Hosts for King Friday's visit from the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, but they don't know what kings like to do, because they think King Friday won't like their silly game. They learn that they should always try ideas, even when you're worried about them. | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Chili Jamboree" "Hoof Dancing is Hard" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino | May 10, 2021 | 106 |
|
Bob Dog (really) can't wait for Grampy's slow cooked chili. He and his pals sing to help pass the time, but it doesn't help. Bob Dog learns that he can do something he loves to help him wait. Donkey wants to learn how to hoof dance, but she just can't get it. She learns from Grampy that in order to be a good hoof dancer, she needs to practice. | ||||||
| 7 | 7 | "The Yodel Birds Are Coming" "A Lot of Hot" | David Rudman | Adam & David Rudman | May 11, 2021 | 107 |
|
The yodel birds are coming to Someplace Else, and they could use a place to rest up. The gang builds a rest nest, and while Panda and Duck Duck builds the nest, Donkey and Bob Dog have trouble building the structure. Someplace Else is having a heatwave. But in order to cool everyone down, Donkey and Duck Duck set up a lemonade stand. | ||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Growing the Ungrowdenia" "Camp Buddy Buddy" | David Rudman | Stephanie D'Abruzzo Joey Mazzarino | May 12, 2021[6] | 108 |
|
Donkey is growing an Ungrowdenia in her yard. When it gets big, she wants it to get even bigger. Donkey and Panda are visiting Camp Buddy Buddy on a windy day. However, when their plans keep literally blowing away, they know to change the plan so that way they can have a great time at Camp Buddy Buddy too. | ||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Art Show Today" "The Lavender Lights" | David Rudman | Adam & David Rudman | May 13, 2021 | 109 |
|
Donkey is creating a sculpture for the Someplace Else art show. When she keeps making mistakes, she feels ready to give up. Panda wants to bring his pals to see the Lavender Lights in outer space, but Duck Duck is afraid of taking off in spaceships. | ||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Spooky Shadow Swamp" "Hidden Orchestra" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino | May 17, 2021 | 110 |
|
When Donkey and Panda lose Bob Dog's favorite ball in the most spooky-ookiest place in Someplace Else, the Spooky Shadow Swamp, they must find their inner braveness to get that ball back. They join the Hidden Orchestra, Donkey must complete a scavenger hunt for hidden instruments. | ||||||
| 11 | 11 | "Squibbit" "Teamwork Challenge" | David Rudman | Allan Neuwirth Adam Rudman & Joey Mazzarino | May 18, 2021 | 111 |
|
A noisy penguin interrupts Donkey and Panda's band practice. They must figure out what the penguin wants so it stops squibbiting. The pals team up for Gator's latest gameshow, but can't agree on answers to his clues. | ||||||
| 12 | 12 | "The Fastest Fetcher" "Bobbly Ball" | David Rudman | Belinda Ward & Stephanie D’Abruzzo Adam Rudman | May 19, 2021 | 112 |
|
Bob Dog quits fetching when he loses the "Fastest Fetcher" gameshow. Donkey now must find Bob Dog a new enjoyable hobby that will make him feel "Bow-Wowy" again. Donkey and Panda get bored practicing Bobbly Ball. They find ways to make practice fun so they can catch the ball and win a surprise. | ||||||
| 13 | 13 | "The Royal Sandcastle Builders" "Bobski Bounce" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino Louie Lazar & Adam Rudman | May 24, 2021 | 113 |
|
Donkey and Panda want to help King Friday build a sandcastle, but when it keeps falling, they get frustrated. Donkey is ready to complete the Bobski Bounce Challenge, and Bob Dog helps out with some advice. | ||||||
| 14 | 14 | "The Cow and Potato Bug Opera" "Everything Explorers" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino & Liz Hara Adam Rudman | August 9, 2021 | 114 |
|
Donkey is excited to direct a new show starring all her pals. But when she needs to become an actor in the show, she should let Panda be the new leader. Donkey and Panda discover a surprise spider, but every time they get close to it, it jumps away. | ||||||
| 15 | 15 | "The Golden Crunchdoodles" "Walking Stick Blues" | David Rudman | Liz Hara Adam Rudman & George Arthur Bloom | August 10, 2021 | 115 |
|
Donkey and Panda discover a golden rainbow outside after a storm. Hopefully, if they follow it, it would lead them to a mythical bowl of Golden Crunchdoodles cereal. When Grampy's walking stick breaks, Donkey vows to help fix it and maybe her pals' ideas can help. | ||||||
| 16 | 16 | "Good Dog School" "Panda Hodie" | David Rudman | Stephanie D'Abruzzo | August 11, 2021 | 116 |
|
Bob Dog is nervous about his Good Dog School graduation. His pals remind him of what he's good at, but he must find the confidence to graduate. Panda loses his Super Porcupine puppet. If Donkey pretends she is Panda, she can find it for him. | ||||||
| 17 | 17 | "Bye Bye, Book" "Tater Buddies" | David Rudman | Belinda Ward Joey Mazzarino | August 12, 2021 | 117 |
|
Duck Duck builds a book swap box so all her pals can share books, but it's harder to give away her books than she thought. The pals throw a party for their Tater Buddy dolls. When one of his friends is upset, Panda must spot the signs and help. | ||||||
| 18 | 18 | "Donkey's Bad Day" "Yodel Bird Egg" | David Rudman | Liz Hara Belinda Ward | August 13, 2021 | 118 |
|
Donkey and Panda's Awesome, Extra Fun, Very Good Day keeps going badly. Donkey must find a way to cheer herself up. Donkey and Panda find a yodel bird egg with no mama in sight. They vow to protect it, but it's harder than they expect. | ||||||
| 19 | 19 | "Mooing Moon Moths" "Stop and Think" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino George Arthur Bloom | November 22, 2021 | 119 |
|
Donkey is excited to see the Mooing Moon Moths of Moo Moth Moon. However, she accidentally hee-haws them away. Now, She and Panda must find them all. The problem is that retrieving the Moths isn't an easy feat. Bob Dog is looking for his boogie bone, but he can't find it. The thing he needs to do to help find it is to stop and think. | ||||||
| 20 | 20 | "Best Friends Day" "Silly Sticky Situation" | David Rudman | Liz Hara Belinda Ward | November 23, 2021 | 120 |
|
It's Best Friends Day, but Donkey and Panda want to do two different things, but both of them don't wanna do the others. Soon, Best Friends Day becomes Best Friends Apart Day, Fortunately, it's about to go back to Best Friends Day again, because Donkey and Panda get an idea. During art time, Donkey accidentally gets herself stuck to a giant glue bottle. But when Duck Duck, Bob Dog, and Panda also get stuck, the gang gets in a truly sticky situation. | ||||||
| 21 | 21 | "The Try Scouts" "Wiz-Kazizz-Kazaam" | David Rudman Frankie Cordero | Joey Mazzarino | November 24, 2021 | 121 |
|
Donkey and Panda become Try Scouts and must complete hard challenges to earn badges. Donkey and Duck Duck teach Bob Dog how to play a new game. When his different emotions disrupt the game, it's hard for his pals to play. | ||||||
| 22 | 22 | "Potato Pirates" "Panda's Special Something" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino Christine Ferraro | November 25, 2021 | 122 |
|
To find the Ruby Red Tater Treasure, Captain Donkey realizes she needs to stop and listen to her pirate crew. Panda discovers his favorite hoodie from when he was little, but it's too small and can't fit for him now. He must find a special way to say goodbye to it. | ||||||
| 23 | 23 | "A Night Out" "Poetry Problem" | David Rudman | George Arthur Bloom & Louie Lazar Stephanie D'Aburuzzo | March 4, 2022 | 123 |
|
The pals are excited to sleep under the stars, but it's Donkey's first time. Panda and Duck Duck must help her feel less afraid. Panda forgot his poetry notebook at Donkey's messy windmill. Donkey must find it inside her messy windmill before his poetry recital. | ||||||
| 24 | 24 | "Groovy Guitar" "Treasure Nest" | David Rudman | Louie Lazar Adam Rudman | March 11, 2022 | 124 |
|
Donkey's guitar goes missing right before the talent show. Panda and Duck Duck help her look all around for it. Duck Duck finally finds her family's Treasure Nest, but she can't open it. Maybe she needs to look at the problem in a new way. | ||||||
| 25 | 25 | "Swoop-a-Rino" "Duck Duck's Great Adventure" | David Rudman | Christine Ferraro Joey Mazzarino | March 18, 2022 | 125 |
|
Donkey and Bob Dog love riding Harriett's new Swoop-a-rino, but Duck Duck can't figure out how to fly it. Donkey takes Duck Duck on her very own adventure where she has to make a lot of choices. | ||||||
| 26 | 26 | "Being Bob Dog" "Panda Panda" | David Rudman | Stephanie D'Abruzzo | March 25, 2022 | 126 |
|
Donkey and Panda don't know what to give Bob Dog for his birthday, so they pretend to be him to figure out the bow-wowiest present ever. Donkey and Panda's playdate goes haywire when they find one of Harriett's inventions. | ||||||
| 27 | 27 | "Piano Problem" "Bongo-Lympics" | David Rudman | Adam Rudman | June 6, 2022 | 127 |
|
Donkey and Purple Panda have to get a piano to Grampy's Sing-Along. Purple Panda practices to compete in the Bongo-lympics with the help of Donkey. | ||||||
| 28 | 28 | "Cheesy Con" "Stanley's One-Dragon Show" | David Rudman Frankie Cordero | Joey Mazzarino | June 7, 2022 | 128 |
|
Donkey and Purple Panda look forward to Cheesy Con, but Donkey hurts her ankle after she slips and has to stay home. Thankfully, Panda knows that he can bring the feeling of Cheesy Con to her home. Donkey has to help Stanley the dragon improve his one dragon show before it starts. | ||||||
| 29 | 29 | "Acornball" "Super Duper Magic Fun Box" | David Rudman | Adam Rudman Joey Mazzarino | June 8, 2022 | 129 |
|
Donkey and Panda want to play Game Show Gator's latest game, but it's not ready yet so they invent their own game. Panda and Donkey get a package from Purple Planet. | ||||||
| 30 | 30 | "The Potato Stand" "Clyde's Surprise Playdate" | David Rudman | Adam Rudman | June 9, 2022 | 130 |
|
Donkey opens up her own potato stand, but has trouble getting customers to come to her stand. When Donkey hears that Clyde the Cloud has never had a playdate, she decides to give Clyde his very first playdate. | ||||||
| 31 | 31 | "A Donkey Hodie Halloween" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino | October 10, 2022 | 131 |
|
Donkey Hodie helps Panda warm up Halloween by helping him overcome his fear of Halloweeny things. Note: This is the first half-hour episode. | ||||||
| 32 | 32 | "Snow Day" "Snow Surprise Challenge" | David Rudman Frankie Cordeo | Joey Mazzarino | December 5, 2022 | 132 |
|
Panda enjoys a snow day his own way. Bob Dog wants to win at Gameshow Gator's new snowy game. | ||||||
| 33 | 33 | "Yodel Bird Sitting" "Superhero Squabble" | David Rudman | Belinda Ward | December 6, 2022 | 133 |
|
Donkey babysits a baby yodel bird who won't take a nap. Donkey and Panda argue while playing superheroes. | ||||||
| 34 | 34 | "Hey-o, Purple Moon" "Purple Peg Problem" | David Rudman | Stephanie D'Abruzzo | December 7, 2022 | 134 |
|
Panda hopes to find a quiet way to show his love for the moon moths. Donkey helps Panda fix his spaceship. | ||||||
| 35 | 35 | "Dodie Hodie" "Uniquely Panda" | David Rudman | Liz Hara Christine Ferraro | December 8, 2022 | 135 |
|
Donkey wonders if she and her cousin can have fun together since they don't like doing the same things anymore. Panda thinks about how he is different from other pandas. | ||||||
| 36 | 36 | "Big Nest Bird Party" "Pet Elephant Camp" | David Rudman Frank Cordero | Adam Rudman George Arthur Bloom | December 9, 2022 | 136 |
|
Donkey tries to act like a bird at Duck Duck's bird party, but she does not enjoy herself. Grampy and Donkey miss Gregory while he is away at camp. | ||||||
| 37 | 37 | "Gator's New Game" "Donkey and Panda Cheer Up" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino | February 20, 2023 | 137 |
|
The pals help Gameshow Gator make up a new game that everyone can play. Donkey and Panda remind each other that they can cheer themselves up when they're down. | ||||||
| 38 | 38 | "Me, Myself, and Donkey" "Fashion Donkey" | David Rudman | Adam Rudman Joey Mazzarino | February 21, 2023 | 138 |
|
Donkey is disappointed when her friends are away for the day, but finds a way to have fun on her own. Donkey wants to be like Fashion Penguin. | ||||||
| 39 | 39 | "Bright Bright Bugs" "Panda's Purple Break" | David Rudman | Unknown | February 22, 2023 | 139 |
|
Donkey and Panda camp out to see the Bright Bright Bugs. Panda feels tired of his purple things, so Donkey helps him take a break. | ||||||
| 40 | 40 | "The Golden Crunchdoodles Return" "Flowers, Fetch, and Dance" | David Rudman | Unknown | February 23, 2023 | 140 |
|
The pals find a box of Golden Crunchdoodles cereal. Panda and Bob Dog want to play different things. | ||||||
Season 2 (2023–24)
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Prod. code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 1 | "Trolley Visits Someplace Else" "Wish Upon a Fish" | David Rudman | Adam Rudman Melvin Campbell | August 14, 2023 | 204 |
|
Trolley visits Someplace Else for a big party. Donkey thinks her pet fish is magic and will help her complete her tough stuff-to-do list. | ||||||
| 42 | 2 | "The Breakfast Bowl" "Dancing Dandelions" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino | August 15, 2023 | 201 |
|
Donkey and Panda compete against each other in the Breakfast Bowl. Donkey, Panda, and Bob Dog plant Dancing Dandelion seeds and help each other find the right music to grow the flowers. | ||||||
| 43 | 3 | "Speedy Delivery" "Ruff Night" | David Rudman | Belinda Ward Liz Hara | August 16, 2023 | 202 |
|
Turtle-Lou opens a Speedy Delivery service. The pals have a sleepover at Bob Dog's house. | ||||||
| 44 | 4 | "Feelings Detectives" "Clyde's Cloudy Day" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino Alan Neuwirth | August 17, 2023 | 203 |
|
Duck Duck has a super big feeling, but she doesn't know what it is. Detectives Donkey and Panda are on the case. When Clyde the Cloud feels bummed out, the pals want to help him feel better, but he needs time. They give him time until he is ready to play. | ||||||
| 45 | 5 | "A Donkey Dilemma" "The Quiet Game" | Frankie Cordero David Rudman | Adam Rudman | August 18, 2023 | 205 |
|
Donkey promised to help Grampy bathe Gregory and play Bubble Bonanza with Panda today. The pals play too loudly while Rock Star Penguin tries to write a song. They make up a quiet game to help to find out who can stay quiet the longest. | ||||||
| 46 | 6 | "Pet Rock Problem" "Donkey Wonky Tea Party" | Frankie Cordero David Rudman | Adam Rudman Joey Mazzarino | February 26, 2024 | 206 |
|
Cousin Hodie's pet rock has gone missing. Donkey hosts a special party but forgets her pals' favorite teas and treats. | ||||||
| 47 | 7 | "The Goalies" "Mousy Hodie" | Frankie Cordero David Rudman | Adam Rudman Melvin Campbell | February 27, 2024 | 207 |
|
Donkey and Panda set goals to achieve for the day. Donkey shows Mousy how to play "the Donkey way." | ||||||
| 48 | 8 | "The Tree Swing" "Book Club" | David Rudman Frankie Cordero | Adam Rudman | February 28, 2024 | 208 |
|
Cousin Hodie wants to play with Donkey on a tree swing, but he has a hard time. Duck Duck's new club book is too huge for her and Donkey to read. | ||||||
| 49 | 9 | "Someplace Cold" "Purple Polka Dot Party" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino Belinda Ward | February 29, 2024 | 209 |
|
Donkey and Panda go to Someplace Cold to keep Snurdley from melting. Panda wants to have a party with his friends in Planet Purple. | ||||||
| 50 | 10 | "How Does It Feel?" "Best Ball Fest" | Frankie Cordero David Rudman | Adam Rudman | March 1, 2024 | 210 |
|
Bob Dog talks about other's feelings. Bob Dog wants to go to the Best Ball Fest, but he needs to find out which ball is best. | ||||||
| 51 | 11 | "Bob Dog's Balloon Bother" "We Miss Panda" | David Rudman | Ayub Arain Adam Rudman | June 10, 2024 | 211 |
|
Bob Dog faces a big fear. The pals miss Panda while he's away. | ||||||
| 52 | 12 | "Just Him and Me" "Duck Duck's Concert" | David Rudman | Stephanie D'Aburzzo Louie Lazar | June 11, 2024 | 212 |
|
Donkey feels disappointed when Grampy gives Panda a piano lesson. Duck Duck feels disappointed when she misses her favorite band, but Donkey, Panda and Bob decide to cheer her up. | ||||||
| 53 | 13 | "Thankful Donkey" "The Penguin Diner-Rama" | Frankie Cordero | Melissa Oskouie Adam Rudman | June 12, 2024 | 213 |
|
Donkey makes Grampy a special card but when she is delivering it to him, she gets stuck in sticky situations. The pals help Harriet with her new invention for penguins. | ||||||
| 54 | 14 | "Cousin Hodie's Rainy Day" "Grampy's Guppies" | David Rudman | Joey Mazzarino Melvin Campbell | June 13, 2024 | 214 |
|
Donkey and Cousin figure out how to have fun in the rain. Donkey is patient while Cousin learns a new game at Grampy's Game Day. | ||||||
| 55 | 15 | "A Wonderful Thunderful Day" "Hoopy Hoopers" | David Rudman | Allan Neuwirth Belinda Ward | June 14, 2024 | 215 |
|
The pals each feel differently about a loud thunderstorm. Mama Panda teaches Donkey and Panda new hoopy hoop tricks. | ||||||
| 56 | 16 | "The Wind Racer" "Play This Way" | David Rudman | Liz Hara Andrew Moriarty & Maxwell Nicoll | September 16, 2024 | 216 |
|
Donkey accidentally breaks Grampy's favorite toy. Donkey and Panda play with a Tater Buddy. | ||||||
| 57 | 17 | "What a Pickle" "Scooter Blues" | David Rudman | Adam Rudman | September 17, 2024 | 217 |
|
Duck Duck's magic trick goes awry, turning her neighbors' things into pickles. Donkey is afraid to scooter after a fall. | ||||||
| 58 | 18 | "Gameshow Gaffe" "Balancing Team Troubles" | Frankie Cordero | Jill Cozza-Turner Louie Lazar | September 18, 2024 | 218 |
|
Donkey hosts Gator's game show for a day. Donkey joins the Balance Ball team but feels uncomfortable doing something new. | ||||||
| 59 | 19 | "Bob Dog's Stuffie Situation" "A Swampy Playdate" | Frankie Cordero David Rudman | Adam Rudman Joey Mazzarino | September 19, 2024 | 219 |
|
Bob Dog brings a ball to the Stuffie Playdate. Frankie Fox invites Donkey to her swamp, but she feels nervous about playing in it. | ||||||
| 60 | 20 | "Plain Old Day" "Birdie Beach Concert" | David Rudman | Stephanie D'Abruzzo Melvin Campbell | September 20, 2024 | 220 |
|
Panda is sad when an exciting holiday is over. Rockstar Penguin asks Donkey and Panda to make up a new dance | ||||||
| 61 | 21 | "A Donkey Hodie New Year" | TBA | TBA | December 2, 2024 | 223 |
|
TBA Note: This is the second half-hour episode. | ||||||
References
edit- ^ "TV Talk: New 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' spin-off debuts in May". TribLIVE.com. January 27, 2021. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ "'Donkey Hodie,' PBS KIDS Series Inspired by 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' Premieres 3 May 2021 with help/funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting". PBS. PBS Publicity. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
- ^ "'Donkey Hodie' Tilts at Second Season on PBS KIDS". April 6, 2022.
- ^ "PBS' 'Alma's Way' and 'Donkey Hodie' Get 2-Year Funding Renewal". April 5, 2023.
- ^ "Donkey Hodie Season 1".
- ^ "Donkey Hodie". KET. 2019-12-30. Retrieved 2021-05-07.
External links
edit- Donkey Hodie at IMDb