I’ll tell you straight out, I don’t watch Arthur. The kids don’t watch it either. Not often as far as I know. We may have seen one or two episodes but I think it is for kids who are a bit older than Eva and Andrew. I do hear that it is a good show and they tackle many different issues that kids are going through. A big issue that is being talked about everywhere right now is Bullying. For Arthur’s Spring Premiere Week there will be two episodes about Bullying. One will be on May 6 and the second on May 10. Please see the Press Release below and the video preview for more info.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARTHUR Stands Up to Bullying in All-New Episodes

Arthur and Friends Promote Kid-Friendly Dialogue About Bullying in Two New Episodes Airing May 6 & 10 on PBS KIDS (check local listings), Part of ARTHUR Spring Premiere Week

(Boston, MA, Wednesday April 17, 2013) – ARTHUR, television’s longest-running children’s animated series, kicks off its spring season with a week of all-new episodes, including two devoted to the issue of bullying.

The week begins with “The Last Tough Customer” on Monday, May 6. In this episode, the Tough Customers realize it’s time to quit bullying and set out to find a new hobby – but can Molly ever truly change her ways? Watch a sneak preview!

Then on Friday, May 10, in “So Funny I Forgot to Laugh,” Arthur thinks his jokes about Sue Ellen’s new sweater are all in good fun, but Sue Ellen’s feelings are hurt. Has Arthur become…a bully?

“While we have seen a renewed focus on anti-bullying efforts over the last couple of years, most resources are targeted towards older children,” says Executive Producer Carol Greenwald. “ARTHUR provides us with a unique opportunity to reach children at a young age and positively impact future attitudes and behaviors. In these episodes, kids will see that everyone makes mistakes, even Arthur, but it’s how you learn and grow from those experiences that matters.”

Since it first premiered in 1996, ARTHUR has tackled a wide range of childhood issues—from asthma and bedwetting, to coping with the loss of a pet. These episodes on bullying further ARTHUR’s commitment to encouraging conversations around tough topics and fostering positive social skills in children.

The week continues with brand-new, fun, and heartfelt stories that ARTHUR fans have come to grow and love. Episode descriptions and airdates below:

Monday, May 6

“The Last Tough Customer“
The Tough Customers realize it’s time to quit bullying and set out to find a new hobby – but can Molly ever truly change her ways?

“Brain’s Chess Mess”
Brain starts a chess club at school to improve his game and beat Los Dedos, the local chess master. Who knew the best player in the club would be…Rattles?!?

Tuesday, May 7

“Baseball Blues”
It’s Grebelings season and George can’t wait to play! After all, no one knows more about baseball than George. But when he realizes knowledge of sinkers doesn’t guarantee success in the field, will he throw in the towel?

“Brain’s Biggest Blunder”
When Brain gets teamed with Buster and Binky in the annual Arithmattack competition, he immediately enrolls Buster in binomial boot camp. Can Brain transform Buster into a mathematic marvel? Or will he be forced to eat humble pi?

Wednesday, May 8

“Buster’s Book Battle”
Lakewood Elementary has just instituted IRP; a program where kids can earn points (and prizes!) for reading. Buster’s thrilled and gets to work straight away! But will he earn enough points for a skateboard?

“On the Buster Scale”
Buster and Brain never agree on movies. Buster rates every film a 10+, while Brain doesn’t seem to like anything…Only one of them can be right…or so they think.

Thursday, May 9

“Fern and the Case of the Stolen Story”
The unthinkable has happened! Fern has writer’s block! Fortunately, Ladonna’s full of stories. Faced with a tight deadline, Fern decides to “borrow” the tales and simply change the names. Has Fern confused write and wrong?

“Sue Ellen Vegges Out”
When Sue Ellen decides to stop eating meat, Muffy and Francine compete to be the best vegetarian. Can they successfully resist meat? Or was this a missed steak?

Friday, May 10

“So Funny I Forgot to Laugh”
Arthur thinks his jokes about Sue Ellen’s new sweater are all in good fun but Sue Ellen’s feelings are hurt. Has Arthur become…a bully?

“Best Day Ever”
It’s a beautiful afternoon and everyone is reminiscing about their “best days.” Everyone, that is, except Arthur. Is it possible he doesn’t have one?

Join ARTHUR online at pbskids.org/arthur
The ARTHUR website is home to a variety of educational materials, including resources, lesson plans, and activities, to help kids gain a better appreciation for the world around them. Parents are encouraged to use the new episodes, as well as related online resources, to begin a conversation with their children about bullying.

Stay tuned for the launch of a new Fashion Club, coming this May! Design an outfit for your favorite character, watch fashion-themed videos, and much more! Visit the ARTHUR website at pbskids.org/arthur and watch video clips and full episodes at pbskids.org/video.

About ARTHUR
ARTHUR, based on the best-selling books by Marc Brown, is television’s longest-running children’s animated series. Over the past 15 seasons, ARTHUR has remained one of the highest-rated weekday children’s series on PBS among children 4-8. ARTHUR has won numerous awards, including the George Foster Peabody Award, a BAFTA, and six Daytime Emmys®—four for Outstanding Children’s Animated Program. ARTHUR is produced by WGBH Boston and 9 Story Entertainment. Executive producers are Carol Greenwald (WGBH), Vince Commisso (9 Story), and Marc Brown (Marc Brown Studios). Directed by Greg Bailey. Funding for ARTHUR is provided by public television viewers. Corporate funding is provided by Chuck E. Cheese’s®.

About WGBH Boston
WGBH Boston is America’s preeminent public broadcaster and the leading producer of primetime and children’s programs for PBS, including Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, Frontline, Nova, American Experience, Arthur, Curious George, and Martha Speaks. WGBH also is a major source of programs for public radio, a leader in educational multimedia, and a pioneer in technologies and services that make media accessible to the 36 million Americans who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired. WGBH has been recognized with hundreds of honors: Emmys, Peabodys, duPont-Columbia Awards…even two Oscars. For more information, visit www.wgbh.org.

About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the #1 educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online, and community-based programs. For more information on specific PBS KIDS programs supporting literacy, science, math, and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.