Master Toy Licensee Since 2012 to Produce Expanded New Toy Collection Inspired by Emmy®-Winning Hit PBS KIDS Series
Fred Rogers Productions, the nonprofit children’s media company built on a legacy of world-class storytelling, and 9 Story Brands, the brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, today announce they’ve renewed their long-term licensing agreement with JAKKS Pacific, Inc., a leading manufacturer of toys and consumer products, for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the beloved Emmy® Award-winning PBS KIDS series. The renewal marks the third multi-year extension of the licensing agreement with the toy maker. 9 Story Brands, which holds worldwide licensing rights for the property, brokered the renewed agreement with JAKKS Pacific. The company has been master toy licensee for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood over the life of the series since it premiered in 2012 and has worldwide distribution rights across mass-market, mid-tier, food, drug, value, and online stores, among other retail channels. The company will produce a refreshed range of toys based on the popular animated show.
Now in its eighth season, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood has consistently been one of the most-watched PBS KIDS series nearly 15 years after its premiere. Since the beginning of 2025, it has accumulated close to 888 million cross-platform views and almost 200 million cross-platform gameplays. *
“JAKKS Pacific has been an important part of the Daniel Tiger ‘Neighborhood’ for years,” said Katie Huber, senior director of licensing for Fred Rogers Productions. “We’re so excited to continue working with them in tandem with 9 Story to grow our range of toys in fun and engaging ways that incorporate the learning strategies of the show through classic play patterns for kids.”
“The collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions, 9 Story Brands, and JAKKS Pacific has been a winner from the very beginning,” said Kristin Lecour, VP of Consumer Products and Distribution for 9 Story Media Group. “The all-new range will continue to support evergreen play patterns for our core audience as well as begin to celebrate key preschool milestones for existing and new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood fans everywhere.”
“Our Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood figures, plush, and vehicles have all been a hit at retail over the years,” said Dominick Lisi, SVP of Marketing for Girls & Preschool at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood remains one of the most-watched PBS KIDS series, and that momentum makes this an easy renewal for us. We’re excited to continue bringing fans the toy line they love.”
The new multi-year licensing deal for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood encompasses a wide range of categories, including figurines, playsets, vehicles, bath toys, musical toys, role play, dress up, wooden toys, and plush.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the first spinoff of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, debuted on PBS KIDS in 2012 and will celebrate its 15th anniversary in September 2027. Having recently premiered its eighth season, the series has become a go-to resource for parents and caregivers to help preschoolers navigate new experiences and milestones while preparing them for school.
*Google Analytics, Jan 2025 – Jun 2026, pbskids.org, PBS KIDS mobile & OTT video apps
Google Analytics, Jan 2025 – Jun 2026, PBS KIDS Games app, pbskids.org/games
YouTube Studio, Jan 2025 – Jun 2026, PBS KIDS Channel
About 9 Story Brands
9 Story Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids and family
focused intellectual property, now part of the Scholastic portfolio. 9 Story Brands builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing and licensing. 9 Story Brands manages merchandising rights for top children’s properties including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Colorforms, Wild Kratts, Super Why! and Karma’s World.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer products sold throughout the world, with its headquarters in Santa Monica, California. JAKKS Pacific’s popular proprietary brands include Disguise®, Fly Wheels®, Charming™, Kidtopia™, Moose Mountain®, Maui®, ReDo® Skateboard Co., Sky Ball®, and Xtreme Power Dozer® as well as a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties. Through their products and charitable donations, JAKKS is helping to make a positive impact on the lives of children. Visit us at www.jakks.com and follow us on Instagram (@jakkspacific.toys), X (@jakkstoys), YouTube (@JAKKSPacific), Facebook (@jakkspacific.toys) and LinkedIn (JAKKS Pacific). @2026 JAKKS Pacific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Fred Rogers Productions
Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) is the nonprofit children’s media company founded by Fred Rogers in 1971. Originally the producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, FRP focuses on supporting children and families through award-winning series like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, Alma’s Way, and Odd Squad. Through convergent TV, interactive games, experiences, and community engagement initiatives that model kindness, respect, and enthusiasm for learning, the organization aims to earn the trust of parents and caregivers while building on the legacy of Fred Rogers. FRP has earned a
Peabody Award and 31 Emmys® along with honors from Common Sense Media and the Parents’ Choice Foundation. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.