PBS Kids adds new maths series

US public broadcaster PBS Kids has commissioned a live-action multiplatform series for TV, online and mobile to help kids build up their maths skills.

Odd Squad will be aimed at kids aged between 5 and 8 and produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment and The Fred Rogers Company.

The show, from Tim McKeon (Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends) and Adam Peltzman (The Electric Company), focuses on two young agents whose mission is to save the day whenever something unusual happens in their town.

Like Peg + Cat before it, the series is funded in part by the US Department of Education through the Ready To Learn Initiative, which supports the development of innovative educational television and digital media targeted to preschool children and their families.

“Research shows that children who have positive, enriching experiences with math learning at a young age will have greater long-term success,” said Lesli Rotenberg, general manager, children’s programming, PBS.

The show’s interactive features will include games, parent resources, mobile apps and more.

The pubcaster no longer operates PBS Kids Sprout, its joint venture with Hit Entertainment and NBCUniversal, after the latter took full ownership last year.