PBS Revives 63-Year-Old Classic: Episode Count And Premiere Window Locked In

Well, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth are officially coming back to TV. Yes, that gigantic red dog who could flatten a minivan with one tail wag is getting yet another animated reboot, this time courtesy of PBS Kids. And don’t worry, this isn’t some quick nostalgia cash-in—they've got legit plans and fresh details, so let’s break it down.

Clifford Returns, Again

PBS Kids has announced they’re ordering a new ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ animated series. And if you’re wondering if this makes you feel old: Clifford's first romp was back in 1963 when Norman Bridwell cooked up the original Scholastic books. Sixty-plus years later, Scholastic is still milking that gentle giant for all he’s worth—and honestly, who can blame them?

This reboot is being produced alongside 9 Story Media Group, with animation work being handled by the folks at Brown Bag Films. If you follow preschool TV at all, you know Brown Bag doesn’t mess around—they animated that last Clifford series, so they’re no stranger to layering heart over slapstick.

The (Loose) Plan

• Premiere Window: They’re aiming for 2027. Yeah, you’ll have to wait a while.
• Episode Count: 26 episodes lined up right now.
• Runtime: Each episode clocks in at a breezy 11 minutes.
• Target Audience: Clearly going for young kids, probably skews even younger than last time.
• Learning Stuff: The show’s pushing social and emotional skills—friendship, teamwork, inclusion, community, the basics.
• Vibe: They say it’ll be more comedic and playful, but 'still grounded in warmth' (their words, not mine). So, expect lots of Clifford-sized goofiness, but still plenty of hugging out your problems.
• Bonus Content: There's an interactive Clifford game in the works to go with the series, because it’s 2027 and every show apparently needs an app or a game now.

New Vision, Same Giant Dog

Scholastic’s top exec Iole Lucchese (who’s apparently also on the movie side of things) says they're building on Clifford's 'most endearing traits through fresh storytelling' and that it’s 'an exciting step' for growing the franchise. Translation: Clifford’s still a lovable hound, but they’re freshening up the formula to hook the next generation of tiny viewers (and probably sell some more plushies while they're at it).

Meanwhile, 9 Story’s CEO Vince Commisso put it this way:

'With this next chapter, we're leaning into a more comedic approach that amplifies the scale and playfulness of Clifford, while staying grounded in the warmth and emotional connection audiences have always loved.'

In other words: More jokes, more goofs, but Clifford still gets all the hugs and life lessons.

Is Anyone Surprised It’s Back?

Honestly, the appetite for Clifford never really goes away. The books keep selling, that 2000s cartoon still runs on streaming, and even the wobbly live-action movie has kids begging for Clifford merch. So, another reboot isn’t shocking—it’s almost overdue.

If you’re keeping score, here’s the takeaway: Clifford and Emily Elizabeth will be back in animated form in 2027, with a fresh batch of 11-minute episodes, a bigger comedy angle, and the same feel-good story beats. The red dog is probably never going away—and honestly, the world could do worse.