Streaming service Twitch, typically the destination to watch people play video games or eat food socially, will broadcast every episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood — all 886 of them — starting on May 15.
Twitch says the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood streaming marathon will include “many episodes that have only aired once or are unavailable elsewhere online.” Not only is it a chance to relive some feel-good educational kids programming, the marathon is an opportunity to help support PBS. Twitch says it’s making it “super easy” to donate to viewers’ local PBS station.
It’s also an opportunity to win some Fred Rogers-inspired swag. Twitch is giving away 100 exclusive Twitch cardigans — Rogers’ signature sweater — to streamers who host the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood marathon on their own channels.
The roughly 18-day streaming marathon kicks off at 12 p.m. PT on Monday, May 15. Twitch viewers who subscribe to /misterrogers will get access to emotes based on characters King Friday, Queen Sara, X the Owl and Trolley.
Twitch previously found success will well-received streaming marathons of The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross and Julia Child’s The French Chef.
“From listening to feedback, it became clear that the Twitch community has not only embraced content which goes beyond gaming, they want more of it,” said Bill Moorier, head of creative at Twitch, in a release. “We were drawn to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood because Fred Rogers was a positive voice in fostering inclusivity and diversity, and, like our streamers, he talked to the viewers as if they were in the room with him. While his show was geared toward children, his messages have universal appeal.”
“Fred Rogers created a blueprint for children’s television that still works today, and his messages of acceptance and inclusion remain just as timeless and relevant as they did when Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood first aired,” added Paul Siefken, president and CEO of The Fred Rogers Company. “We are delighted to be working with Twitch to make the show available to fans, as well as reach a whole new whole new audience that did not grow up watching the program.”