PBS Kids’ newest star Carl – a raccoon with autism who collects everything from lint to plush toys – is making history as the network’s first lead character on the spectrum.
“Carl the Collector,” which premiered Thursday, follows Carl and his neurodiverse animal friends as they tackle social interactions and everyday challenges like keeping their room clean. Their adventures give children insight into neurodiversity, fostering empathy and awareness in a fun way.
Show creator Zachariah OHora, a bestselling illustrator and author, said the entire show is based on showing people as they are – both neurotypical and neurodivergent.
“Sometimes a neurodivergent person is going to have a unique take on something that others can learn from,” OHora told CNN in a recent interview. “And at the same time, we don’t gloss over the fact that some social situations and interactions can be more of a struggle for autistic kids and their parents and caretakers.”
OHora began working with PBS Kids almost 10 years ago to develop “Carl the Collector,” and he said the “extra time” was crucial to make sure the story was “told from the heart.” That is why the production team includes neurodiverse writers, animators, advisors and voice talent.
“We just knew from the start that we couldn’t tell other people’s stories for them,” OHora said.
Viewers of the show will see that Carl’s collection isn’t just a hobby – it’s how he makes sense of the world around him and connects with his friends.
Interests termed as “overly focused” like Carl’s are common for people with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as they align with the diagnostic criteria for repetitive behaviors or activities.
Carl also pays exceptional attention to detail. In the second episode, for example, he is the only one in the group able to tell apart Nico and Arugula, identical sisters. This at first creates tension among the friend group, but Carl helps them sharpen their observation skills and resolve the issue, highlighting the value of neurodiversity.
“I hope that autistic kids and their caretakers can feel seen and appreciated, and it’s a vehicle for more conversations about what it means to be human,” OHora said.
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