City Island is an American animated short television series created by Aaron Augenblick. The series features two young friends (voiced by Kimia Behpoornia and Kimiko Glenn) in the fictional city of City Island learning about how the city works, with a focus on civics. The three-minute episodes play between long-form series on PBS Kids. City Island debuted in December 2022.
Synopsis
City Island is an educational series of animated shorts that follow a light bulb named Watt and his best friend, a kite named Windy. The series educates children on civics-related topics including economics, geography, finance, and transportation.[1]
Cast
Main cast
- Kimia Behpoornia as Watt[2]
- Kimiko Glenn as Windy/Sally/Piper[2]
- James Adomian as Detritus[3]
- Rachel Pegram as Lidia[3]
- Branson Reese as Frank Lloyd Light[3]
- James Ill as Mark[3]
Guest stars
- Amy Schumer as Terra, the planet where City Island is located[4]
- Julio Torres as Ringer[3]
- Ellen Cleghorne as Mayor Sitwell[3]
- Michael-Leon Wooley as Carry[3]
- Debi Mazar as Laney[3]
- Rachel Bloom as Venus Flytrap[3]
- Rosie Perez as Rosey Rivet[3]
- Ali Stroker as Lacey/Ms. Rita/Ms. Leslie[3]
- Vanessa Bayer as Ms. Webster[3]
Episodes
Season 1
- EP1: President Watt
- EP2: Point of View
- EP3: Circus Beach
- EP4: Sportsmanship
- EP5: Retirement Home
- EP6: Architect
- EP7: The World
- EP8: Town Hall
- EP9: Snow Day
- EP10: Art Museum
- EP11: Airport
- EP12: Skytown
- EP13: History
- EP14: Post Office
- EP15: Stuck
- EP16: Library
- EP17: Flag Day
- EP18: Skating Rules
- EP19: Pets
- EP20: Celebration
Season 2
- EP1: The News
- EP2: Skyline
- EP3: Theater Street
- EP4: Dancing Rules
- EP5: Family Tree
- EP6: Future
- EP7: Venus Flytrap
- EP8: Advertising
- EP9: Hospital
- EP10: Maker Hill
- EP11: Movies
- EP12: Garbage
- EP13: Shopping
- EP14: Clouds
- EP15: Internet
- EP16: Maps
- EP17: Investigate
- EP18: Flashback
- EP19: Swap Day
- EP20: Holidays
Production
City Island was created by Aaron Augenblick, known for Ugly Americans and Wonder Showzen.[5] Augenblick stated that he created the series in part as an homage to Sesame Street, "because I’ve always liked the idea that, in any episode, kids can … meet all these different people in a location that’s friendly, inviting, and seems like it would be really fun to hang out in."[4] The purpose of the series it to educate children about civics.[4] Augenblick worked with academic Elizabeth Hinde to decide what concepts to cover.[4] Season two expanded content to include media literacy with collaboration from National Association for Media Literacy Education.[6][3]
The theme music was composed by TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe.[4] The style is based on the work of art director Gemma Correll.[5]
Each episode is approximately 3 minutes long and plays as interstitial content between long-form series.[4]
Release
The series debuted in December 2022.[4] Season 2 debuted on July 5, 2024.[3] City Island airs on PBS Kids and on the official website in the United States.[1][6]
City Island Sings!, a spin-off series of music videos with original songs inspired by artists such as The Beatles, Dua Lipa, and David Bowie, premiered in May 29, 2024.[2][7]
Accolades
2024
- Winner, Webby Awards, Kids & Family Video[8]
- Winner, Webby Awards, People's Voice, Kids & Family Video[8]
References
- ^ a b Aquino, Steven. "How PBS Kids' 'City Island' Is Making Learning About Civics, Community More Accessible To Every Child". Forbes. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ a b c Sharpe, Josh. "Exclusive: Kimiko Glenn and Kimia Behpoornia Perform 'Block Party in Brickland' from PBS KIDS' CITY ISLAND SINGS!". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Zahed, Ramin (July 2, 2024). "Aaron Augenblick and Dan Powell Give Us a Tour of 'City Island' Season 2". Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Eakin, Marah (January 27, 2023). "PBS' "City Island" teaches civics with short-form cartoons". Current. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ a b "Animated short 'City Island' to debut on PBS Kids in December 2022 -". www.animationxpress.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Pearl, Jenna (August 20, 2024). "Augenblick Studios on expanding the bustling world of City Island and City Island Sings". Toon Boom Animation. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ "PBS KIDS' 'City Island Sings!' Music Videos Coming May 29". Animation World Network. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ a b "NEW Webby Gallery + Index". NEW Webby Gallery + Index. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
External links
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