The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) announced the winners of the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards during a ceremony on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles. The awards honor the best in American children’s and family-oriented television programming.
Several AVDF-supported programs were recognized during the event, with Molly of Denali and Donkey Hodie earning Emmy Awards, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood receiving nominations in two categories.
Molly of Denali: A Groundbreaking Win
The critically acclaimed PBS series Molly of Denali, produced by GBH, won its first Emmy Award for “Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series.” The winning episode, Not a Mascot, co-written by Alaska Native language expert and Juneau resident X̱’unei Lance Twitchell, premiered in March 2024 as part of the show’s fourth season. It was praised for its thoughtful narrative, cultural authenticity, and educational depth.
Launched in 2019, Molly of Denali is an action-adventure animated program that centers on the resourceful and spirited 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl. The series emphasizes Indigenous culture, history, and traditions while equipping young audiences with critical informational text literacy skills. In addition to its Emmy win, Molly of Denali has garnered numerous accolades, including a Peabody Award in 2020. This year, the show also received an Emmy nomination in the “Outstanding Interactive Media” category.
“We are proud that the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has recognized the importance of Molly of Denali, a show that teaches children essential skills,” said Susan Goldberg, president and CEO of GBH, in a press release. “Congratulations to the entire Molly of Denali team that worked so hard to bring this series to life!”
Donkey Hodie: Fostering Emotional Intelligence Through Play
Donkey Hodie, produced by Fred Rogers Productions, received the Emmy Award for “Outstanding Interactive Media” for its engaging game, Cousin Hodie Playdate. Designed to enhance children’s emotional intelligence, the game challenges players to interpret social-emotional cues, such as body language and verbal expressions, helping them develop empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.
Inspired by a character from the original Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie is a live-action puppet series that promotes self-regulation, resilience, persistence, and problem-solving. Its positive messaging and educational impact have made it a staple for young audiences, ranking as one of the top broadcast programs for children aged 2 to 8. This year, the show also earned an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Preschool Series.”
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Carrying a Legacy Forward
Another Fred Rogers Productions program, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, received Emmy nominations in two categories: “Outstanding Interactive Media” and “Outstanding Voice Directing for an Animated Series.” Building on the legacy of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the animated series models age-appropriate social-emotional strategies and practical life skills.
Through the daily adventures of Daniel Tiger and his friends, family, and neighbors, the show equips young viewers with tools to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and approach the world with curiosity, kindness, and resilience. Having previously won an Emmy, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood remains a vital resource for early childhood development and social-emotional learning.
These programs exemplify AVDF’s commitment to supporting high-quality children’s media that enriches lives and strengthens communities. For the full list of winners, visit the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences website.
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