A new behind-the-scenes video playlist is giving children and longtime fans a closer look at the craftsmanship behind Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.

The three-video series launches Tuesday on the official Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood YouTube channel as part of YouTube Kids’ arts-and-culture takeover, running through Sept. 7. Filmed at the Fred Rogers Exhibit at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, the videos feature original artifacts from the Pittsburgh-made children’s series.

Viewers will see Mister Rogers’ familiar sweaters and shoes, Trolley and puppets including Daniel Striped Tiger, Lady Elaine Fairchilde and X the Owl. The high-definition videos also reveal details that were difficult to see in the original broadcast footage, from the fuzz of Rogers’ cardigans to Trolley’s paint and Daniel Striped Tiger’s watch.

“We want viewers to know the YouTube channel is a place to discover new things,” said Kristin DiQuollo, co-executive producer at Fred Rogers Productions. “We’ll be building on the legacy of Fred Rogers, and ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ in fresh ways for kids, families and longtime fans. The videos also help show the care and craft that went into making Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Every creative choice Fred Rogers made was with deep intention and thoughtfulness about how it can be of value to children.”

David Newell, who played Mr. McFeely for 33 years, leads the exhibit tour and shares stories about the show’s props, puppets and notable visitors, including Yo-Yo Ma and Margaret Hamilton.

Fred Rogers Productions said the playlist continues a hallmark of the original series: showing children how things are made. Rogers often introduced viewers to factory workers, studio musicians and the crew behind the camera. The new videos offer that same spirit of curiosity while inviting a new generation to explore the Neighborhood online.

This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.