Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the new Fred Rogers Company preschool series inspired by the classic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, will bow on PBS Kids, September 3, accompanied by an interactive website for kids, parents and teachers.

The series, produced by The Fred Rogers Company in association with Out of the Blue Enterprises, launches with a special one-hour block of two back-to-back episodes. PBS Kids will air the series daily following its premiere.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood features Daniel, the son of Daniel Striped Tiger from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, as a shy but brave and imaginative four-year-old tiger who lives in the Neighborhood of Make Believe with the next generation of original characters from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood (O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Miss Elaina).   Each episode integrates music and includes two stories that focus on common early learning themes.

Animated by Canada’s 9 Story Entertainment, the series is executive produced by Angela C. Santomero (Super WHY, Blue’s Clues), Kevin Morrison of The Fred Rogers Company and Vince Commisso, president of 9 Story.

Its Schell Games-designed interactive website, which launched this week, features educational online games and activities such as a ride through the Neighborhood of Make Believe on the always popular Trolley.

Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the series debut, The Fred Rogers Company has been busy growing a licensing program around the series. A recent deal was secured with Jakks Pacific for toys set to hit North American retail stores from spring 2014.