How do you Make a Kids Show?

This is the question I get asked every day! Let's dive in.

How can I help you make a preschool show? 

I’ve broken done my process into digestible steps and will outline them in the many posts ahead.

But, first of all, who am I? 

Good question:

Hi, I’m Angela Santomero. When I first dared to say that my dream was...to create a TV show for kids, people laughed in my face! But I knew in my heart that this is what I was meant to do. In 1994, when the opportunity arose at Nickelodeon to share concept ideas, I dove in, head first.

I was in my element. I found my Vein of Gold. I actually remember thinking, “This HAS to work because I can’t go back to my day job!” Isn’t that always the way? We HAVE TO do something and can’t imagine doing ANYTHING ELSE and that’s how we push ourselves to do the (seemingly) impossible.

MY FIRST SHOW WAS BLUE’S CLUES. It launched in 1996 and became Nick Jr’s first signature brand (before “brand” was so overused). Blue’s Clues is still known for it’s “interactive” (before that word existed in reference to preschool media..for real) game play, the strong curriculum at it’s core, it’s repeatable format, and of course, known for Blue and Steve, and later Steve’s “brother”, Joe. Blue’s Clues ran for ten consecutive years, with a movie, a live show, numerous products, books, and plush. Then we released it’s spin off BLUE’S ROOM, and then again in 2019 with Josh and a 3D Blue, BLUE’S CLUES AND YOU

For fear of being a one hit wonder, I drove myself to create something else after our ten year run. So next came SUPER WHY! for PBS, then CREATIVE GALAXY for Amazon Kids, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD for PBS , WISHENPOOF for Amazon Kids, CHARLIE’S COLORFORM CITY for Netflix and in February 2024 we launched, DEE AND FRIENDS IN OZ for Netflix. I'm also in the process of creating my newest preschool show, Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things, to be released the end of 2025!!

But let’s step back for a second. How can I help you make a preschool show?

I’ve broken done my process into digestible steps and will outline them in the many posts ahead. I’ll add some of my stories to give you context, a few case studies of my shows (what went wrong, what went right), and overall questions you can ask and answer yourself as you create your own idea.

I’ll talk about the formal features of kid’s tv, some research on how kids learn, and what makes them laugh, as well as some specifics as to what constitutes a show bible, how to pitch to networks and/or investors, as well as answer specific questions.

Consider these posts a “guidebook”. I didn’t have a mentor or a guidebook or even a guiding force when I was creating and I truly wish I had one! This is, what I hope to be, a guidebook or “master class” for creating high quality kids media that KIDS WILL LOVE and, just as important, will bring you joy. I truly believe when you create something out of joy - it will pour from the screen and the kids watching will feel it.

My most favorite comment I get is, “I can feel the love coming through the screen.” That’s why I do what I do. One of my most treasured experiences has been mentoring people into fulfilling what they are meant to do. A large number of people, that I’ve worked with, have gone on to run their own shows, become head writers, grow into producers, run the kid’s division of Nickelodeon, PBS, Netflix, among others or grow their show into a huge hit on YouTube!

I’m excited to do this for as many people as I am able - - and it’s honestly because I care
about the end product. I care about joy, happiness and finding your passion.

So, what if YOU dared to dream?

What if you created what you want to see in the world?

What if you followed your own “clues” and found your passion?

What if you listened to your own inner child, ignored everyone else, and just went for it?

WELL THEN, LET’S DO THIS!