NEED TO KNOW
Peppa Pig is sharing some news about one of its major characters.
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, the mega-popular children’s franchise reveals exclusively to PEOPLE that George, Peppa’s younger brother, is moderately deaf.
Families will be able to get their first look at George’s new storyline on Friday, Feb. 6, during an episode of Peppa Pig Tales on YouTube, which will include a first-ever episode told from George’s audio perspective. Viewers will be able to see how a typical day in the family’s life can be a little trickier for George.
To make sure the franchise’s portrayal is both accurate and respectful, Hasbro worked closely with the U.K.’s National Deaf Children’s Society and Camilla Arnold, a deaf producer and script consultant.
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Peppa Pig
Beginning on March 23, new linear episodes will air on Nickelodeon in the U.S. that will continue George’s story with an episode titled “Hearing Loss.” In the episode, Peppa’s family will learn that George is hard of hearing during a routine check-up. George will be fitted with a hearing aid to help him experience the world of sound in a new way.
Jodie Ounsley, TV personality, author and the first Deaf female rugby player to represent England, will play the character of the audiologist during the episode. During these episodes, kids will get to see George discover new sounds, from splashing in puddles to the ice-cream van’s song. There will also be a particularly touching milestone as George says Peppa’s name for the very first time.
In addition to partnering with the National Deaf Children’s Society on the episode, Hasbro has also entered into a broader partnership with the organization to support the charity through fundraising initiatives. They will also work to promote awareness and understanding across both families and communities.
Peppa Pig
Hasbro is also working with the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) to raise awareness and community for people with hearing loss in the United States. This year, Hasbro and HLAA will collaborate on family-focused initiatives that promote hearing health and representation. They will also participate in the Walk4Hearing event and a co-branded online educational toolkit for kids and parents on HearingLoss.org.
To make Peppa Pig episodes more accessible, Hasbro has made the Peppa Pig Sign Language for Kids YouTube channel, which will feature episodes interpreted in both British Sign Language and American Sign Language.
The brand has also released the first product to feature George with his hearing aid, the Peppa Joke & Sing George Figure, now available on Amazon.
