Last September the Geena Davis Institute released its 2025 report on representation in children’s television. For the past 20 years, the Institute has been studying “the prevalence and depictions of underrepresented characters” including characters with disabilities. Though the study showed minute gains in two categories—popular programs and new programs for children—there is plenty of room for improvement. In fact, disability representation encompasses just “1.7% of characters in new programming and 2.5% in popular programming, compared to 1.0% and 1.1% respectively the year prior,” according to the non-profit Disability Belongs.
One show increasing disability representation is Nickelodeon’s “Peppa Pig.” A British show for the preschool set, “Peppa Pig” is preparing to debut its second disabled character. The animated show, which is owned by toy company Hasbro and broadcast around the world, already has one character—Mandy Mouse—who uses a wheelchair. Next month, the show’s storyline will center on Peppa’s younger brother George and the family’s discovery that he is moderately deaf.
In order to ensure authenticity and sensitivity, Hasbro partnered with a number of organizations that work with deaf people including the National Deaf Children’s Society. Additionally, Camilla Arnold, a deaf executive producer and script consultant, worked with the show’s production team to make certain that the show’s language, tenor and family atmosphere was appropriate for preschoolers.
In a press release, Esra Cafer, Hasbro’s SVP of Franchise Strategy and Management, Preschool & Fashion had this to say: “For more than 20 years, Peppa Pig has grown alongside families around the world, and George’s evolution reflects that journey. George has grown from Peppa’s curious little brother into a character with his own voice and experiences. As he enters this next phase of his development, we continue to celebrate joy, growth and confidence, reminding every child that there’s a place for them in Peppa’s world.”
Added George Crockfore, Chief Executive at the National Deaf Children’s Society: “Globally, an estimated 34 million children are deaf, yet we don’t always see their stories told in the media. Representation matters and it’s vital for deaf children to see their experiences reflected positively on screen. Introducing this storyline in a series as beloved as Peppa Pig is an important step toward creating a world where anything is possible for deaf children—a world where differences are celebrated and every deaf child feels seen, valued and included.”
While the new season of “Peppa Pig” won’t air until March 23, you can find short-form digital material about George on Peppa Pig Tales on YouTube right now!
