'Xavier Riddle And The Secret Museum' Is The Show You Want Your Kids To Be Watching

As if we couldn’t love PBS more, they’re giving us more magic. Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum is their latest children’s program that promises to teach children how they can change the world by learning from iconic history-makers.

The series is co-produced by NYT’s bestselling author Brad Meltzer. His children’s book series Ordinary People Change the World features Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Jackie Robinson, and Abraham Lincoln, among many others.

Geared toward children ages four to seven, each episode of the show follows Xavier Riddle, his sister Yadina, and their friend Brad as they face an age-appropriate problem. They then go to a place called the Secret Museum, searching for answers. The magic happens when they go back in time and meet an incredible historical figure who teaches them how to solve that problem.

Each episode opens with a question: ready for adventure? Children are invited to watch Xavier, Yadina, and Brad conquer their challenge. When Yadina struggles to read, the group travels back in time to meet Helen Keller—learning how she never gave up despite not being able to see or hear.

Upcoming episodes will feature some of the greats, including Harriet Tubman, who teaches the trio about bravery and courage in the face of fear. Other featured figures will include Alexander Hamilton, Susan. B. Anthony, and Maya Angelou. There’s going to be someone for every child.

Melzer shared, “Through this show and the heroes we feature, I hope all children find their own heroic abilities and feel empowered to change the world.” And of course, that starts in their own lives—in their families and among their friends.

When I grew up in the 1980s, Sesame Street taught me to count to ten in Spanish, how peanut butter is made, and how to be a good friend. Plus, two men of color—Luis and Gordon–led every episode, which was truly ahead of its time. The hour-long show offered my mom reprieve from me and my siblings, giving her a few minutes of uninterrupted time to recharge.

To this day, PBS offers children engaging learning opportunities—and not just academically. Sesame Street continues to be groundbreaking, tackling important topics like addiction, autism, homelessness, and foster care–all in age appropriate ways. They’re also launching a show in Arabic after noticing the need to assist refugee children.

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum joins classic shows like Sesame Street and Arthur, along with programs our kids have learned to adore like Super Why, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Odd Squad. As a mom of four, I love not worrying about what my kids will see and hear when viewing a PBS show. And I can rest assured that they’re going to learn a thing or two while being entertained.

Episodes of Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum can be viewed via the PBS Kids video app as well as other PBS platforms. PBS’ website and their app will offer free Xavier-themed games, and bonus content is offered to both parents and teachers via the PBS Learning Media site.

We couldn’t be more excited for history coming to life for our kids—ditching the ho-hum, whitewashed history of the past. So charge the devices, parents, because PBS is taking our children on even more fantastic, educational adventures that are sure to leave them yearning for more.