Kids Will Learn About Universe With Their Own ‘Cosmos’ Series

More than 16 years after Carl Sagan took television viewers on a guided tour of the universe with his phenomenally successful “Cosmos” series, the renowned astronomer has inked a deal to create “Cosmos for Kids” in partnership with children’s programmer DIC Entertainment.

The new series, which will be produced by Sagan and his longtime collaborator and fellow scientist Ann Druyan, is likely to be a major component in DIC’s plans to help broadcasters meet the newly instituted guideline of three hours of educational programming a week. However, details of the “Cosmos for Kids” set, including length and airdate, have yet to be set.

“Our mission will be to create the most stimulating and innovative series ever delivered for kids and, at the same time, to make sure that it is equally compelling from the standpoint of pure entertainment,” DIC President Andy Heyward said in a statement. “We have always believed that educational programs cannot be dull but must be competitive from a commercial point of view.”