Learn more about the new PBS KIDS series 'Carl the Collector'

It’s been nearly a decade since Zachariah OHora began the work on “Carl the Collector.”

“Nine years in December,” OHora said during a recent interview. “This was a series that I’ve dreamt of getting on TV. It’s happening.”

OHora is the series creator and executive producer alongside Lisa Whittick, who directed the series, as well as Ava Rigelhaupt, a writer on the series.

Breaking new ground: 'Carl the Collector' the first PBS KIDS show to feature central characters on the autism spectrum

The trio awaits the series premiere at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, when it hits the airwaves on New Mexico PBS, channel 5.1. The series will also be available to stream on the PBS app after it is broadcast.

“Carl the Collector” is a 2D animated series for children ages 4 to 8.

OHora, a New York Times bestselling illustrator and author, wanted to break new ground as the first PBS KIDS show to feature central characters on the autism spectrum.

Through its relatable stories, characters and messages, and with a production team that includes neurodiverse writers, production staff, animators, advisors and voice talent, the series showcases and celebrates our differences and commonalities, and that each person has something unique to offer.

OHora says the series follows the daily adventures of Carl — a warm-hearted autistic raccoon who enjoys collecting things and loves his friends and family in Fuzzytown.

Carl pays extraordinarily close attention to detail and comes up with unique ideas that others might not consider.

These traits have helped him amass his extensive collections — from autographs and bottle caps to fake mustaches, pet rocks, sweaters and virtually everything in between — which can come in handy for solving problems around the neighborhood with his friends.

His friends include Sheldon, an empathetic beaver with a knack for connecting people and a soft spot for the underdog. As Carl’s best friend, he is attuned to Carl’s unique logic and ways of looking at the world, sometimes helping him navigate complex social nuances when necessary.

Carl’s friend Lotta, a quiet and self-assured fox, is also autistic. She experiences hypersensitivity to loud sounds, powerful smells and certain food textures, and has exceptional talents in art and music.

Other friends include Nico and Arugula, identical twin bunny sisters whose personalities couldn’t be more different, making their quest to define their individual identities extra complicated. And Forrest, a hyperactive and impulsive squirrel with a tree nut allergy, who is always down for an impromptu adventure.

In each episode, Carl and his friends work and play together, and in the process, find out what makes each of them who they are. As a perfectionist, when Carl does something, he wants to do it well. He sometimes struggles with anxiety in new situations and has difficulty when things don’t go according to plan.

“‘Carl the Collector’ spotlights neurodiverse characters while exploring and celebrating the entire spectrum of humanity,” OHora said. “The world of Fuzzytown is designed to be a place where all viewers will see themselves or someone they know in it. We hope Carl and his friends will encourage empathy and understanding, and ultimately show that everyone benefits when we recognize and embrace our differences.”

OHora also wanted to be inclusive when it came to writing and breaking down the storylines of each episode.

This is where Rigelhaupt came into play.

“As an autistic writer, it’s so exciting for one of my first TV writing gigs to be on a series that highlights part of my lived experience,” Rigelhaupt said. “There’s a saying, ‘If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met just one autistic person,’ which is something this show authentically demonstrates in every episode. It’s a joy writing for this show and working with a team that includes so many talented neurodiverse people. I am hopeful that (the series) will expand perspectives of autism and neurodiversity, creating a better understanding and further acceptance for future generations.”

OHora also has hopes that the series will help children and parents be seen.

“Having a better understanding of how humans are different is important and should be learned at a young age,” OHora said. “We’ve only touched the surface with the first season. We can’t wait to tell more stories.”