Uncovering the mysteries of Arkansas with PBS KIDS’ series “Mystery League” will soon reach beyond state lines. 

The locally produced PBS educational series “Mystery League” was selected for national distribution and is set to premiere on March 21. 

The series revolves around three detectives — Millie, Mike and Marta — as they solve the never-ending mysteries of the fictional town of Mulberry Springs. The live-action series teaches kindergarten through second-grade children about friendship, community and problem-solving. 

The executive producer of “Mystery League” and director of education at Arkansas PBS, Sajni Kumpuris, said, “Kids have a lot of choices of TV programming these days that are funny and engaging but “Mystery League” not only entertains but teaches them about educational topics for their grade level such as working together, helping the community, economics and civic duties.”

“Mystery League” is filmed entirely in Arkansas, showcasing the small towns and local communities of the Natural State in a warm and positive light. 

Corey Womack, a writer for the show, said, “Everything we try to do at Arkansas PBS reflects life here in the state…The rural lifestyle is a reality for a lot of the PBS KIDS audience, and most of the Arkansas PBS audience, however, that reality isn’t presented often in kids’ television. Kids need to see the world they know reflected in the stories we tell, so presenting a small-town was integral in the show’s identity.”

The program not only provides representation for young Arkansan children but also enables a significant economic opportunity for locals across the state, employing over 500 Arkansas-based cast and crew members. 

Eric White, a director for the show, said, “The hope is that a show like “Mystery League”will spur more educational children’s content to be produced in the state. We have a wealth of talented creatives and technicians in Arkansas and providing opportunities to create film and television here is essential for keeping our arts community thriving.”

The series has earned five Mid-America Regional Emmy Awards and two Public Media Awards. “Mystery League”collaborated with Arkansas PBS producers, the Arkansas Department of Education, and K-12 educators. The series employs K-2 curriculums and covers social studies academic standards in innovative ways with each episode. Womack said the creativity behind the show is what sparked the passion for the series. “I think I and the writer’s room really tried to drive home that even if you do come from a small, quiet, rural community, there are still loads of things to be intrigued by or excited about,” Womack said. 

“Mystery League” inspires curiosity, collaboration and community among children, a point Terrell Case, another director for the program, wants to drive home with the program. 

“My hope is that the show can inspire curiosity. To be a good leader in any community, you have to be curious enough to learn new things in order to solve problems,” Case said. 

“Mystery League”will be available nationally on PBS KIDS broadcast and streaming platforms. The program will be included in the PBS KIDS Family Night with marathons for the show airing on Saturdays, March 22 and 29. 

The show will also be available on all PBS KIDS digital streaming platforms.

The “Mystery League” will soon nationally distribute Arkansan representation while providing educational, inspiring, and engrossing mysteries. From a robot school teacher to a mayor who parades as a sloth mascot, the wonder and mystery never ends in Arkansas. 

“No matter where you are in the world, feelings of wonder and mystery are always an option,” Womack said.