The new PBS series "Splash and Bubbles" will introduce a new cast of characters from the Jim Henson Co. whose underwater adventures help teach children a love for marine biology and conservation.If you go
› What: “Splash and Bubbles: One Big Ocean” preview.› When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30.› Where: Imax Theater, 201 Chestnut St.› Admission: Free for Tennessee Aquarium members, Imax Club pass holders and WTCI Kids Club members; $25.50 adults, $16 children 3-12 for screening and aquarium visit.› Website: www.tnaqua.org.Did you know?“Splash and Bubbles” will be among the programming available on WTCI’s new PBS Kids channel. Set to launch on Monday, Jan. 16, the 24/7 initiative will include a new TV channel (45.3) and live stream on digital platforms (pbskids.org and the PBS Kids video app). “Splash and Bubbles” will air weekdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. Other programming will include new series “Nature Cat” and “Ready Jet Go” and favorites “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Odd Squad,” “Wild Kratts” and “Dinosaur Train.” For more information, visit wtciTV.org.
The Tennessee Aquarium's Imax Theater is one of a handful of theaters selected to screen "One Big Ocean," a preview of the first movie from the new PBS Kids series "Splash and Bubbles." The Imax screening is scheduled Friday, Dec. 30, about two weeks before the movie's launch on PBS stations.
"One Big Ocean" was produced by the Jim Henson Co. and Herschend Studios in collaboration with an advisory board of marine biologists. For this offering, the storytellers use computer-animated wizardry and a new cast of underwater characters to inspire kids to love marine biology and conservation and teach them to value and accept each other.
The story focuses on the epic adventure of Splash (a yellowback fusilier), Bubbles (a Mandarin dragonet), Dunk (a pufferfish) and Ripple (a seahorse) as they attempt to rescue a young sea turtle. Children will see the ripple effects that can arise from even the smallest of gestures.
Unlike Henson's landmark "Sesame Street," the "Splash and Bubbles" characters are generated digitally using motion-capture performances by actors rather than physical puppets. Each episode includes animated stories and live-action content that incorporates themes of diversity, individuality, interconnectedness and the celebration of learning and discovery.
After the screening at the Imax, guests can capitalize on their budding biologists' brimming excitement for aquatic wonders with a visit to the aquarium, where they'll explore, learn and see real-life examples of the kinds of creatures they saw on-screen.
The screening starts at 10:30 a.m. Aquarium members, Imax Club pass holders and WTCI Kids Club members can attend the screening for free. Others may take advantage of a discounted bundling package for the screening and aquarium visit priced at $25.50 for adults, $16 for children 3-12.