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Peppa Pig returns for a new season on Nickelodeon in March and the hit children’s animated series is introducing a deaf character for the first time in the show’s history.
Hasbro, the IP and toy company behind Peppa Pig, announced this week that Peppa’s younger brother George, will be revealed as being moderately deaf. The character’s diagnosis will be revealed on the season 11 premiere of Peppa Pig, airing March 23 and aptly titled, “Hearing Test.”
According to a synopsis, “Peppa’s family learns that George has moderate hearing loss in one ear during a routine doctor’s visit, and he is fitted with a hearing aid to help him experience the world of sound in a new way.”
Guest-starring in the episode is Jodie Ounsley, who voices the audiologist treating George (who has been voiced since season 8 by Kira Monteith). Ounsley was the first deaf female rugby player to represent England in international play, and she now appears on the BBC show Gladiators (a take on the popular 90s competition series, American Gladiators). Later episodes will “see George discover new noises, from splashing in muddy puddles to the ice-cream van’s melody, and experience a touching milestone as he says Peppa’s name for the very first time,” per a release.
Hasbro says it hopes the introduction of George’s diagnosis will help the show better reflect its diverse audience, while continuing to champion “thoughtful representation.” As part of that goal, Hasbro is also introducing a new George Pig musical toy that features an eight-inch plastic figure of the Peppa Pig character wearing a hearing aid.
NEW RELEASE
Peppa Pig Joke & Sing George Musical Toy
With his mic in hand, George can sing, tell jokes and make dozens of sound effects with a simple press of his arms. He can also dance and “jump” when kids press on his legs. There are more than 50 sounds in total to explore.
George’s hearing loss diagnosis continues Peppa Pig’s history of representative storytelling. The character of “Mandy Mouse” uses a wheelchair, while “Penny Polar Bear” has two mothers. As part of the new storyline, Hasbro worked with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) and Camilla Arnold, a deaf executive producer and script consultant known for her work on Bridgerton, to ensure accuracy in tone and language.
“For more than 20 years, Peppa Pig has grown alongside families around the world, and George’s evolution reflects that journey,” says Esra Cafer, Hasbro’s SVP of Franchise Strategy and Management, Preschool & Fashion. “George has grown from Peppa’s curious little brother into a character with his own voice and experiences. As he enters this next phase of his development, we continue to celebrate joy, growth and confidence, reminding every child that there’s a place for them in Peppa’s world.”
ALSO AVAILABLE
Peppa Pig Friends Carrying Case Playset
George’s big news comes on the heels of another big announcement from the Peppa Pig family last year. After first announcing that Mummy Pig was pregnant in February, the hit children’s animated series revealed that she was expecting a girl in an exclusive episode of Peppa Pig Tales in May. Evie Pig, the fifth member of the family, was born on May 20.
NEW (FAMILY) ARRIVAL
Peppa Pig Peppa’s Big Family Car Playset
The producers of the Peppa Pig series introduced fresh storylines and new supporting characters after Evie’s arrival and they are expected to do the same for George this year.
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