Wild Kratts

Wild Kratts
Title	Wild Kratts
Genre	Educational/Adventure
Creator	Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt
Voices	Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt, Athena Karkanis, Heather Bambrick, Jonathan Malen
Composer	Pure West
Country	Canada, United States
Language	English
Num episodes	200
Executive producer	Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt, Vince Commisso
Producer	9 Story Media Group
Runtime	22 minutes
Network	TVOntario (Canada), PBS Kids (U.S.)
First aired	January 3, 2011
Last aired	present

Wild Kratts is an animated educational children's television series created by zoologist brothers Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt. The program blends live-action segments featuring the Kratts brothers with animated adventures, focusing on wildlife biology and ecology. It premiered on PBS Kids in the United States and TVOntario in Canada in January 2011, and is produced by 9 Story Media Group.

Premise and format

Each episode follows a hybrid structure, beginning with a live-action introduction where the Kratts brothers interact with a real animal in its natural habitat. The narrative then transitions into an animated adventure where the brothers, along with their team, use invented "Creature Power Suits" to temporarily assume the abilities of various animals. These suits allow them to explore ecosystems, solve environmental problems, and often thwart the comedic schemes of antagonists who seek to exploit wildlife. The format is designed to teach specific biological concepts, such as adaptation, predation, and migration, through action-packed storylines set in diverse global locations like the Amazon rainforest, African savanna, and Arctic.

Characters

The core team, known as the "Wild Kratts" team, includes the animated versions of Chris Kratt, the inventive technologist, and Martin Kratt, the adventurous naturalist. They are supported by animated colleagues Aviva Corcovado, a brilliant inventor and engineer; Koki, a computer expert and communications officer; and Jimmy Z, a pilot and mechanical whiz. Recurring antagonists include the bumbling gourmet Chef Gaston Gourmand, who seeks to cook rare creatures, and the greedy entrepreneur Donita Donata and her fashion-obsessed sidekick Dabio. The characters are voiced by the Kratts brothers themselves, along with actors such as Athena Karkanis, Heather Bambrick, and Jonathan Malen.

Episodes

The series has produced over 200 episodes across seven seasons, with each episode typically structured as a self-contained adventure. Notable episodes include "Mystery of the North Pole Penguins?", which explores the Arctic and clarifies that penguins do not live at the North Pole, and "The Blue and the Gray", which delves into the intelligence and social structure of African elephants. Special multi-part episodes, like "Creatures of the Deep Sea", have tackled broader ecological themes. The show frequently features guest appearances by notable scientists and conservationists, and episodes are often tied to specific zoological orders or families, such as felids, cetaceans, or birds of prey.

Educational goals and impact

The primary educational objective is to foster a "creature adventure" mindset, encouraging children to explore the natural world. The series aligns with STEM education goals, teaching biological concepts like animal locomotion, camouflage, and food web dynamics. It has been praised by organizations like the National Science Teachers Association for its accurate science content. The show's impact extends beyond television, inspiring interest in wildlife conservation and careers in biology. Research on educational media has cited the program as an effective tool for teaching life science to early elementary school audiences, and it is widely used in classroom settings across North America.

Production and broadcast

The series is a co-production between the Kratts' company, Kratt Brothers Company, and 9 Story Media Group, with animation services provided by Brown Bag Films. The executive producers are Chris Kratt, Martin Kratt, and Vince Commisso. The original score is composed by Pure West. It premiered on PBS Kids in the United States on January 3, 2011, and on TVOntario in Canada on January 4, 2011. The series is also broadcast internationally in over a dozen countries and is available for streaming on platforms like PBS Kids Video and Amazon Prime Video. New seasons are developed in consultation with zoologists and educators to ensure scientific accuracy.

Merchandise and other media

An extensive range of merchandise has been developed, including toys, clothing, books, and video games. The "Creature Power Suits" and action figures are particularly popular. The brothers have authored numerous companion books under the "Wild Kratts" brand, published by Random House. The franchise also includes live stage shows performed by the Kratts brothers across North America, which blend entertainment with conservation messaging. The property has expanded into educational apps and games available on the PBS Kids website and mobile platforms, further extending its educational reach.

Category:2010s American animated television series Category:2010s Canadian animated television series Category:PBS Kids shows Category:Canadian children's television series