“Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” from Jack McBrayer!
Thank you Jack McBrayer for sitting down with me and discussing your new show, “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” the new, breakthrough live action series from creators Jack McBrayer and children’s TV veteran and author Angela C. Santomero, premieres globally on Apple TV+. The series aims to ignite kindness by exploring empathy, humor, playfulness and imagination.
Q&A
1. Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show is absolutely wonderful. I wanted to know how did you come across the project and what made you want to be part of it?
I was at a point in my life where I couldn't help but notice that people really seemed to be treating each other with a great lack of compassion, and that affected me in a way that I did not anticipate. I thought about when people actually do learn about empathy and kindness, and that made me think about my early childhood. I remembered the lessons we all learned from such programs as 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood', and it made me a little sad that we didn't have more programming like that. So I decided that I wanted to do that kind of show!
2. What would you like your audience goers to learn from Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show
One important take-away I would love is the notion that an act of kindness does not have to be some huge, grand gesture. It can be the smallest thing. But it really can make a world of difference.
3. If the show had a mission statement what would it be?
Through caring and connecting with each other, one act of kindness can grow and grow, creating a chain of many more.
4. Let’s talk about the music, it’s uplifting and extremity catchy, I know my kiddo will be singing along.
We were so incredibly lucky to get the band OK Go to collaborate with us. Their music has blown me away, both from all their previous work, but ESPECIALLY for this show. They created an original song for EVERY SINGLE EPISODE! In addition to the theme song and closing song! They really understood the vision for this show, and they were just wonderful to work with. It was truly difficult not to fanboy in front of them every time we spoke.
5. You’ve clearly made a mark on children’s TV. What attracts you to animated TV and movies?
I've always, always loved cartoons. Growing up, they were my favorite forms of entertainment. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work in animation now, even if it's just through voice acting. There is some incredible writing in animation, which is a great way to get positive messaging in there. Plus, it just looks really cool. I'm so happy that we've been able to incorporate animation into 'Hello, Jack!'
6. What’s it like for you when you’re flipping channels and you run across 30 Rock or Phineas and Ferb?
Well, when I see myself in live action, I always think, "Man, I looked so young!" But I seriously enjoy seeing those things to remind me of that time in my life when we were creating it. Kinda like a home movie or something. And the animation always tickles me, because it's usually so much time from when you record it to when it airs, that you've kinda forgotten about it. So it's a lovely surprise.
7. Is there one act of kindness that recall or impacted your life?
I mean, the kinda 'Hollywood' version is that Ms. Tina Fey wrote the role of Kenneth the page in '30 Rock' with me in mind. And THAT was extremely kind. It literally changed my life. But I would have to say that a more 'normal' example is how incredible my neighbors have been during the course of the pandemic. They have been so lovely to check in on each other, making sure everyone is doing all right. It really meant a lot to have that connection and that care in an otherwise pretty scary period.
8. With the way the world is today, if there’s one act of kindness that you would suggest, what would it be?
Really, let's just try to look out for each other. We need each other to survive, so let's make a conscious effort to take care of each other.
9. Is there anything you’d like to share with our viewers.
I hope folks like the show! It was a lot of fun to make, and I was grateful to have a project that allowed me to focus my heart and my soul in a very positive place. I will always value that.
“Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” from Jack McBrayer and Daytime Emmy-winner Angela C. Santomero, premieres globally on Apple TV+
“Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show,” the new, breakthrough live action series from creators Jack McBrayer and children’s TV veteran and author Angela C. Santomero, premieres globally on Apple TV+. The series aims to ignite kindness by exploring empathy, humor, playfulness and imagination.
Anchored around Emmy Award-nominee Jack McBrayer’s infectious positivity and whimsical humor, “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” invites preschoolers into a world where a little act of kindness can change the world. Alongside series regulars Jack McBrayer, Markita Prescott (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and Albert Kong (“Westworld”) who is recurring, special guest visitors include Paul Scheer (“The League,” “Human Giant”) and Sam Richardson (“Veep,” “The Office"). Jack inspires kids to solve problems with heart. The series showcases stories where acts of kindness are shown through “The Three C’s” – caring, connecting and cascading – from one person to another. The series also features original songs from the Grammy Award-winning band, OK Go.
“Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” is co-created and executive produced by McBrayer and Santomero. The series is produced by Emmy Award-winning 9 Story Media Group (“Blue’s Clues & You!,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”) with animation by its Oscar-nominated studio Brown Bag Films (“Doc McStuffins,” “Vampirina”). Jax Media also produces. Wendy Harris and Vince Commisso serve as executive producers alongside showrunner, and Emmy Award nominee, Guy Toubes. Junlei Li, the Saul Zaentz senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, serves as the kindness and human connection expert on the series.
Episode Descriptions
Episode 1
Jack’s Kindness Story
Olivia wants to make her uncle laugh, so Jack helps her write a silly story for him.
Episode 2
Jack and the Fur-Ever Home Finders
Sonia’s devotion to the animals at an adoption fair inspires Jack to help her find forever homes for all of the pets.
Episode 3
Jack and Cooper’s Chalk Game
With a little encouragement from Jack, Cooper creates a giant game for all of Clover Grove to play.
Episode 4
Friday Feast at Jack’s Cafe
A minor injury leaves Chef unable to cook, so Jack steps in to keep the Friday Feast pizza tradition alive.
Episode 5
Jack’s Surprise for Mr. Prickles
When Mr. Prickles reveals that he misses the garden at his old home, Jack and his friends work together to cheer him up.
Episode 6
Jack and Cooper’s Hearts
Inspired by Jack, Cooper hands out paper hearts to brighten everyone’s day—and learns his kindness is the true gift.
Episode 7
Jack and Olivia’s Big Bus Adventure
Olivia’s nervous about her first time riding the bus, so Jack and his friends find creative ways to ease her fears.
Apple TV+ is also home to an award-winning lineup of original films and series for kids and families, including "Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment; Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop; Academy Award nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers”; new series from Peanuts and WildBrain including “The Snoopy Show”; “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times Bestselling Book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers; and, upcoming series “Fraggle Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company. To date, Apple has inked overall deals with some of today’s most trusted franchises in kids and family programming, including Sesame Workshop and Wildbrain (Peanuts); as well as a multi-year partnership with Skydance Animation to deliver groundbreaking, premium animated films and first-ever theatrical-quality animated television series to kids and families.
Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $4.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.* For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.
*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until cancelled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.
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