Janet's Planet
American educational children's TV show hosted by Janet Ivey.
Janet's Planet is an American educational children's television show hosted by Janet Ivey and her explorers. The series, which originally aired on PBS and over 140 of its affiliated local public stations, explores one topic per episode—such as 'Mars', 'Aviation', and 'Microgravity'—and aims to teach science lessons to a preteen audience. The show has grown into a touring live stage show and related merchandise, and its DVDs and New Media are frequently used in schools as an education source, especially for STEM lessons.
- Field
- Educational children's television
- Nationality
- American
- Known for
- Teaching science to preteens via television, live stage shows, and school media
- Host
- Janet Ivey
- Episode topics
- Mars, Aviation, Microgravity
- Awards
- 12 Regional Emmys, 5 Gracie Allen Awards, Buzz Aldrin ShareScience Foundation Ambassador
Lore & Background
The show's 2014–2015 season was produced by PopCause LLC. Janet's Planet features national musical guests like Lord Huron and staples of classic children's shows such as puppets and animations. It also includes appearances by engineers, designers, and makers, including the designer of Lego's NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover. The series has received 12 Regional Emmys, 5 Gracie Allen Awards, and the Buzz Aldrin ShareScience Foundation Ambassador honor.
Reader's Guide
Janet's Planet holds significance as an educational television program that brings science topics to a preteen audience through a mix of live-action hosting, puppetry, animation, and musical guests. By airing on PBS and over 140 affiliated local public stations, the show reached a broad national audience. Its expansion into a touring live stage show and the use of its DVDs and New Media in schools—particularly for STEM lessons—demonstrates its role as a supplementary educational resource. The show's recognition with multiple Regional Emmys and Gracie Allen Awards, as well as its designation as a Buzz Aldrin ShareScience Foundation Ambassador, underscores its impact in science communication. The inclusion of figures like the designer of Lego's NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover and characters such as Albert the monkey astronaut and Marsella the Martian alien adds engaging elements that appeal beyond the core preteen demographic.
Format & Educational Mission
Janet's Planet is an American educational children's television program that centers on a single scientific topic per episode. Hosted by Janet Ivey alongside her team of explorers, the series tackles subjects ranging from the planet Mars to aviation and microgravity, all tailored for a preteen audience. The show's core mission is to make science accessible and engaging for young learners. Beyond its primary demographic, the program has cultivated a broader appeal by weaving in national musical guests such as Lord Huron, alongside beloved staples of classic children's television like puppets and animated sequences. The show also brings in real-world experts—engineers, designers, and makers—such as the individual who designed Lego's NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, grounding its lessons in authentic scientific achievement. This blend of entertainment and instruction positions Janet's Planet as a distinctive entry in the educational television landscape, one that respects its young viewers' intelligence while keeping the tone playful and inviting.
Production, Distribution & Multi-Platform Growth
The 2014–2015 season of Janet's Planet was produced by PopCause LLC, the company behind the series' broadcast production. The program originally aired on PBS, reaching viewers through more than 140 affiliated local public television stations across the country. This wide distribution network helped the show establish a consistent presence in households that rely on public broadcasting for quality programming. Beyond the screen, Janet's Planet has expanded into a touring live stage show, allowing audiences to experience the energy of the series in person. Related merchandise has also entered the market, extending the brand into a broader consumer space. Perhaps most significantly, the show's DVDs and new media content have become a frequent resource in classrooms, where educators use them as supplemental material for STEM lessons. This multi-platform approach—spanning television, live performance, physical products, and digital media—has allowed Janet's Planet to maintain a sustained educational footprint well beyond its original broadcast run.
Characters & Creative World
At the heart of Janet's Planet is Janet Ivey, who serves as the Chief Scientist and guiding voice of the series. She is joined by a memorable cast of characters that bring personality and humor to each episode. Albert, a puppet character, is based on the first monkey astronaut—a primate who on June 11, 1948, traveled over 63 kilometers aboard a V2 rocket. Albert holds the special distinction of introducing Lord Huron as a musical guest on the show. Marsella, another key character, is depicted as the friendliest extraterrestrial from the planet Mars and serves as the team's resident expert on all things related to that world. Together, these characters anchor a production style that leans heavily on the visual traditions of classic children's television, incorporating puppets and animation alongside live-action segments. This creative framework gives the show a warm, familiar feel that resonates with preteen viewers while still delivering substantive scientific content episode after episode.
Honors & Educational Legacy
Janet's Planet has earned significant recognition in both the television and science-communication worlds. The series is a recipient of 12 Regional Emmy Awards, acknowledging its production quality and impact at the regional level. It has also been honored with 5 Gracie Allen Awards, which celebrate excellence in television programming. Additionally, the show received the Buzz Aldrin ShareScience Foundation Ambassador designation, a recognition that underscores its commitment to making science accessible and exciting for younger audiences. These accolades reflect a program that balances entertainment value with genuine educational substance. The show's influence extends into the classroom, where its DVDs and new media content are frequently employed by teachers as a supplement for STEM curriculum. Combined with its touring live stage show and merchandise line, Janet's Planet has built a lasting footprint in both popular culture and formal education, proving that a children's program can earn serious industry recognition while remaining true to its mission of inspiring young minds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Janet's Planet?
Janet's Planet is an American educational TV series that originally broadcast on PBS and more than 140 local public stations, dedicating each episode to a single science topic for preteen viewers. The franchise has since expanded into a touring live stage show and a range of related merchandise.
Who hosts Janet's Planet?
Janet Ivey leads the show alongside a group of young explorers, guiding each episode's science investigation. She was later recognized as a Buzz Aldrin ShareScience Foundation Ambassador for her contributions to youth science education.
What kinds of topics does Janet's Planet cover?
Every episode zeroes in on one subject—past installments have explored Mars, Aviation, and Microgravity, among others. The format is built to make dense STEM ideas approachable for middle-school-age kids.
What awards has Janet's Planet received?
The series has picked up 12 Regional Emmy Awards and 5 Gracie Allen Awards across its run. Host Janet Ivey also earned the Buzz Aldrin ShareScience Foundation Ambassador title in recognition of the show's educational impact.
How do schools use Janet's Planet in the classroom?
Teachers frequently pull the show's DVDs and digital New Media content into their STEM lesson plans as supplemental teaching material. The live stage tour also brings the same exploratory format directly to school auditoriums and community venues.
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