Austin, October 9, 2025
News Summary
PBS recently premiered ‘How Are We Today?’, a show dedicated to discussing mental health themes for children aged 12 and up. Created by Tyler Coe, the show features dramatizations addressing topics like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. With plans for six additional seasons, the program aims to create relatable content for young viewers dealing with mental health challenges, garnering attention for its potential educational impact.
Austin, Texas – The new PBS show “How Are We Today?” premiered on September 15, 2023, aimed at addressing critical mental health topics for kids ages 12 and up. Created by Tyler Coe, a former producer and host at Rooster Teeth, the show aspires to provide support and education about mental health issues through an engaging and entertaining format.
“How Are We Today?” features mini-dramatizations that vividly illustrate mental health experiences, such as panic attacks and bipolar disorder. The show has already been picked up by 20 stations across the United States, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands at WTJX, thereby making a nationwide impact on mental health education for young viewers.
Coe, who developed the show drawing inspiration from classic PBS favorites like “Reading Rainbow” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” has shared his personal background with mental health challenges. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 12, Coe emphasizes the importance of creating relatable content that resonates with young audiences facing similar struggles. Initially conceived as a fully animated program, the show’s format transitioned due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, leading to a blend of fun and educational elements, including costumes and references to popular media.
The diverse cast includes former Rooster Teeth colleagues Barbara Dunkelman, Mariel Salcedo, and Elyse Willems, along with psychologist Dr. Erin Newins, who contributes expert commentary throughout the episodes. The show’s first episode particularly focuses on bipolar disorder, where discussions around hyperfixation and hypomania are prominently featured. Coe describes the viewing experience as necessitating active engagement rather than passive consumption, encouraging viewers to think critically about the topics presented.
The show is not just a one-off production; six additional seasons are planned, each set to tackle various mental health issues such as depression, social anxiety, ADHD, and panic attacks. This extensive framework aims to reach a broad audience and raise awareness about mental health in an accessible manner.
With its innovative format and focus on mental health education, “How Are We Today?” has already garnered praise for its potential to touch emotional chords with its content, making it a significant new addition to PBS’s lineup aimed at younger audiences.
FAQ
What is the target audience for “How Are We Today?”
“How Are We Today?” is aimed at kids ages 12 and up.
When did “How Are We Today?” premiere?
The show premiered on PBS on September 15, 2023, with a preview for Austinites on September 13.
Who created “How Are We Today?”
Tyler Coe, former producer and host at Rooster Teeth, created the new PBS show “How Are We Today?”.
What mental health topics will the show cover?
The show plans to address topics like depression, social anxiety, ADHD, and panic attacks across its six additional planned seasons.
What can viewers expect in terms of format?
The show features mini-dramatizations that illustrate mental health experiences, educational content, and encourages active viewing.
Key Features of “How Are We Today?”
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Kids ages 12 and up |
| Premiere Date | September 15, 2023 |
| Creator | Tyler Coe |
| Mental Health Topics | Bipolar disorder, depression, social anxiety, ADHD, panic attacks |
| Seasons Planned | Seven total seasons |
| Viewing Experience | Active viewing with mini-dramatizations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Austin Chronicle: Getting in a Good Headspace with “How Are We Today?”
- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- CultureMap Austin: How Are We Today on PBS?
- Google Search: Texas Entertainment
- PR Newswire: New Show “How Are We Today?” Expands the Conversation on Mental Health
- Google Scholar: Television and Mental Health
- USA Today: Birdhouse Books and Gifts in Austin, Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Television Shows
- Austin.com: Barton Springs Pool vs Barton Creek – Which Austin Landmark Should You Visit Today?
- Google News: Austin Texas Entertainment
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