PBS Kids’ Emmy-nominated animated series Alma’s Way returns for Season 3 on January 19, and after watching an advance screener of the premiere episode, “Cowboy Howard” / “Junior’s Hair Salon,” it’s clear this season is leaning even further into thoughtful, culturally grounded storytelling for younger kids.
I was provided with a preview copy of the “Cowboy Howard”/“Junior’s Hair Salon” episode, and it turned out to be something my 3-year-old and 8-year-old daughters and I genuinely enjoyed together. That’s not always easy to pull off, especially with an age gap like that, but this episode is accessible to preschoolers while still sparking curiosity and conversation with my older child.
What stood out to me was how “Cowboy Howard” reframes Black cowboy culture as expansive and present, rather than distant or locked in the past. The episode follows Alma and Howard as they search for a real Black cowboy in the Bronx after Howard reads a book about them. By grounding that search in a modern, urban setting, the story subtly reinforces that Black cowboy culture isn’t confined to the American West or to a specific historical moment; it’s part of a much broader, living cultural legacy.
That framing matters, especially given how rarely Black cowboys are acknowledged in popular storytelling. According to the Smithsonian, an estimated one in four cowboys in the American West were Black, a statistic that underscores just how deeply underrepresented their history has been within the mainstream media landscape. And that underrepresentation isn’t limited to children’s programming; cowboy culture as a whole, particularly Black cowboy culture, has been overlooked across entertainment, from film and television to mainstream pop culture narratives.
Seeing Alma’s Way introduce this reality in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate resonated with our family. My daughters loved the idea that cowboys could exist in the Bronx, especially after I reminded them that there are, in fact, horses being ridden in some big cities like New York, and not just in wide-open Western landscapes or storybooks. For me, as a parent, it opened the door to conversations about history, visibility, and whose stories get told, and whose are often left out.
Fred Rogers Productions worked closely with the Black Cowboy Coalition on the episode, with advisor Aisha McElroy helping ensure the story reflected both historical accuracy and contemporary relevance. That collaboration shows in how naturally the episode balances education with adventure, without ever feeling like it’s pausing to deliver a lesson. I liken many episodes of Alma’s Way to sneaking veggies into a recipe; my kids, even if they don’t realize it, are building a knowledge base and learning important lessons, without overcomplicating the subject matter, which is one of the many reasons I love this adorable and thoughtful series.
The companion segment, “Junior’s Hair Salon,” brings things back home in a different but equally meaningful way. Alma and Junior set up a pretend salon, and when not every hairstyle works out, Junior learns that hair, across different textures and styles, is a form of personal expression.
Inspired by creator Sonia Manzano’s own experiences growing up in the Bronx, it’s a gentle, affirming story that reinforces acceptance and individuality in a way younger kids can immediately understand. My youngest daughter loves playing dress-up and bringing the hair salon story to the forefront through playful, imaginative play, which felt like a natural fit given how they interact together on a daily basis. The episode, like everything Alma’s Way, was once again grounded in inventive, simple storytelling.
More Season 3 Episodes to Look Forward To
Season 3 continues with episodes that feel deeply rooted in everyday kid experiences. Here’s a brief preview of the next two episodes to kick off Alma’s Way season 3.
“Best Food Truck in the Bronx” / “Howard’s Hamburgers”
Premiering January 20 on PBS KIDS
At a food truck festival, Alma and her friends try to crown the “Best in the Bronx,” only to discover how hard it can be to agree when everyone’s tastes are different. Later, Alma and Junior learn an important lesson about rediscovering joy when their backyard restaurant faces competition.
“World’s Greatest Playdate” / “What Alma Wants”
Premiering January 21 on PBS KIDS
Alma navigates feelings of jealousy after missing a playdate, while the second story explores the importance of listening to your own voice when outside opinions begin to take over.
Season 3 of Alma’s Way continues to do what the series does best: reflect kids’ real-world experiences while giving parents meaningful moments to talk things through together. “Cowboy Howard,” in particular, stands out to me not just for what it teaches children, but also for how it broadens the cultural stories children are exposed to at an early age.