Children’s TV show “Peppa Pig” is taking a significant step towards additional inclusivity by introducing as season 11 storyline where Peppa’s younger brother, George, is diagnosed with moderate hearing loss.
Alongside the storyline, a new toy from Hasbro will accompany George’s hearing loss journey.
George’s Hearing Loss Storyline
The diagnosis will be unveiled in the season 11 premiere titled “Hearing Test,” airing on March 23. During a routine doctor’s visit, Peppa’s family learns that George has moderate hearing loss in one ear.
He is then fitted with a hearing aid to help him experience the world of sound in a new way.
George’s journey will include discovering new noises, such as the melody of an ice cream van and the sound of splashing in muddy puddles.
Jodie Ounsley’s Guest Appearance Brings Authenticity To The Episode
The episode will feature a guest appearance by Jodie Ounsley, a deaf athlete who voices the audiologist treating George. Ounsley made history as the first deaf female rugby player to represent England, and she has since become a prominent advocate for disability awareness and inclusion in sport and media.
Collaboration Was A Big Part Of Delivering Accurate Representation
Hasbro, the company behind “Peppa Pig,” collaborated with the National Deaf Children’s Society and Camilla Arnold, a deaf executive producer and script consultant, to ensure the storyline’s accuracy. The partnership aimed to portray deafness authentically, including different types of hearing loss and family support. Hasbro’s collaboration with experts was meant to ensure that George’s character is shaped with care and precision.
New Educational Content & Merchandise Add To The Storyline
To complement the storyline, Hasbro is launching new educational content and merchandise. A George Pig musical toy featuring a hearing aid (pictured above) will be available, allowing children to engage with the character’s experience.
Additionally, Hasbro has also created a Peppa Pig Sign Language for Kids YouTube channel, featuring episodes in American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). This initiative hopes to educate preschool audiences and promote inclusivity.
A History Of Representation In Peppa Pig
“Peppa Pig” has a history of including diverse characters, such as Mandy Mouse, who uses a wheelchair, and Penny Polar Bear, who has two mothers. The introduction of George’s hearing loss storyline continues this tradition of delivering important lessons in a way that is easy for preschoolers to absorb.
“Representation is vital for deaf children, helping to develop a stronger sense of self and supporting them with understanding their deafness.” said the National Deaf Children’s Society. Hasbro’s SVP Esra Cafer emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “George has grown from Peppa’s curious little brother into a character with his own voice and experiences.”