Children’s favourite Peppa Pig is working with the National Deaf Children’s Society on a new storyline that reveals that George Pig is moderately deaf.
In an upcoming episode, George, who is Peppa’s little brother, will be fitted with a hearing aid after a routine check-up with the audiologist reveals that he is moderately deaf in one ear. The audionom will be played Gladiators titan Jodie Ounsley (Fury) who was born deaf and was one of the youngest in the UK to receive a cochlear implant.
The action begins with a special episode of Peppa Pig Tales on YouTube on February 6, which will showcase a typical day in the life of the family from George’s audio perspective. This will highlight how daily tasks can be a little trickier for Peppa’s younger brother.
George’s diagnosis will then form a large part of Season 11, available to watch on Milkshake from March 9. This will include the episode titled “Hearing Test” where George learns that he is hearing impaired, while future episodes will showcase how he discovers new sounds over time.
George Crockford, executive director of the National Deaf Children’s Society, emphasized the importance of representation in television. He said: “Representation is important, and it is important that deaf children see their experiences portrayed in an authentic and positive way.
“We present this story in a series as beloved as Peppa Pig is an important step towards creating a world where everything is possible for deaf children – a world where differences are understood and every child feels seen, valued and included.”
“For more than 20 years, Peppa Pig has grown with families around the world, and George’s evolution reflects that journey,” said Esra Cafer, Hasbro’s SVP of Franchise Strategy and Management, Preschool & Fashion. “George has grown from Peppa’s curious little brother to a character with his own voice and experiences. As he enters the next phase of his development, we continue to celebrate joy, growth and confidence, reminding every child that there is a place for them in Peppa’s world.”
The animated show, which tells the story of Peppa, George, little sister Evie, Daddy Pig and Mummy Pig, is no stranger to helping children see themselves and their families reflected in Peppa’s world. Existing characters include Mandy Mouse, who uses a wheelchair, and Penny Polar Bear, who has two mothers – George’s story is another step to ensure thoughtful representation and awareness among children.
In addition to George’s storyline, Hasbro has done Peppa Pig content more accessible to the deaf community with Peppa Pig sign language for kids YouTube channel, with episodes interpreted in both British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL).
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