VIDEO: Hear the Theme Song for PBS Series ALMA'S WAY, Featuring Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

Here she comes! Almas Way, our newest animated series created by beloved childrens TV icon @SoniaMManzano, will premiere on @PBSKIDS on Oct 4. Kids 4-6 will learn critical thinking skills in stories filled with heart, comedy, and the beat of the Bronx: https://t.co/PzbjxfR0er pic.twitter.com/MN16IW3MQs

Fred Rogers Productions (@FredRogersPro) August 10, 2021

Today, Lin-Manuel Miranda shared the theme song for upcoming PBS Kids series Alma's Way - featuring lyrics by Miranda himself, music by Bill Sherman, and vocals by Flaco Navaja.

Hear the theme song below, and see Miranda's tweet here:

When @SoniaMManzano needs a theme song for her new show, you answer the call! Music by @bsherman2222, vocals by @Flaconavaja, lyrics by yours truly. Wepa! -LMM https://t.co/bOHvrSEvO7

- Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) August 10, 2021

ALMA'S WAY, a new animated series from Fred Rogers Productions, will premiere October 4, 2021. The series is created by Sonia Manzano, beloved by generations as "Maria" on Sesame Street, who broke new ground as one of the first Latino characters on national TV.

Inspired by Manzano's own childhood, ALMA'S WAY centers on 6-year-old Alma Rivera, a proud, confident Puerto Rican girl who lives in the Bronx with her family among a diverse group of close-knit friends and community members. Infused with Manzano's humor and grounded in a social and emotional curriculum, the series will give children ages 4-6 the tools to find their own answers, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.

"I am so excited to be working with PBS KIDS and Fred Rogers Productions to introduce Alma, a strong and positive Puerto Rican girl who will empower young viewers," said Manzano. "Alma's way is to think things through, and we hope the new series will show kids that their thought processes are valid and give them the confidence to think critically."

The engaging modern-day series stars Alma, along with her parents, Mami and Papi; younger brother, Junior; her Abuelo; and their lovable little dog, Chacho. In every episode, Alma speaks directly to young viewers with asides and her "Think Through" moments, where she stops, thinks, and processes. She models optimism and determination, showing that if she puts her mind to a problem, she can figure it out. Young viewers will tag along with Alma as she learns to speak up for herself, make tough decisions, figure out how to help friends, and so much more.

"The stories on ALMA'S WAY are designed to help kids learn to think for themselves and take into consideration the perspectives of those around them," said Ellen Doherty, Chief Creative Officer, Fred Rogers Productions. "As Alma thinks things through, she models self-advocacy, empathy and social awareness. She's a smart kid with a big heart - we hope young viewers will think she's way, way, way fun to watch!"

Each episode showcases different aspects of Latino cultures through language, food, music, and customs. All viewers will see how other families are both alike and different from their own. Music is the "backbeat" of the series and includes traditional Puerto Rican styles like Plena, Bomba, and salsa along with other Latino genres such as Cuban son and Colombian cumbia. The original theme song, written and produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Bill Sherman, is performed by Flaco Navaja and Summer Rose Castillo, who plays Alma. The series music is composed by Asher Lenz, Stephen Skratt, and Fabiola M. Mendez. The series will be available for viewers in both English and Spanish on all PBS KIDS platforms.

"We're thrilled to welcome Alma and her family to PBS KIDS this fall," said Linda Simensky, Head of PBS KIDS Content. "Alma's unique humor and spirit are rooted in the everyday stories of her neighborhood. All children across America deserve to see themselves represented in stories that celebrate and give voice to their lived experiences. That philosophy is at the heart of PBS KIDS."

ALMA'S WAY is produced, written, and directed by a diverse team, and Latino voices are imbued throughout the series, both on screen and behind the scenes. The series is created by Lifetime Achievement Emmy®-winner Sonia Manzano and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. Ellen Doherty and Sonia Manzano are executive producers. Jorge Aguirre (Goldie & Bear) is head writer. The series is animated by Pipeline Studios (Elinor Wonders Why).

Building on this commitment to authentic representation in PBS KIDS content, JELLY, BEN & POGO, a series of funny and engaging animated shorts from Primal Screen, will debut this fall, following episodes of ALMA'S WAY. Created by Jalysa Leva, each short follows the adventures of the intrepid Jelly, her brainy little brother, Ben, and Pogo, a young sea monster who is always ready to get the party started. Jelly and Ben's family are of Filipino heritage, and the show is infused with Filipino culture throughout, including the Tagalog language and food and music from the Philippines. Jelly, Ben, and Lola (their grandmother) are voiced by Filipino and Filipino American talent. The three best friends help their neighbors - and each other - by identifying a problem and working together to find a solution, often using STEAM concepts and always understanding the unique perspectives and needs of those they are helping.

ALMA'S WAY will debut on PBS stations and begin streaming free on PBS KIDS October 4. Launching in tandem with the show, digital content for kids, parents and teachers will further the messages and goals of ALMA'S WAY. Series-inspired games will be available in English and Spanish on pbskids.org and on the free PBS KIDS Games App. Spanish and English language parent resources, including tips and hands-on activities to extend the learning at home, will be available on the PBS KIDS for Parents site, and PBS LearningMedia will offer tools for teachers, including video excerpts, games, teaching tips, and printable activities.