‘Peppa Pig’ reveals George is moderately deaf in new storyline
Hasbro has announced that in an upcoming season of popular kids’ show Peppa Pig, Peppa’s younger brother George will be diagnosed as deaf. In order to ensure accuracy and sensitivity, the show partnered with The National Deaf Children’s Society and the Hearing Loss Association of America. Additionally, Hasbro has released a new YouTube channel, Peppa Pig Sign Language for Kids. The channel will feature episodes of Peppa Pig with sign language interpreters signing in both American Sign Language and British Sign Language.
The episode kicking off George’s new story arc, which is entitled “Hearing Test,” is set to be released on Nickelodeon on March 23rd. In it, George will visit an audiologist, played by Deaf rugby player Jodie Ounsley, and be fitted with a hearing aid. The National Deaf Children’s Society has commented favorably on George’s character development, citing the importance of positive representations for Deaf children.