'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood,' based on Mr. Rogers', launches on UNC-TV Monday

I miss Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. And I'm a little sad that he never really will be a part of my daughters' early childhoods. I have lots of memories watching him as a child, eagerly waiting to hear the tinkling of the trolley and being a little bit afraid of Lady Elaine Fairchilde.

Fred Rogers died in 2003, though his shows continued to be aired most days on many PBS stations until 2008. Back then, parents raised some concerns about the disappearance. There was some very tentative talk about the creation of an animated series based in some way on the classic.

Fast forward four years later and it's here. "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood," which is produced by the same people involved with Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood will launch on PBS on Monday. The show will air on UNC-TV at 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m., Saturday, making it a big part of UNC-TV's offerings for kids.

The show, best for ages 2 to 4, features the children of Mr. Rogers' original Neighborhood of Make-Believe characters. It's produced by The Fred Rogers Company, using stories and music grounded in Rogers' original shows.