How can we help kids make good choices? That’s the question caregivers, teachers and all of us at GPB ask ourselves every day. Connecting with children and inspiring them to learn and grow is part of our mission and it’s part of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ (DBHDD) mission as well. So when DBHDD reached out to GPB about a show featuring kids helping other kids make good life choices, we wanted to be involved. Working closely with DBHDD, that concept transformed into Prevengers, a digital series premiering Oct. 1 on our website and Education YouTube page with three episodes before moving to a weekly episode release schedule.

“The Prevengers Initiative is unleashing a new kind of heroism — teaching young people to pause, weigh risks, rewards and consequences, and choose the path that builds their future,” DBHDD’s Office of Prevention Services Director, Donna Dent, explained. “At the Office of Prevention Services, prevention is power, purpose and the courage to write a better story — one decision at a time.”

The Prevengers Initiative is unleashing a new kind of heroism — teaching young people to pause, weigh risks, rewards and consequences, and choose the path that builds their future. At the Office of Prevention Services, prevention is power, purpose and the courage to write a better story — one decision at a time.

For Lex Hanson, creator, director and writer of Prevengers, it became a true passion project, one that he has been involved in every step of the way. He shared with us a bit about the production process and what he hopes kids and families will take away from the show.

Prevengers follows four young super heroes — Aidan, Summer, Skyler and Lila — who help other kids by teaching problem solving skills and making positive life choices. Along with their mentor, Ace the Cardinal, they travel around the world on their spaceship, the Cardinal 1, leaving the world a better place while learning their own lessons along the way. Hanson shared that he “Wanted to create something that visually says ‘hero,’” taking inspiration from the '90s Saturday morning kids' shows he loved growing up (Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers in particular) and weaved in color-coordinating outfits and cool gadgets alongside fun, entertaining scripts that matched the morals and strategies DBHDD upholds. “I had to come up with stories that check those boxes while getting feedback from DBHDD to make sure I was heading in the right direction,” he said.

That direction led to writing scripts for 16 episodes, casting the four lead roles and developing the look of the show and the mascot Ace. Described as patient, empathetic and kind, Hanson divulged that “To be able to breathe life into a character like that is an honor…[Ace] had to look like a leader, but also have this sense of wisdom and understanding.” Something he literally did: beyond developing Ace’s lines and look, Hanson became the voice actor for Ace the Cardinal as well. “After literally writing his character into existence, I brought Ace to life.”

Hanson and DBHDD looked to the graphics team at GPB for assistance in developing and creating the look of Prevengers. From the animation of the aforementioned Ace to creating digital sets with an LED wall, numerous animation elements, set design and branding, Hanson shared that “This project would not have happened if it wasn’t for the graphics team. From the very beginning they were up to this daunting task.”

From the contributions from the graphics team, GPB's education team and DBHDD, Hanson was proud to share that Prevengers was “the most creative I’ve ever gotten to be in my career, and creativity doesn’t thrive if it doesn’t have support. Since the day GPB and DBHDD brought me onto this project, I have felt nothing but support.” GPB’s Vice President of Education, Laura Evans, is equally excited for the digital-first program, sharing that “With Prevengers, we had the opportunity to use digital media thoughtfully to engage kids in learning that feels fun and relevant. It’s exciting to create content that entertains while also giving kids the tools they need to navigate real-life challenges with empathy and confidence.”

Hanson hopes that kids and their families and caregivers will watch the show together, helping them understand that nobody is perfect but that’s the point. “Hopefully there are episodes that resonate with kids and parents alike, helping them see a new perspective on how to be empathetic while also learning that it’s important to take care of yourself.” 

The first three episodes of Prevengers are available to stream on GPB’s website and the education department’s YouTube channel beginning Oct. 1 with new episodes releasing weekly. Additional learning materials for teachers and caregivers will accompany each episode and will be available on the website.