Alma's Way


Alma's Way is an American animated children's television series from Fred Rogers Productions created and executive produced by former Sesame Street actress Sonia Manzano and animated by Canadian animation studio Pipeline Studios. The series premiered on PBS Kids on October 4, 2021.
The show is set in Bronx, New York">The Bronx">Bronx, New York and revolves around Alma Rivera, a 6-year-old Puerto Rican girl, as she ventures out into her Latino neighborhood to demonstrate decision-making and social-awareness skills. The title's meaning refers to Alma's ability of thinking things through, to help her solve problems within each episode.
On August 2, 2022, it was announced the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on September 18, 2023. The second season introduced a new female character named Yolette, new voice actors for Eddie and André, and a new live-action, post-episode segment called My Way. On February 28, 2025, it was announced the series was renewed for a third season.

Premise

The series centers on Alma Rivera, a six-year-old girl residing in the Bronx with her family and friends. Each day presents her with various challenges, and she consistently takes the time to stop, listen, observe, reflect, and articulate her thoughts to navigate these everyday issues.

Episodes

Characters and interstitial shorts

Alma's family

  • Alma Rivera is an optimistic 6-year-old Puerto Rican-American girl. She seems to have a role as the leader of the group. She likes solving problems. Her favorite baseball team is the Sweat Sox. In "Alma Goes to Puerto Rico", it was stated that she's named after her great-grandmother.
  • Rubén Rivera Jr. a.k.a. "Junior" is Alma's 5-year-old younger brother who loves dinosaurs and dancing. His favorite singer is Elyssa B, and his favorite baseball team is the City Seagulls.
  • Lulú Rivera a.k.a. "Mami" is Alma and Junior's mother, and Ruben's wife. She is a musician and music teacher. She is a great cook, but isn't good at making mofongo. Her favorite singer is Elyssa B.
  • Rubén Rivera a.k.a. "Papi" is Alma and Junior's father, and Lulú's husband. He's a veterinarian, and hosts his own show called Rubén to the Rescue. His favorite baseball team is the City Seagulls.
  • Gustavo a.k.a. "Abuelo" is Lulú and Gloria's father, and Alma, Junior and Eddie's maternal grandfather.

    Recurring

  • Eduardo Montoya a.k.a. "Eddie Mambo" is Alma's next-door neighbor and cousin. He is a gifted musician who plays drums, guitar, and horn. He wears leg braces and uses crutches due to cerebral palsy.
  • Nestor Montoya a.k.a. "Uncle Nestor" is Alma's uncle and Eddie's father. He is a playwright and musical director of a Bomba ensemble.
  • Gloria Montoya a.k.a. "Tía Gloria" is Alma's aunt and Eddie's mother. She is a New York City Transit Authority Train Conductor.
  • André King is Alma's friend. He is great at drawing and sketching.
  • Rafia Huda is Alma and André's Bangladeshi friend. She loves to play sports. She is 7 years old.
  • Lucas Reed is Alma, André and Rafia's friend. He is a gifted singer.
  • Becka is Alma and Eddie's friend, a 12-year-old Jewish-American girl.
  • Safina Huda is Rafia's older sister. She volunteers at Rubén's pet clinic.
  • Harper is Alma's friend, an only child whose father is away serving in the military.
  • Alberto Martinez a.k.a. "Beto" is Alma's friend and newest neighbor. He and his family are introduced in the episode "New Neighbors", where it is stated that they moved to the Bronx from San Diego.
  • Emilia Martinez a.k.a. "Emi" is Beto's younger sister and Alma and Junior's friend. She has a pet lizard named Manchas.
  • Owen Reed is Lucas's father.
  • Anik Huda is Rafia and Safina's father. He owns a small grocery store.
  • Nea Omenma King is André's mother. She owns a bookstore. Alma introduces her as Mrs. Omenma in the episode, "Alma's Masterpiece".
  • James King is André's father. He is a cook and likes experimenting with different kinds of foods.
  • Elena Martinez is Beto and Emi's mother.
  • Ángel Martinez is Beto and Emi's father.
  • Frankie Four Feet is the owner of the Bronx Community Center.
  • Granny Isa is Alma's maternal grandmother. She is a flight attendant who travels the world.
  • Howard is Alma, Junior, Lucas, Rafia, Eddie, André, and Harper's friend. He loves playing water tag.
  • Yolette is Alma, Junior, and André's friend.

    ''Jelly, Ben & Pogo''

Starting from the show's premiere, television airings are followed up by Jelly, Ben & Pogo, which are shorts that focus on Filipino culture.
  • Jelly is an optimistic 8-year-old Filipino-American girl. She seems to role as the leader of the group.
  • Ben is Jelly's 5-year-old little brother who serves as the smallest and youngest of the trio.
  • Pogo is the kids' green Scottish-Filipino Lochness Ogopogo-like sea monster friend.
  • Lola is Jelly and Ben’s grandmother.

    Other shorts

Beginning in November, 2022, it was replaced by Molly of Denali: The Big Gathering, which are shorts based on Molly of Denali. On December 26 in the same year, television airings are also followed up by City Island, a series of shorts centered on civics that follows a group of sentient object characters.

Related Media

Games

  1. Party at Alma’s
  2. Bop or Pop
  3. The Alma Train
  4. Boom, Boom, Bah
  5. Alma on the Case
  6. Dominoes
  7. Create With Alma
  8. Dino Dance Party

    Reception

Adiba Nelson of The Washington Post wrote, "Afro-Latino children finally have characters they can relate to."

Awards and nominations