February 5, 2025 / News & Blog
Children’s entertainment is more than just colorful characters and catchy jingles—it’s a powerful tool for education, creativity, and emotional growth. Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President of Television Development for DreamWorks Animation, knows this better than most. With a career spanning iconic shows like Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, and Gabby’s Dollhouse, Weiss has been a driving force in shaping content that both entertains and educates. In a recent episode of the ACM Podcast, Empowering Young Minds, Weiss sat down with host Arthur Affleck to discuss her journey, the evolution of children’s media, and how Gabby’s Dollhouse is helping kids embrace creativity, resilience, and the joy of learning.
Before Weiss became a leading name in children’s entertainment, she had a different career in mind. While studying international studies at Johns Hopkins University, she pursued internships in journalism, working with networks like ABC. But she quickly realized that hard news wasn’t for her. “I needed to spend my workday finding joy, making people laugh,” Weiss explains. That realization led her into the world of entertainment, where she discovered her passion for storytelling, creativity, and inspiring young minds.
Her early career included working at the Comedy Channel, a scrappy startup that would later become Comedy Central. That experience laid the groundwork for her pivot into children’s media. “I kind of fell into kids’ TV,” she admits, but working on shows like Sesame Street and Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? made her realize the profound impact children’s content could have. “You’re creating friends for kids through the screen,” Weiss says, “but also giving them something to think about when the TV is off.”
One of Weiss’s latest projects, Gabby’s Dollhouse, has captivated young audiences worldwide. But it’s more than just a fun show—it’s built on a foundation of fostering a growth mindset in kids. “We spoke with early educators about barriers to literacy,” Weiss explains. “One of the biggest challenges wasn’t phonics—it was that kids were afraid to make mistakes when reading out loud.” This insight became a cornerstone of the show’s curriculum. Gabby, the main character, models resilience, creativity, and the idea that mistakes are a part of learning.
Each episode follows Gabby as she shrinks down into her magical dollhouse, where surprises await in each new adventure. The concept was inspired by the unboxing phenomenon, where kids eagerly watch others open mystery toys. “We thought—what if we unbox a story instead?” Weiss says. The interactive nature of the show encourages kids to think creatively and embrace problem-solving. “The more we can normalize mistakes as part of learning, the more confident kids will become.”
While Gabby’s Dollhouse has been a hit on streaming platforms, its impact is now extending into real-world spaces. The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) has partnered with DreamWorks Animation to bring Gabby and her friends into children’s museums across the country. These interactive exhibits will allow kids to engage with the show’s themes through play, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences.
Weiss, who previously served on the board of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, understands the vital role these institutions play. “Museums provide kids with their first experience of hands-on exploration,” she says. “They’re a space where learning feels like play, and that aligns perfectly with what we try to do in our shows.”
As the landscape of children’s media evolves, Weiss emphasizes the importance of diverse storytelling and global perspectives. “Content is immediately global now,” she notes. “We have to think about what resonates universally while still embracing the specificity of different cultures and experiences.”
Another shift in kids’ entertainment is the way content is consumed. Gone are the days of scheduled programming blocks—kids now choose what to watch, when they want to watch it. “This means kids are engaging with content in a more personalized way,” Weiss says. Gabby’s Dollhouse, for instance, has grown with its audience. The show’s lead actress, Laila Lockhart Kraner, was 11 when they started filming; now she’s a teenager, and many of the show’s original fans have grown alongside her.
Looking ahead, DreamWorks has big plans for Gabby. More seasons are in the works, along with an exciting feature film set to release in September 2025. “We’re expanding Gabby’s world even further,” Weiss reveals. “We want to continue inspiring kids through creativity, storytelling, and a growth mindset.”
While great content is crucial, Weiss believes parents and caregivers play the most vital role in enriching children’s lives. “Ask kids what they think,” she urges. “It might seem simple, but sometimes a cartoon character is the first one to ask a child their opinion.” Encouraging kids to share their thoughts fosters confidence, curiosity, and a sense of value.
She also highlights the importance of incorporating creativity into everyday life. Whether through crafting, imaginative play, or hands-on learning experiences at children’s museums, giving kids opportunities to explore and experiment is essential. “Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones to success,” Weiss reminds us.
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If you’re ready to dive into the magical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse, there’s no better time than now. Check out the show on Netflix, explore the hands-on exhibits coming to children’s museums, and mark your calendars for the upcoming feature film.
For more insights from Teri Weiss and a deeper dive into the power of children’s media, listen to the full podcast episode here.
Empowering Young Minds, the Association of Children’s Museum Podcast is available on all major listening platforms, including: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and now YouTube!
