The PBS children's show "Mystery League," which was filmed in and around the city of Benton, Arkansas, has been recognized with five prestigious regional Emmy Awards. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America Chapter, which covers television markets in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Shreveport, Louisiana, presented the awards in Overland Park, Kansas, on October 26th.

Uncovering the Secrets of Benton's Emmy-Winning Production

A Triumph for the "Mystery League" Team

The "Mystery League" team is overjoyed with their recent success, as the show's producer, Sajni Kumpuris, PBS's Director of Education and Interim Director of Production, expressed. "We are on cloud nine over here," Kumpuris said. "It's incredible to be there and have your name called. You really don't know whether or not you've won until they announce it."

Recognizing Excellence in Craft and Content

The awards were presented in various categories, recognizing both the craft and content of the show. "Mystery League" received a total of nine nominations, with the winning episodes including "The McGillicuddy Solution" for Informational/Instructional Long-Form Content, "Crop Circle Mystery" for Entertainment — Short or Long Form Content, "Crop Circle Mystery Part 1 and 2" for Director — Short Form or Long Form Content, "The Masked Sloth Mystery" for Audio — Live or Post Production, and the "Mystery League" title sequence for Graphic Arts.

Benton's Starring Role

Kumpuris highlighted the importance of Benton's involvement in the show's success, stating, "I'm happy to say that for both 'Crop Circles' and 'The McGillicuddy Solution,' a large portion of that was filmed in the city of Benton. I can't say enough about how much it meant to be in the city. The town ended up being exactly what we wrote for the show. It was the backdrop of 'Mystery League.'"

Bringing the Community to Life

The filming locations in Benton included the Saline County Courthouse, Burger Shack, the Bauxite Animal Shelter, and several Benton School District facilities. The show's goal was to educate viewers about community and local government, while also providing a slice of life to which young viewers could relate.

Connecting with Arkansas Audiences

Kumpuris emphasized the importance of showcasing small-town Arkansas, stating, "We really researched it. What we discovered is about 76% of our population in this country are small towns. We knew that's where kids could see themselves and their everyday lives. We really wanted to spotlight that."

Aligning with Arkansas Education Standards

The show's educational focus has been well-received, with Kumpuris noting that "Mystery League" has been made available to Arkansas schools through the Department of Education. The show aligns with 50 Arkansas academic standards, covering subjects such as social studies, geography, economics, and Arkansas history, making it a valuable resource for educators.

Engaging and Entertaining Young Viewers

Kumpuris explained the show's approach to balancing entertainment and instruction, saying, "These days students have so many options, so you have to make it something really engaging. Both pieces have to be in there: entertainment and instruction." The positive feedback from participating kids has been a testament to the show's success in achieving this balance.

Celebrating the City of Benton's Contribution

Kumpuris expressed her gratitude to the City of Benton and the Saline County Courthouse for their instrumental role in making "Mystery League" a reality. "We wanted kids to look at their towns and just enjoy it. It's one of those shows that is a family viewing opportunity. We are always so excited when we get something that will help the kids in our community," she said.