Press Release
South Carolina ETV (SCETV) is proud to announce a line-up of back-to-school programming, featuring three new programs designed to give insight into the current status and future of education in the state. The educational, scripted series, The Cool and the Strong, debuts August 6th at 4 pm, followed by a documentary on the story behind the series titled Lights, Camera, Education: Behind the Scenes of The Cool and the Strong at 4:30 pm. You Can: A South Carolina Education Town Hall will air immediately following the documentary at 5 p.m.
Inspired by the children's books titled Magic Strong by Stephanie Perry Moore, The Cool and the Strong is a captivating, scripted series following the journey of Magic Strong, a bright but struggling student, who embarks on an extraordinary adventure of self-discovery. Together with his friends Rex and Reva, the group navigates the ups and downs of academic challenges, learning valuable lessons that extend beyond the classroom, and fostering personal growth and resilience.
Episode 1 is titled “You Can” and focuses on the theme of empowering young learners, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and embrace their full potential. Currently, the series is limited to the release of the 30-minute pilot episode, with plans for additional episodes later this Fall. In the pilot episode, viewers will join Magic, as he navigates his first day of school and makes friends with classmates, Rex and Reva. Their enchanting teacher, Mr. Gray encourages them to dream big and uses his magic powers to affirm them.
With a goal of providing meaningful, optimistic, and relatable educational content for children and youth audiences, The Cool and the Strong was produced in coordination with Perry Moore Entertainment and the Beamer Family Foundation. Episode 1 was filmed in Columbia, SC, and includes a visit to the University of South Carolina's Williams Brice Stadium with a special appearance from Head Football Coach Shane Beamer.
In addition to broadcasting on SCETV's television network, the series will be available to watch on the SCETV website, social media platforms and knowitall.org, SCETV's award-winning educational website of resources for teachers and students.
Produced by South Carolina ETV, production funding for The Cool and the Strong is provided by the U.S. Department of Education Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant, Perry More Entertainment and the Beamer Family Foundation.
Following the premiere of the pilot episode, viewers can learn more about the making of the show in the documentary titled Lights, Camera, Education: Behind the Scenes of The Cool and the Strong. Through interviews with the cast, crew and series creator, viewers will gain insight into the inspiration behind the show and the importance of fostering self-confidence and resilience in today’s educational landscape. Lights, Camera, Education: Behind the Scenes of The Cool and the Strong will air on ETV-HD at 4:30 p.m.
Inspired by the new series, SCETV will also premiere You Can: A South Carolina Education Town Hall, bringing together an esteemed panel of South Carolina education representatives to share valuable insights, practical strategies and personal experiences aimed at empowering students to reach their full potential. Hosted by Miss South Carolina Jada Samuel, this enlightening and dynamic discussion will inspire educators, parents and community members to work together to create an environment where every student can thrive. Panelists include President of the South Carolina Technical College System Dr. Tim Hardee, President of the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education Dr. Rusty Monhollon and South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, among many others. The Town Hall delves into the crucial role of literacy, the significance of parent and community involvement and effective methods for improving academic performance. You Can: A South Carolina Education Town Hall airs on Aug. 6 at 5 p.m. on ETV-HD.
For more information on The Cool and the Strong visit or to learn more about SCETV's educational programming, visit scetv.org.
