The creative team behind the Apple TV+ series “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” wants you to dance your cares away and leave worries for another day. The key is to let the music play when the second season launches March 29 on the streaming service. There are 13 episodes in the new season of the Emmy Award-winning series that is a reboot of Jim Henson’s classic that began in 1983. That production introduced the adventures of the Fraggles, a race of short creatures living in a maze of magical caves. They share the world with the industrious Doozers and giant beings known as Gorgs. Having a second season allowed the creative team on “Back to the Rock” to look at what they did right and wrong in the initial season. Executive producer John Tartaglia stresses that the best thing that the team did was to continue the original spirit of the “Fraggle Rock” franchise as established by Henson more than four decades ago. Tartaglia says, “We stayed true to the spirit of the original series while bringing it into a very modern feel and modern style of comedy in a way that kids can really relate to in 2024. “I think that what we looked at that we wanted to do better was how can we explore the characters in a deeper way. How can we take them on further adventures? And how do we address an issue that is coming down the pike for kids in a way that feels really accessible. That’s where the climate change came this year in overarching themes for this year.” What the team has avoided from the start is being cynical with the comedy just to get a cheap laugh from a young viewer. The driving force for this new batch of episodes was to make it as hopeful a season as possible. Resilience and bonding together as friends are consistent themes. Changes for the second season affecting the Fraggles, Doozers and Gorgs have them forced to confront their past and celebrate their interdependence as they move through challenges together with hope, silliness and brand new songs. Gobo, Red, Boober, Mokey, Wembley and Uncle Travelling Matt — alongside the new Fraggles and Doozers – go on epic adventures and explore the magic that happens when we celebrate our interconnected world. This new incarnation is getting the same response as the original series. There is no question that the key demographic is young viewers, but the show has attracted fans of all ages. Executive producer Halle Stanford explains that what the team has discovered is that there are three things that connect families – nostalgia, comedy and music. They get comedy that reaches a broader audience by having writers and producers – such as Matt Fusfeld – who have worked in areas other than programming for children. Those are genres from TV situation comedies to animated films. She adds that the musical part of the show is one of the biggest bonds for families. “We are very proud of how season one – and now season two – has really pushed the music,” Stanford says. “Those three ingredients are the secret to bringing families together.” The abundant use of music combined with the broad audience appeal is one reason the guest talent has included Daveed Diggs, Ariana DeBose and the K-pop group aespa. Attracting guest voice actors has been no problem as “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” as it is considered a “cool” show on which to work. This year’s guest list includes Brett Goldstein and Catherine O’Hara. Fusfeld points out that just because someone wants to provide a voice on the show doesn’t automatically get them a spot in the booth. There is so much faith in the talents of the regular voice talents that it takes a very special situation to go outside the Rock walls to bring in a new voice. “When we decide we are going to go to the outside and bring them in, It has to be someone who sort of embodies something about the story and has a very Fraggley spirit,” Fusfeld says. “Then through the help of Apple and ‘Fraggle Rock’ itself, we have our pick of who we want to bring into the family.” Getting picked to join the family is a big deal. Not only does the performer provide the voice but has input into how the character will look, act and be dressed. That gives the voice talent more of an investment in the production than just reading the lines. Tartaglia knows that experience first-hand as he is not only a writer and producer but also provides the voice for Gobo and Sprocket. Joining him as voice talent regulars are Karen Prell, Donna Kimball, Jordan Lockhart, Dave Goelz and Lilli Cooper.