The Sesame Workshop, the company behind PBS’ “Sesame Street,” is bringing back its 1970s staple “The Electric Company.” The series, targeted for children ages 6-9, promotes literacy and aims to interest viewers in the joy of reading.

Production for the series is scheduled to begin Tuesday on location in New York and in a Newark, N.J., studio. Weekly episodes will start to air in January on PBS Kids.

The show’s new format will encompass interactive online elements and community-based activities across the country, in addition to adapting a more contemporary style.

“Our goal with ‘The Electric Company’ is to reach the kids who are struggling, and who might think that reading isn’t cool or isn’t useful,” said Scott Cameron, director of education and research for Sesame Workshop. “We hope to do that by creating compelling and high-quality television, Web and outreach materials.”

Writers for the new incarnation include Willie Reale (“A Year With Frog and Toad”), Jeff and Craig Cox (“Blades of Glory”) and Jerome Hairston (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”). The show’s musical directors are Chris Jackson, Thomas Kail and Bill Sherman, all from Broadway musical “In the Heights.”

“The Electric Company” is produced with funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Department of Education. Karen Fowler serves as executive producer.