Disney Junior, a 24-hour basic cable/satellite channel created for kids age 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, is set to launch Friday, March 23 (12:00 midnight, ET/PT) in the U.S. Disney Junior has been airing as a programming block on the Disney channel. The popular Disney Junior daily programming block will continue on Disney Channel while the new 24 hour channel meets parents’ demands for educational Disney programming throughout the day. This is great news for those of you that have come to love programs like Jake and the Never Land Pirates, we’re big fans!
Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide said, “This marks the beginning of a sea change in the ‘preschool plus’ television landscape. The response to our Disney Junior programming block has been extremely positive from both our affiliate partners and our viewers’ parents. On March 23, when it launches as a stand-alone channel, our audience will have the opportunity to experience an engaging, learning-focused and uniquely Disney destination on a 24-hour basis.”
The Disney Junior channel has great programming designed for moms and dads to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s learning and development curriculum is designed by a council of academic advisors with experts in the fields of child development, transmedia, storytelling, early education and creativity.
Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said: “Disney Junior series each have specific curriculum experts and now, to maximize overall learning value, we are deepening our conversation to include a channel advisory council that will share research and knowledge in the world of education and bring important perspectives on innovations in early childhood learning.”
The programming schedule of 24 hour Disney Junior will include daily broadcasts of the popular series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog! It will also introduce the animated series “Doc McStuffins” at launch with more new programs to follow.
The programming schedule includes:
“Doc McStuffins” – an animated series about a six-year-old girl who has the ability to communicate with and heal stuffed animals and toys in her backyard clinic. This series will highlight the importance of taking care of yourself and others, with the hallmarks of great Disney storytelling – fantasy and wish fulfillment. Emmy Award-winning writer/producer Chris Nee (“Little Bill” and “Deadliest Catch: Crab Fishing in Alaska”) is the creator and executive producer, and Emmy Award-winning Norton Virgien (“Rugrats”) is the director. DisneyJunior.com will also debut a “Doc McStuffins” supersite with an interactive clinic where kids can assist Doc in nurturing toys back to health.
Doc McStuffins
“A Poem Is…”-This acclaimed short-form series is designed to introduce young children to the beauty of a poem. Laura Linney, Viola Davis, John Leguizamo, Jessica Alba, Owen Wilson and Liev Schreiber are among the narrators of the second season.
“Magical World of Disney Junior” – On the weekends the channel will feature a weekend movie night showing some of Disney’s classic and contemporary movies, including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Bambi,” “Dumbo,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Cars,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Aladdin,” among others.
“Gaspard and Lisa” – This program follows the adventures of two best friend puppies as they experience the wonders and challenges of school and family life in their Paris neighborhood. Based on the books by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, “Gaspard and Lisa” is produced by Chorion.
“Guess How Much I Love You” -This tender animated series is centered on the father-son relationship between Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare and will air exclusively on Disney Junior Channel. The series is based on the UK picture book, Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram.
The channel will show the current hits “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and “Special Agent Oso,” and also present viewer favorites from the past, “Higglytown Heroes,” “Stanley,” “JoJo’s Circus” and “Rolie Polie Olie,” among others.
Handy Manny
Additional upcoming programming includes “Sofia the First,” a television movie and series introducing a new little girl princess with stories designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool-aged children; and “Oki’s Oasis,” the first western for preschoolers, starring actress and singer-songwriter Mandy Moore (Disney’s “Tangled”) as the voice of Oki, a kitty cat sheriff who ensures that the town of Nice and Friendly Corners remains the friendliest town in the West.
Oki's Oasis
You can learn more about Disney Junior at DisneyJuniorTheChannel.com. Which program are you most excited about? I can tell we’ll be using our DVR a lot so we don’t miss anything!
About Kristin
