As presented by Ms. Nancy Kanter, the Senior VP of Original Programming and GM of Disney Junior Worldwide, the new Disney Junior channel, which replaces the existing Playhouse Disney channel, will focus more on the storytelling element to bring across a more engaging viewing experience for both kids and their parents. The targeted audience is mainly for kids aged 2-7 years old, which is an extension from the current age group of 2-5 years old.
I do think that this re-branding will attract more kids to switch to the Disney channel. As it is, children who are between the age 5-7 years find that they are too mature for the programes on Playhouse Disney. New episodes of the favorite cartoon programs will be aired, and there will be new additions to the Disney family, some of which I am really excited about.
To start the ball rolling, "Jake and the Never Land Pirates", Disney Junior's 1st new animated series will premiere in July 2011. It is a music filled interactive treasure hunt that features 3 pirate kids, the leader Jake and his friends Izzy and Cubby, who have to outwit their 2 nemesis Captain Hook and Smee.
The learning-focused series emphasizes teamwork and features original pirate rock music performed by The Never Land Pirate Band. Each episode will end off with a music video, which I think will definitely draw kids to sit through till the end of the show.
This is a huge huge project with major artistes like David Arquette, Tori Spelling and Lisa Loeb lending their voices to the cast.
Besides Jake, and the evergreen favorites like "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", "Handy Manny", "Special Agent Oso", "Imagination Movers", the channel will also feature brand new programs in the upcoming months.
I am especially excited about the upcoming programs, as they are produced specially for the girls! I mean, look at the cartoons that are aired currently, most of them seems to be tailored for the boys.
First on my favorite list is a new short form series titled “Minnie Bow-Toons”, to be aired in year 2013.
The series will soon be followed by a full-length show that takes place at Minnie’s Bow-tique Hotel. In the series Minnie Mouse takes on a number of roles, from hostess, to party planner, fashion consultant, tour guide and more. Other characters that join Minnie in the show include Daisy Duck and Clarabelle the cow.
Another girly show to take note is "Sofia the First", which will air end 2012.
The show is set in the storybook world of the classic Disney Princesses and introduces Sofia, a little girl with a commoner’s background introduced to royalty when her mom marries the King. Sofia moves to live in the King’s castle and learns what it means to be a real princess, learning traits like kindness, forgiveness, generosity, courage and self-respect with the help of “Sleeping Beauty” characters Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. And amidst the education, she has to fend off an evil wizard Cedric, who wants the amulet Sofia has which was given to her by the King.
Next, “Doc McStuffins” is about a 6-year-old girl who can communicate with and heal her stuffed animals and toys. This series emphasizes on the importance of health and well-being, and will teach kids to take care of themselves and their loved ones.
Another first for Disney is "Oki's Oasis", which is the first animated western show for preschoolers. Oki is a kitty cat sheriff in the town of Nice and Friendly Corners and together with the help of her deputy woodpecker, Peck, make sure everything in town runs smoothly. Singer Mandy Moore lends her voice as Oki.
Besides the above, other new animation programs include the 7D, and the Happy Hugglewugs.
One new feature of the new Disney Junior channel will be the introduction of the Disney Poetry Shorts. This series of short poems will introduce preschoolers to famous poems read by famous voices with extraordinary moments in Disney animation history as the backdrop. We were given a preview of the poem "Twinkle twinkle little star" and I simply love it!
Can't wait for all the new shows to be aired! Let the magic begin!
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