Love and “Finding Nemo” is in the air at the Magic Kingdom.
The 2003 hit will be the first thing viewers of the new Disney Junior will see when the channel starts broadcasting in the early morning of Feb. 14. Right after the beloved “Nemo,” the new animated series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” will debut at 8:30 a.m.
Disney Junior, the newest edition to Disney’s TV offerings, is aimed at children 2 – 7 years old. It will be broadcast as a programming block on the Disney Channel from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET/PT during the week and 4 – 9 a.m. on the weekends. Disney Junior is slated to become a a basic cable and satellite channel in 2012.
Besides "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," (pictured left) other original programming announced today for the schedule include “Mickey Mousekersize,” “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” (supporting Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative) and the Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes, whose "The Kennedys" series was dropped by History Channel last week, narrated “A Poem Is…” Full length series “Babar and the Adventures of Badou” and “Tinga Tinga Tales" will also show on the channel.
“Disney Junior will be an entry point into the world of Disney for young kids,” said Disney Channels Worldwide chief creative officer Gary Marsh, “creating a world – online and on-air – that captures the magic of Disney and its classic heartfelt storytelling and timeless characters beloved by generations.”
Read the full release, with series descriptions, below
YO HO, LET’S GO!
“JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES” ANCHORS DISNEY JUNIOR
LAUNCH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 ON DISNEY CHANNEL
New Brand for Kids Age 2-7 Showcases the
Disney Experience with Magical, Heartfelt Stories
Disney Junior, a new multiplatform destination for kids age 2-7, one that reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary, will debut Monday, February 14 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT), anchored by the new animated series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Five other new series also join the Disney Junior schedule: the short form titles “Mickey Mousekersize,” “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” (supporting Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative) and “A Poem Is…” (narrated by Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes, among other familiar voices), and full length series “Babar and the Adventures of Badou” and “Tinga Tinga Tales.” Viewers’ current favorites, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso,” “Jungle Junction” and “Imagination Movers,” will also be seen on Disney Junior.
Disney Junior’s animated and live action programming will blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and beloved characters with learning components, including early math and language skills, as well as healthy eating and lifestyles, with an emphasis on social and emotional development.
The announcement was made today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.
