Brokaw: Ariel comes to Disney Junior for some preschool fun
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“Disney Junior’s Ariel" premiered Wednesday, June 26, 2024, on Disney Junior.On Wednesday, Disney Junior premieres the new animated series “Disney Junior’s Ariel.” This series gives viewers a look at the life of everyone’s favorite mermaid before she starred in her hit 1989 animated feature film and then her live-action film in 2023. The original film is one of the most beloved animated Disney films of all time, with endearing characters, a fun-loving and inquisitive mermaid, and plenty of memorable songs, not to mention an attraction in Disney California Adventure Park that takes guests through he story of Ariel and her prince, Eric. The live-action film was not as popular as the original. Rarely do live-action films match the enjoyment of the original hit animated films.
The new animated preschool series focuses on young Ariel and her friends and family before we all met her in 1989 when she was older. Like the live-action film, in this series little Ariel is not caucasian and more of African-American or Caribbean decent. Some of the producers of the Disney animated series spoke to the media about their shows and how they are multigenerational.
Besides “Ariel,” other fun animated series on Disney Junior include “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” the adorable “SuperKitties,” “Big City Greens” about a family that moves from their country farm to the big city, and “Kiff” about some adventurous animals.
Lynn Southerland, executive producer of the “Ariel” series, said: “Kids love comedy, music and to see themselves on the screen. So I look at it that ‘Ariel’ is an opportunity to sort of meld all of that into a half-hour show, and the kids will tell us whether they like it or not.” From the previews, it looks like a fun series for youngsters.
“And I would say that because ‘Ariel’ falls into the preschool demographic,” Southerland added, “we are sensitive to who we’re communicating to directly. But I think we will engage the parents through the amazing music that the show has in every episode, original songs, some of which I think will (and) could end up like Top 40-type songs. (We’re) so looking forward to getting them out there.”
Sarah Mullervy, executive producer of “SuperKitties,” added: “That’s what’s so great about all the Disney shows. I have preschoolers at home myself, and I have a school-age kid.” Many of these shows are enjoyed by not only preschoolers; older kids and parents also see the fun in them.
Mullervy added: “And for ‘Spidey’ and for ‘Ariel,’ I have the memory when I first met those brands, and now I’m sharing that memory with my kids. And it’s their first ‘Spidey.’ It’s going to be their first ‘Ariel.’ And there’s something so magical about that, and to becomes a family experience, not just (for preschoolers).
Parents are already aware of many of the characters, but these shows on Disney Junior introduce several well-known characters to a new audience. And in the case of Ariel, the show is something all generations can enjoy together as they recall the first time they were introduced to “The Little Mermaid” and all of the wonders under the sea.
Disney Junior premiered the young Ariel’s adventures Wednesday with some fun antics in store for this inquisitive and delightful little mermaid.
