Disney Junior Gears Up for Canadian Launch

TORONTO: Astral’s Playhouse Disney is being rebranded as Disney Junior on May 6, and is set to feature new series that mix classic Disney animation with contemporary characters.

As part of the Canadian channel’s transformation, Disney Junior is adding a new Peter Pan-inspired animated show, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, about a group of kid pirates and their Never Land adventures as they try to outwit the classic Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. Colin Ford of Supernatural will lend his voice to Jake, while David Arquette, Tori Spelling and singer Lisa Loeb are among the recurring voice cast.

A Poem Is…, a short-form series featuring clips from classic Disney animation to illustrate poems, is also being included in the new Disney Junior lineup. Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes, as well as other popular voices, will narrate the series.

Disney Junior’s schedule will also include Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps, which encourages healthy lifestyles for preschoolers, and the Canadian original series Franny’s Feet, The Secret World of Benjamin Bear and Stella and Sam.

Joe Tedesco, the senior VP and general manager of Family and Playhouse Disney, said of the rebranding: "The transformation to Disney Junior and the launch of new programming such as Jake and the Never Land Pirates marks an exciting time for the channel. Featuring recognizable characters and a focus on learning, Disney Junior will harken back to the magic of classic Disney and the characters and storytelling that we all love. The new brand and its programming strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary to offer a unique viewing experience that families will delight in."