Disney Slates Disney Jr.’s Ariel Premiere

Disney Jr.’s Ariel, an animated musical series inspired by The Little Mermaid, is slated to bow on Disney Junior and Disney Channel on June 27 and on Disney+ the following day.

Set in the Caribbean-inspired kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows young Ariel as she goes on underwater adventures with her family and friends. Each episode highlights themes of self-expression, curiosity and resourcefulness and celebrates the multicultural elements of the Caribbean through food, fashion, language and folklore.

A new series of shorts, titled Disney Jr.’s Ariel: Mermaid Tales, will be featured across Disney+, Disney Channel and Disney Junior beginning June 5 to build anticipation for the series. Each two-minute short will highlight a different aspect of Ariel’s life in Atlantica.

The voice cast features Mykal-Michelle Harris, Taye Diggs, Amber Riley, Gracen Newton, Cruz Flateau and Elizabeth Phoenix Caro. Among the recurring cast members are Yvette Nicole Brown, Melissa Villaseñor and Ron Funches.

The series is produced by Wild Canary, in association with Disney Junior. Lynne Southerland is executive producer. Dr. Patricia Saunders, professor of English and hemispheric Caribbean studies and director of graduate studies at the University of Miami, serves as cultural consultant.

Music is a central part of Disney Jr.’s Ariel, with original songs inspired by the genres of Caribbean music. The songwriting teams are comprised of Anthony M. Jones (Tone), Sofia Quinn, Olivia Waithe, Chantry Johnson, Michelle Zarlenga and Rosemarie Tan. Emmy Award winner Christopher Willis serves as composer. Sean Skeete, dean of the professional performance division at Berklee College of Music, is the Caribbean music consultant.

Walt Disney Records will release a digital soundtrack on June 28. Disney Consumer Products will launch a collection of dolls, playsets, role-play, costumes, apparel, books and more this summer.