Tag: Firebuds

Disney Branded Television Presents New Halloween Programming

Posted on by Danielle Langer





As a Pillar of Pumpkin Season, Disney Branded Television Presents New Halloween Programming for Kids and Families, Sunday, Sept. 25, Through Monday, Oct. 31, on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD
— World Premiere of ‘Under Wraps 2’ To Debut Sunday, Sept. 25, on Disney Channel —

Disney, the leader in kids and family entertainment content, will present a pumpkin-spiced brew of Halloween stories that inspire and connect kids ages 2-14. Each day for more than a month, Disney Channel’s “Calling All The Monsters” and Disney Junior’s “Trick or Treats” programming events will serve as the premiere destination for Disney Branded Television’s Halloween-themed content, including the debut of the new Disney Channel Original Movie “Under Wraps 2” and new Halloween-themed “Raven’s Home,” “BUNK’D,” “The Villains of Valley View,” “Eureka!,” ”Mickey Mouse Funhouse” and “Firebuds” episodes and marathons for the whole family to enjoy from SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, through MONDAY, OCT. 31.

In its world premiere on SUNDAY, SEPT. 25 (8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), “Under Wraps 2,” the sequel to the eerie-sistibly fun Halloween Disney Channel Original, picks up as Marshall (Malachi Barton), Gilbert (Christian J. Simon) and Amy (Sophia Hammons) are getting ready to attend a Halloween-themed wedding. However, plans soon go awry when the three friends discover their mummy pal Harold (Phil Wright) and his beloved Rose (Rryla McIntosh) may be in danger. “Under Wraps 2” will premiere on FRIDAY, SEPT. 30, on Disney+.

Beginning MONDAY, SEPT. 26, Disney Channel will air Halloween-themed movies every weeknight (8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), including fan favorites “Hotel Transylvania,” “Hotel Transylvania 2,” “Hotel Transylvania 3,” “Halloweentown” and “Halloweentown II.”

Disney Channel will premiere chilling and thrilling episodes of hit series, including:

BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes “Bunkhouse of Horror”
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, at 9:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel
A mysterious handyman tells the camp three spooky stories set on the ranch involving a cursed bracelet, a possessed scarecrow, and a magic wishing well.

Hamster & Gretel “The Nightmarionette”
SATURDAY, OCT. 1, at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel
Hamster and Gretel battle a villain who projects people’s greatest fears before their eyes. With Kevin and Fred’s help, Gretel must face her biggest fears in order to defeat him.

The Villains of Valley View “Havoc-ween”
SUNDAY, OCT. 2, at 8:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 12, on Disney+
Amy brings her mischievous body-snatching grandma to a party. Vic and Eva scam kids out of their candy until they come across a villain even bigger than themselves.

Raven’s Home “A Girl Called Tasha”
SUNDAY, OCT. 2, at 8:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Channel
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, on Disney+
Alice uses a spell to bring her doll, Tasha, to life. But when Tasha refuses to return to being a doll, Alice must enlist the help of Booker, Ivy and Neil.

The Worst Witch “The Three Impossibilities,” Season Four Premiere
FRIDAY, OCT. 21, at 4:30 p.m. EDT
Mildred must complete the Three Impossibilities by sunset in order to return to her old look, but first, she must find out what they are.

The Worst Witch “The Witching Hour Part 1/The Witching Hour Part 2,” Two-Part Season Finale
MONDAY, OCT. 31, at 4:00 p.m. EDT
Mildred is banished to Wormwood when her spell design goes horribly wrong, as Agatha uses Ethel to help seize power at Cackles. Agatha’s victims in vanishment will be recycled at midnight — unless Mildred and Co. can find a way to restore Miss Cackle to herself.

Viewers are also invited to Disney Channel for:

“Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride,” SUNDAY, OCT. 9, at 7:00 p.m. EDT

“Spookiz,” WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, at 1:00 p.m. EDT

“ZOMBIES 3 Alien Stories” encore special event, SUNDAY, OCT. 30, at 7:00 p.m. EDT

For preschoolers and parents/caregivers, special Halloween-themed episodes of favorite Disney Junior series premiere during a “Trick or Treats” week-long event beginning SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, including:

PJ Masks “Trick or Treat/Trick or Treat Part II”
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
Orticia gets carried away by tricking, not treating.

Minnie’s Bow-Toons “A Dark and Stormy Night at the Party Palace”
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, at 11:25 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
Daisy’s imagination gets the best of her when she mistakes a cute skunk for the Spooky Doodle Stink Monster.

Mickey Mouse Funhouse “The Magic Mansion”
MONDAY, SEPT. 26, at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
The Great Goofini tries a new magic trick using Daisy’s favorite stuffed animal.

Eureka! “Eurek-Or-Treat”
TUESDAY, SEPT. 27, at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
Eureka’s life-like spikosaurus costume gets stolen by a real spikosaurus.

Puppy Dog Pals “The Pumpkin King/The Elf Who Halloween’d”
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28, at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
When the pumpkin king crown goes missing, the pets make it their mission to find it. Then, an elf friend is in town to experience Halloween, but the pets try too hard to show him how to have fun.

Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Fifty-Foot Pluto!”
THURSDAY, SEPT. 29, at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
Pluto becomes giant-size when he tries to help Franken-Pete get ready for the pumpkin carving contest.

Firebuds “The Not-So Haunted House/Halloween Heroes”
FRIDAY, SEPT. 30, at 10:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel and 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
The Firebuds host a not-so-haunted house for little cars, but Iggy and Rod crash the party. Then, the Firebuds stop a Halloween candy bandit.

Lauren “Lolo” Spencer (“Give Me Liberty”) guest stars as Jayden’s sister, Jazzy and LaChanze (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) recurs as Jayden’s mom, Jenna.

Additional Disney Junior Halloween episodes throughout the month include:

Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Ghosts of Haunted Gulch”
FRIDAY, OCT. 7, at 11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel and 12:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior
Mickey and the gang get a call from Mayor Clarabelle, who needs help clearing spooky ghosts out of Sunny Gulch.

GRAMMY®-nominated country singer Mickey Guyton recurs as Wanda Warbler.

Dino Ranch “The Creepy Cryosaur”
FRIDAY, OCT. 14, at 9:45 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior
In the episode, Clara Tinhorn tries to scare the junior ranchers during their pumpkin patch harvest and gets a taste of her own medicine.

Beginning SUNDAY, SEPT. 25, Disney XD will present Halloween-themed episodes of fan-favorite shows:

“GhostForce” season one finale week is MONDAY, OCT. 3, through FRIDAY, OCT. 7, with new episodes daily on Disney XD at 5:00 p.m. EDT

“Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride” on SUNDAY, OCT. 16, on Disney XD at 7:00 p.m. EDT

A “ZOMBIE-thon” special on MONDAY, OCT. 17, on Disney XD at 8:00 p.m. EDT

“Toy Story of Terror” will be presented throughout the month of October

About Disney Branded Television
Disney Branded Television encompasses the creative storytellers and production and content marketing teams responsible for Disney-branded television series, movies and other programming spanning live-action, animated and unscripted formats. The group fuels the Disney+ streaming platform and Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior linear networks with content geared toward kids, tweens, teens and families, with stories that are imaginative, aspirational and reflective of their world and experiences. Projects include “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” “Monsters at Work,” “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.” Disney Branded Television has created some of the most iconic and award-winning properties and franchises, including Peabody Award winners “Doc McStuffins” and “The Owl House”; Emmy Award winners “Big City Greens” and “Elena of Avalor”; the beloved “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts plus the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) franchise, comprised of more than 100 titles.

*Source: NMR, 6/3-8/7/22, L+SD blended data, rank based on 000’s.

**COPYRIGHT ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney+. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed. Photos posted for Web use must be at the low resolution of 72dpi, no larger than 2×3 in size.



Firebuds: Season 1 Fact Sheet on Disney Junior

Posted on by Danielle Langer





Firebuds: Season 1 Fact Sheet
Title:
“Firebuds”

Network:
Disney Junior, Disney Channel and Disney+

Series Premiere Date:
Sept. 21, 2022

Synopsis:
Set in a fantastical world where talking vehicles live, work and play with the humans who drive them, Disney Branded Television’s “Firebuds” follows a boy and his firetruck as they team up with their first responder friends to help others in their community with problems, both big and small. Whether rescuing a young car that’s stuck in a tree, tracking down lost Dalmatian puppies or helping their neighbors stock up on emergency supplies during a blackout, the Firebuds highlight the importance of teamwork and helping your fellow citizens. Each episode is comprised of two 11-minute stories and features at least one new original song.

Voice Cast:
Lou Diamond Phillips as Chief Bill Bayani
Yvette Nicole Brown as Chief Faye Fireson
Declan Whaley as Bo
Terrence Little Gardenhigh as Flash
Vivian Vencer as Violet
Lily Sanfelippo as Axl
JeCobi Swain as Jayden
Caleb Paddock as Piston

Recurring Guest Voice Cast:
Padma Lakshmi as Chef Pavani
Melissa Rauch as Beth Bayani
Oscar Nuñez as Chef Fernando
José Andrés as Chef Al
LaChanze as Jenna
Brandon Victor Dixon as Jamal
Lauren “Lolo” Spencer as Jazzy
Natalie Morales as Val Vega-Vaughn
Allison Case as Viv Vega-Vaughn
Rich Sommer as Mr. Wexell
Atticus Shaffer as Wayne Riley
Antonia Thomas as Miss Coolidge

Guest Voice Cast:
Pamela Adlon as Principal Kagan
“Weird Al” Yankovic as Latch
Lisa Loeb as Laura
Patton Oswalt as Duke the Duckbus
Nat Faxon as Throttle
Ali Stroker as Gliderbella
Aimee Carrero as Marina Ramirez
Tatiana Lee as Ayanna
JB Tadena as Lolo Ben

Creator/Executive Producer:
Craig Gerber

Art Director:
Francis Giglio

Producer:
Craig Simpson

Story Editor:
Matt Hoverman

Supervising Director:
Robb Pratt

Episodic Directors:
Kris Wimberly
Julius Aguimatang

Writers:
Krystal Banzon
Leanna Dindal
Norma P. Sepulveda
Jeremy Shipp
Alyssa Stratton

Songwriter:
Beau Black

Music Composer:
Frederik Wiedmann

Consultants:
RespectAbility

Parental Guideline:
TV-Y



September 2022 Programming Highlights for Disney Channel

Posted on by Danielle Langer





September 2022 Programming Highlights
— All Programming Subject to Change —

Friday, Sept.2
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Daisy and the Muses/Keep on the Ball”
(8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/12:00-12:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Daisy and the Muses” –Daisy wants to learn how to whistle and visits the Muses in the Land of Myth for guidance.
*Roz Ryan and Lillias White reprise their roles as Thalia and Calliope from Disney’s feature film “Hercules.”

“Keep on the Ball” – After sitting around the Funhouse, the friends decide to play in Sportopia.
TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Bootsie’s Day Out/Trouble at Tony’s”
(8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/12:30-1:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Bootsie’s Day Out” – Team Spidey searches for Bootsie after she gets captured by Black Cat.

“Trouble at Tony’s” – The Spidey Team must protect Iron Man’s headquarters from Electro.
*John Stamos (“Big Shot”) recurs as Iron Man.
TV-Y

Saturday, Sept. 3
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “Comic Shop CopyCat/Neigh, It Ain’t So!”
(9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT)
“Comic Shop CopyCat” – Hamster and Gretel must defeat a comic book-inspired cat villain.

“Neigh, It Ain’t So!” – Hamster and Gretel face a half-man-half-horse villain who loves to party.
TV-Y7

Friday, Sept. 9
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Farfus’ Family!/The Adventure Parade”
(8:00-8:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/12:00-12:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Farfus’ Family!” – When Farfus takes the friends into the forest to meet his family, he discovers his family is missing.
*Tony Hale (Disney+’s “The Mysterious Benedict Society”) and Megan Stalter (“Hacks“) guest star as fairies Gus and Gertie, respectively.

“The Adventure Parade” – Mickey, Minnie and friends decorate the Funhouse Forest float for the Adventure Parade.
*Jaime Camil (“Jane The Virgin”) reprises his role as Rocket Mouse.
TV-Y

Saturday, Sept. 10
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “Saturday Homecoming Fever/Dr. Eelgood”
(9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT)
“Saturday Homecoming Fever” – Hamster and Gretel must save the homecoming dance at the high school.

“Dr. Eelgood” – Hamster and Gretel encounter a mutant eel.
TV-Y7

Friday, Sept. 16
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Sonic Boom Boom/Mini Golf Goof”
(8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/12:30-1:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Sonic Boom Boom” – Team Spidey heads underwater to stop Doc Ock from disrupting sea life.
*Bindi Irwin (“Crikey! It’s the Irwins”) guest stars as oceanographer Isla Coralton.

“Mini Golf Goof” – Ghost-Spider teams up with Ant-Man and Wasp to stop Green Goblin from ruining the mini golf course.
*Sean Giambrone (“The Goldbergs”) recurs as Ant-Man.
TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Eureka! “Dippling Rivalry/It’s Mom O’Clock”
(7:30-8:00 p.m. EDT)
“Dippling Rivalry” – Eureka takes care of Dipply while Pepper’s away, and Murphy finds it hard to share her attention.

“It’s Mom O’Clock” – Eureka creates a jam-making machine for berry season.
TV-Y

Saturday, Sept. 17
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “The Opposite of Smart/Birthday Besties”
(9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT)
“The Opposite of Smart” – Churro becomes an internet sensation.

“Birthday Besties” – Gretel has her hands full at Bailey’s birthday party.
TV-Y7

Wednesday, Sept. 21
Original Series – Series Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “Car in a Tree/Dalmatian Day“
(10:30-10:55 a.m. PT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior)
“Car in a Tree” – The Firebuds must save Piston after he gets stuck in a tree.

“Dalmatian Day” – The Firebuds have to round up four loose Dalmatian puppies at the fire station open house.
TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “Hubcap Heist/Food Truck Fiasco”
(10:55-11:25 a.m. PT on Disney Channel and Disney Junior)
“Hubcap Heist” – Bo and the Firebuds must stop a pair of wily art thieves.
*LaChanze (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) guest stars as Jayden’s mom, Jenna. Atticus Shaffer (“The Middle”) guest stars as art thief Wayne Riley.

“Food Truck Fiasco” – The Firebuds help Fernando the Food Truck get to his café in time for the lunch rush.
*Oscar Nuñez (“The Office”) guest stars as food truck Chef Fernando. José Andrés (“We Feed People”) guest stars as Chef Fernando’s culinary pal, Chef Al.
TV-Y

Thursday, Sept. 22
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “Treehouse Trouble/The Getaway Car That Got Away”
(10:30-11:00 a.m. PT on Disney Channel/7:00-7:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Treehouse Trouble” – The Firebuds work together to build a backyard treehouse.

“The Getaway Car That Got Away” – The Firebuds track down a getaway car that they accidentally helped get away.
*LaChanze (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) recurs as Jayden’s mom, Jenna. Nat Faxon (“Loot”) guest stars as getaway car Throttle.
TV-Y

Friday, Sept. 23
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “Picnic Pile-Up/Duo Dash”
(10:30-11:00 a.m. PT on Disney Channel/7:00-7:30 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Picnic Pile-Up” – Violet and Axl’s picnic with their families get interrupted by a surprise emergency.
*Natalie Morales (“Dead to Me”) guest stars as Violet’s mom, Val Vega-Vaughn. Allison Case (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”) guest stars as Violet’s mom, Viv Vega-Vaughn.

“Duo Dash” – Axl is nervous about doing well in her school’s Duo Dash Speed Race.
TV-Y

Saturday, Sept. 24
Original Series – Mid-Season Premiere on Disney Channel
Big City Greens “The Move”
(9:00-9:30 a.m. EDT)
The Greens struggle with some big changes.
TV-Y7

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
Hamster & Gretel “I’m Bored/Cutie and the Beast”
(9:30-10:00 a.m. EDT)
“I’m Bored” – Gretel is bored; Hamster and Gretel meet a big otter.

“Cutie and the Beast” – In Vegas, Hamster and Gretel face their biggest test.
TV-Y7

Sunday, Sept. 25
Disney Channel Original Movie – Premiere on Disney Channel
“Under Wraps 2”
(8:00-9:35 p.m. EDT) (Subject to Change Given Event Programming)
“Under Wraps 2” picks up as Marshall, Gilbert and Amy are getting ready to attend Amy’s father’s Spooktacular Halloween-themed wedding to his fiancé Carl. However, plans soon go awry when the three friends discover their mummy pal Harold and his beloved Rose may be in danger. Sobek, an evil mummy with a 1000-year-old grudge against his best friend-turned-bitter-rival Harold, is unexpectedly awakened and out for revenge. With help from his hypnotized lacky Larry, Sobek kidnaps Rose. Gilbert, Marshall, Buzzy and Harold must use their skills once again to save her and get back in time to attend the wedding.
TV-G

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel
BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes “Bunkhouse of Horror”
(9:35-10:05 p.m. EDT) (Subject to Change Given Event Programming)
“Bunkhouse of Horror” – A mysterious handyman tells the camp three spooky stories set on the ranch involving a cursed bracelet, a possessed scarecrow, and a magic wishing well.
TV-G

Monday, Sept. 26
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse “The Magic Mansion/Funny’s Road Trip!”
(11:00-11:30 a.m. EDT)
“The Magic Mansion” – The Great Goofini tries a new magic trick using Daisy’s favorite stuffed animal.

“Funny’s Road Trip!” – Funny wants an adventure at Zany Mulaney Land, the new amusement park.
TV-Y

Tuesday, Sept. 27
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Eureka! “Eurek-Or-Treat/Nomad Like Home”
(11:00-11:30 a.m. EDT)
“Eurek-Or-Treat” – Eureka’s life-like spikosaurus costume gets stolen by a real spikosaurus.

“Nomad Like Home” – Eureka loves spending time with her nomad grandma, so she invents something to try to get her to stay.
*Loretta Devine (“Doc McStuffins”) guest stars as Eureka’s grandma, Wanda.
TV-Y

Wednesday, Sept. 28
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Puppy Dog Pals “The Pumpkin King/The Elf Who Halloween’d”
(11:00-11:30 p.m. EDT)
“The Pumpkin King” – When the Pumpkin King Crown goes missing, the pets make it their mission to find it.

“The Elf Who Halloween’d” – An elf friend is in town to experience Halloween, but the pets try too hard to show him how to have fun.
TV-Y

Thursday, Sept. 29
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Mickey Mouse Funhouse “Fifty-Foot Pluto!/A Big Giant Problem!”
(11:00-11:30 p.m. EDT)
“Fifty-Foot Pluto!” – Pluto becomes giant size when he tries to help Franken-Pete get ready for the Pumpkin Carving Contest.

“A Big Giant Problem!” – Mickey accidentally breaks Minnie’s kite.
TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends “Li’l Hulk/Surprise Party Surprise”
(8:30-9:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/12:30-1:00 p.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“Li’l Hulk” – Team Spidey has its hands full when Gobby’s device turns Hulk into a baby.

“Surprise Party Surprise” – Spidey and Miles plan a birthday surprise for Ghost-Spider, but an endless stream of villains gets in the way.
TV-Y

Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Junior
Eureka! “Rocky Falls Picture Show/The Swamp of Lost Toys”
(1:30-2:00 p.m. EDT)
“Rocky Falls Picture Show” – Barry attempts to paint Kanga-Bird’s portrait for the Cave Library’s “Hall of Creatures,” but he won’t sit still.
*Ellie Kemper (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt“) guest stars as the school librarian, Chee.

“The Swamp of Lost Toys” – Eureka accidentally loses her pencil in the Sticky Spiky Swamp.
TV-Y

Friday, Sept. 30
Original Series – Episode Premiere on Disney Channel and Disney Junior
Firebuds “The Not-So Haunted House / Halloween Heroes”
(10:30-11:00 a.m. EDT on Disney Channel/11:00-11:30 a.m. EDT on Disney Junior)
“The Not-So Haunted House”- The Firebuds host a not-so-haunted house for little cars, but Iggy and Rod crash the party.

“Halloween Heroes”- The Firebuds stop a Halloween candy bandit.
*Lauren “Lolo” Spencer (“Give Me Liberty”) guest stars as Jayden’s sister, Jazzy. LaChanze (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) recurs as Jayden’s mom, Jenna.
TV-Y



Disney Branded Television’s ‘Firebuds’ Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 21

Posted on by Danielle Langer





Disney Branded Television’s ‘Firebuds,’ About a Team of Young First Responders and Their Talking Vehicle Sidekicks, Premieres Wednesday, Sept. 21, on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+
Padma Lakshmi, Melissa Rauch, Oscar Nuñez, José Andrés, Pamela Adlon, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic, Lisa Loeb, Patton Oswalt, Nat Faxon and Ali Stroker Among All-Star Celebrity Guest Voice Cast

Disney Junior’s “Firebuds,” an animated comedy-adventure series from Disney Branded Television featuring a team of young first responders and their talking vehicle sidekicks, premieres WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 21, with a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior (10:30 a.m. EDT). An initial batch of episodes will premiere the same day on on-demand platforms and Disney+. From Emmy® Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney’s “Elena of Avalor” and “Sofia the First”), the music-filled series follows a group of friends, all children of first responders, who embark on adventures to help their community and learn what it truly means to be a hero.

Joining the previously announced voice cast in recurring and guest star roles include the following:

Padma Lakshmi (“Top Chef”) as Chef Pavani
Melissa Rauch (“The Big Bang Theory”) as Beth Bayani
Oscar Nuñez (“The Office”) as Chef Fernando
José Andrés (“We Feed People”) as Chef Al
Pamela Adlon (“Better Things”) as Principal Kagan
“Weird Al” Yankovic (“Milo Murphy’s Law”) as Latch
Lisa Loeb (“Jake and the Never Land Pirates”) as Laura
Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille”) as Duke the Duckbus
Nat Faxon (“Loot”) as Throttle
Ali Stroker (Broadway’s “Oklahoma!”) as Gliderbella
LaChanze (Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Jenna
Aimee Carrero (“Elena of Avalor”) as Marina Ramirez
Natalie Morales (“Dead to Me”) as Val Vega-Vaughn
Allison Case (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”) as Viv Vega-Vaughn
Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”) as Mr. Wexell
Atticus Shaffer (“The Middle”) as Wayne Riley
Tatiana Lee (“Speechless”) as Ayanna
Lauren “Lolo” Spencer (“Give Me Liberty”) as Jazzy
Set in a fantastical world where talking vehicles live, work and play with the humans who drive them, “Firebuds” follows a boy named Bo and his fire engine best friend Flash as they team up with their first responder friends to help others in their community with problems big and small. Each episode is comprised of two 11-minute stories that showcase the importance of teamwork, helping fellow citizens and volunteerism. The creative team worked with consultants from RespectAbility to help populate the diverse communities of Gearbox Grove and Motopolis featured in the series.

The lead voice cast includes Declan Whaley as Bo, Terrence Little Gardenhigh as Flash, Vivian Vencer as Violet, Lily Sanfelippo as Axl, JeCobi Swain as Jayden, and Caleb Paddock as Piston. Lou Diamond Phillips and Yvette Nicole Brown also star as co-fire chiefs, Chief Bill Bayani and Chief Faye Fireson, respectively.

Planned extensions for the series include “Disney Junior Music: Firebuds” digital soundtrack from Walt Disney Records, debuting Sept. 16, and storybooks from Disney Publishing releasing later next year. Spin Master is the North American toy licensee for the series and will debut an innovative toy line featuring vehicles, figures, playsets and more, launching in summer 2023. Additionally, Bo and Flash will be featured in the upcoming “Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza,” launching Sept. 2, with stops at more than 80 North American cities throughout 2022.

In addition to Gerber, the series’ creative team consists of Matt Hoverman as story editor, Francis Giglio as art director, and Robb Pratt and Craig Simpson as supervising director and producer, respectively. Krystal Banzon, Leanna Dindal, Norma Sepulveda, Jeremy Shipp and Alyssa Stratton comprise the writing team, and the episodic directors are Kris Wimberly and Julius Aguimatang.

Emmy Award-nominated Beau Black is the series songwriter, and Emmy Award winner Frederik Wiedmann is composer. “Firebuds” is produced by Disney Television Animation.

*COPYRIGHT ©2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of Disney Channels Worldwide. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed. Photos posted for Web use must be at the low resolution of 72dpi, no larger than 2×3 in size.



Disney Junior Announces Slate of New Original Series and Shorts

Posted on by Danielle Langer





Alice! Mickey! Pooh! Spidey! Disney Junior Announces Slate of New Original Series and Shorts, Along With Returning Franchises, Debuting Across Disney+ and Disney Junior Platforms Through 2024 at First-Ever Disney Junior Fun Fest
New Original Series:
’Hey A.J.,’ Inspired by Martellus Bennett’s Family
’Kindergarten: The Musical,’ a Musical Series About Navigating Kindergarten With Music by Kay Hanley, Michelle Lewis, Dan Petty (”Doc McStuffins”) and Charlton Pettus (Tears for Fears)
’RoboGobo,’ About a Team of Robot Rescue Pets
’SuperKitties’ From Silvergate Media

New Short-Form:
’Me & Mickey’ Vlog Shorts
’Winnie the Pooh’ Shorts

Series Renewal:
’Alice’s Wonderland Bakery’

Casting News:
John Stamos To Voice Iron Man in ’Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends’
Lou Diamond Phillips and Yvette Nicole Brown Join the Cast of ’Firebuds’
Justina Machado, Bobby Moynihan, Eric Bauza and Kari Wahlgren Join the Cast of ’Pupstruction’

Premieres:
’Eureka!’ To Premiere June 22, 2022
Season Two of ’Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends’ To Debut This August
’Mickey Mouse Funhouse: Pirate Adventure” Summer Tentpole Special To Air This August

Disney Junior has announced its new slate of original programming for kids 2-7 that will air across Disney+ and Disney Junior platforms through 2024. Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis announced these projects along with some key casting news today during the Disney Junior Fun Fest event taking place at Disney California Adventure. The Fun Fest is a one-day event celebrating the entertaining and music-filled stories of the #1 preschool television network’s hit series, bringing the magic of Disney Junior straight to fans.

”Disney Junior is already home to some of the most beloved preschool programming, and today, we have unveiled the next slate of content that is sure to entertain preschool kids for years to come,” said Davis. ”As with Disney Junior’s current slate, each of these projects is unique, inspiring and encompasses all of the brand values that have come to represent Disney Junior over the last decade — storytelling with heart that resonates with both kids and parents. From beloved icons such as Mickey and Spidey to new stories and characters, this slate further solidifies Disney Junior as THE home for preschoolers.”

New Greenlights Announced Today:

ORIGINAL SERIES:

”HEY A.J.”
Produced by: Surfing Giant Studios in association with Disney Junior
Based on books created by: Martellus Bennett
Executive Producers: Martellus Bennett, Jeff ”Swampy” Marsh and Michael Hodges

Inspired by former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion and children’s book author Martellus Bennett’s family, ”Hey A.J.” is a high-energy adventure comedy about a curious and extremely imaginative 7-year-old girl, A.J. Whether imagining a long car drive is an exciting rocket ride or turning a grocery store line into a dance party, A.J. uses her big imagination to make any situation more fun and exciting.

”KINDERGARTEN: THE MUSICAL”
Produced by: Oddbot Entertainment in association with Disney Junior
Creators: Michelle Lewis and Charlton Pettus
Executive Producers: Tom Warburton, Michelle Lewis, Kay Hanley, Charlton Pettus and Dan Petty
Co-Executive Producer/Story Editor: Laurie Israel

”Kindergarten: The Musical” is an animated musical series about navigating all of the ”firsts” young kids experience while attending kindergarten. Whether having your own set of school supplies for the first time, finding a place to sit in the lunchroom or making a new friend, kindergartners can feel so many feelings that are sometimes hard to express with just words; singing about it feels more comforting and expressive. The series follows 5-year-old Birdy, who, with the help of her amazing teacher and new friends, uses her imagination to express her fears, excitement and joy through big Broadway-style song and dance numbers, proving that kindergarten is just like a big stage and there is nothing a good song can’t fix.

”ROBOGOBO”
Produced by: Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Junior
Creator/Executive Producer/Supervising Director: Chris Gilligan
Developed for Television by/Co-Executive Producer/Story Editor: Matt Hoverman

”RoboGobo” highlights five adorable pets without a home — until kid inventor Jax adopts them and gives them super-powered robo-suits. Now Hopper, Boomer, Allie, Shelly and Winger are a team of superheroes saving other pets in trouble and learning how to become a family in the process.

”SUPERKITTIES”
Produced by: Silvergate Media in association with Disney Junior
Creator/Executive Producer: Paula Rosenthal
Co-Executive Producer: Kirk Van Wormer

”SuperKitties” is an adorable and action-packed new series about four fierce and furry superhero kittens — Ginny, Sparks, Buddy and Bitsy — who are on a mission to make Kittydale a more caring and ”pawesome” place. Defeating villains and imparting important messages of kindness, empathy, friendship, resilience and problem-solving, the ”SuperKitties” voice cast includes Emma Berman (Disney-Pixar’s ”Luca”) as Ginny, Cruz Flateau (”CoComelon”) as Sparks, JeCobi Swain (ABC’s ”Home Economics”) as Buddy and Pyper Braun (”Country Comfort”) as Bitsy.

ORIGINAL SHORT-FORM:

”ME & MICKEY”
”Me & Mickey” is a new series of vlog-style video shorts featuring Disney’s #1 star, Mickey Mouse, as he invites preschoolers to laugh and play along as he talks about everyday topics familiar to their lives, including morning and nighttime routines and packing a backpack, and also engages with silly games and challenges like ”Super Silly Stare Off,” ”Talk Like a Pirate” and ”Super Silly Dance Party.”

”WINNIE THE POOH” (Working Title)
”Winnie the Pooh” (working title) is a new musical short-form series starring Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

SERIES RENEWAL:

”ALICE’S WONDERLAND BAKERY” SEASON TWO
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producer: Chelsea Beyl
Co-Executive Producer/Art Director: Frank Montagna
Producer: Ciara Anderson

”Alice’s Wonderland Bakery” is a fantastical animated series for preschoolers and their families inspired by the beloved world of ”Alice in Wonderland.” The series centers on Alice, the great-granddaughter of the original heroine and a budding young baker at the enchanted Wonderland Bakery, where her magical treats help bring a new generation of friends and families together. The series’ voice cast includes Craig Ferguson as Doorknob, Eden Espinosa as The Queen of Hearts, GRAMMY® Award winner Jon Secada as The King of Hearts, Vanessa Bayer and Bobby Moynihan as twins Tweedle Do and Tweedle Don’t, Donald Faison as Harry the March Hare, Yvette Nicole Brown as Mama Rabbit and newcomer Libby Rue as the voice of Alice.

OTHER NEWS — PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED TITLES:

”MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS”
Produced by: Disney Junior and Marvel Studios in association with Atomic Cartoons
Executive Producer: Harrison Wilcox
Supervising Producer: Steve Grover
Co-Executive Producer: Bart Jennett

John Stamos will be voicing the role of Iron Man/Tony Stark in season two of Disney Junior’s hit series ”Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.” The additional new Marvel heroes and villains that will be featured in season two are Ant-Man (voiced by Sean Giambrone), Wasp (voiced by Maya Tuttle), Reptil (voiced by Hoku Ramirez), Black Cat (voiced by Jaiden Klein), Sandman (voiced by Tom Wilson) and Electro (voiced by Stephanie Lemelin). The new season premieres August 2022 and will include a new ”Glow Webs Glow” storyline. Season two will also feature four new original songs and a ”Glow Webs Glow” anthem song by series’ songwriter/composer Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy).

”Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” follows the adventures of Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy and Miles Morales as they team up to defeat foes and save the day. In season two of the series, the trio of young Super Heroes are able to call on Avengers pals Iron Man, Ant-Man, Wasp and Reptil, in addition to Hulk, Ms. Marvel and Black Panther, for help when trouble arises — like when villain Electro tries to drain all of the power in the city and the Spidey Team must band together to use a new glowing web formula to turn the lights back on.

”MICKEY MOUSE FUNHOUSE”
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Executive Producer/Supervising Director: Phil Weinstein
Co-Executive Producer/Supervising Story Editor: Thomas Hart
Producer: Steve Walby

John Stamos also stars as the voice of Captain Salty Bones in the upcoming summer tentpole episode of ”Mickey Mouse Funhouse.” In ”Mickey Mouse Funhouse: Pirate Adventure,” legendary pirate Captain Salty Bones invites Mickey, Minnie and friends to join the biggest treasure hunt ever and see if they can become true pirates.

Series star Harvey Guillén, who voices the role of Funny the Funhouse in the series, was at Disney Junior Fun Fest to help announce the new 22-minute special, which also features recurring guest stars Jenifer Lewis as Wheezelene and Richard Kind as Cheezel and is set to premiere August 2022.

”EUREKA!”
Produced by: Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Junior
Creators/Executive Producers: Norton Virgien and Niamh Sharkey
Co-Executive Producer/Story Editor: Erica Rothschild
Consulting Producers: Donna Brown Guillaume and Rusty Cundieff

”Eureka!” tells the story of a young girl inventor who is way ahead of her time. Utilizing creative out-of-the-box thinking, she designs inventions and contraptions in the hopes of making the world a better place and moving her prehistoric community into a more modern era. With the help of her supportive parents, teacher, best friends — Pepper and Barry — and beloved pet mammoth Murphy, Eureka is learning to embrace that she is not ordinary … she’s extraordinary. Series premieres June 22, 2022.

Series star Ruth Righi (voice of Eureka) was on-hand during the Disney Junior Fun Fest event to reveal a first look at the series’ main title theme song, which is performed by Lexi Underwood (Disney+’s upcoming ”Sneakerella”). The link to the full theme song is available here: https://youtu.be/LoKERGIZGxE.

”FIREBUDS”
Produced by: Disney Television Animation
Creator/Executive Producer: Craig Gerber
Producer: Craig Simpson

From Emmy® Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney’s ”Elena of Avalor” and ”Sofia the First”), ”Firebuds” is a music-filled series following a team of young kids who are the children of first responders, and their talking vehicle sidekicks, as they embark on adventures together and learn what it truly means to be a hero. The series premieres fall 2022.

During Disney Junior Fun Fest, it was announced that Lou Diamond Phillips and Yvette Nicole Brown would be joining the previously announced voice cast as co-fire chiefs, Chief Bill and Chief Faye. Brown was on-hand during the event to reveal a first look at the main title theme song, which is written and performed by the series’ songwriter Beau Black (Disney’s ”The Lion Guard”). The link to the full theme song is available here: https://youtu.be/WaE0JIvtjGc.

”PUPSTRUCTION”
Produced by: Titmouse in association with Disney Junior
Creator/Executive Producer: Travis Braun
Executive Producer: Vic Cook
Co-Producer/Story Editor: Robyn Brown

”Pupstruction” follows the adventures of the world’s first all-dog construction company, Pupstruction. It centers on Phinny, an innovative young corgi who might be the smallest pup on the crew but proves that you don’t need big paws to have big dreams or big ideas.

The series’ voice cast, announced during Disney Junior Fun Fest, includes Yonas Kibreab (”Into the Dark”) as Phinny, Carson Minniear (”Big City Greens”) as Tank, Scarlett Kate Ferguson (”I’m Dying Up Here”) as Roxy and newcomer Mica Zeltzer as Luna, as well as Justina Machado (”One Day at a Time”) as Maya, Bobby Moynihan (”Alice’s Wonderland Bakery”) as Bobby Boots, Kari Wahlgren (”The Ghost and Molly McGee”) as Scratch, Eric Bauza (”Muppet Babies”) as characters Harry, Sniff and Lloyd and Alessandra Perez (”T.O.T.S.”) as Bailey.

About Disney Junior
Part of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution’s Networks, Disney Junior is a global multiplatform brand with content created by Disney Branded Television expressly geared towards preschoolers aged 2-7 and their families. Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites parents and guardians to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for young children. Disney Junior is home to some of the most cherished programming and franchises for preschoolers, including Emmy®Award-winning ”Elena of Avalor,” Peabody Award-winning ”Doc McStuffins,” and new hit series ”Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and ”Mickey Mouse Funhouse.”



Let’s Roll! Disney Junior Greenlights ‘Firebuds,’ From Creator and Executive Producer Craig Gerber,

Posted on by Danielle Langer





Let’s Roll! Disney Junior Greenlights ‘Firebuds,’ From Creator and Executive Producer Craig Gerber, About a Team of Young First Responders and Their Talking Vehicles, Set To Premiere in 2022

Disney Junior has ordered the new animated comedy-adventure “Firebuds,” from Emmy® Award-winning creator and executive producer Craig Gerber (Disney’s “Elena of Avalor” and “Sofia the First”). Slated to premiere on Disney Junior and Disney+ in 2022, the music-filled series follows a team of young kids who are the children of first responders, and their talking vehicle sidekicks, as they embark on adventures together and learn what it truly means to be a hero. This is Gerber’s first series to debut under his Disney Branded Television overall development deal with his new production banner, Electric Emu. Gerber also has a second project in development with Kris Wimberly, who worked with him on “Elena of Avalor” and is also a director on “Firebuds.” Created by Wimberly, the series follows a time-traveling treasure hunter and will be executive-produced by both Wimberly and Gerber.

Set in a fantastical world where talking vehicles live, work and play with the humans who drive them, “Firebuds” follows a boy and his firetruck as they team up with their first responder friends to help others in their community with problems, both big and small. Whether rescuing a young car that’s stuck in a tree, tracking down lost Dalmatian puppies or helping their neighbors stock up on emergency supplies during a blackout, the Firebuds highlight the importance of teamwork and helping your fellow citizens. Each episode is comprised of two 11 minute stories and features at least one new original song.

Gerber said, “‘Firebuds’ is about the spirit of community service and thinking about others before yourself. Just like our young heroes are trying to follow in their parents’ ‘tire treads,’ we are hoping to inspire children to embrace volunteerism and helping others. It is personally a very meaningful show for me and the perfect way to launch this next chapter of my career with Disney.”

The “Firebuds” team consists of the following:

Bo, the optimistic and brave leader, voiced by Declan Whaley (“Criminal Minds”);

Flash, a young fire engine and Bo’s best friend, voiced by Terrence Little Gardenhigh (“Danger Force”);

Violet, a fearless and confident young girl who is always cool under pressure, voiced by Vivian Vencer (Disney Channel’s “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure”);

Axl, Violet’s funny and outgoing ambulance friend, voiced by Lily Sanfelippo (“Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends”);

Jayden, Bo’s imaginative and inventive neighbor, voiced by JeCobi Swain (ABC’s “Home Economics”);

Piston, Jayden’s safety-conscious police car sidekick, voiced by Caleb Paddock (“Adult Beginners”).

In addition to Gerber, Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award winner Matt Hoverman (“Fancy Nancy”) is story editor, and Krystal Banzon (“I Feel Bad”), Leanna Dindal (“The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse”), Jeremy Shipp (“Tangled: The Series”) and Norma Sepulveda (“Elena of Avalor”) make up the writing team. Annie Award-nominated Francis Giglio (“DC Super Hero Girls”) is art director, and Emmy Award-nominated Rob Pratt and Craig Simpson (both from “Elena of Avalor”) are supervising director and producer, respectively. The episodic directors are Kris Wimberly (“Elena of Avalor”) and Julius Aguimatang (“Mulan”). The music team consists of Emmy Award-nominated Beau Black (“The Lion Guard”) as the series songwriter and Emmy Award winner Frederik Wiedmann (“All Hail King Julien”) as composer. “Firebuds” is a production of Disney Television Animation.

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