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.

Marsh said: "Disney Junior will be an entry point into the world of Disney for young kids, creating a world - online and on-air - that captures the magic of Disney and its classic heartfelt storytelling and timeless characters beloved by generations."

Disney Junior (currently Playhouse Disney) will be available as a programming block weekdays (4:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., ET/PT) and weekends (4:00-9:00 a.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel in more than 99 million U.S. homes. This year it will also debut on 25 Disney Junior channels (currently Playhouse Disney channels) and free-to-air broadcast partners around the world. In 2012 Disney Junior will debut as a 24-hour basic cable and satellite channel in the U.S.

New Series and Short Form Programming Descriptions:

"Jake and the Never Land Pirates" is a new animated adventure series that introduces a crew of kid pirates—leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby—and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney's classic "Peter Pan." The series, which emphasizes teamwork, features original pirate rock music performed by The Never Land Pirate Band. Many of the key creative professionals behind Disney's #1 series for preschoolers, "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," are at the helm of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates." Rob LaDuca executive-produces, with Mark Seidenberg serving as producer/story editor, Kelly Ward as voice director and Howy Parkins directing the series. It is a production of Disney Television Animation.

"Mickey Mousekersize," a new short-form series part of Disney's Magic of Healthy Living initiative is hosted by Mickey Mouse and focuses on the fun of exercising, encouraging children at home to get up and move along with Mickey and pals.

"Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps," a new short-form series part of Disney's Magic of Healthy Living features Oso and friends as they watch a live-action kid demonstrate three healthy steps to exercising and eating right. Sean Astin and Brad Garrett star as Oso and Buffo.

"A Poem Is..." is a short-form animated series showcasing poems for children set to scenes and imagery from classic Disney films including "Dumbo," "Bambi" and "Lady and the Tramp." Narrated by Katie Holmes and Jennifer Garner, the series is designed to cultivate fond memories of Disney classics for parents and create new ones for kids by introducing young children to the beauty of a poem.

"Babar and the Adventures of Badou" is an updated version of the classic "Babar" series and introduces King Babar's energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville.

"Tinga Tinga Tales" is a vibrant animated adventure series inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania.

The premiere schedule is as follows:

Monday, February 14 (all times listed are ET/PT)

6:50 a.m. - "Finding Nemo"
8:30 a.m. - "Jake and the Never Land Pirates " - Series Premiere: "Hide the Hideout/The Old Shell Game"
8:55 a.m. - "A Poem Is..." - Short-Form Series Premiere
9:00 a.m. - "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" - TBD
9:25 a.m. - "Special Agent Oso Three Healthy Steps" - Short-Form Series Premiere
9:30 a.m. - "Handy Manny" - "Art Show/The New Time Capsule"
9:55 a.m. - "Mickey Mousekersize" - Short-Form Series Premiere
10:00 a.m. - "Babar and the Adventures of Badou Series" - Premiere: "The Key/Grotto for One"
10:25 a.m. - "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" - Music Video
10:30 a.m. - "Chuggington" - Season 2 Premiere: "Wilson & the Dinosaur/Quiz Master Hodge"
10:55 a.m. - "A Poem Is..."
11:00 a.m. - "Tinga Tinga Tales" - Series Premiere: "How Lizard Hides Under Rock"
11:15 a.m. - "Timmy Time" - "Timmy the Postman"
11:25 a.m. - "Handy Manny School for Tools"
11:30 a.m. - "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" - "A Surprise for Minnie"
11:55 a.m. - "Mickey Mousekersize"
12:00 p.m. - "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" (encore)
12:25 p.m. - "Special Agent Oso Three Healthy Steps"
12:30 p.m. - "Jungle Junction" - "Hiccup Power/Fifi Frenzy"
12:55 p.m. - "Handy Manny School for Tools"
1:00 p.m. - "Special Agent Oso" - "Green Finger/For Sleepy Eyes Only"
1:25 p.m. - "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" - Music Video
1:30 p.m. - "Imagination Movers" - Season 3 Premiere: "Goldilocks and the Four Movers"