Disney Channel April 2013 Programming Highlights

[Via Disney Channel Press Release...]

Friday, April 5

8:00 p.m. A.N.T. Farm “idANTity crisis”
After noticing that her friends have become oddly respectful of Principal Skidmore, Chyna discovers that she has been manipulating the ANTs with a frozen yogurt machine. Meanwhile, Lexi is disturbed by a recurring nightmare where she has a crush on Cameron.

8:30 p.m. Jessie “To Be Me, or Not To Be Me”
Jessie gets her first big acting part in a Shakespeare production in the park — however, she ends up switching personalities with Zuri, who must now pull off Jessie’s performance without ruining it for her.

Sunday, April 7

8:00 p.m. Dog With A Blog “Freaky Fido”
When Avery’s teacher challenges her to have fun on her next school project, she decides to film a “Freaky Friday” type of movie, since Stan really talks.

8:30 p.m. Austin & Ally “Freaky Friends & Fan Fiction”
Dez buys an antique typewriter from Trish to use for a story writing competition, only to discover that it’s magical, and anything he writes actually happens.

9:00 p.m. Shake It Up “Switch It Up”
CeCe and Flynn accidentally switch bodies through an old curse of Tinka’s grandma. When they learn they’re stuck that way for 24 hours, or until they learn a lesson, they realize Flynn will have to dance for CeCe on “Shake It Up Chicago!” and CeCe will have to learn tuba and nail Flynn’s audition for the marching band. Meanwhile, Ty thinks Rocky is trying to kill him since he didn’t put her in that week’s dance.

Friday, April 19

8:30 p.m. Jessie “Why Do Foils Fall in Love?”
Jessie decides to write Tony a song for their first anniversary. However, when she thinks Tony forgot their special day, she ends up writing an angry song that ends up going viral on Emma’s vlog. Meanwhile, Ravi is miserable over his many gym class failures, so Luke decides to help him build his self-esteem by letting Ravi finally win at something.

Friday, April 26

8:00 p.m. A.N.T. Farm “restaurANTeur”
Olive is instantly smitten with a talented young chef now working at IHOW, but when he joins the A.N.T. program, they discover Olive’s new crush is actually a bit conceited. Meanwhile, when Lexi learns that some major pop stars got their start as singing waitresses, she asks Hippo if the wait staff can sing at IHOW.

8:30 p.m. Jessie “Kids Don’t Wanna Be Shunned”
Emma is upset when her friends stand her up for the new girl in school. Meanwhile, Luke has Ravi help him with his project about India for their school’s multicultural night.

Sunday, April 28

7:30 p.m. Good Luck Charlie “Duncan Dream House”
After the family home is devastated by termites, the Duncan Family decides to build their dream house, which excites everyone but Charlie. However, Teddy has a change of heart after a dream in which Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Animal convince her that the old family home is really the house of her dreams.
Guest Starring Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Animal.

8:00 p.m. Dog With A Blog “Guess Who’s A Cheerleader”
Stan voices his concerns about Avery’s lack of loyalty after she makes the cheerleading squad and begins to distance herself from Lyndsay. Meanwhile, Bennett and Tyler get stuck in the storage shed after a father/son fishing trip, and Chloe builds an awesome fort in the kitchen.

8:30 p.m. Shake It Up “Love and War It Up”
Now that they’re no longer going to be related, Rocky tries to convince CeCe and Logan to get along so that she and Logan can date. CeCe finally agrees to try, but Logan just can’t do it. Meanwhile, Flynn and Deuce invite Tinka to be the lead singer in their air guitar band.

Disney star Bella Thorne signs a record deal with Hollywood Records

[Via celebrityredcarpet.co.uk...]

Actress Bella Thorne has just landed a record deal with Hollywood Records, who will be releasing her debut single later this year. The 15-year-old Disney star, who is best known for her role as CeCe Jones in "Shake It Up", will begin recording over the summer. Hollywood Records also has Bella's "Shake It Up" co-star Zendaya Coleman on their roster, as well as the likes of Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. We'd say she was in good company...

In typical Bella style, she celebrated the deal with a little game of ping pong, wearing a bright pink top and a pair of jeans. With her relaxed, playful approach to just about everything, we're sure she'll go far!

She might be just a teenager, but Bella Thorne is not to be underestimated. We see her on the red carpet on a very regular basis and, every time, she manages to keep up with and, on occasion, outshine a lot of more experienced celebrities. Take her gorgeous repertoire of red-carpet hairstyles for instance. This girl is not messing around when it comes to her beauty looks!

She also has her own blog, a large portion of which is devoted to nail art. So, should you find yourself lacking in inspiration for your next manicure, we suggest you take a look.

Stay tuned because we have a sneaking suspicion this girl's career is about to explode and, when it does, you can be sure she'll look fantastic.

Disney Channel Renews “Jessie” for Third Season

[Via Disney Channel Press Release...]

DISNEY CHANNEL ORDERS THIRD SEASON OF THE POPULAR COMEDY SERIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES, “JESSIE”

– Molly Shannon, Kate Flannery and James Patrick Stuart

Guest Star in the Season Two Finale –

Jessie and the Ross kids will return for a third season in the popular comedy series for kids and families "Jessie," it was announced today by Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide. Production resumes in Los Angeles in July. Season 3 is scheduled to premiere in fall 2013.

2013 to-date, "Jessie" is TV's #1 series in its time period among Kids 2-11, Kids 6-11 and Tweens. For 2012, it was the #2 TV series among Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11 and #3 among Tweens. 


Bonnett said, “Season 3 of ‘Jessie’ will continue to spotlight the impressive comedic talents of Debby Ryan.” He continued, “Our viewers deeply connect with this cast of characters, and the upcoming season will focus on the Ross kids beginning to navigate young adulthood while challenging their favorite nanny with new and entertaining situations.”

In the season two finale airing this September, Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”) guest stars as Jessie’s stepmother-to-be. The storyline finds an excited Jessie returning to Texas with the Ross kids in tow. She shows the kids the military base where she was raised and introduces them to her father — only to learn the surprising news that he is engaged to be married. Also guest starring are James Patrick Stuart (“Supernatural”) as Jessie’s dad, Lt. Colonel John Wayne “J.W.” Prescott and Kate Flannery (“The Office”) as Corporal Cookie.

Set in bustling New York City, Jessie is a nanny for the high-profile Ross Family– 14-year-old Emma, the biological child of the bunch, 11-year-old Indian adoptee Ravi, 12-year-old American adoptee Luke and eight-year-old African adoptee Zuri. Helping her to navigate young-adulthood are Bertram, the family’s beloved, yet frosty butler, and Tony, her boyfriend and the building’s doorman.

Starring are Debby Ryan as Jessie (“The Suite Life on Deck”); Kevin Chamberlin (Broadway’s “The Addams Family,” “Teen Beach Movie”) as Bertram; Peyton List (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”) as Emma; Karan Brar (“Diary of a Wimpy Kid”) as Ravi; Cameron Boyce (“Grown Ups 2″) as Luke and Skai Jackson (“Royal Pains”) as Zuri.

The live-action comedy series was created by Pamela Eells O’Connell (“Family Matters,” “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” “The Suite Life on Deck”), who serves as executive producer. Debby Ryan is a co-producer.

New episodes of “Jessie” air FRIDAYS on Disney Channel. The series is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc and carries a TV-G parental guideline.

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.

[Source: NTI, U.S. ratings, 2012 and 12/31/12-3/17/13, most current.]

Disney Channel UK To Premiere "The Wizards Return: Alex Vs Alex" In May

[Via Disney Channel UK...]

Get ready for a MASSIVE return from the wizards in this special episode: Alex vs Alex!

Coming to Disney Channel in May, be sure to tune in to one of the biggest showdowns of Disney Channel's history!

Watch Wizards of Waverly Place on Disney Channel and visit the website at:

http://www.disney.co.uk/wizards-of-wa...

Like our official Disney Channel Facebook page at:

http://www.facebook.com/DisneyChannelUK

In "The Wizards Return: Alex vs Alex," the Russo family and friends travel to Tuscany, Italy, to meet their long lost relatives... but when Alex (Gomez) tries to prove she's more than a seemingly carefree young Wizard, she inadvertently conjures a spell that creates a Good Alex and an Evil Alex. When Evil Alex gets roped into a charming young wizard's foreboding plan to take over the world, Good Alex must find a way to save her family and humankind, which leads to a monumental battle between the two versions of herself - all atop the Tower of Pisa. 

Disney's KICKIN' IT Goes to Scotland!

[Via younghollywood.com...]

Young Hollywood joins the cast of Disney XD's "Kickin' It" on location in Scotland!! Okay, on a Scotland set anyway... Stars Leo Howard, Dylan Riley, Jason Earles, Olivia Holt, and Mateo Arias change out of their kilts to sit down for a chat with us about Season 3 of the hit show, fan encounters, and a playful round of "Kickin' It or Kick Them To The Curb?"! Plus, Leo and Matteo have a dance-off! Hosted by Jessica Smith (@jesssouthern). "Kickin' It" Season 3 premieres Monday, April 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT..

"Liv & Maddie" Cast Photo

Dove Cameron, the 17-year-old upcoming Disney Channel star who will star in Disney Channel’s new series “Liv & Maddie” and DCOM “Cloud 9,” tweeted a photo of the Liv & Maddie cast on her official twitter page (@DoveCameron), additionally tweeting:

Missed my TV fam! Here we go. #BackInBlack @kalimrocha @JoeyBragg @TenzingTrainor @sirbenjaminking @andyfickman pic.twitter.com/SbOkLK3iwB

In Liv & Maddie 17-year-old newcomer Dove Cameron plays the dual role of identical twins in this upcoming sitcom. Ms. Cameron will also star in “Cloud 9,” a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering in 2014 (see below). The series was created by John Beck and Ron Hart (both of “According to Jim”). John Peaslee, Andy Fickman (“The Game Plan,” “Race to Witch Mountain”) and Betsy Sullenger are also executive producers. Cameron plays identical twins — an outstanding student and school basketball phenomenon whose popularity is on the rise until her twin sister, a television star, makes a triumphant return to their Wisconsin high school. Also starring are: Benjamin King, Kali Rocha, Joey Bragg and Tenzing Norgay Trainor.

‘Teen Beach Movie’ Soundtrack Available July 16

In the Disney Channel original movie, Teen Beach Movie, teen surfers McKenzie and Brady are magically transported into a 1960’s beach movie. They figure they just need to blend in until they can find a way to get back home. However, blending isn’t easily done when everyone around them routinely breaks into song and dance seemingly for no reason. And when they accidentally interfere with the plot of the movie and make the romantic leads Tanner and Lela fall for them instead, it looks like they might be stuck for good.

While the movie will premiere on Disney Channel on July 19, the soundtrack will be available on July 16 and is currently available for pre-order from Amazon.com. The track list is as follows:

1. Oxygen – Maia Mitchell
2. Surf Crazy – Spencer Lee, Kelly Hawkes and Cast
3. Cruisin For a Bruisin – Ross Lynch, Grace Phipps, Jason Evigan
4. Falling for Ya – Grace Phipps
5. Meant to Be – Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps, Spencer Lee
6. Like Me – Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell, Grace Phipps, Spencer Lee & Cast
7. Meant to Be (Reprise 1) – Grace Phipps, Spencer Lee
8. Can’t Stop Singing – Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell
9. Meant to Be (Reprise 2) – Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell
10. Surf’s Up – Ross Lynch, Maia Mitchell & Cast
11. Coolest Cats in Town – Spencer Lee, Grace Phipps, Jason Evigan
12. Surf Crazy Finale – Cast

Girl Meets World Begins Filming March 20 - March 22

Girl Meets World began filming for the very first time from March 20 till March 22. Ben Savage, who reprises his role as Cory Matthews in the upcoming Disney Channel series, which is a sequel to Disney's popular sitcom Boy Meets World, tweeted on his official twitter page (@BenSavage) the day before filming (March 21) a behind the scenes photo of the Girl Meets World set with the caption:

Almost showtime http://instagr.am/p/XEHs1Am1v3/

Additionally throughout the filming days Ben Savage tweeted: 

On the set http://instagram.com/p/XJFVDmm1mz/

And:

My first class http://instagram.com/p/XK45mam1t-/

                                     

The newly cast Cast Members for Girl Meets World also contributed to sharing the news, with Rowan Blanchard, who plays Riley Matthews, the daughter of Cory and Topanga tweeting on her official twitter page (@rowblanchard):

#girlmeetsworld http://instagr.am/p/XICjDdpdfY/

                                     

And: 

Last day of filming :(

Also:

That's a wrap! 😭 bensavage http://instagram.com/p/XLi6rUpdV5/

Teo Halm, who plays Cory and Topanga’s son, Elliott tweeted on his official twitter page (TeoHalm): 

THAT'S A WRAP! Had so much filming #gmw with @SabrinaAnnLynn @rowblanchard @BenSavage @peytonmeyer9 @coreyfogelmanis and @daniellefishel. 😄

And:

The fam. @rowblanchard @daniellefishel @sabrinaannlynn bensavage http://instagram.com/p/XLkTaMPmHc/

                                      

OK!'s Google+ Hangout Rewind: Danielle Fishel Introduces the Girls of 'Girl Meets World.'

[Via okmagazine.com...]



TGIF!

Why? Because today was the OK! Google+ Hangout with Danielle Fishel! Did you find time to fit this gem in your schedule? It was the event we've all been waiting for—and we are tickled to announce that it was a major Google+ Hangout moment.

Prepare to be amazed by the cutest (and we literally the CUTEST) Mother/Daughter moment you have ever witnessed. We were all hanging out with the bubbly and bright Danielle Fishel when, all of a sudden, two little celebs popped their heads in the dressing-room door.

Rowan Blanchard and Sabrina Carpenter—the girls that play Riley Matthews and Maya Fox in Girl Meets World—made a surprise cameo in the OK! chat. But they didn't just say hello with a little wave.

After a hairstyle break, the two slipped on their acting shoes and put on a performance. Do you recognize the title "Donut In the Sky"?

If you remember Topanga dancing around Cory's kitchen with lipstick on her face, this clip will bring you to happy tears. So who is watching their Boy Meets World DVDs later?

Ah, the wonders of childhood.

Meet the Disney Channel's Newest Golden Girl, Debby Ryan

[Via abcnews.go.com...]

Debby Ryan may not be a household name right now, but you can bet she will be in a year.

The vivacious 19-year-old is the Disney Channel's newest golden girl, with hit movies, music and her own TV show. Ryan stars on the wildly popular 'tween sitcom "Jessie," in which she plays a young girl from Texas who moves to New York City to chase her dreams in the entertainment industry and ends up becoming a nanny for four children.

But unlike Disney starlets who came before her, Ryan tries to keep her distance from the tabloid spotlight. On a Friday night, you'll find her at home with her makeup off, jamming out with her band and eating Taco Bell (she's a big fan of the Doritos Locos taco), not hitting a nightclub.

"I leave Debby Ryan at work the same way I leave the script at work," she told ABCNews.com. "I go home and watch people falling off of ATVs on 'Ridiculousness' on MTV."

Ryan doesn't play into the "crazy," as she calls it. She gets uncomfortable in front of large groups of people screaming her name and taking her picture, making red carpet events "stressful." The young star also credits her strong self awareness and tight group of loyal family and friends for helping her keep a level head.

"You need to have people who are not afraid to fight you," she said. "You need to fight yourself in order to be the person you ultimately want to be one day."

Ryan also has an insane amount of determination. She got her first major acting gig on "Barney & Friends" before scoring the role of Bailey on Disney's "The Suite Life on Deck." Now she hopes to transition into more adult roles, including indie films and maybe even some screenwriting.

But climbing trees with her brother Chase while growing up gave Ryan a love of adventure and a desire to do action films like "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" or "Colombiana."

But at the end of the day, Ryan said, she loves making people laugh and any episode of "Jessie" shows her comedic timing, which rivals that of Lucille Ball, one of her idols. She also has the red hair to go with it.

"I would love to have the career of an Emma Stone/Sandra Bullock, a little bit kick butt but also artistic with blockbusters and features," she said. "I love variety and that's the fun part of being an actor. I don't understand the people who play the same character over and over."

Unlike Stone and Bullock, Ryan's career will also most likely be filled with music. She has recorded songs for "Jessie," "Suite Life" and her 2012 Disney Channel movie, "Radio Rebel," and in her spare time she loves to write original songs, a process she says gives her butterflies.

"I always joke that acting is my spouse and singing is like my lover," she said. "I go every day and act and it feels very fulfilling for me and it's definitely a part of me and then there's a secret rush behind closed doors with my music."

No matter what Ryan's future holds, she has big plans for it. And if you ever see her at the Oscars, plan on her pulling a Jennifer Lawrence in front of her Hollywood crush when she goes up to accept her Best Actress statue.

"When I'm at the Oscars I will be definitely be throwing myself on the stairs in front of Hugh Jackman," she said.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

"Girl Meets World" Behind The Scenes Set Photo

Ben Savage, who reprises his role as Cory Matthews in the upcoming Disney Channel series Girl Meets World, which is a sequel to Disney's popular sitcom Boy Meets World, tweeted on his official twitter page (@BenSavage) a behind the scenes photo of the Girl Meets World set with the caption:

Almost showtime http://instagr.am/p/XEHs1Am1v3/

Girl Meets World which begins shooting TODAY picks up where "Boy Meets World" left off. Riley Mathews, the preteen daughter of Cory and Topanga who married on the original series, tells the story from her point of view. Riley attends a school where hew father is also one of her teachers, and her brother is one grade above her - and often reminds her that he is also one grade higher in life's experiences. If opposites attract, then Riley's relationship with her best friend Maya is a perfect example. Riley is a happy, optimistic, cheery, and high spirited 13 year old girl with great parents - while Maya is a not-so-trusting pessimistic girl who has never met her father. Regardless, the two are immensely loyal to each other as friends. 

Austin & Ally “Partners & Parachutes” TV Ratings

Disney Channel's Sunday night episode premiere of the Austin & Ally episode titled "Partners & Parachutes" gained 4.380 million viewers, making it it's 3rd most watched episode ever, which aired at 8.00pm.
In the episode, after talking to her mom and Trish about Austin, Ally decides to focus on her music career now that she’s conquered her stage fright. Meanwhile, Austin is unsure about his friendship with Kira.

Debby Ryan Talks New Music, “Jessie,” and More in OK Magazine Live Chat

[Via shineon-media.com...]

Debby Ryan has been a busy bee while in NYC this week. She not only filmed segments for MTV News, she also co-hosted the 15th annual Wonder Women luncheon this afternoon.

Debby also stopped by the OK Magazine offices for a fun Google+ hangout where she answered all kinds of questions about her music, her acting projects and everything in between (including cereal!).

Watch the full chat below!

“The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex” Scores 5.9 Million Viewers; “Gravity Falls” Hits Series High

[Via Disney Channel Press Release...]

“WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE” TELEVISION EVENT, “THE WIZARDS RETURN: ALEX VS. ALEX,” CASTS RATINGS SPELL WITH NEARLY 6 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS AND 3 MILLION KIDS 2-11

“Gravity Falls” Rises to Series Highs with 4.5 Million Total Viewers

Disney Channel’s one-hour television event, “The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex” (8:00 – 9:00 p.m.), cast a ratings spell across the nation, delivering 5.9 million Total Viewers, 2.9 million Kids 2-11, 2.3 million Kids 6-11 and 2.2 million Tweens 9-14, ranking as Friday’s #1 TV telecast across the major youth demos. In fact, the special became the #1 cable TV telecast of 2013 to date in Tweens 9-14, the #2 cable TV telecast in Kids 2-11 and Kids 6-11, and the #1 kids’ cable TV telecast in Total Viewers.

The storyline saw the Russo family and friends travel to Tuscany, Italy, to meet their long lost relatives… but when Alex (Gomez) tried to prove she’s more than a seemingly carefree young Wizard, she inadvertently conjured a spell that created a Good Alex and an Evil Alex. When Evil Alex was roped into a charming young wizard’s foreboding plan to take over the world, Good Alex found a way to save her family and humankind, which led to a monumental battle between the two versions of herself – all atop the Tower of Pisa.

Gomez’s breakthrough series “Wizards of Waverly Place” was one of Disney Channel’s most successful series ever. It premiered in 2007, became a ratings driver worldwide, reaching over 175 million unduplicated viewers in 163 countries and 32 languages in its final quarter on air (1Q12). It inspired “Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie,” which delivered 13.5 million Total Viewers, ranking as the #1 cable TV movie of 2009 and still the #2 cable TV movie ever (after “High School Musical 2″).

The television special starred Selena Gomez, Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone, Maria Canals-Barrera, David DeLuise and Gregg Sulkin; was written by Vince Cheung and Ben Montanio (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) and Dan Berendsen (ABC Family’s “Baby Daddy”), and directed by Victor Gonzalez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”). Selena Gomez, Cheung, Montanio, Dan Cross and David Hoge are the executive producers. “Wizards of Waverly Place” was created by Todd J. Greenwald (“Hannah Montana”) and a production of It’s a Laugh Productions for Disney Channel.

At 9 o’clock, an all-new “Gravity Falls” soared to a series high in Total Viewers (4.5 million) and delivered its #2 telecast ever in Tweens 9-14 (1.7 million/7.0 rating) and #3 telecast in Kids 2-11 (2.5 million/6.4 rating).

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group. Source: NTI, U.S. early ratings, 3/15/13. 2013 to date: 12/31/12 – 3/10/13, Live + Same Day.

How TV has Replaced Animated Films as Disney’s Biggest Brand Ambassador

[Via variety.com...]

The growth of Disney Channels Worldwide has given the Mouse House a powerful way to promote Disney to kids and families around the globe.

For nearly eight decades, Disney has relied on films to rally kids and their families around the Mouse House. But with its core audience increasingly glued to screens of all sizes, the success of animated hits such as “Phineas and Ferb” and live-action fare like “Violetta” and “A.N.T. Farm,” has turned TV into the company’s most powerful brand ambassador.

That’s especially true overseas, where Disney Channels Worldwide — which operates Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior — has succeeded in introducing young audiences to the company’s iconic characters for the first time, or to new franchises that make them loyal to Mickey and friends for years to come.


“Disney Channel has become the biggest franchise grower for the company worldwide,” Jay Rasulo, the Walt Disney Co.’s chief financial officer, said last fall at the Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Media, Communications and Entertainment Conference in Beverly Hills. “It used to be (film) animation, but the amount of time kids spend in front of the TV and w

eb devices (and) mobile devices (watching) the Disney Channel make this an incredibly powerful vehicle.”

Disney has always reached out to kids on TV via shows like “The Wonderful World of Disney” and “The Mickey Mouse Club,” but Disney Channels gives it more of a dedicated profile. In fact, given that more kids tune in to Disney Channels’ shows each day than watch the studio’s films, the kids cabler has launched more moneymaking properties than the Walt Disney 

Studios over the past five to seven years, Rasulo says.

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide, says that the channel’s ability to reach people in their homes every day with programming that’s entertaining and uplifting is a profoundly positive influence in people’s relationship to the Disney brand. “In many countries, we are a daily 24/7 touch point presenting the core of all things Disney. It’s hard to imagine a more potent form of ambassadorship.”

It’s hard to argue with that when you consider the numbers: Disney Channels’ portfolio, targeting 2- to 11-year-olds, includes 107 channels in 166 countries, available in 431.3 million households. Not only is that up 13% from last year, it’s an exponential rise over 2007, when the division had 54 million total viewers in 20 countries.

Viewership is also increasing rapidly. In the fourth quarter of 2012, 620 million total viewers watched the channels around the world, an improvement of 11% over 2011. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, views are up 20%, another 15% in Latin America and 10% in Asia over last year. Disney Channel’s top international markets are the U.K., France, Germany, Italy and Latin America, in that order.

That kind of growth has made the network’s animated/live-action programming mix —“Phineas and Ferb,” “A.N.T. Farm,” “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Sofia the First,” “Shake It Up,” “Good Luck Charlie,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and before that, “Hannah Montana,” “The Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “High School Musical” — international hits, which has turned its actors and characters into homegrown Disney Channel stars, and companywide ambassadors to promote everything from Disney’s films and TV shows to theme parks and mobile apps.

Get kids interested in Marvel’s superheroes or Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars” at an early age and they may want their parents to take them to the next films featuring Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, the Avengers or Darth Vader.

Disney is revving up its promotional machine to launch 17-year-old Dove Cameron as its next young icon, casting the “Liv & Maddie” sitcom topliner in the snowboarding movie “Cloud 9,” co-produced by Ashley Tisdale and pro-boarder Shaun White.

The market size of its footprint has certainly helped Disney become more competitive against rival kids cablers like Viacom’s Nickelodeon and Time Warner’s Cartoon Network, which operate channels in 110 and 170 countries, respectively.

Last year, Disney Channel was No. 1 among kids 2-11, toppling Nickelodeon’s 17-year record in total day among the largest advertiser-targeted segment, while it was also tops among kids 6-11 for the second consecutive year, and for the fourth year among tweens 9-14.

But operating so many channels means keeping tabs on what audiences in those countries want to watch.

“At the end of the day, we look at what makes our audiences similar, and celebrate that,” says Paul DeBenedittis, senior VP, programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide. “Being a kid and growing up and coming of age is universal. There might be different components of what’s happening in a different market, but kids want really funny, relatable and quality content.”

While many of its U.S. shows are dubbed for foreign territoriessome have been repurposed entirely to cater to local tastes.

For example, Disney Channel in India adapted sitcom “Good Luck Charlie” with its own local cast, and a new name, “Best of Luck Nikki,” but is filming the same scripts the U.S. show uses.

It’s similar to how it reworked “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” as “The Suite Life of Karan & Kabir.”

In other territories, Disney Channels is producing its own local-language productions.

Music-based teen soap “Violetta” has become a big hit in Latin America since launching there last year and spinning off a live concert series. Since then, show has begun airing dubbed versions in Italy, Spain and Russia, but has not yet bowed in the U.S.

“GoalMouth,” a sports-themed show in the U.K. is being eyed as a format for other regions. And in Russia, programmers are exploring the launch of original content to complement the U.S. shows it airs.

“Hopefully along the way, we will be able to globalize the local and localize the global,” says Paul DeBenedittis, senior VP of programming strategy for Disney Channels Worldwide. “Nothing would make us happier than to have a Disney Russia series be adapted for the U.S. or other markets.”

Disney international chairman Andy Bird expressed similar sentiments during his opening keynote address this week at FICCI Frames conference, in Mumbai, India . “There is no international market,” he said. “There is only a vast collection of diverse and dynamic local markets that demand individual strategies and relevant products from any business trying to succeed there.”

Disney Channel hits overseas are only now starting to make their way Stateside.

In the U.K., “Henry Hugglemonster” debuted on Disney Jr., in February, made its way to India, and will air on the U.S. channel in April.

“It’s a great example of a project developed in another region that will go global,” DeBenedittis says.

In some markets, like Australia where a Disney XD does not currently exist, “Lab Rats” is a top five series on the Disney Channel.

“Because the shows still have the DNA of Disney, they can still work on a Disney Channel,” DeBenedittis says.

To help cross over more properties, Disney Channel also has offered shows’ assets to its channels to adapt for their audiences.

For “Take Two With Phineas and Ferb,” a talkshow-themed interstitial that paired the show’s toon stars with celebs like Jack Black, Taylor Swift and David Beckham, Disney made the animated sequences available for channels to feature local comedians and athletes like India standup comedian Cyrus Broacha.

Not every show has been a success for Disney, however.

Disney XD’s visually impressive and pricey animated series “Tron: Uprising,” based on the films, struggled to attract the channel’s core viewers of 6- 11-year-old boys. The series’ tone appealed more to an older audience that isn’t yet watching the channel.

“It did well with many segments of the audience, but missed some of the key demos,” DeBenedittis says. “It’s one of those examples where if the bull’s-eye is the Disney brand, and you go into the other rings, you take some risks in missing the magic of the bull’s-eye. (“Tron: Uprising” took the right risk and we created a show to be so proud of, but it hit the secondary ring of the target.”)

With a sequel to “Tron: Legacy” in the works at the studio, Disney Channels plans to eventually bring back “Tron,” but it may not be returning as the same show, DeBenedittis says.

Instead, live-action series like “Pair of Kings,” “Lab Rats,” “Kickin’ It!” and “Crash and Bernstein” are slowly defining what the Disney XD brand means.

“Live action has really been fueling much of our success,” DeBenedittis says, since the series have made it easier for young audiences to connect with the stories and characters, and engage with the talent playing them. But the company also sees the value of animation, given that “Phineas and Ferb” struck a chord with its uber-optimistic themes of imagination, friendship and anything being possible.

While most channels feature a balance of live action and animation, in parts of Asia, toons tend to work better.

“Asia tends to be a market that thrived on anime and animation,” DeBenedittis says. “The live action genre isn’t new, but in the kids landscape, we’re still showcasing this type of content to an audience that lives and breathes anime.” As a result, Disney plans to invest more on local programming in those markets, including Japan.

Moving forward, Marvel and Lucasfilm will play a more significant programming role for Disney XD in the U.S. and some global markets, with new shows featuring the Avengers, the Incredible Hulk and “Star Wars” characters. “Ultimate Spider-Man” already is the No. 1 series on XD in the U.K.

The company has pulled the plug on the animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” which had been airing on Cartoon Network over the past five seasons, to develop new shows.

Marvel and Lucasfilm offer “a world of really magical storytelling that has spanned generations, and we haven’t even scratched the surface of what this could mean for us,” DeBenedittis says.

Given how quickly its younger auds grow up, Disney’s shows typically have a short life, lasting around four years.

“That’s about all we need for kids in the landscape,” DeBenedittis says, citing the four-year run of “Hannah Montana” as an example of a series that saw its fanbase grow up and move on to other shows once it wrappedDisney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” enters its fourth season in April. “We will go to season five if there is still more story to tell,” DeBenedittis says.

Still the generational aspect is what helped greenlight “Girl Meets World,” a spinoff of “Boy Meets World,” that aired on ABC from 1993-2000.

“We think there is a whole other generation that is going on the same journey,” and will watch the updated series featuring the same cast as parents, with their kids, DeBenedittis says.

Because of its success, Disney wants to see its kids cable biz expand into even more markets in the future. Bob Iger has pushed the growth of Disney Channels since becoming Disney chairman and CEO in 2005.

In 2011, Disney paid $300 million for a 49% stake in Russia’s Seven TV to launch a free Disney Channel in 40 million homes. Last year, it spent $375 million to acquire UTV Software 

Communications, which produces local programming for Disney Channel India.

While it airs programming blocks featuring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other characters on China Central Television Network, a new Disney Channel could launch in China because of the company’s partnership with Shanghai Radio, Film and Television Development Co., which is involved with the construction of Disney’s new $3.7 billion park in Shanghai.

“With the addition of some of our Asian-based Disney Channels over the past few years — specifically Turkey, India and most recently Russia — we’ve been steadily adding to our distribution reach,” Marsh says. “The one significant country that remains on our wish list is China. Having a dedicated Disney Channel there to accompany the launch of Shanghai 

Disneyland, in 2015, represents a huge opportunity.” Marsh adds that the division already has installed a local China-based content creation team whose focus is to develop and produce locally sourced, Disney-branded content for distribution inside China — “content that will proudly showcase what Disney represents for current and future generations,” he says.

Disney also is expanding its digital presence through its Watch apps, which count 12.4 million downloads, as of February, with users spending 6 billion minutes watching Disney Channel content via live feeds or VOD on tablets and other mobile devices.

“For us it’s really about staying connected to our audience and being everywhere they are and want to be,” DeBenedittis says. “It’s really about making sure that there are many different ways of engaging with our audiences.

DCOM: "Teen Beach Movie" Official Trailer

Disney Channel have released the official full length trailer for the upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie, Teen Beach Movie which premieres July 19.

Starring are Ross Lynch (of Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally” and Hollywood Records’ R5) and Maia Mitchell (ABC Family’s upcoming “The Fosters”) as Brady and McKenzie, surfers who take the last wave of summer, one that mysteriously takes them into a classic beach party movie, Wet Side Story. There, it’s surfers versus bikers for control of the beach hangout…and everyone spontaneously breaks into song and dance. Brady and McKenzie must try to return to present day, but their lives may be changed forever when they inadvertently change the movie’s romantic storyline — and the movie’s handsome surf guy, Tanner, is falling for McKenzie while biker girl Lela is swooning for Brady.

Disney Channel’s Nikki Reed Replaces Donna Ebbs As Hub Head Of Programming

[Via deadline.com...]

Discovery Communications and Hasbro have poached Disney Channel/Disney XD executive Nikki Reed as head of programming for their joint venture, rival children’s cable network The Hub, which is looking to expand into live-action programming. Reed, named SVP Programming & Development for The Hub, replaces Donna Ebbs, who served as the first programming chief for The Hub since its October 2010 launch. Ebbs is now transitioning to a consultant and executive producer role. “Our goal is to utilize my relationships with writers, producers and talent to grow The Hub’s existing slate of programming and enhance it with more live-action series,” said Reed, who reports to The Hub president and CEO Margaret Loesch. Hub’s current lineup is dominated by animated shows, while Reed’s background is in primarily live-action programing. For the past three years, she was VP Original Series, overseeing live-action development for Disney Channel and Disney XD where she developed Jessie, Austin And Ally, Dog With A Blog, Lab Rats, and Crash & Bernstein. Before that, Reed, who has 15 years experience as an executive and producer, was VP Current and Development at Universal Cable Prods. She also spent five years as a development executive for executive producer Barry Kemp’s Bungalow 78 Prods while it was based at Touchstone TV and served as VP Development at Jon Turteltaub’s Junction Entertainment for Disney Studios.

What Life Is Really Like For A Disney Channel Star

[Via wsj.com...]

Bridgit Mendler is only 20 years old and she’s already set to start season four of her hit Disney Channel sitcom “Good Luck Charlie.” The actress, who recently released “Hurricane,” the new single from her solo album “Hello My Name Is…,” stopped by the Wall Street Journal this week to talk about her acting, her music, and being part of the Disney Channel empire. Mendler, who has starred in TV movies like “Lemonade Mouth” and the animated film “The Secret World Of Arrietty,” also answered a couple questions that readers send us via Twitter. Season four of “Good Luck Charlie” begins on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT with special guests The Muppets (Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Animal).

Watch the video of our interview with Mendler.
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Disney Introduces New Stars of the Upcoming Season

[Via etonline.com...]



Disney Channel has a new crop of youngsters for the next TV season and they were proud to introduce them (as well as the projects they're working on) at the network's upfronts yesterday in New York.

The event featured musical performances by Good Luck Charlie star Bridgit Mendler, Austin & Ally star Ross Lynch and Radio Disney's N.B.T. (Next Big Thing).

This marked the first red carpet event for Liv & Maddie star Dove Cameron (who is appearing in the Ashley Tisdale-produced movie Cloud 9), and she described the experience, saying, "Ever since I was negative 6-years-old, I've wanted to be here in this moment."

That moment included many sneak peeks presented by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Channels Worldwide.

Watch the video to get a glimpse at what's in store for Disney Channel, Disney XD, Radio Disney and Disney Junior.

2013 Disney Kids Upfront Announcement!

[Via Disney Channel Press Release...]

DISNEY CHANNELS WORLDWIDE PRESENTS PLAN TO BUILD ON ITS STRENGTH AT ANNUAL MEETING WITH ADVERTISERS

– Disney Junior Series are Tops, More Added to Popular Line-up;
24-hour Channel Will Begin Reporting Nielsen Ratings April 1, 2013 –

– Disney XD Booms, Expands its Popular Marvel Universe Block –

– Disney Channel Grows with Original Movies, Live Action and Animated Series, and Exciting New Cartoon Shorts Starring Mickey Mouse –

– Disney’s WATCH Apps Deliver More Than Half a Billion Video Views –

Buoyant after another year of record-setting ratings, Disney Channels Worldwide affirmed its plan to further build its creative and ratings strength, its audience engagement and its valuable multiplatform sales opportunities, today at Disney Media’s 2013-14 Kids Upfront presentation. Held at New York’s Hudson Theatre, many sponsors and advertisers attended the event with their children.

The evening included musical performances by the global sensation Bridgit Mendler (star of Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” and a Gold-certified Hollywood Records recording artist) and popular actor and Hollywood Records recording artist Ross Lynch (“Austin & Ally,” “Teen Beach Movie” and the band R5) who performed his Radio Disney hit song, “Can You Feel It.” The show opened with a performance by Radio Disney’s N.B.T. (Next BIG Thing) season five winners Chloe & Halle. Crash, the mischievous puppet star of Disney XD’s sitcom “Crash & Bernstein,” crashed the presentation. Special on-stage appearances were made by teen superstar Laura Marano (“Austin & Ally”) and newcomer Dove Cameron (of two upcoming Disney Channel projects, the movie “Cloud 9″ and comedy series “Liv & Maddie.”)

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “We remain focused on delivering distinctively Disney quality programming to kids and families around world and are invigorated by the remarkable viewer response we’ve seen across all key demographics over the past year.”

Marsh announced that the 24-hour Disney Junior channel, which accepts select sponsorships, will begin reporting Nielsen ratings as of April 1, 2013. The channel marks its first anniversary this month.

The daily Disney Junior block on Disney Channel has emerged as the leader with four hit series for kids age 2-7 and their parents: “Doc McStuffins” (cable TV’s #1 series of 2012 among Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5 and Boys 2-5), “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” (each Top 3 contenders in Kids 2-5 and Boys 2-5) and the new series “Sofia the First” (the #1 cable TV series for both of its two months among Kids, Girls 2-5 and the #1 preschooler cable TV series in Total Viewers and Women 18-49. November 2012′s premiere of “Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess” was the #1 telecast in cable TV history in Kids 2-5 and Girls 2-5, and #1 preschooler cable TV telecast ever in Total Viewers and Women 18-49).

Marsh also told advertisers that Disney XD will expand its Marvel Universe programming block with two new animated series, one starring the hugely popular super hero The Hulk and another starring The Avengers. For 2012, Disney XD soared to its biggest year in the channel’s history (including its 10 years as Toon Disney) with original series including “Lab Rats,” “Kickin’ It” and “Crash & Bernstein,” and the animated Marvel Universe series “Ultimate Spider-Man.” Disney XD posted yearly ratings records (in both Primetime and Total Day) in Total Viewers and its targeted kid and boy demographics, 2-11, 6-14, 6-11 and 9-14, rising by solid margins over year-ago results. Marvel’s “Ultimate Spider-Man” season two debuted in January 2013 and to date, is Disney XD’s #1 animated series in Kids and Boys 2-11 and Boys 6-11.

At the event, Marsh presented the first in an exciting series of cartoon shorts starring the endearing, adventurous and funny antics of Mickey Mouse, one of the most popular characters in the world. Produced by Disney Television Animation, the “Mickey Mouse” shorts preview beginning today, TUESDAY, MARCH 12 exclusively on Disney.com and will begin rolling out FRIDAY, JUNE 28 on Disney Channel, Disney.com and WATCH Disney Channel, among other platforms.

Rita Ferro, executive vice president, Disney Media Sales and Marketing, leads Disney’s powerful kids media sales enterprise through which marketers reach every part of the youth demographic and increasingly, a co-viewing Women 18-49 demographic. Ferro commented on the transformative ways in which audiences are engaging and extending the viewing experience. Disney Channels’ free WATCH apps — WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney Junior and WATCH Disney XD — have logged more than 12 million downloads and over half a billion video views.

Ferro said, “Our programming is woven fully into the lives of kids, moms, dads and caregivers – who connect with our characters and stories across Disney Media, linear TV and otherwise. They watch it, listen to it, play with it and own it.” She continued, “Disney’s WATCH apps are game changers and provide our clients with another powerful way to reach our audience and connect their brands to Disney’s quality programming.”

Disney Channel made history with its 2012 #1 rank in Total Day among Kids 2-11, the primary demographic for advertisers (breaking the competition’s 17-year record at #1). Disney Channel, which accepts select sponsorships, was also the #1 TV network in Total Day among Kids 6-11 for the second consecutive year, and was #1 for the fourth year among Tweens 9-14. In Primetime, Disney Channel was #1 for the twelfth consecutive year in Tweens 9-14 and for the tenth straight year in Kids 6-11, and was among the Top 2 cable networks in Total Viewers for the seventh consecutive year. The blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie franchise produced TV’s #1 movie among Tweens 9-14 for the past 11 years.

The exciting 2013-14 slate also includes new episodes of the hit sitcoms “Good Luck Charlie,” “A.N.T. Farm,” “Jessie,” “Austin & Ally,” “Shake It Up” and “Dog With A Blog,” and the animated series “Gravity Falls” and “Phineas and Ferb” for Disney Channel; and new seasons of the Disney XD series “Kickin’ It,” “Lab Rats,” “Crash & Bernstein” and “Ultimate Spider-Man.” The upcoming new projects are:

“Liv & Maddie” (working title) – 17-year-old newcomer Dove Cameron plays the dual role of identical twins in this upcoming sitcom. Ms. Cameron will also star in “Cloud 9,” a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering in 2014 (see below). The series was created by John Beck and Ron Hart (both of “According to Jim”). John Peaslee, Andy Fickman (“The Game Plan,” “Race to Witch Mountain”) and Betsy Sullenger are also executive producers. Cameron plays identical twins — an outstanding student and school basketball phenomenon whose popularity is on the rise until her twin sister, a television star, makes a triumphant return to their Wisconsin high school. Also starring are: Benjamin King, Kali Rocha, Joey Bragg and Tenzing Norgay Trainor.

“Star and the Forces of Evil" (working title) – this animated comedy adventure introduces Star Butterfly, a fun-loving magical teen princess from another dimension who — after a few bold skirmishes with other-worldly monsters — is sent by her Royal Parents to live with the Diaz family on Earth. Eden Sher (ABC’s “The Middle”) provides the voice of the lead character. Production has begun for a scheduled Fall 2014 premiere. Artist and writer Daron Nefcy is the series creator and co-executive producer.  Dave Wasson is co-executive producer and director and Jordana Arkin is story editor.  The series is from Disney Television Animation.

"Teen Beach Movie"- the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise -- which introduced a generation of kids and tweens to movie musicals -- will premiere the highly anticipated "Teen Beach Movie," a modern take on classic beach party movies, FRIDAY, JULY 19 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). Starring are Ross Lynch ("Austin & Ally" and Hollywood Records' R5) and Maia Mitchell (ABC Family's upcoming "The Fosters") as Brady and McKenzie, surfers who ride the last wave of summer, one that mysteriously takes them into a classic beach party movie, Wet Side Story. There, it's surfers versus bikers for control of the beach hangout...and everyone spontaneously breaks into song and dance. Brady and McKenzie must try to return to present day, but their lives may be changed forever when they inadvertently alter the movie's romantic storyline -- and the movie's handsome surf guy Tanner is now falling for McKenzie while biker girl Lela swoons for Brady. Also starring are: Grace Phipps ("The Nine Lives of Chloe King"), Garrett Clayton, John DeLuca, Chrissie Fit ("General Hospital"), Kevin Chamberlin ("Jessie") and Steve Valentine ("Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie"). The movie was directed by Jeffrey Hornaday (Disney Channel's "Geek Charming," choreographer of "A Chorus Line," "Flashdance") who also choreographed with Chris Scott ("Lemonade Mouth," "Step Up 4"). David Buelow ("Bring It On: Fight to the Finish") is the executive producer and Robert F. Phillips ("Teen Spirit," "Valkyrie") is the producer.

"Cloud 9" - multi-talented Ashley Tisdale and snowboarding superstar Shaun White are the executive producers of this Disney Channel Original Movie, an exhilarating story set in the world of competitive snowboarding. Starring Luke Benward ("Girl Vs. Monster") and newcomer Dove Cameron (who also stars in an upcoming Disney Channel series "Liv & Maddie" - working title), the movie is scheduled to premiere next winter on Disney Channel. "Cloud 9" is directed by three-time DGA Award winner Paul Hoen ("Let It Shine," "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,"). In addition to White and Tisdale, the movie is executive-produced by Jessica Rhoades ("Under Construction," "Beauty & the Briefcase") and Kirkland Tibbels.

"Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel" - the highly-anticipated animated adventure that assembles characters from two hugely popular Disney and Marvel franchises, "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel," premieres this summer on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Marking the first crossover animated special for Marvel and Disney properties, the epic television event will follow Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor and Hulk as they enter Danville after Dr. Doofenshmirtz's latest "inator" scheme accidentally removes their powers and immobilizes them. Now it's up to Phineas and Ferb to team up with the Marvel Super Heroes to help them regain their powers and defeat Marvel Super Villains - Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom and M.O.D.O.K. - who are working together with Dr. Doofenshmirtz to use his power-draining technology to create mayhem. "Phineas and Ferb" creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh designed Marvel's Super Heroes and Super Villains including Red Skull, Whiplash, Venom and M.O.D.O.K. to fit the Danville world of the Emmy Award-winning series. It is a production of Disney Television Animation. 

"Wander Over Yonder" - premiering in summer 2013, this animated comedy, created, directed and executive-produced by Emmy-winning producer Craig McCracken ("The Powerpuff Girls", "Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends"), is about best friends and epic enemies, set in surreal places across the universe. Wander is an overly-optimistic intergalactic traveler who, along with his loyal but bullish steed Sylvia, goes from planet to planet helping people to live free and have fun, all against the evil reign of Lord Hater and his army of Watchdogs. The voice cast includes Jack McBrayer ("30 Rock," "Phineas and Ferb"), Keith Ferguson ("Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends") and Tom Kenny ("SpongeBob SquarePants"). "Wander Over Yonder" is a production of Disney Television Animation.

DISNEY XD

"Marvel's Avengers Assemble" - This animated series follows the great adventures of Marvel's favorite super heroes, Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow and Falcon. A special one-hour preview will be presented SUNDAY, MAY 26, followed by the series premiere on SUNDAY, JULY 7. Starring are Adrian Pasdar as Iron Man, Fred Tatasciore reprising his role as Hulk, Roger Craig Smith as Captain America, Travis Willingham as Thor, Troy Baker as Hawkeye, Laura Bailey as Black Widow and Bumper Robinson as Falcon. Man of Action Studios ("Ben 10," "Generator Rex") -- comprised of Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle -- are executive producers.

"Hulk and the Agents S.M.A.S.H." - in this never before seen team up of Hulk, his cousin She-Hulk, A-Bomb, Red Hulk and Skaar, Marvel's mightiest super heroes form an eccentric family living under one roof, working together to tackle threats that are too enormous for other heroes to handle. From trying to house break their giant red pet T-Rex to stopping Ego the Living Planet from crashing into the Earth, the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. must learn to balance Hulk-sized action with everyday family-sized problems. The series premieres SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 (11:00 a.m., ET/PT). Starring are: Fred Tatasciore as Hulk, Clancy Brown as Red Hulk, Eliza Dushku as She-Hulk, Ben Diskin as Skaar and Seth Green as A-Bomb. The creative talents of Paul Dini ("Batman: The Animated Series," "Lost") and Henry Gilroy ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars") have been tapped for this series.

DISNEY JUNIOR

"Henry Hugglemonster" - this animated series, premiering in April on the 24-hour Disney Junior channel, follows the adventures of fun-loving five-year-old Henry Hugglemonster, the middle child in a madcap monster family. Based on the book series I'm a Happy Hugglewug by Niamh Sharkey, the series is produced by Brown Bag Films ("Doc McStuffins"). The guest voice cast includes Geri Halliwell, Brenda Blethyn and Brain Blessed. Cathal Gaffney and Darragh O'Connell are the executive producers, along with Niamh Sharkey. The series is a production of the Brown Bag Films ("Doc McStuffins").

"Sheriff Callie's Wild West" - this animated series, debuting in September 2013 on the 24-hour Disney Junior channel and programming block, is the first western for preschoolers, with Mandy Moore (Disney's "Tangled") as the voice of a kitty cat sheriff whose job is to ensure that the town of Nice and Friendly Corners remains the friendliest town in the West. The series was created by Denis Morella and George Evelyn and developed for television by Holly Huckins. Morella, Evelyn and Huckins serve as executive producers. It is a production of DHX Media in association with Disney Junior.

"The 7D" - this animated series presents an innovative, comedic look at the Seven Dwarfs before Snow White's arrival, this time in a contemporary storybook world designed for viewers age 2-7 and their families. Slated to debut in 2014 on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks around the world, it takes place in the whimsical world of Jollywood, where Queen Delightful relies on the 7D - Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc - to keep the kingdom in order. Standing in their way are two laughably evil villains, Grim and Hildy Gloom, who plot to take over the kingdom by stealing the magical jewels in the 7D's mine. With seven very distinct personalities, the 7D always manage to save the day and send Grim and Hildy running back to their evil lair to try another day. The executive producer is Tom Ruegger. Alfred Gimeno is the director and Sherri Stoner is the story editor. The characters are designed by Noah Z. Jones. The series is from Disney Television Animation.

RADIO DISNEY

Reaching more than 22 million listeners every week, over 7 million of them Women 18+, Radio Disney is the #1, 24-hour radio network devoted to kids, tweens and families. It's available on 31 owned terrestrial radio stations and via RadioDisney.com, Sirius XM satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, mobile phones, the Radio Disney iPhone and Android Apps, and the Radio Disney Facebook page. Each year, Radio Disney stations activate over 5000 local events in markets throughout the country.

Radio Disney Music Awards - the most popular recording artists among kids and tweens will be celebrated during this event, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. Selena Gomez, Cher Lloyd, Bridgit Mendler, Cody Simpson, Austin Mahone and Coco Jones are scheduled to perform at the event. Recognizing viewing habits of its young demographic, kids and tweens who utilize digital platforms and new technology to discover and listen to music, Radio Disney will present the Radio Disney Music Awards in segments, across multiple platforms -- on Vevo and on Disney Channel, Radio Disney, RadioDisney.com and Disney.com.

Radio Disney's NBT (Next BIG Thing) - entering it sixth season, "N.B.T." is the multi-platform program that puts the spotlight on young recording artists to provide them with national broadcast and online exposure, and gives them the opportunity to perform in multiple cities through a concert tour. Radio Disney and Disney Channel audiences look, listen and vote for their favorite artist at RadioDisney.com, Radio Disney's Facebook page and Twitter, and via text.