Following its highly watched movie premiere, Disney’s newest animated star, Sofia the First will begin its series run on Friday, January 11 on Disney Channel at 9:30 a.m. and on Disney Junior at 5:30 p.m. Created for kids 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, Sofia the First tells the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a princess and, throughout her journey, learns that possessing the characteristics of a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace – is what makes one truly royal.
Classic Disney Princesses Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Jasmine make special appearances in event episodes throughout the year, offering Sofia words of wisdom when she needs them most. Fauna, Flora and Merryweather (the fairy godmothers of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty) are featured as the headmistresses of Sofia’s new school, Royal Prep Academy.
The series stars the voices of Ariel Winter as Sofia, the young princess in training; Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda, Sofia’s loyal and caring mother; Wayne Brady as Clover, Sofia’s wise-talking rabbit sidekick, and Tim Gunn as Baileywick, the castle’s royal steward. Eric Stonestreet guest stars in the premiere episode as the voice of Sofia’s flying horse, Minimus. Other notable guest stars include Viola Davis, Bonnie Hunt, Ellie Kemper, Megan Mullally, Kiernan Shipka and Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development).
The November 18 premiere of Disney Junior’s the TV movie Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess drew 5.2 million viewers, and made the pic the #1 cable TV telecast of 2012 among Kids 2-5 (1.5 million/9.1 rating) and Girls 2-5 (954,000/12.2 rating).
Events across multiple platforms will mark the series debut, with a preview of the premiere episode available via Disney Channel SVOD, WATCH Disney Junior and on iTunes beginning Friday, Jan. 4. The Jan. 11 linear premiere on Disney Channel will be simulcast on WATCH Disney Channel and mobile providers AT&T and Sprint TV. Following the premiere, throughout January, new episodes will be available one week prior to their linear premiere via Disney Channel SVOD and WATCH Disney Junior.
In early January, www.disneyjunior.com/sofia will launch the new game, “Minimus the Great,” where players can help Sofia take care of her horse Minimus and train for the big Royal Prep Flying Derby race.
Craig Gerber (Pixie Hollow Games) developed the series and serves as co-executive producer and story editor. Jamie Mitchell (Special Agent Oso) is executive producer and director. John Kavanaugh (Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo) serves as songwriter/music director and Kevin Kliesch (Tangled Ever After) is the composer.
