During Disney Branded Television‘s Winter Television Critics Association press conference, the studio announced its plans to deepen its relationship with superstar kids’ show creator Dan Povenmire as well as Season 2 renewals of new and upcoming preschool animation hits.
Dan Povenmire, co-creator and executive producer of the global mega-hit Phineas and Ferb, has entered into a new overall deal with Disney Branded Television which includes production of 40 all-new episodes of Phineas and Ferb, a second season renewal of the animated superhero series Hamster & Gretel and the development of live-action projects.
Povenmire commented, “It has been the greatest pleasure of my career to see how an entire generation of kids and parents have embraced the characters and the humor of Phineas and Ferb. I’m eagerly looking forward to diving back into the show for them and for a whole new generation.”
Phineas and Ferb is a five-time Emmy Award-winner and the most successful animated series for Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in Disney Television Animation history. Launched in 2008, the series follows two resourceful stepbrothers who conquer boredom and make every day of summer vacation count, often to the chagrin of their sister Candace. Since its premiere, Hamster & Gretel ties as the #1 cable series among Kids age 6-11 delivery.
“Dan is renowned for his ability to create universally beloved stories and characters with both heart and humor,” said DBTV President Ayo Davis, who made the announcement. “We couldn’t be happier to continue our collaboration with him and bring back the iconic Phineas and Ferb in a big way.”
Povenmire created and executive-produced the Disney+ animated adventure movie Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe, for which he also was supervising director, and Disney Channel’s animated series Milo Murphy’s Law, which earned three Emmy nominations. His most recent creation, Hamster & Gretel, receives a second season order, and he will continue as its executive producer.
Over his career, Povenmire’s series have received 14 Emmy nominations in multiple categories, including Voiceover and Songwriting. Phineas and Ferb accounts for 10 of those nominations and five Emmy Award wins. He wrote and co-wrote some 500 songs for Phineas and Ferb, Milo Murphy’s Law and Hamster & Gretel, many of which have become Gen Z favorites and continue to trend on TikTok and other social media platforms where he has built a worldwide fan base and is known to reprise his popular Phineas and Ferb character, Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz.
With over 25 years of experience in directing, storyboarding and writing, Povenmire has worked on multiple critically acclaimed animated series, including Family Guy, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Simpsons, Rocko’s Modern Life and Hey Arnold! He was born in California and raised in Mobile, Alabama. He studied cinema at the University of Southern California.
On the heels of a record-breaking year where Disney Junior ranked as 2022’s #1 TV Network among Kids 2-5 overall and retained its standing as the #1 Preschool Network for the last 10 years (every year since its launch), Disney Branded Television has ordered second seasons of its newest animated series Firebuds and SuperKitties, as well as an early Season 2 renewal for upcoming series Pupstruction.
“Firebuds, SuperKitties and Pupstruction all encompass what Disney Junior does best,” said Davis. “Each of these series embrace signature Disney qualities of imagination, adventure and heart, with music you can sing along to, and fun, energetic characters that embody positivity, optimism and the power of teamwork.”
Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Craig Gerber (Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First), Firebuds 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. Each episode is comprised of two 11-minute stories that showcase the importance of teamwork, helping fellow citizens and volunteerism. The series is produced by Disney Television Animation.
Firebuds premiered in September 2022 and has quickly become a fan favorite. Launch to date, the series is Disney Junior’s #1 series with Kids and Girls 2-5, as well as a Top 5 Cable series with Kids 2-5 and #1 with Girls 2-5. Extensions include a soundtrack from Walt Disney Records, storybooks from Disney Publishing and a toy line from Spin Master launching in summer 2023.
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 their town of Kittydale a more caring and “pawesome” place. Defeating villains and imparting important messages of kindness, empathy, friendship, resilience and problem-solving, the series is created and executive produced by Emmy winner Paula Rosenthal (Peter Rabbit). Emmy-winning producer, director and storyboard artist Kirk Van Wormer (Transformers: Prime) is co-executive producer. Produced by Sony Pictures Television – Kids in association with Disney Junior.
SuperKitties debuted this week (Jan. 11) and is off to an impressive start, with the series’ theme song racking up over 500,000 views on Disney Junior YouTube since it was released three weeks ago. The digital soundtrack for the series, Disney Junior Music: SuperKitties, was released by Walt Disney Records in conjunction with the series premiere on Jan. 11.
In addition to airing on Disney Channel and Disney Junior, some episodes of both Firebuds and Superkitties are available to stream on Disney+.
Pupstruction is a vibrant new series about the first all-dog construction company, Pupstruction. The series centers on Phinny, an innovative young corgi, who along with the rest of the Pupstruction crew ― including spontaneous sheepdog, Luna; adventurous rottweiler, Roxy; and lovable mastiff, Tank — pours his mud, sweat, drool and plenty of heart into keeping his beloved town of Petsburg in tip-top shape. Debuting Summer 2023.
The series is created and executive produced by Travis Braun (T.O.T.S.). Victor Cook (T.O.T.S.) also serves as executive producer. Emmy winner Robyn Brown (Muppet Babies) is co-producer/story editor on S1 and will serve as co-executive producer/story editor on S2. Pupstruction is produced by Titmouse in association with Disney Junior.
