Ariel, also known as Disney Jr.'s Ariel, is an American animated television series produced by Wild Canary Animation. Inspired by "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen, the 1989 animated film of the same name by Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the 2023 live-action remake, the series premiered on Disney Jr. on June 27, 2024.
| Ariel | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Disney Jr.'s Ariel |
| Inspired by | |
| Voices of |
|
| Opening theme | "Ariel Main Title Theme", written by Chantry Johnson, Michelle Zarlenga & Rosemarie Tan |
| Ending theme | "Making Waves", written by Anthony M. Jones, Olivia Waithe & Sofia Quinn |
| Composers |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Ezra Edmond |
| Running time | 22 minutes (11 minutes per segment) |
| Production company | Wild Canary Animation |
| Original release | |
| Network | Disney Jr. |
| Release | June 27, 2024 – present |
Premise
editAriel is growing up with her friends in the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. As she attends magic camp taught by her "tauntie Ursula", Ariel goes on a number of adventures, learning about her Caribbean-inspired surroundings and inspiring others with her voice.[1]
Characters
editMain
edit- Ariel (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris) is an 8-year-old mermaid princess of the underwater kingdom Atlantica.[2]
- King Triton (voiced by Taye Diggs as an adult, Jeremiah Felder as a child) is Ariel's father, Ursula's brother and King of Atlantica.[2] As a kid, he had the nickname Tri-Tri.[3]
- Ursula (voiced by Amber Riley), a sea witch and Triton's sister and Ariel's aunt.[2] Unlike the films, Ursula is not antagonistic and has been nicknamed "Tauntie" by Ariel.
- Ebb and Flo, Ursula's pet moray eels[4]
- Lucia (voiced by Elizabeth Phoenix Caro) is Ariel's friend.[2]
- Fernie (voiced by Cruz Flateau) is Ariel's friend.[2]
- Flounder (voiced by Gracen Newton) is a fish who is Ariel's friend.[2]
Recurring
edit- Sebastian (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson) is a crab who is the royal composer and one of Ariel's friends. Richardson reprises his role from the Kingdom Hearts video games.[5][a]
- Ravi (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)[5]
- Ayanna (voiced by Dana Heath) is Alanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.[5]
- Alanna (voiced by Jessica Mikayla) is Ayanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.[5]
- Hermès (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)[7]
- Cristina Cuttles (voiced by Alanna Ubach)[5][8]
- Clamila (voiced by Somali Rose)[9]
- Delfino (voiced by Ron Funches)[5][10]
- Navi (voiced by Melissa Villaseñor)[5][11]
- Bembé (voiced by Madelyn Skyler Tee)[11]
- Tantie Chantale (voiced by Danni Washington)[5][12]
- Aquatica (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown)[5]
Guest
edit- Squid (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)[13]
- Duke of Clownfish (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[7]
- Jewels (voiced by Amari McCoy)[14]
- Revi (voiced by Rizwan Manji)[11]
- Wahoo Fish (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)[11]
- Remy (voiced by Ryan Lopez)[12]
- Sanka (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui)[12]
- Kite Monster (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[15]
- Ronaldo (voiced by Ayush Rajmachikar)[16]
Episodes
editThis section needs a plot summary. (October 2024) |
| No. | Title [17][18][19] | Directed by | Written by | Storyboarded by | Original air date [17][18][19] | Prod. code [17][19] | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Atlantica Day" | Kuni Tomita | Keith Wagner | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | June 27, 2024 | 101 | N/A |
| "A Winner's Spirit" | Steven E. Gordon | Norma P. Sepulveda | Pete Mekis & Rick Farmiloe | ||||
| 2 | "Ursula's Magic Camp" | Dan Fraga | Maria Escobedo | Shawna Cha & Wendy Grieb | June 27, 2024 | 102 | N/A |
| "Fernie's Notebook" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Rafael Rosado, Jordan Koch & Rick Farmiloe | |||||
| 3 | "Crystal Cavern Caper" | Steven E. Gordon | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | June 27, 2024 | 104 | N/A |
| "A Banner Moment" | Maria Escobedo | Barry Caldwell | |||||
| 4 | "The Endless Sleepover" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch | July 5, 2024[b] | 105 | N/A |
| "Daddy Daughter Dinner" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | |||||
| 5 | "Copy Catfish" | Monica Tomova | Maria Escobedo | Robert Souza & Wendy Grieb | July 12, 2024[b] | 106 | N/A |
| "Happy Crabby Day" | Shawneè & Shawnelle Gibbs | Arthur Valencia & Floyd Norman | |||||
| 6 | "Smoothie Shake-Up" | Steven E. Gordon | Norma P. Sepulveda | Pete Mekis & Wendy Grieb | July 19, 2024[b] | 107 | N/A |
| "Family Picture Day" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Clint Taylor | |||||
| 7 | "The Cuttlebaby Sitter" | Dan Fraga | Story by : Halcyon Person Written by : Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | July 26, 2024[b] | 108 | N/A |
| "Flounder the Leader" | Joe Purdy | Jordan Koch & Rick Farmiloe | |||||
| 8 | "The Clean Team" | Monica Tomova | Keith Wagner | Robert Souza | August 2, 2024[b] | 103 | N/A |
| "Clamming Up" | Norma P. Sepulveda | Arthur Valencia & Wendy Grieb | |||||
| 9 | "The Singing Dolphin" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Kelly James & Wendy Grieb | August 9, 2024 | 109 | N/A |
| "The Happy Patty Clap" | Michelle Calderón | Clint Taylor | |||||
| 10 | "Ravi and Navi" | Monica Tomova | Maria Escobedo | Robert Souza | August 16, 2024 | 111 | N/A |
| "Chef Flounder" | Teresa Kale | Arthur Valencia & Wendy Grieb | |||||
| 11 | "The Brave Little Goby" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch | August 30, 2024 | 110 | N/A |
| "Kid Triton" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Rafael Rosado & Rick Farmiloe | |||||
| 12 | "Ariel's Tall Mer-Tale" | Monica Tomova | Keith Wagner | Robert Souza, Rick Farmiloe & Wendy Grieb | September 6, 2024 | 114 | N/A |
| "Remy, the Houseguest" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Arthur Valencia | |||||
| 13 | "La Sirenusca" | Steven E. Gordon | Norma P. Sepulveda | Clint Taylor & George Oliver Holguin | September 30, 2024[c] | 112 | N/A |
| "Substitute Sebastian" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Kelly James Givan & Wendy Grieb | |||||
| 14 | "The Kite Monster" | Dan Fraga | Norma P. Sepulveda | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | October 4, 2024[c] | 113 | N/A |
| "The Spooky Mirror Trick" | Maria Escobedo | Jordan Koch | |||||
| 15 | "Fernie's Dra Konfó" | Steven E. Gordon | Michelle Calderón | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | October 25, 2024 | 115 | N/A |
| "Lucia, Lucia, Lucia!" | Kelly James Givan | ||||||
| 16 | "The Lost Dogfish" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | November 8, 2024 | 118 | TBD |
| "Swim Scouts" | Michelle Calderón | Kelly James Givan | |||||
| 17 | "Daddy Daughter Adventure Day" | TBA | TBA | TBA | November 29, 2024[d] | 119 | TBD |
| "Rainbow Sea Caves" | |||||||
| 18 | "Flounder's Christmas Letter" | TBA | TBA | TBA | December 2, 2024[d] | 116 | TBD |
| "Holiday Toy Box Trouble" | |||||||
Mermaid Tales
edit| No. | Title [citation needed] | Disney+ release date [citation needed] | YouTube/Disney Jr. release date [citation needed] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Ariel's Tail" | June 5, 2024 | June 4, 2024 (YouTube) June 5, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 2 | "The Quiet Game" | June 5, 2024 | June 5, 2024 (Disney Jr.) June 6, 2024 (YouTube) |
| 3 | "Palace Puzzle" | June 5, 2024 | June 5, 2024 (Disney Jr.) June 6, 2024 (YouTube) |
| 4 | "Ariel's Palace Tour" | June 5, 2024 | June 6, 2024 (YouTube) June 7, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 5 | "The Friendship Smoothie" | June 5, 2024 | June 7, 2024 (YouTube) June 10, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 6 | "A Fashion Emergency" | June 5, 2024 | June 8, 2024 (YouTube) June 11, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 7 | "Dress Up Mess Up" | June 5, 2024 | June 8, 2024 (YouTube) June 12, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 8 | "Magic Breakfast" | June 5, 2024 | June 8, 2024 (YouTube) June 13, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 9 | "The Silly Trumpetfish" | June 5, 2024 | June 8, 2024 (YouTube) June 14, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
| 10 | "Hiccup Gone Amuck" | June 5, 2024 | June 8, 2024 (YouTube) June 24, 2024 (Disney Jr.) |
Production
editAt the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Ayo Davis announced that Disney Branded Television had developed an animated television show inspired by "The Little Mermaid".[20] The main cast was announced in August 2023, which included Mykal-Michelle Harris as Ariel, Taye Diggs as King Triton, and Amber Riley as Ursula, among others.[2]
On International Mermaid Day, the first trailer was released with confirmation that Ursula was Ariel's aunt and instructor at magic camp.[21]
Discography
editAll credits adapted from Apple Music and Spotify.[22][23]
Singles
edit| Year | Title | Album | Writer(s) | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "Shimmer" | Disney Jr. Music: Ariel | Anthony M. Jones, Sofia Quinn, Olivia Waithe | Anthony M. Jones |
| "Ariel (Theme Song)" | Chantry Johnson, Michelle Zarlenga, Rosemarie Tan | Chantry Johnson |
Studio albums
edit| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Disney Jr. Music: Ariel |
Track listing
|
Release
editAriel premiered on Disney Jr. and later aired on Disney Channel on June 27, 2024.[24] The series was subsequently made available for streaming on Disney+.[25] Furthermore, both Ariel and Ariel: Mermaid Tales were released on Disney Now.[26]
Reception
editCaleb Gottry of Plugged In complimented how Ariel depicts mixed and same-gender friendships, and asserted that children learn lessons about forgiveness, patience, and responsibility through the show.[27] Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media gave Ariel a score of five stars out of five and noted the depiction of positive messages and role models, stating the character of Ariel is kind and caring. She acknowledged the educational value of the series, saying Ariel teaches social-emotional lessons, and wrote, "Fresh take on beloved mermaid will delight littlest viewers."[28]
In other media
editDisney Jr.'s Ariel made her debut at Disneyland during the Disney Jr. "Let’s Play! Parade," which took place on D23 Day at Disney California Adventure.[29][30]
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ Mishra, Shrishty (March 30, 2024). "The Little Mermaid Has "Fin-tastic" Adventures in First Disney Junior's Ariel Trailer". Collider. Valnet Inc.
- ^ a b c d e f g Andreeva, Nellie (August 18, 2023). "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Revival Leads Disney Junior Slate; Taye Diggs To Voice King Triton With Amber Riley As Ursula In Ariel Animated Series". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on August 21, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
- ^ "The Brave Little Goby / Kid Triton". DisneyNow. August 30, 2024. Archived from the original on August 30, 2024.
- ^ "Atlantica Day / A Winner's Spirit". DisneyNow. June 27, 2024. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i ""Disney Jr.'s Ariel" to Make a Splash Thursday, June 27" (Press release). Disney Branded Television. May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024 – via The Futon Critic.
- ^ "La Sirenusca / Substitute Sebastian". DisneyNow. September 30, 2024. Archived from the original on October 1, 2024.
- ^ a b "Crystal Cavern Caper / A Banner Moment". DisneyNow. June 28, 2024. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024.
- ^ "The Cuttlebaby Sitter / Flounder the Leader". DisneyNow. June 28, 2024. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024.
- ^ "The Clean Team / Clamming Up". DisneyNow. June 28, 2024. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024.
- ^ "The Singing Dolphin / The Happy Patty Clap". DisneyNow. August 9, 2024. Archived from the original on August 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Ariel's Tall Mer-Tale / Remy, the Houseguest". DisneyNow. September 6, 2024. Archived from the original on September 20, 2024.
- ^ "Ursula's Magic Camp / Fernie's Notebook". DisneyNow. June 27, 2024. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024.
- ^ "Copy Catfish / Happy Crabby Day". DisneyNow. June 28, 2024. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024.
- ^ "The Kite Monster / The Spooky Mirror Trick". DisneyNow. October 4, 2024. Archived from the original on October 8, 2024.
- ^ "The Lost Dogfish / Swim Scouts". DisneyNow. November 8, 2024. Archived from the original on November 9, 2024.
- ^ a b c "DISNEY JR.'S ARIEL (DISNEY JUNIOR)". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
- ^ a b "Disney Jr's Ariel Season 1 Episode Guide". Zap2it. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Disney Jr.'s Ariel". Disney Branded Television Press. Disney General Entertainment Content. Retrieved September 24, 2024.
- ^ Hopewell, Joh (June 13, 2023). "Disney Branded Television Greenlights Disney Junior's Ariel, Inspired by The Little Mermaid (Exclusive)". Variety. Penske Media Corporation. Archived from the original on June 13, 2023.
- ^ Swift, Andy (March 29, 2024). "Disney Junior's Ariel Reinvents Ursula as the Little Mermaid's Magical Mentor — Watch Trailer". TVLine. Penske Media Corporation.
- ^ "Ariel - Cast on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ "Ariel - Cast on Spotify". Spotify. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (May 8, 2024). "Disney Junior Debuts 'Ariel' Theme Song Ahead of June 27 Premiere". Animation Magazine. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ Harris, Raquel 'Rocky' (June 26, 2024). "How to Watch 'Disney Jr.'s Ariel': Will the Animated Series Be Streaming?". TheWrap. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ "Watch Disney Junior Ariel TV Show | Disney Junior on DisneyNOW". DisneyNow. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ Gottry, Caleb. "Disney Junior's Ariel". Plugged In. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Moulton, Ashley. "Disney Jr.'s Ariel TV Review". Common Sense Media. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "Disney Jr. Ariel Debuts in Disney Parks During Disney Jr. Let's Play! Parade". Daps Magic. August 8, 2024. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
- ^ Manning, Luke (August 8, 2024). "Photos / Video: Disney Jr. Let's Play! Party Takes Over Disney California Adventure with Special Cavalcade, Debut of "Disney Jr.'s Ariel," and More". LaughingPlace.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.