The “circle of life” continues at Walt Disney’s kids’ networks, as “The Lion Guard,” the animated extension of the company’s 1994 “Lion King” franchise, has gotten a nod for a second season, along with “Goldie & Bear,”a modern, animated take on old fairy tales. Disney Junior, the cable network aimed at pre-schoolers, has ordered two new original series. “Vampirina,” and “Puppy Dog Tails.”
“Vampirina” is inspired by Disney Publishing’s popular children’s book series “Vampirina Ballerina,” and tells the story of a young vampire girl who becomesthe new kid in town when her family moves from Transylvania to Pennsylvania. The show will be led by many of the exectuives behind “Doc McStuffins,” the hit Disney preschool series led by executive producer Chris Nee and co-executive producer Norton Virgien. Nicky Phelan will direct the series, and animation studio Brown Bag Films is producing in association with Disney Junior.
“Puppy Dog Tails” is created by comedian and actor Harland Williams, and tells the story of two fun-loving pug puppies, Bingo and Rolly and their thrill-seeking adventures. Williams serves as consulting producer with Sean Coyle as executive producer and Dean Batali as story editor. The series is a production of Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.
Disney said “The Lion Guard” series premiered in January 2016 and, for the second consecutive month, ranked as the number-one series across preschooler networks in total viewers and preschoolers between 2 and 5. The company said “Goldie & Bear” was 2015’s #1 series across preschool networks.
