Inspired by the iconic Disney classic “The Little Mermaid,” the highly anticipated animated musical series “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” will premiere SATURDAY, JUNE 29, on Disney Jr. Channel. Adding to the excitement, the series welcomes a star-studded cast of recurring characters voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown, Melissa Villaseñor and Ron Funches.
The adventure begins with a special premiere event featuring back-to-back episodes on Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. KSA. Families can also catch Ariel throughout the day on the same dates at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. KSA. This series is available in Saudi Arabia on Channel #10 exclusively through STC in English and Arabic. Viewers can also watch “Disney Jr. Ariel” through the STC app.
Set in the Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows young mermaid princess Ariel (Mykal-Michelle Harris) as she embarks on underwater adventures with her family and friends, including King Triton (Taye Diggs), Ursula (Amber Riley), Flounder (Gracen Newton) and mer-friends Fernie (Cruz Flateau) and Lucia (Elizabeth Phoenix Caro).
Each episode highlights themes of self-expression, curiosity and resourcefulness and celebrates the multicultural elements of the Caribbean through food, fashion, language and folklore. Dr. Patricia Saunders, professor of English and hemispheric Caribbean studies and director of graduate studies at the University of Miami, serves as cultural consultant on the series.
In addition to Brown as Aquatica, Villaseñor as Navi, and Funches as Delfino, the series recurring cast includes Kevin Michael Richardson as Sebastian, Parvesh Cheena as Ravi, Danni Washington as Tantie Chantale, Alanna Ubach as Cristina Cuttles, and Dana Heath and Jessica Mikayla as Ariel’s twin sisters Ayanna and Alanna, respectively.
Music plays an integral role in the series, with original songs inspired by the diverse genres of Caribbean music. The acclaimed songwriting teams comprise Anthony M. Jones (Tone), Sofia Quinn, Olivia Waithe, Chantry Johnson, Michelle Zarlenga and Rosemarie Tan. EmmyⓇ Award-winner Christopher Willis serves as composer, while Sean Skeete, dean of the Professional Performance division at Berklee College of Music, is the Caribbean music consultant.
“Disney Jr.’s Ariel” is executive produced by Lynne Southerland and is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Jr..