Production
During the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis announced the development of an animated television series inspired by "The Little Mermaid." [34] The series is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior. Lynne Southerland serves as executive producer, while Keith Wagner and Norma P. Sepulveda act as story editors. Ezra Edmond is credited as producer, with Kuni Tomita Bowen as supervising director and Chrystin Garland as art director. [35] To ensure cultural authenticity, the production team consulted Dr. Patricia Saunders for cultural supervision and Sean Skeete for guidance on Caribbean music, aiming to accurately represent Caribbean heritage. [36] The songwriting team consists of Tone Jones, Sofia Quinn, and Olivia "Livvi" Waithe. [37] 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. [5] The series was renewed for a second season in June 2025. [38]
Release
The first trailer for Ariel was released on International Mermaid Day, confirming that Ursula is portrayed as Ariel's aunt and former instructor at a magic camp. [41] The series premiered on Disney Jr. and later aired on Disney Channel on June 27, 2024. [42] The series was subsequently made available for streaming on Disney+. [43] Furthermore, both Ariel and Ariel: Mermaid Tales were released on Disney Now. [44]
In October 2024, Ariel was included in the Disney Junior Cinema Club, a UK-based interactive cinema experience aimed at pre-school audiences. The event featured screenings at select cinemas, including Cineworld, Vue, Odeon, Everyman, and Picturehouse locations. Designed to introduce young children to the big screen, the program combined episodes from Disney Junior series with interactive segments such as songs, games, and dancing. As part of the line-up, Ariel was showcased alongside other titles like Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Bluey, and Winnie the Pooh shorts. [45]
A short series Ariel: The Little Mermaid – Songs from the Crystal Cavern premiered on August 17, 2025 on Disney+. [46] [47]
Reception
Critical response
Caleb Gottry of Plugged In appreciated the Ariel's diverse representation, including Black and Latina characters, and praised its positive portrayal of mixed and same-gender friendships. He emphasized that each episode imparts lessons on patience, responsibility, and forgiveness, and reassured parents that the series is appropriate for young viewers. In his review of the first episode, Gottry found that the segments promote messages about valuing diversity and prioritizing friendship over competition. [48] Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media gave Ariel a score of five stars out of five and said it offers a fresh take on The Little Mermaid that is suited for young viewers. Moulton found that the series presents gentle challenges and features modest character designs, making it appropriate for preschoolers. She appreciated its focus on positive social-emotional lessons such as celebrating differences, listening to friends, and learning through small steps. Moulton praised Ariel as a strong role model who is kind, proactive, and able to learn from her mistakes. She also complimented the show's celebration of Caribbean cultures through its music, characters, and settings, highlighting its racially diverse cast and inclusive character designs. [49]
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