| Logo used from 1 December 2025 | |
| Country | Italy |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area |
|
| Headquarters | Milan |
| Programming | |
| Language | Italian |
| Picture format | |
| Timeshift service | Disney Junior +1 |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | The Walt Disney Company (Italia) S.R.L. Disney Channels Worldwide |
| Sister channels | Disney Channel Disney XD |
| History | |
| Launched | 1 May 2005 (as Playhouse Disney) 14 May 2011 (as Disney Junior) 1 December 2025 (relaunch, as Disney Jr.) |
| Closed | 1 May 2020 (original) |
| Replaced by | Disney+ (most of its content) |
| Former names | Playhouse Disney (2005-2011) Disney Junior (2011-2020) |
| Links | |
| Website | disneyjunior |
Disney Jr. is an Italian pay television channel that was owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company Italy. It was launched on May 14, 2011, after it replaced Playhouse Disney with the channel being available on pay TV via Sky Italia and Mediaset Premium (until September 30, 2016). [1] [2] [3] It is set to be relaunched on December 1, 2025.
Initially, like in the United States, Playhouse Disney was a programming block on Disney Channel, airing from 8:30am to 12:30pm. [4] [5]
An independent Playhouse Disney channel launched on 1 May 2005 Sky (channel 611 of the Primo Sky package), becoming the fourth Disney-branded channel to launch. This coincided with the launch of four new channels on the platform that same day. [6] During commercial breaks, the Bocconcini presenters announced the following program. [7] In 2008, these segments were replaced by Ooh, Aah & You. [8] At night, the channel initially closed down with the Goodbye Song from Bear in the Big Blue House . [9] It was later replaced by a local song featuring the mascots Frù and Pelù. [10]
On 8 December 2008, the channel launches on Mediaset Premium through the Mediaset 1 multiplex as part of the new Premium Fantasy package of kids channels. [11]
On 31 July 2009, Playhouse Disney + launched on Sky, as a 25-minute timeshift. [12]
In 2010, it launched Playhouse Disney Live!, a stage show featuring the characters of the channel's key shows. [13] [14] [15]
On 14 May 2011, as part of a global rebranding plan, the channel was renamed Disney Junior. [16]
In October 2019, Disney Junior began broadcasting in Switzerland replacing Disney XD, However on April 1, 2020, the channel would also stop airing in Switzerland. [17] [18]
Disney Junior and its timeshift ceased broadcasting on May 1, 2020 due to Disney failing to renew a deal with Sky Italy, with content moving to Disney+. [19] The channel will relaunch on 1 December 2025, using the current Disney Jr. branding introduced in 2024. [20]