Ariel (TV series)
American animated television series
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ariel, also known as Disney Jr.'s Ariel and Ariel – The Little Mermaid beginning in its second season, is an American animated television series produced by Wild Canary Animation for Disney Jr. that premiered on June 27, 2024.[1] The series is inspired by "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen, the 1989 animated film by Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the 2023 live-action remake.[2] The series was renewed for a second season in June 2025.[3] The second season premiered on November 10, 2025.[4]
- Disney Jr.'s Ariel
- Ariel – The Little Mermaid
- Keith Wagner
- Norma P. Sepulveda
- Maria Escobedo
- Michelle Calderon
- Walinase Mbekeani
- Lynne Southerland
- Matt Acuña
- Denisse De La Cruz
- Monique R. Brandon
- Kerri Grant
- Teresa Kale
| Ariel | |
|---|---|
![](#/media/File:Logo_of_"Ariel".png) | |
| Also known as |
|
| Created by | Lynne Southerland |
| Inspired by | |
| Written by |
|
| Screenplay by | Keith Wagner Norma P. Sepulveda |
| Directed 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 | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 49 |
| 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
Ariel 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.[5]
Characters
Main
- Ariel (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris) is an 8-year-old mermaid princess of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica.[6]
- King Triton (voiced by Taye Diggs as an adult, Jeremiah Felder as a child) is Ariel's father, Ursula's brother and the king of Atlantica.[6] As a kid, he had the nickname Tri-Tri.[7]
- Ursula (voiced by Amber Riley), a sea witch, Triton's younger sister and Ariel's paternal aunt.[6] Unlike the films, Ursula is not antagonistic and has been nicknamed "Tauntie" by Ariel.
- Ebb and Flo, Ursula's pet moray eels[8]
- Lucia (voiced by Elizabeth Phoenix Caro) is Ariel's friend who is learning to do magic.[6]
- Fernie (voiced by Cruz Flateau) is Ariel's friend who loves learning about animals.[6]
- Flounder (voiced by Gracen Newton) is a fish who is Ariel's friend.[6]
- Akiko (voiced by Kai Zen) is a mermaid who lives in the Crystal World.[9]
Recurring
- 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.[10][a]
- Ravi (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)[10]
- Ayanna (voiced by Dana Heath) is Alanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.[10]
- Alanna (voiced by Jessica Mikayla) is Ayanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.[10]
- Hermes (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)[12]
- Jewels (voiced by Amari McCoy) is Ariel, Alanna, and Ayanna's cousin.[13]
- Cristina Cuttles (voiced by Alanna Ubach)[10][14]
- Clamila (voiced by Somali Rose)[15]
- Delfino (voiced by Ron Funches)[10][16]
- Navi (voiced by Melissa Villaseñor)[10][17]
- Bembe (voiced by Madelyn Skyler Tee)[17]
- Wahoo Fish (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)[17]
- Tantie Chantale (voiced by Danni Washington) is Triton and Ursula's sister and a marine biologist.[10][18] As a kid, she had the nickname Chanty.[19]
- Remy (voiced by Ryan Lopez)[18]
- Sanka (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui)[18]
- Ronaldo (voiced by Ayush Rajmachikar)[20]
- Sea Bunnies (voiced by Steve Moore)[21]
- Calamar (voiced by Hunter Corleto)[22]
- Aquatica (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown)[10][23]
- Axyl (voiced by Martin Wichmann Andersen) is Akiko's pet crystal axolotl.[9]
- Patrice (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown) is Akiko's mother.[9][24]
- Serena Shrimply (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[25]
- Marcel Mahi-Mahi (voiced by John Eric Bentley) is an acrobat fish who, alongside his brother Maurice, is a part of The Marvelous Mahi-Mahi Brothers show.[25]
- Maurice Mahi-Mahi (voiced by John Eric Bentley) is an acrobat fish who, alongside his brother Marcel, is a part of The Marvelous Mahi-Mahi Brothers show.[26]
- Chuckster the Clownfish (voiced by TBA)[25]
Guest
- Squid (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)[27]
- Duke of Clownfish (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[12]
- Revi (voiced by Rizwan Manji)[17]
- Kite Monster (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[28]
- Gabi Guppy (voiced by Abril Bellido)[29]
- Mer-Mom (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[29]
- Gigi Guppy (voiced by Emma Rodriguez)[29]
- Marla (voiced by Alanna Ubach)[29]
- Santa Mer-Claus (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[29]
- Atlanticans (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams & Grey DeLisle)[21]
- Abuelita Alma (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[30]
- Park Attendant (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[31]
- Montez (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[32]
- Nana Xola (voiced by Jenifer Lewis)[33]
- Voice of Manners (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown)[34]
- Chef Louis (voiced by Yanic Truesdale)[23]
- Sheila (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[19]
- Duchess of Mariana (voiced by Kimberly Harris)[35]
- Clams (voiced by Jeff Bennett & Grey DeLisle)[36][37]
- Mer-Kid (voiced by Ayush Rajmachikar)[36]
- Crab (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[36]
- Merman (voiced by Eric Bauza)[38]
- Manuel (voiced by Nicolas Roye) is a manatee.[39]
- Delroy (voiced by Preston Best) is a pufferfish.[40]
- Croque Monsieur (voiced by Nich Peltz)[26]
- Hoober (voiced by Alvin Joiner)[24]
- Moober (voiced by Alvin Joiner)[24]
- Anora (voiced by Alanna Ubach)[41]
- Duke of Arctica (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[41]
- Gerdie (voiced by Charley Rowan McCain)[41]
- Kai (voiced by Miles McNicoll)[41]
- Pierre (voiced by Jimmy Jean-Louis) is Fernie's father.[42]
- Akira (voiced by Eric Bauza) is Akiko's father.[42]
- Marina Neptina (voiced by Jodi Benson)[43]
- Lion Fish (voiced by TBA)
- Parrot Fish (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui)
- Merfolk (voiced by Kimberly Harris)
- Ms. Mirlande (voiced by Vasthy Mompoint)
- Audra (voiced by Lucia Arguedas)
- Additional Voices (voiced by Alanna Ubach)
- Car (voiced by Hunter Phillip Corleto)
- Sea Cows (voiced by TBA)
- Swordfish (voiced by Eric Bauza)
- Puppyfish (voiced by TBA)
- Tica (voiced by TBA)
- Dogfish (voiced by TBA)
- Coral Crab (voiced by TBA)
- Catfish (voiced by TBA)
- Goldfish (voiced by TBA)
- Stingray (voiced by TBA)
- Starfish (voiced by Jeff Bennett)
- Tooth Fairy Fish (voiced by TBA)
Episodes
Series overview
Season 1 (2024–25)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title [44][45][46] | Directed by | Written by | Storyboarded by | Original release date [44][45][46] | Prod. code [44][46][47] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Atlantica Day" | Kuni Tomita | Keith Wagner | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | June 27, 2024 | 101 | |||||
| "A Winner's Spirit" | Steven E. Gordon | Norma P. Sepulveda | Pete Mekis & Rick Farmiloe | |||||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Ursula's Magic Camp" | Dan Fraga | Maria Escobedo | Shawna Cha & Wendy Grieb | June 27, 2024 | 102 | |||||
| "Fernie's Notebook" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Rafael Rosado, Jordan Koch & Rick Farmiloe | ||||||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Crystal Cavern Caper" | Steven E. Gordon | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | June 28, 2024 | 104 | |||||
| "A Banner Moment" | Maria Escobedo | Barry Caldwell | ||||||||||
| 4 | 4 | "The Endless Sleepover" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch | July 5, 2024[b] | 105 | |||||
| "Daddy Daughter Dinner" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Copy Catfish" | Monica Tomova | Maria Escobedo | Robert Souza & Wendy Grieb | July 12, 2024[b] | 106 | |||||
| "Happy Crabby Day" | Shawneè & Shawnelle Gibbs | Arthur Valencia & Floyd Norman | ||||||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Smoothie Shake-Up" | Steven E. Gordon | Norma P. Sepulveda | Pete Mekis & Wendy Grieb | July 19, 2024[b] | 107 | |||||
| "Family Picture Day" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Clint Taylor | ||||||||||
| 7 | 7 | "The Cuttlebaby Sitter" | Dan Fraga | Story by : Halcyon Person Written by : Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | July 26, 2024[b] | 108 | |||||
| "Flounder the Leader" | Joe Purdy | Jordan Koch & Rick Farmiloe | ||||||||||
| 8 | 8 | "The Clean Team" | Monica Tomova | Keith Wagner | Robert Souza | August 2, 2024[b] | 103 | |||||
| "Clamming Up" | Norma P. Sepulveda | Arthur Valencia & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 9 | 9 | "The Singing Dolphin" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Kelly James & Wendy Grieb | August 9, 2024 | 109 | |||||
| "The Happy Patty Clap" | Michelle Calderón | Clint Taylor | ||||||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Ravi and Navi" | Monica Tomova | Maria Escobedo | Robert Souza | August 16, 2024 | 111 | |||||
| "Chef Flounder" | Teresa Kale | Arthur Valencia & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 11 | 11 | "The Brave Little Goby" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch | August 30, 2024 | 110 | |||||
| "Kid Triton" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Rafael Rosado & Rick Farmiloe | ||||||||||
| 12 | 12 | "Ariel's Tall Mer-Tale" | Monica Tomova | Keith Wagner | Robert Souza, Rick Farmiloe & Wendy Grieb | September 6, 2024 | 114 | |||||
| "Remy, the Houseguest" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Arthur Valencia | ||||||||||
| 13 | 13 | "La Sirenusca" | Steven E. Gordon | Norma P. Sepulveda | Clint Taylor & George Oliver Holguin | September 30, 2024[c] | 112 | |||||
| "Substitute Sebastian" | Walinase J. Mbekeani | Kelly James Givan & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 14 | 14 | "The Kite Monster" | Dan Fraga | Norma P. Sepulveda | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | October 4, 2024[c] | 113 | |||||
| "The Spooky Mirror Trick" | Maria Escobedo | Jordan Koch | ||||||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Fernie's Dra Konfó" | Steven E. Gordon | Monique R. Brandon | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | October 25, 2024 | 115 | |||||
| "Lucia, Lucia, Lucia!" | Michelle Calderón | Kelly James Givan | ||||||||||
| 16 | 16 | "The Lost Dogfish" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Clint Taylor & Wendy Grieb | November 8, 2024 | 118 | |||||
| "Swim Scouts" | Michelle Calderón | Kelly James Givan | ||||||||||
|
The Lost Dogfish: While Ariel, Flounder, Lucia, and Fernie are playing ball, they found a dog fish named Tica and Ariel wants to play with it until they find her. So, she and her friends make pictures to tell everyone in Atlantica to see if they lost Tica, but Ariel keeps playing with Tica instead of finding her family. King Triton tells her it's important to take care of a pet before finding his missing owner. Swim Scouts: Ariel, Lucia, and Flounder are excited about going on a Swim Scouts field trip with Tanti Chantale, they wait for Fernie with his book of fish facts. As soon as he tells them about whales, Tanti Chantale arrives with a new mer-boy Ronaldo from another Swim Scouts group. He tells them all about whales to Fernie. When the field trip begins, Ronaldo gets out his fish facts book and knows all about fish in the sea. Fernie thinks his friends going to be Ronaldo's friend and every time he comes up with a fish fact, Ronaldo jumps in ahead of him. During the last stop Tanti Chantale tells them to look for some starfish. As soon as Fernie finds the starfish, he accidentally gets some on him after startling them. When Ronaldo tries to help unstick them, he swims away. Ariel, Lucia, and Flounder realize that Fernie tells them that they want to play with Ronaldo instead of him and they loved all his fish facts a lot more than his. They told Fernie that they want to make Ronaldo feel welcome and he may know some fish facts but so does Fernie. As soon as they reconcile, Fernie gets Ronaldo to help him by making the starfish get distracted by sand cherries. In the end, Fernie and Ronaldo become best friends. | ||||||||||||
| 17 | 17 | "Daddy Daughter Adventure Day" | Dan Fraga | Norma P. Sepulveda | Jordan Koch & Wendy Grieb | November 29, 2024[d] | 119 | |||||
| "Rainbow Sea Caves" | Rafael Rosado | |||||||||||
| 18 | 18 | "Flounder's Christmas Letter" | Dan Fraga | Walinase J. Mbekeani, Norma P. Sepulveda & Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch & Lincoln Adams | December 2, 2024[d] | 116 | |||||
| "Holiday Toy Box Trouble" | Keith Wagner | Rafael Rosado & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 19 | 19 | "The Great Big Garden Show" | Kuni Tomita | Maria Escobedo | George Oliver Holguin & Tara Nicole Whitaker | January 10, 2025 | 120 | |||||
| "The Sea Sniffles" | Denisse de la Cruz | Arthur Valencia & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 20 | 20 | "Razzle Dazzle" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Kelly James Givan & Wendy Grieb | February 7, 2025 | 121 | |||||
| "Fernie's Float" | Keith Wagner | Clint Taylor & Lincoln Adams | ||||||||||
| 21 | 21 | "Jewels the Winner" | Dan Fraga | Michelle Calderón | Rafael Rosado | March 7, 2025 | 122 | |||||
| "Abuelita's Shawl" | Norma P. Sepulveda | Jordan Koch & Wendy Grieb | ||||||||||
| 22 | 22 | "A Magical Achoo!" | Monica Tomova & Steve Moore | Maria Escobedo | George Oliver Holguin | April 11, 2025 | 117 | |||||
| "Are We There Yet?" | Walinase J. Mbekeani, Norma P. Sepulveda & Keith Wagner | Arthur Valencia & Nilah Magruder | ||||||||||
| 23 | 23 | "Best in Ebb & Flo" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Kelly James Givan & Wendy Grieb | May 23, 2025 | 124 | |||||
| "Me, My Shell, and I" | Michelle Calderón | Clint Taylor | ||||||||||
| 24 | 24 | "Picture Perfect Father's Day" | Dan Fraga | Matt Acuña | Jordan Koch & Wendy Grieb | June 6, 2025 | 125 | |||||
| "Tantie's Day" | Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado | ||||||||||
| 25 | 25 | "Petting Zoo Day" | Steve Moore | Matt Acuña | Arthur Valencia | July 25, 2025 | 123 | |||||
| "New Squid in Town" | Monique R. Brandon | George Oliver Holguin & Lincoln Adams | ||||||||||
| 26 | 26 | "Family Treasure Hunt" | Steve Moore | Keith Wagner | Arthur Valencia & Wendy Grieb | August 18, 2025 | 126 | |||||
| "Remy's Big Feelings" | Monique R. Brandon | George Oliver Holguin | ||||||||||
| 27 | 27 | "Fernie's New Discovery" | Steven E. Gordon | Michelle Calderón | Kelly James Givan & Wendy Grieb | August 19, 2025 | 127 | |||||
| "Grotto of Manners" | Clint Taylor | |||||||||||
| 28 | 28 | "Noodlemania" | Dan Fraga | Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado | August 20, 2025 | 128 | |||||
| "Super Flounder" | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch & Nilah Magruder | ||||||||||
| 29 | 29 | "The Magic Wand" | Steve Moore | Norma P. Sepulveda | George Oliver Holguin & Nilah Magruder | August 21, 2025 | 129 | |||||
| "Racin' Remy" | Maria Escobedo | Arthur Valencia | ||||||||||
| 30 | 30 | "The Glow Crystals" | Steven E. Gordon | Keith Wagner (Part 1) | Kelly James Givan & Nilah Magruder (Part 1) | August 22, 2025 | 130 | |||||
| Norma P. Sepulveda (Part 2) | Clint Taylor & Stephen Anderson (Part 2) | |||||||||||
Season 2 (2025–26)
| No. overall | No. in season | Title [44][45][46] | Directed by | Written by | Storyboarded by | Original release date [44][45][46] | Prod. code [44][46][47] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | 1 | "The Crystal World" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch & Stephen Anderson | November 10, 2025 | 201 |
| "Magic Octo-Juggle" | Denisse de la Cruz | Rafael Rosado | |||||
| 32 | 2 | "The Little Fins" | Steve Moore | Matt Acuña | Kelly James Givan & Stephen Anderson | November 11, 2025 | 202 |
| "The Biggest Land Treasure" | Teresa Kale | Martin Fuller | |||||
| 33 | 3 | "Trident Trouble" | Steve E. Gordon | Michelle Calderón | Clint Taylor | November 12, 2025 | 203 |
| "Cal's Bright Idea" | Keith Wagner | Beth Sleven & Stephen Anderson | |||||
| 34 | 4 | "Flounder's Wishes" | Dan Fraga | Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado & Stephen Anderson | November 13, 2025 | 204 |
| "Triton's Trip" | Michelle Calderón | Jordan Koch | |||||
| 35 | 5 | "Tiny Tails" | Steve Moore | Maria Escobedo | Martin Fuller & Stephen Anderson | November 14, 2025 | 205 |
| "Ariel's Sea Mobile" | Kelly James Givan | ||||||
| 36 | 6 | "Flounder's Boo Boo" | Steven E. Gordon | Denisse de la Cruz | Beth Sleven | November 21, 2025 | 206 |
| "The Marvelous Mahi-Mahi Brothers" | Matt Acuña | Clint Taylor & Stephen Anderson | |||||
| 37 | 7 | "A Crystal Christmas" | Dan Fraga | Denisse de la Cruz | Rafael Rosado & Stephen Anderson | December 5, 2025 | 207 |
| "The New Year Bubble" | Matt Acuña | Jordan Koch | |||||
| 38 | 8 | "The Chum-ba-Chum" | Steve Moore | Michelle Calderón | Kelly James Givan | January 23, 2026 | 208 |
| "Catfish Kerfuffle" | Keith Wagner | Martin Fuller | |||||
| 39 | 9 | "Camping Trip" | Steven E. Gordon | Kerri Grant | Beth Sleven & Stephen Anderson | January 30, 2026[e] | 209 |
| "The Lion Fish" | Aydrea Walden | Clint Taylor | |||||
| 40 | 10 | "The Write Pencil for the Job" | Dan Fraga | Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado | February 6, 2026 | 210 |
| "The Crystal Koto" | Michelle Calderón | Jordan Koch & Stephanie Alexander | |||||
| 41 | 11 | "Tomtom for Manman" | Steven E. Gordon | Matt Acuña | Clint Taylor | February 13, 2026 | TBA |
| "Do the Fernie" | Kerri Grant | Beth Sleven & Stephanie Alexander | |||||
| 42 | 12 | "Captain Bembé" | Dan Fraga | Maria Escobedo | Rafael Rosado & Stephanie Alexander | March 13, 2026 | 213 |
| "Tumbling Tumblekelp" | Denisse de la Cruz | Jordan Koch | |||||
| 43 | 13 | "Detective Flounder" | Steven E. Gordon | Denisse de la Cruz | Beth Sleven | April 10, 2026 | TBA |
| "Bath Time for Ebb and Flo" | Senibo Myers | Clint Taylor & Stephanie Alexander | |||||
| 44 | 14 | "The Goldfish" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Rafael Rosado & Stephanie Alexander | April 17, 2026 | 214 |
| "Pufferball!" | Michelle Calderón | Jordan Koch | |||||
| 45 | 15 | "Flounder's Big SurPRIZE!" | Steve Moore | Matt Acuña | Martin Fuller & Jojo Baptista | May 1, 2026 | TBA |
| "Lucia's Puppyfish Problem" | Kerri Grant | Kelly James Givan & Stephanie Alexander | |||||
| 46 | 16 | "Crystal Ball Playdate" | Steven E. Gordon | Maria Escobedo | Beth Sleven & Stephanie Alexander | June 5, 2026 | TBA |
| "Ursula's Special Chariot" | Denisse de la Cruz | Clint Taylor | |||||
| 47 | 17 | "Anora the Forgetful Mergician" | Dan Fraga | Keith Wagner | Jordan Koch | June 12, 2026 | TBA |
| "Freezy Fun" | Michelle Calderón | Rafael Rosado & Stephanie Alexander | |||||
| 48 | 18 | "Fadda's Day" | Steve Moore | Michelle Calderón | Kelly James Givan & Stephanie Alexander | June 19, 2026 | TBA |
| "The Coral Crab" | Kerri Grant | Martin Fuller | |||||
| 49 | 19 | "Twinspiration" | Kuni Tomita | Matt Acuña | Jojo Baptista & Stephanie Alexander | July 10, 2026 | TBA |
| "Family Picnic Games" | Maria Escobedo | Kelly James Givan | |||||
| 50 | 20 | "Sylvia's Voice" | Steven E. Gordon | Kerri Grant | Clint Taylor & Stephanie Alexander | July 17, 2026 | TBA |
| "The Tooth Fairy Fish" | Denisse de la Cruz | Beth Sleven | |||||
| 51 | 21 | "A Mysterious Machine" | TBA | N/A | N/A | August 7, 2026 | TBA |
| "Nature is Magic!" | N/A | N/A | |||||
| 52 | 22 | "Enchanted Dolphin Cove" | TBA | TBA | TBA | August 21, 2026 | TBA |
Short series
Mermaid Tales
| 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.) |
Songs from the Crystal Cavern
| No. | Title [citation needed] | Disney+ release date [citation needed] | YouTube/Disney Jr. release date [citation needed] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Crystal World" | August 17, 2025 | August 16, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 2 | "Glow" | August 17, 2025 | August 19, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 3 | "In the Mirror" | August 17, 2025 | August 21, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 4 | "Two is Better Than One" | August 17, 2025 | August 22, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 5 | "Just My Style" | August 17, 2025 | August 23, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 6 | "New Friend" | August 17, 2025 | August 24, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 7 | "Thingamabobs" | August 17, 2025 | August 26, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 8 | "Imagination" | August 17, 2025 | August 28, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 9 | "Now We're Cooking" | August 17, 2025 | August 30, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
| 10 | "Turn Up the Fun" | August 17, 2025 | August 31, 2025 (YouTube) TBA (Disney Jr.) |
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."[48] 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.[49] 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.[50] The songwriting team consists of Tone Jones, Sofia Quinn, and Olivia "Livvi" Waithe.[51] 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.[6] The series was renewed for a second season in June 2025.[52]
Music
All credits adapted from Apple Music and Spotify.[53][54]
Singles
| 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
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Disney Jr. Music: Ariel |
Track listing
|
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.[55] The series premiered on Disney Jr. and later aired on Disney Channel on June 27, 2024.[56] The series was subsequently made available for streaming on Disney+.[57] Furthermore, both Ariel and Ariel: Mermaid Tales were released on Disney Now.[58]
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.[59]
A short series Ariel – The Little Mermaid: Songs from the Crystal Cavern premiered on August 17, 2025 on Disney+.[60][61]
The second season premiered on November 10, 2025.[4] The season became available to stream on Disney+ on January 28, 2026.[43]
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.[62] 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.[63]
Accolades
Ariel was nominated for Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children at the 52nd Annie Awards.[64][65] It also received a nomination for Outstanding Animated Series at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.[66][67]
The series got two nominations at the Children's and Family Emmy Awards: Outstanding Voice Performer in a Preschool Program for Amber Riley as Ursula and Outstanding Original Song for a Preschool Program for "One Colorful Ocean".[68]
In other media
- Disney 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.[69][70]
- In August 2024, Disney Publishing Worldwide released a picture book titled Disney Junior Ariel: A Magical Mess.[71][72]