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Ariel (TV series)
American animated television series From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
![Thumb](#/media/File:Logo_of_"Ariel".png)
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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.[4]
Characters
Main
- Ariel (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris) is an 8-year-old mermaid princess of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica.[5]
- 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.[5] As a kid, he had the nickname Tri-Tri.[6]
- Ursula (voiced by Amber Riley), a sea witch, Triton's younger sister and Ariel's paternal aunt.[5] Unlike the films, Ursula is not antagonistic and has been nicknamed "Tauntie" by Ariel.
- Ebb and Flo, Ursula's pet moray eels[7]
- Lucia (voiced by Elizabeth Phoenix Caro) is Ariel's friend.[5]
- Fernie (voiced by Cruz Flateau) is Ariel's friend.[5]
- Flounder (voiced by Gracen Newton) is a fish who is Ariel's friend.[5]
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.[8][a]
- Ravi (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)[8]
- Ayanna (voiced by Dana Heath) is Alanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.[8]
- Alanna (voiced by Jessica Mikayla) is Ayanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.[8]
- Hermes (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)[10]
- Jewels (voiced by Amari McCoy) is Ariel, Alanna, and Ayanna's cousin.[11]
- Cristina Cuttles (voiced by Alanna Ubach)[8][12]
- Clamila (voiced by Somali Rose)[13]
- Delfino (voiced by Ron Funches)[8][14]
- Navi (voiced by Melissa Villaseñor)[8][15]
- Bembe (voiced by Madelyn Skyler Tee)[15]
- Wahoo Fish (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)[15]
- Tantie Chantale (voiced by Danni Washington) is Triton and Ursula's sister and a marine biologist.[8][16] As a kid, she had the nickname Chanty.[17]
- Remy (voiced by Ryan Lopez)[16]
- Sanka (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui)[16]
- Ronaldo (voiced by Ayush Rajmachikar)[18]
- Sea Bunnies (voiced by Steve Moore)[19]
- Aquatica (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown)[8][20]
- Calamar (voiced by Hunter Corleto)[21]
Guest
- Squid (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)[22]
- Duke of Clownfish (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[10]
- Revi (voiced by Rizwan Manji)[15]
- Kite Monster (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[23]
- Gabi Guppy (voiced by Abril Bellido)[24]
- Mer-Mom (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[24]
- Gigi Guppy (voiced by Emma Rodriguez)[24]
- Marla (voiced by Alanna Ubach)[24]
- Santa Mer-Claus (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[24]
- Atlanticans (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams & Grey DeLisle)[19]
- Abuelita Alma (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[25]
- Park Attendant (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[26]
- Montez (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson)[27]
- Nana Xola (voiced by Jenifer Lewis)[28]
- Voice of Manners (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown)[29]
- Chef Louis (voiced by Yanic Truesdale)[20]
- Sheila (voiced by Grey DeLisle)[17]
- Duchess of Mariana (voiced by Kimberly Harris)[30]
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Episodes
 | This section needs a plot summary. (August 2025) |
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Short series
Mermaid Tales
Songs from the Crystal Cavern
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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]
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Music
All credits adapted from Apple Music and Spotify.[39][40]
Singles
Studio albums
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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]
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Reception
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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]
Accolades
Ariel was nominated for Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children at the 52nd Annie Awards.[50][51] It also received a nomination for Outstanding Animated Series at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.[52][53]
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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.[54][55]
- In August 2024, Disney Publishing Worldwide released a picture book titled Disney Junior Ariel: A Magical Mess.[56][57]
Notes
References
External links
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