Nickandmore!

via Disney Channel press release:

PRESCRIPTION FILLED FOR SECOND SEASON OF DISNEY JUNIOR’S HIT

“DOC MCSTUFFINS,” 2012 TO-DATE’S #1 CABLE TV SERIES AMONG KIDS 2-5

— Demand to be Met (Stat) for Books, Licensed Toys, Apparel and Sleepwear —

The doctor is in — “Doc McStuffins,” TV’s newest hit for kids age 2-7, has been ordered for a second season on both Disney Junior, the daily programming block that posted Disney Channel’s best fiscal second quarter ratings ever in the daypart, and the burgeoning 24 hour Disney Junior channel. The channel is available to Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cablevision, Bright House Networks and Verizon subscribers and soon, via additional affiliates nationwide. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.

The animated series about Doc, a little girl who can talk to and heal stuffed animals and toys out of her playhouse clinic, is 2012 to-date’s #1 cable series among Kids 2-5 and the #1 preschool cable TV series among Total Viewers and Women 18-49.   Its March premiere is the #1 preschool series launch in cable TV history among Adults 18-49. “Doc McStuffins” joins Disney Junior’s other hit series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” and “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” which accounted for the Top 3 preschool cable telecasts of the quarter among Women 18-49.

Based on parents feedback and retail demand, Disney will introduce “Doc McStuffins” books, apparel, party goods and role play toys, dolls and accessories, beginning this summer through early 2013, its quickest to market launch ever for a preschool property. A “Doc McStuffins” DVD will release on August 21.

Kanter said, “The series is resonating with boys and girls across our demo kids ages 2-7. And we’ve heard that the show, particularly as parents watch with their kids, has opened up a family dialogue about the importance of good health and compassion.  Importantly, we are also hearing that the show is helping to take the worry out of going to the doctor that so many young children experience. We are delighted that kids will now be able to extend their love of Doc and her toy friends beyond the screen and encourage their inherent, nurturing play patterns.”

Created and executive-produced by Humanitas Prize and Emmy Award-winning Chris Nee (writer on “Little Bill” and producer of “Deadliest Catch: Crab Fishing in Alaska”) and directed by Emmy-winning Norton Virgien (“Rugrats”), “Doc McStuffins” is a production of Academy Award nominated Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Channel. The Hollywood Health & Society division of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center serves as the series’ health and medical consultants, advising on basic health issues that are relevant to young kids and families. The series carries a TV-Y parental guideline.

“Doc McStuffins” airs daily during the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel and on the 24-hour Disney Junior channel. The series stars Kiara Muhammad as Doc; Loretta Devine as Hallie; Lara Jill Miller as Lambie; Robbie Rist as Stuffy; Jess Harnell as Chilly; Jaden Betts as Donny McStuffins; Kim Brooks as Mom McStuffins; and Gary Anthony Williams as Dad McStuffins. The series’ theme song is performed by the star of Disney Channel’s hit series “A.N.T. Farm” and Hollywood Records recording artist, China Anne McClain.

Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network’s biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S. bringing the total number of channels to 30 worldwide.

*Source: NTI, U.S. ratings, most current, 12/26/11-5/28/12, program level data.