Disney Junior has ordered a third season of Jake and the Never Land Pirates, its #1 series and cable TV's #1 series among boys 2-5, bringing the episode tally to 100 thus far, it was announced Wednesday by Nancy Kanter, senior vice-president of original programming and general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide.
The series revolves around a crew of kid pirates -- leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby -- and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mister Smee, from Disney's classic Peter Pan. The stories emphasize teamwork and feature original pirate rock music performed by Sharky and Bones of The Never Land Pirate Band.
Kanter said, "The series is connecting with kids on every level and brings them closer to characters they're already familiar with and introduces them to new, original characters they have made their friends." She continued, "The storytelling is adventurous and heartfelt and embeds the kind of learning that we know is important to parents. We're pleased to be extending viewers' experience with the stories, allowing them to play the Jake and the Never Land Pirates experience."
The memorable Disney stories and characters, both classic and contemporary, have connected strongly with kids age 2-7 and their parents, and that connection has also led to the creation of brand extensions in other Disney businesses. Jake and the Never Land Pirates is a prominent part of the popular Disney Junior Live on Stage! attraction at Disney Parks & Resorts, and is featured in a Disney Junior magazine from Disney Publishing, in a soundtrack and DVD from Disney Studios, and in a Disney Consumer Products line set to debut in stores across the United States this spring. Included are multiple product categories: party supplies, apparel (sleepwear and daywear), room décor and plush.
A toy line releasing in June and showcased this week at American International Toy Fair will feature plush, role play and accessories from Just Play and action-oriented play sets and figures from Fisher-Price, including Jake's Pirate Ship, designed after Bucky, Jake's ship in the series.
A hit since its premiere in February 2011, Jake and the Never Land Pirates is Disney Channel's #1 preschool series of all time among total viewers, kids 2-5, boys 2-5 and women 18-49.
The series airs daily during Disney Channel's Disney Junior programming block for kids age 2-7 and will have a major presence on the new 24-hour Disney Junior channel launching in the U.S. on Friday, March 23. The series stars Cameron Boyce as Jake, Madison Pettis as Izzy, Jonathan Morgan Heit as Cubby, David Arquette as Skully, Corey Burton as Captain Hook, Jeff Bennett as Mister Smee and Bones, and Loren Hoskins as Sharky.
Many of the key creative professionals behind Disney Junior's Emmy-nominated series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse are behind Jake and the Never Land Pirates, including executive producer Rob LaDuca, producer-story editor Mark Seidenberg and director Howy Parkins. The series is produced by Disney Television Animation.
