Ariel (TV series)

Ariel (also known as Disney Jr.'s Ariel) is an American animated television series produced by Wild Canary Animation. Inspired by "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen, the 1989 animated film of the same name by Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the 2023 live-action remake, the series premiered on Disney Jr. on June 27, 2024.

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.

Main

 * Ariel (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris), an 8-year-old mermaid princess of the underwater kingdom Atlantica.
 * King Triton (voiced by Taye Diggs), Ariel's father, Ursula's brother and King of Atlantica.
 * Ursula (voiced by Amber Riley), a sea witch and Triton's sister and Ariel's aunt.
 * Ebb and Flo, Ursula's pet moray eels
 * Lucia (voiced by Elizabeth Phoenix Caro), Ariel's friend.
 * Fernie (voiced by Cruz Flateau), Ariel's friend.
 * Flounder (voiced by Gracen Newton), Ariel's friend.

Recurring

 * Sebastian (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson), the royal composer and one of Ariel's friends. Richardson reprises his role from the Kingdom Hearts video games.
 * Ravi (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)
 * Ayanna (voiced by Dana Heath), Alanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.
 * Alanna (voiced by Jessica Mikayla), Ayanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.
 * Cristina Cuttles (voiced by Alanna Ubach)
 * Aquatica (voiced by Yvette Nicole Brown)
 * Navi (voiced by Melissa Villaseñor)
 * Delfino (voiced by Ron Funches)
 * Tantie Chantale (voiced by Danni Washington)

Guest

 * Squid (voiced by Parvesh Cheena)
 * Duke of Clownfish (voiced by Jeff Bennett)
 * Hermès (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams)
 * Jewels (voiced by Amari McCoy)
 * Clamila (voiced by Somali Rose)

Shorts
Note: The shorts are titled Ariel: Mermaid Tales.

Production
At the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Ayo Davis announced that Disney Branded Television had developed an animated television show inspired by "The Little Mermaid". 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.

On International Mermaid Day, the first trailer was released with confirmation that Ursula was Ariel's aunt and instructor at magic camp.

Release
The series debuted on Disney Jr. on June 27, 2024.

Reception
Caleb Gottry of Plugged In complimented how Ariel depicts mixed and same-gender friendships, and asserted that children learn lessons about forgiveness, patience, and responsibility through the show. Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media gave Ariel a score of five stars out of five, noted the depiction of positive messages and role models, stating the character of Ariel is kind and caring, noted the educational value of the show, saying Ariel teaches social-emotional lessons, and wrote, "Fresh take on beloved mermaid will delight littlest viewers."