5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

January 17, 2022January 18, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Marvel fans will be thrilled by a double dose of new specials coming their way this week: LEGO^® Marvel Avengers: Time Twisted debuts Monday on Disney XD, and Assembled: The Making of Hawkeye launches on Disney+ Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Hulu original series How I Met Your Father premieres on Tuesday with back-to-back-episodes. Satisfy you curiosity with new episodes of The World According to Jeff Goldblum on Disney+; plus, watch the first two seasons of Vets on the Beach, also on the streaming service.

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Time Twisted—Monday, January 17, at 8:30 p.m. ET, on Disney XD
Avengers, assemble! Thanos is back and he’s strengthening his army for a rematch against the Avengers in this all-new special. A devious plan up Thanos’ sleeves has the Avengers at risk. Will a Quantum Tunnel be the answer to stop him, again? Only time will tell…

How I Met Your Father—Tuesday, January 18, on Hulu
Watch a love story unfold in reverse as Sophie (Hilary Duff) and her group of close-knit friends navigate dating in New York in the year 2021—where the options are limitless in the age of dating apps. The Hulu original series debuts with two episodes on the streamer; season one kicks off with Sophie meeting a seemingly perfect guy after a batch of terrible Tinder dates, while Valentina (Francia Raisa) brings home a “souvenir” from her trip to London Fashion Week. Then, find what happens when the group goes to an exclusive new club for a wild night out.

The Wonder Years—Wednesday, January 19, at 8:30 p.m. PT, on ABC
Strike up the band because a new episode of The Wonder Years is here! When Dean (Elisha Williams) loses his position as first chair saxophone in his school’s band, Bill (Dule Hill) instills the pressure for Dean to earn it back. But after a talk with Lillian (Saycon Sengbloh), Bill realizes he’s being too harsh and forcing his own musical dreams upon his son.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum—Wednesday, January 19, on Disney+
Jeff Goldblum is back—and he’s still curious. The second lot of season two episodes is here, and Goldblum is poised to uncover more surprising secrets about all-new topics regarding everyday marvels. Tune in for thoughtful discussions surrounding puzzles, backyards, birthdays, tiny things, and motorcycles.

Vets on the Beach—Wednesday, January 19, on Disney+
Life can be ruff, but the vets are here to save the day! Seasons one and two of Vets on the Beach will be added to Disney+ this week… Watch four veterinarians from across Australia come together to help creatures big and small and share their passion for animals. No day is ordinary for these vets as they tackle cases from across the animal kingdom—ranging from dogs and orphaned kangaroos to elephants.

Disney+ Shares Premiere Date for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Announces Earth Day Content, and More

January 14, 2022January 14, 2022

Christmas came early when Disney+ announced this morning that Disney Legend Tim Allen will be reprising his role as Scott Calvin aka Santa Claus in a new original series, The Santa Clause (working title). The streamer gave us even more gifts an hour later when it kicked off the Disney+ Winter TCA 2022 virtual press conferences! We got a new look at the series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, previewed exciting Earth Day content from Disneynature and National Geographic, and heard from the stars of The Book of Boba Fett!

Read on for all the highlights…

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

Disney+ made us wanna hug ’em when they announced the February 23 premiere date for the highly anticipated revival of the groundbreaking Disney Channel series The Proud Family! Featuring an all-star celebrity cast, new episodes will debut Wednesdays on the streaming platform. Along with the premiere date, Disney+ also shared the official trailer:

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder picks up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and includes her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). And it wouldn’t be The Proud Family without Penny’s loyal crew: Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez, and Zoey Howzer.

Cast members reprising their roles from the original series include Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama, Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby, Karen Malina White as Dijonay Jones, Soleil Moon Frye as Zoey Howzer, Alisa Reyes as LaCienega Boulevardez, Carlos Mencia as Felix Boulevardez, Maria Canals-Barrera as Sunset Boulevardez, Alvaro Gutierrez as Papi, Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross, Marcus T. Paulk as Myron, Aldis Hodge as Frankie, Aries Spears as Wizard Kelly, Cree Summer as Peabo, Patricia Belcher as Principal Hightower, and Kevin Michael Richardson as Dr. Payne. New recurring voices include Keke Palmer as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto as Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins, Artist “A Boogie” Dubose as Francis “KG” Leibowitz-Jenkins, EJ Johnson as Michael Collins, Asante Blackk as Kareem, Bresha Webb as CeCe, and Aiden Dodson as BeBe. The series will feature dozens of celebrity guest stars, including Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, and Debbie Allen! (Click here for the full lineup of celebrity guest stars.)

Kurt Farquhar, who wrote and composed The Proud Family theme song, returns as series songwriter and composer for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. Preserving the lyrics and melody of the iconic and beloved original theme song, he reimagined a contemporary version for the revival, performed by rising R&B star Joyce Wrice. Want a sneak peek? A behind-the-scenes music featurette with a preview of the updated song was released today:

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder brand extensions will include a cross-category product line of apparel, home, stationery, toys, and Funko Pop! collectibles exclusively at Target timed to the series launch. Additionally, the complete library of the original series will be available on digital February 15 and DVD March 15; a new storybook from Disney Press, It All Started with an Orange Basketball, is coming soon; and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder digital soundtrack will be available this year on Walt Disney Records.

From Disney Television Animation, the series is executive produced by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, both of whom led the original series. Calvin Brown, Jr. is co-executive producer, Jan Hirota is producer, and Eastwood Wong is art director. All seasons of The Proud Family, which debuted on Disney Channel in 2001, are streaming now on Disney+.

Earth Day on Disney+

Disney+ hosted an inspiring panel to announce three brand-new movies and specials launching this Earth Day to celebrate the power within each of us to create change for the better—and inspire connections with the wonders of the world we all share. Polar Bear, the next wildlife movie from Disneynature; Explorer: The Last Tepui, the newest installment of National Geographic’s long-running Explorer series; and The Biggest Little Farm: The Return, a special update based on the critically acclaimed 2018 documentary chronicling the making of Apricot Lane Farms, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on April 22, 2022.

This Earth Day, Disney+ will take viewers on a journey around the world—from the rainforests of Guyana to the farms of California to the icy tundras of the Arctic—to witness and celebrate the diversity and resilience of our planet and the species that inhabit it. Filmed in some of the world’s most fascinating, biodiverse, and mysterious environments, all of these movies and specials give viewers a revealing look at Earth’s splendors, its ecosystems, and inhabitants that face insurmountable environmental changes and threats.

Polar Bear
Disney+ and Disneynature revealed that two-time Oscar^® nominee Catherine Keener is narrating Polar Bear, which tells the story of a new mother whose memories of her own youth prepare her to navigate motherhood in the increasingly challenging world polar bears face today. Directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson (Disneynature’s Penguins), Polar Bear is produced by Fothergill, Wilson, Jason Roberts, Keith Scholey, and Roy Conli.

“I think the thing about polar bears is they’re probably the ultimate loner of all the animals you can imagine,” Fothergill said. “They’ll often go years and years without meeting another bear. Clearly, we wanted a variety of characters in our film, and the good thing about mother bears is they have babies that stay with them for two or three years.”

Fothergill continued, “Polar bear cubs are possibly the cutest animals on the planet. Jeff and I decided very early on that our story would not be just two or three years of a mother bringing up one set of cubs, but it would be the memories of a 15-year-old bear looking back from the day she was born until she reached 15. That decision was based on the fact that it allowed us to look at global warming changes over that period. Where we made the film, Svalbard, is just 700 miles south of the North Pole, and over the last 10 to 15 years, there has been very significant change. That’s why we went with the 15-year narrative.”

Explorer: The Last Tepui
The one-hour Disney+ Earth Day special from National Geographic follows elite climber Alex Honnold and a world-class climbing team led by National Geographic Explorer and climber Mark Synnott on a grueling mission deep in the Amazon jungle as they attempt a first-ascent climb up a 1000-foot sheer cliff. Their goal is to deliver legendary biologist and National Geographic Explorer Bruce Means to the top of a massive “island in the sky” known as a tepui. The team must first trek miles of treacherous jungle terrain to help Dr. Means complete his life’s work, searching the cliff wall for undiscovered animal species.

“When I explored The Last Tepui, I was still mostly motivated by my love of climbing,” said Honnold. “I was on the expedition because I wanted to climb Tepui, as it hadn’t been climbed, but I would say it’s a huge bonus when we can do something that’s actually useful for the world as well. I think the opportunity to take Bruce Means, the biologist, into this area he otherwise would have great difficulty accessing was just a tremendous bonus.”

According to Honnold, filming Explorer: The Last Tepui presented new challenges that the crew did not experience while filming the Academy Award^®-winning documentary Free Solo. “The film crew really struggled with fogging of the lenses, everything being wet all the time, and everything being muddy and impossible to keep clean,” Honnold said. “Basically, everything was a struggle. And then once we got to the wall, most of us were like, ‘Thank goodness!’ But the jungle was a challenge, for sure.” He rose to the challenge of course, and Honnold added he can’t wait for Disney+ viewers to soon discover why the tepuis—much like the Galapagos—are a treasure trove of biodiversity worth protecting.

The Biggest Little Farm: The Return
The Disney+ Earth Day special from National Geographic is based on the 2018 award-winning feature documentary film that tells the story of John and Molly Chester, who abandoned their urban life in Los Angeles to live on a barren farm to grow delicious food in harmony with nature in Ventura County. The new special follows the farmers’ tireless 10-year journey to transform the land into a magical working farm and document the whole process. Apricot Lane Farms is a beautiful, complex world that reflects our planet’s biodiversity, and this special—which is akin to a real-life Charlotte’s Web—introduces audiences to animals that will quickly burrow into their hearts, like Emma the pig who welcomes her newest litter and an adorable lamb named Moe who befriends the family. See how the farmers utilize the interconnectedness of nature to help build soil health, maximize biodiversity, and regeneratively grow the most nutrient-dense food possible.

For this special, John said, “We had a bit more of a team to help capture the update and, really, where we’ve landed. Looking at what we’ve experienced over that essentially 10 years, I felt we needed to communicate to the world that there is this incredibly powerful resilience that exists within nature, because all we ever hear about is how terrible it is and how we’ve lost biodiversity. But with just a little bit of consciousness, we were able to tap into this resilient force of nature that just brought so much hope to both of us. The farm is a microcosm of the planet; it all works the same way. That was really important, and it wasn’t an easy thing to do for our marriage—to go through a farm and also telling a story, and then another one.” Laughing, Molly added, “We have an amazing couples counselor!”

For the Chesters, it was important to respect the wildlife and be as unobtrusive as possible. “It’s really been amazing to find out the rhythms in this farming system, and then be able to place our cameras in ways that actually don’t affect the wildlife we’re interacting with in order to rebuild the biodiversity of a farm that’s trying to coexist with nature while it grows food,” John explained. “So, these opportunities are happening every day for us.”

The Book of Boba Fett

Legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and mercenary Fennec Shand (Disney Legend and friend of D23 Ming-Na Wen) navigate the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate. Presiding over an empire isn’t easy, of course. Although they have different leadership styles, Wen said, they both appreciate the other’s perspective.“Fennec has less patience,” she explained. “Boba Fett’s gone through an incredible experience, living with the Tuscans, learning their ways, and being part of a real family. She is someone who is used to being a loner, getting things done, and not questioning her choices. There are some stumbling blocks while they’re trying to learn diplomacy. Boba and Fennec respect each other very much, so there’s a lot of give and take. He reins her in—sort of like on set in real life!” In fact, Morrison admitted that both he and Wen can’t believe they get to play in the world of Star Wars at this point in their long careers. “We had some long days on the set sometimes, and I’d be looking at my mate, going, ‘Not bad for an old man and an old lady, eh?’” Morrison said with a laugh. “We’d have a good laugh and pick each other up and say, ‘Come on. We gotta represent!’”

New episodes of The Book of Boba Fett stream Wednesdays, only on Disney+.

A Milestone Season for ABC’s American Idol—Plus More in News Briefs

January 14, 2022January 14, 2022

By Courtney Potter

**ABC’s American Idol Returns February 27**

Who will be America’s next singing sensation? That journey kicks off next month when American Idol returns for its fifth season on ABC and incredible 20th season overall.

Music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie—along with Emmy^®-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest—are back for more tuneful shenanigans… and this season, the judges will hand out special platinum tickets in Austin, Los Angeles, and Nashville. As Perry explained earlier this week at the Winter TCA Press Tour, “This ticket gives [those chosen] the ability to go to Hollywood Week, which we’ve already filmed and was so rigorous; it was survival of the fittest. They get to observe from the box seats at the theater. For one day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with… These three ticket holders get a tiny advantage, just because they’re the cream of the crop.”

Previous in-house mentor Bobby Bones is unable to return this season—but that doesn’t mean the contestants won’t be without some expert help. “This year we will be leaning into our amazing American Idol universe alum to help our current Idols along the way, in different stages of the competition,” said showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick during the press tour. Could we see the return of some iconic fan favorites? You’ll have to tune in to find out!

American Idol is produced by Fremantle and Industrial Media’s 19 Entertainment. Mark those calendars for the show’s season premiere on Sunday, February 27, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa^®: All the News That’s Fit to Post!

Yes, it’s true: D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa is only nine months away, and to celebrate, we just announced a whole slew of details regarding this year’s big event… including info on when you can purchase tickets; what panels and presentations to look forward to (did someone say “Mousequerade hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star and friend of D23 Nina West”?!); and so much more. If you haven’t already checked out our super informative rundown, click here—and we’ll see ya at the Anaheim Convention Center!

Garden Rocks Concert Series Returns to EPCOT

Get ready to party! The ever-popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is returning to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this March. The festival will bloom for full 125 days, from March 2 through July 4… And new this year, internationally recognized artists will bring the groove to the America Gardens Theatre stage Friday through Monday, while local Orlando bands step into the spotlight Tuesday through Thursday.

The series features a little something for everyone—from returning favorites such as The Guess Who, Rick Springfield, and Simple Plan to new additions including Latinx hitmakers Melina León and Claudia Leitte and R&B legends Kool & The Gang. Check out the full list of announced artists below:

March 4-5 – The Guess Who
March 6-7 – Rick Springfield
March 11-12 – Melina Leon (New to Garden Rocks)
March 18-19 – Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel (New)
March 20-21 – Kool & The Gang (New to Garden Rocks)
March 25-28 – The Orchestra, starring former members of ELO
April 1-2 – The Spinners
April 3-4 – The Pointer Sisters
April 8-9 – Blue October (New to Garden Rocks)
April 15-16 – Tommy DeCarlo, current lead vocalist for Boston (New)
April 17-18 – Don Felder, formerly of Eagles
April 22-23 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
April 24-25 – Claudia Leitte (New)
April 29-30 – Berlin
May 1-2 – TobyMac
May 6-7 – Blood, Sweat & Tears
May 8-9 – The Commodores (New to Garden Rocks)
May 13-14 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett (New)
May 20-21 – A Flock of Seagulls
May 22-23 – Collin Raye (New)
May 27-28 – Thelma Houston (New)
May 29-30 – Little River Band
June 3-6 – Simple Plan
June 10-13 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
June 17-20 – Plain White T’s

Beginning Wednesday, January 19, guests can secure their spot at select shows by booking a Garden Rocks Dining Package, available Friday through Monday. (To experience EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, guests must have both valid park admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date.) Find out more—including new Garden Rocks acts yet to be revealed—by visiting FreshEPCOT.com.

Disney, Lucasfilm, and FIRST Join Forces for Build the Future

Here’s something nifty for the students in your life: For more than 20 years, Disney has been a proud sponsor of FIRST^®—the world’s leading youth-serving nonprofit advancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education… further providing today’s youth with inspiration, access, and opportunity through its program. And this year, Disney and FIRST will continue to bring more hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship to youth, empowering them to not only think big, but to also develop the skills needed to become the next generation of heroes and innovators.

Earlier this week, Disney, Lucasfilm and FIRST announced Build the Future powered by Star Wars: Force for Change. Build the Future will give FIRST teams around the world an opportunity to amplify their unique stories as thinkers, innovators, and forces for good—and to demonstrate the use of their STEM skills, Gracious Professionalism^®, and global citizenship while “off the field.” The most impactful stories will be featured in an upcoming FIRST multi-media campaign together with Disney and Lucasfilm. Hear about the initiative from some Star Wars universe alums—including Hayden Christensen, Disney Legend Ming-Na Wen, and Kelly Marie Tran—in the clip above.

In 2020-21, with funding provided by Disney, FIRST was able to deliver STEM program access to 51,318 students in underserved and underrepresented communities. To learn more, visit firstinspires.org/build-the-future.

Brand-New Trailer for 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie

Some hilarious (and hilariously irreverent) fun is bound to be had when that burger-slinging clan the Belchers comes to the big screen.

20th Century Studios just released a new trailer, above, for its upcoming animated feature The Bob’s Burgers Movie—slated to open this May. The story begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob (voice of H. Jon Benjamin) and Linda (voice of John Roberts) struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.

The musical comedy-mystery-adventure—based on the long-running, Emmy Award-winning series—also features the voice talents of Kristen Schaal, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, Zach Galifianakis, Kevin Kline, and David Wain. Directed by Bernard Derriman, co-directed by Loren Bouchard, and written by Bouchard & Nora Smith, the film is produced by Bouchard, Smith, and Janelle Momary. See it only in theaters beginning May 27!

Every Winter 2022 TCA Press Tour Highlight from ABC, Hulu, and Freeform

If you’re looking for an informative rundown on all the fabulous content you can expect from several of the networks and streamers from within the worlds of Disney, D23 has you covered with the latest and greatest out of the recent Winter 2022 TCA Press Tour. News on more amazing black-ish guest stars? Check. Hilary Duff on what to expect from How I Met Your Father? Indeed. Check it out by clicking here.

Another Thrilling Look at Death on the Nile

In anticipation of 20th Century Studios’ Death on the Nile, exclusively in theaters this February, the studio has released a special look at the tale of passion and jealousy directed by and starring five-time Academy Award^®nominee Kenneth Branagh.

Based on the 1937 novel by Agatha Christie, Death on the Nile is a daring mystery-thriller about the emotional chaos and deadly consequences triggered by obsessive love. Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot’s Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple’s idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids, this dramatic tale of love gone wrong features a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement.

Branagh, back as the iconic detective Poirot, is joined by Tom Bateman, four-time Oscar^® nominee Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Ali Fazal, Dawn French, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Rose Leslie, Emma Mackey, Sophie Okonedo, Jennifer Saunders, and Letitia Wright. Death on the Nile sails into U.S. theaters on February 11.

ICYMI: Disney Earns 16 Screen Actors Guild Awards^® Nominations

That’s right, y’all—it’s awards season! Earlier this week, the Screen Actors Guild Awards announced its latest crop of nominees… and The Walt Disney Company received an exciting 16 nods across 11 categories. For a rundown on all nominees from across the worlds of Disney, click here.

All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives

January 14, 2022January 31, 2022

Costume jewelry and accessories have been relied upon across the vast history of film and television to help bring characters to life. Details such as these are often overlooked by an audience, but are, in fact, exactly what make Disney characters unique and timeless. In the exhibition All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, we take a look at the beautifully designed crowns, tiaras, watches, rings, bracelets, and other accessories that have helped support some of our favorite moments throughout the nearly 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company.

In partnership with the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, the Walt Disney Archives has designed and curated four main gallery spaces in which viewers will have the chance to experience an in-depth look at the world of costume jewelry and accessories. These galleries explain what sets costume jewelry apart from real world jewelry and how these pieces help accentuate a costume as a whole. Within this new exhibition, viewers get an up-close view of some of our favorite pieces from Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Fox projects.

With over 200 dazzling items from over 100 productions, we are very pleased to take you through this exciting look at this often overlooked, yet integral part of movie and television magic. Our premier costume jewelry exhibition, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, will be on display at the Bowers Museum through June 19, 2022.

D23 Gold Members receive a discount on tickets and merchandise!

All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives — *All That Glitters: Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives* at the Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, California

Ice Crowns – Jadis the White Witch, *The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* (2005), worn by Tilda Swinton

“Heart of the Ocean,” *Titanic* (1997), worn by Kate Winslet, courtesy of Lightstorm Entertainment

Marvel Studios’ *Black Panther* (2018) and *Doctor Strange* (2016), courtesy of Marvel Studios

Tim Allen Returns to the Red Suit for The Santa Clause, a Limited Series for Disney+

January 14, 2022May 3, 2022

By the D23 Team

Disney+ announced this morning that Disney Legend Tim Allen will reprise his role for a new The Santa Clause (working title) limited series. Is it too early to start celebrating Christmas again? Because this news is the very best present! The series, executive produced by Allen, is set to begin production in Los Angeles in March. Award-winning Jack Burditt (30 Rock, Modern Family, Frasier, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) is the executive producer and showrunner, and Kevin Hench (Last Man Standing), Richard Baker, and Rick Messina also serve as executive producers.

The series will be set after the trilogy of The Santa Clause films. Allen won a People’s Choice Award for his portrayal of Scott Calvin for the 1994 The Santa Clause and reprised the role in two sequels, 2002’s The Santa Clause 2 and 2006’s The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.

In the Disney+ series, Scott Calvin is on the brink of his 65th birthday and realizing that he can’t be Santa forever. He’s starting to lose a step in his Santa duties, and more importantly, he’s got a family who could benefit from a life in the normal world, especially his two kids who have grown up at the Pole. With a lot of elves, children, and family to please, Scott sets out to find a suitable replacement Santa while preparing his family for a new adventure in a life south of the pole.

Most Disney fans will recognize Allen—well, at least his voice—from his role as Buzz Lightyear in Pixar’s first computer animated film, Toy Story. He reprised the iconic role as the arrogant yet lovable space action figure in three sequels, 1999’s Toy Story 2, 2010’s Toy Story 3, and 2019’s Toy Story 4. He also appeared as the character in a number of Toy Story short films, including Hawaiian Vacation, Small Fry, and Partysaurus Rex.

Before Allen was going “to infinity, and beyond,” his popularity skyrocketed as the star of the top-rated ABC series Home Improvement, earned numerous awards for his role of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, including a Golden Globe^®in 1994 and a People’s Choice Award for eight consecutive years from 1992-1999. Allen also starred for nine seasons on the hit series Last Man Standing. He reunited with the creative team from The Santa Clause to make Disney’s Jungle 2 Jungle, and also starred in the feature remake of a Disney classic, The Shaggy Dog, in 2006. Allen also lent his own voice as narrator to the 2012 Disneynature documentary Chimpanzee and co-starred in the 2007 Touchstone comedy Wild Hogs along with the 1999 film Galaxy Quest. In 1994, Disney’s Hyperion Publishing released his debut book, Don’t Stand Too Close to a Naked Man. It topped the New York Times Bestsellers list and led to a second book, also published by Hyperion, I’m Not Really Here.

Stay tuned to D23.com for more news on the new Disney+ The Santa Clause limited series as it breaks.

5 Things You Need to Know About Season Two of Secrets of Sulphur Springs

January 13, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Spooktacular fun is in store for Disney Channel with the season two premiere of Secrets of Sulphur Springs on Friday, January 14, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT with back-to-back episodes.

Harper Dunn (Kyliegh Curran) and Griffin Campbell (Preston Oliver) continue their quest to uncover the origins of The Tremont with the help of Savannah (Elle Graham) in the 1960s in the time-traveling adventure series. When the portal to the time machine disappears after following a ghost to the 1930s, Harper is forced to navigate the past as she attempts to travel back to the present day. Will the secrets… and ghosts finally be revealed?

1. The Tremont is spooky in person, too.
The paranormal fun isn’t limited to what you see onscreen. While the cast and crew enjoy surprising each other in between takes, the soundstage sets and the farmhouse have no shortage of eeriness. “The actual farmhouse is haunted,” says Secrets of Sulphur Springs showrunner and executive producer Charles Pratt Jr. “Everybody has said this. There’s no warm and fuzzy feeling in that place; even when it’s 115 degrees outside, you could just feel the ghosts.” The farmhouse, like the Tremont, has a rich history itself, having several different lives before becoming a filming location, including stints as a sugar cane mill and farm. Season two includes a scene with a ghost hunter, which was shot on location and at night in Louisiana. Series creator and executive producer Tracey Thomson tells D23 the night shoot was “really creepy.”

2. Season two introduces new mysteries.
All your inquiries from season one will be answered! Thomson says the second season of Secrets of Sulphur Springs will include plenty of time travel to the ’30s and ’60s as Harper and Griffin continue their exploration of the Tremont and its mysterious surroundings, but they’ll venture to a new place they have yet to travel to: the future! In addition to this new frontier, the show will provide more background on its characters and introduce new faces along the way. Plus, we’ll learn more about Harper’s connection to the hotel and why the first episode has us seeing double.

3. A superfan has joined the cast.
Speaking of new characters, season two introduces viewers to Sam Tremont, who is portrayed as a child in the 1930s by Ethan Hutchinson an as an adult in the 1960s by Eugene Byrd. Like Harper and Griffin, Sam is also intrigued by time travel and its infinite possibilities. We’ll learn more about Sam and his famous last name in season two. Young Sam creates a time traveling machine by way of a bicycle and is seen in one episode furiously pedaling in the hopes of accomplishing his dream. Hutchinson says the scenes, while fun to shoot, were difficult to nail thanks to the decade’s wardrobe choices. “The pedals on that bike were so loose, and we did a bunch of things because the bottom of the shoes are smooth, so we made grits on the shoes and tried tape to help grip the shoes to the pedals,” he says. Joining the cast is a dream come true for Hutchinson, who is a self-proclaimed superfan of the show. He admits he watched the first season in its entirety several times before even joining the cast and tried to not “geek out” at his first table read.

4. Season two tackles race relations in the ’30s and ’60s.
Further exploring Harper’s character and her family’s connection to The Tremont allows the creators to convey to younger viewers and families what life was like for people of color. Thomson says, “Having a present-day kid go back and have to live that appealed to us.” Curran is excited for viewers to see how Harper’s reality in the ’30s compares to Griffin’s experiences. “I think we did a good job of portraying what life was like for people of color back then, and how it was far from easy and how you weren’t really treated like a person at all,” she says. “I think we touched on that a good amount in the season. I’d like to face it a little bit more, especially since Harper is a person of color traveling through time and all these different areas in the past are going to have a lot of issues when it comes to being a person of color.”

5. Disney fans should watch Secrets of Sulphur Springs because…
Oliver says the series is appealing to the young and young at heart. “I think Secrets of Sulphur Springs is something that is very unique for Disney. We got all the themes combined into one and our show is for a lot of ages,” he says. “Six-year-olds can watch it, 14-year-olds watch it, and their parents can watch it as well, and everyone can enjoy it. So, that’s the biggest reason why I think people would love to watch the show.” Graham says the cliffhangers will bring viewers in week after week. “I think personally whenever I like to watch shows I like when there’s a cliffhanger, and Secrets of Sulphur Springs is filled with cliffhangers. We show a lot of real problems as well with Harper and the past, and we show family problems and a lot of stuff that people can relate to.”

Season two of Secrets of Sulphur Springs will premiere on Disney Channel on Friday, January 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, with two back-to-back episodes. The season will premiere on Disney+ on Wednesday, January 19, and will be available in its entirety.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

January 13, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Gather the family for a batch of fun features coming your way, starting with the season two premiere of Secrets of Sulphur Springs Friday, January 14, on Disney Channel. Get wild with the Disney+ debuts of the National Geographic documentary Betty White Goes Wild! and Catch That Kid on Friday. Before the pros take the field Sunday for playoff action, get your pigskin fix with a viewing of Invincible on FX. Wrap up your Sunday with a viewing of the animated movie Teacher’s Pet on Disney+.

Secrets of Sulphur Springs—Friday, January 14, at 8 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET, on Disney Channel
Disney Channel’s time-traveling mystery series returns with a double dose of spookiness as season two kicks off with back-to-back episodes. Griffin (Preston Oliver), Savannah (Elle Graham) and Harper (Kyliegh Curran) find themselves face-to-face with Harper’s carbon copy, Daisy, and the Tremont ghost sends Harper and Griffin an important message. Then, we learn more about Harper’s family history in the second episode as she pretends to be Daisy—but will she run into trouble while attempting to uncover family secrets? Plus, Harper’s brother Topher stumbles upon the hidden bunker.

Betty White Goes Wild!—Friday, January 14, on Disney+
Disney Legend and animal advocate Betty White speaks about her love of big cats and her passion for safeguarding their future in animals in this National Geographic documentary special. Watch as White travels to both the Los Angeles and San Diego zoos to learn about the behavioral traits of big cats and other fun facts. It’s purrrfect!

Catch That Kid—Friday, January 14, on Disney+
Athletic 12-year-old Maddy, portrayed by Kristen Stewart, shares an enthusiasm for mountain climbing with her father, Tom (Sam Robards). But when Tom suffers a spinal injury while scaling Mount Everest, his family is unable to afford the expensive surgery needed to save him. Maddy opts to get the money for her father’s operation by robbing a high-security bank. She relies on her climbing skills and help from her geeky friends Gus (Max Thieriot) and Austin (Corbin Bleu) to try to pull it off.

Invincible—Sunday, January 16, at 9 a.m. ET, on FX
Huddle up for this gridiron classic in celebration of playoff football! Mark Wahlberg portrays Vince Papale, a lifelong football fan who sees his wildest dreams come true when he becomes a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. While teaching at his high-school alma mater in Pennsylvania, the 30-year-old gets a chance to try out for his favorite team and legendary head coach Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear, pictured above) to become the oldest rookie in NFL history (excluding kickers) who never played football in college.

Teacher’s Pet—Sunday, January 16, on Disney+
Be top-of-class by celebrating the 18th anniversary of this film’s theatrical release. In the animated feature, Spot (voiced by Nathan Lane) is a snarky, blue-furred dog whose greatest desire is to be transformed into a human and who already wears a human costume so he can pose as a student at a local school. Opportunity strikes when he sees a television commercial in which Doctor Krank (voiced by Kelsey Grammer) claims to be able to turn animals into humans. When the experiment goes wrong, Spot must enlist the help of his owner, Leonard Helperman (voiced by Shaun Fleming).

D23 Expo Presented by Visa® Details on Ticketing, Mousequerade, and More!

January 13, 2022March 28, 2024

By the D23 Team

Today, D23 announced exciting new details about D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa^®. “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event” is back, returning to the Anaheim Convention Center from September 9th through the 11th, to celebrate the magic and excitement of Disney and kick off Disney100, the centennial celebration of The Walt Disney Company. We’re celebrating all the wonderful worlds of Disney—including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—united under one roof to showcase what’s new and what’s on the horizon from Disney theme parks, streaming, television, music, products, and films. D23 Expo 2022 will feature more than 50 shows, presentations, and panels, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honors the talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, as well as an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives highlighting the 100th anniversary of Disney.

We’re so excited to return to D23 Expo this year, so read on for details about ticketing, the Mousequerade costume contest, an exciting new exhibit, and more! First, take a look at the all-new key art for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa, which is inspired by the Disney100 celebration.

Tickets
Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa go on sale at 12 p.m. PT on Thursday, January 20, with an exclusive presale for Visa cardholders who are also D23 Members starting on Wednesday, January 19, at 10 a.m. PT. Guests must be members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club—either at the complimentary General Member level or at the Gold Member level—to purchase tickets. Want to join the club? Click here to sign up as a General or Gold Member.

D23 Members who are also Visa cardholders, and who pay with their Visa, will have pre-sale access to a limited number of one-day and three-day tickets for 24 hours beginning January 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. PT, while supplies last.

D23 Gold Members will be able to purchase specially priced discounted tickets, both single-day ($89) and three-day ($229). Regularly priced single-day tickets are $99 for a one-day adult admission and $79 for children, and money-saving three-day tickets are also available. Discounted hotel and Disneyland Resort park tickets are available to all D23 Expo ticket purchasers.

D23 Expo 2022 - Ticketing

This year, a limited number of Hall D23 Preferred Seating tickets (which include admission for all three days and a reserved seating section for all Hall D23 presentations) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members.

For more information on tickets, ticket prices, and D23 Expo, visit D23Expo.com.

Special Offers
Presenting Sponsor Visa will be the “Official Way to Pay at D23 Expo,” and Visa cardholders will have access to additional benefits and one-of-a-kind Disney experiences.

D23 Gold Members will also enjoy special benefits at the Expo, including on-site discounts from select retail locations and a complimentary gift. And guests will be able to visit the D23 Ultimate Fan Lounge presented by Amazon on the show floor.

Stay tuned for more details on special offers for both Visa cardholders and D23 Gold Members, which will be announced in the coming months.

D23 Expo 2022 - Mousequerade

Mousequerade
OK, now you know how to get your tickets... but what are going to do once you set foot inside the Anaheim Convention Center in September? While details on our panels and presentations are still to be announced, one thing we know for sure is that you’ll need to come to D23 Expo 2022 dressed to impress, because the Mousequerade costume contest is returning! This year, the fabulous and fashionable Nina West will be hosting, with Yvette Nicole Brown (Big Shot, Disenchanted), Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano and creator of Her Universe), and Ally Maki (Toy Story 4, Home Sweet Home Alone) judging the always impressive selection of contestants.

D23 Expo 2022 - Mousequerade Hosts

The contest will feature new and returning categories including “Off the Screen,” “Imagine That!,” “Magical Mashups,” and “Cast of Characters,” as well as a fan-favorite award voted on by the audience and a “Best in Show” prize of $2,300. Complete rules for entry and details are available at D23Expo.com.

Walt’s Plane
This year’s D23 Expo will debut a brand-new exhibit featuring an iconic piece of Disney history. D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, working with new D23 Expo Platinum sponsor Amazon, are restoring Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I company airplane, currently housed backstage at Walt Disney World Resort, and transporting it to Anaheim.

The aircraft was seen for years as part of the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will be on display at D23 Expo 2022 for guests to see in an exhibit called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon.

And So Much More!
Returning to D23 Expo 2022 will be the massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities for guests to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and they may even run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Guests can also enjoy numerous shopping opportunities—many featuring D23 Expo-exclusive collectibles—at an assortment of Disney and partner pop-up shops including the D23 Expo Emporium, where the ultimate Disney fans can find their ultimate treasures.

The 7,000-seat Hall D23 returns and will be joined this year by the 3,000-seat Premiere Stage, the 1,200-seat Backlot Stage, and the expanded, 700-seat Walt Disney Archives Stage for more presentations curated by the staff of the Archives. On the main show floor, the D23 Expo Live! Stage will feature performances, appearances, demonstrations, and more all weekend long, many of which will be livestreamed to guests at home.

Stay tuned to D23.com for more D23 Expo presented by Visa news as it breaks.

Not a D23 Member? Join as a complimentary General Member or upgrade to Gold Membership for additional benefits, including an exclusive discount on D23 Expo tickets.

MORE EXPO NEWS

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How I Met Your Father Is Not Your Mother’s Series

January 13, 2022January 12, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

Mom, can you tell me the story of how you met my father?

Hilary Duff answers this pressing question, and more, in the new Hulu original series How I Met Your Father, premiering on the streaming platform with two episodes on Tuesday, January 18.

The series finds an older Sophie explaining to her son how she met his father: a story that catapults viewers back to the year 2021. Duff portrays Sophie, an aspiring street photographer and hopeless romantic who cannot seem to get out of her own way when it comes to finding love. She is supported by her tight-knit group of friends as they all navigate coming into their own as adults, as well as how to fall in love in the age of dating apps and limitless options.

Award-winning multihyphenate Duff says she was drawn to the relatable role of Sophie despite being in a completely different place in her own life as a married mother of three children. “I just felt like I was drawn to Sophie and that we had a lot in common,” she says. “She doesn’t give up. She’s kind of struggling. You know, odds are kind of against her in her career, but she’s leaning on this little pack of weirdos that she finds one night. And they run off into the sunset together and have all of these experiences that young people have, just trying to find their footing.”

While How I Met Your Father borrows its structure and theming from its predecessor, How I Met Your Mother, it’s certainly not a reboot of the hit series, and the former will carry its own legacy. Director and executive producer Pam Fryman, who worked on Mother, said Father is spectacular in its own right and fans of the original will be satisfied. However, don’t be shocked to see nods to Mother in the new series.

“The original show was so amazing, and they were so tied into one another and just did such an amazing job, but this is its own show,” added Duff. “So, we are trying to create something original by stealing a few things from them that worked really well. But this is a new format for all of us. The entire cast, we’ve never done multi-cam before, and I think having someone like Pam Fryman lead us into that journey was so helpful for all of us, and we clicked pretty fast.”

As with Mother, the ensemble cast of Father possesses strong chemistry among its diverse cast already—something that takes most series more than one season to develop. Duff and her co-stars remark that they looked like a real group of friends on-screen when reviewing episodes. The on-screen chemistry led the group to develop a bond off-the-screen, too.

“Our friendships and care for each other is both on and off screen,” says Tien Tran, who portrays Ellen. “I hope that that shines through because we all just like being around each other. I think that as you watch it, you will see that really shine through, and I hope that everyone gets that sense, too.”

That friendship and natural chemistry was palpable from the first meeting—with no shortage of hilarity on set, according to Francia Raisa, who plays Valentina.

“From the minute we all met, from the first table read, we knew we are family, we are funny, we respect each other,” Raisa says. “I feel like that really comes across onscreen, which is why it’s so beautiful and it works from the first scene in the first episode.”

The Father cast is rounded out with Christopher Lowell (Jesse), Tom Ainsley (Charlie), Suraj Sharma (Sid), and Kim Cattrall, who voices an older Sophie.

Who is the father? Watch how Sophie’s chaotic love life plays out when How I Met Your Father debuts Tuesday, January 18 on Hulu, with new episodes streaming weekly.

Every Winter 2022 TCA Press Tour Highlight from ABC, Hulu, and Freeform

January 12, 2022January 12, 2022

By Andie Hagemann

ABC Entertainment, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, and Hulu Originals this week showcased new and returning series as part of the Television Critics Association’s Winter Press Tour… and also made some exciting announcements! Celebrated series black-ish—which launched its momentous farewell on Tuesday, January 4, with an appearance by former First Lady Michelle Obama—will welcome several more sensational guest stars. Meanwhile, Station 19 will return for another season; comedian Jo Koy is set to star in the new single-camera comedy Josep; Promised Land debuted a new trailer ahead of this month’s series premiere; Hilary Duff talks Hulu’s How I Met Your Father; and much more.

Read on for all the noteworthy details…

black-ish (Airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC)
Having kicked off its celebratory eighth and final season with a visit from Michelle Obama, black-ish fills up its star-studded guest roster with a slate of celebrity appearances as the Johnsons prepare to say goodbye. Upcoming special guest stars this season include Andrew Bachelor (KingBach), Kent Bazemore, Simone Biles, Jeanie Buss, Daveed Diggs, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Vivica A. Fox, Montrezl Harrell, Dwight Howard, Magic Johnson, DeAndre Jordan, Malik Monk, Isaiah Mustafa, Kendrick Nunn, Rajon Rondo, Reid Scott, and Stephen A. Smith, among others.

While talking about how the series was able to get so many exciting cameos for their final season, showrunner and executive producer Courtney Lilly joked, “Michelle Obama was easy because Tracee [Ellis Ross, who plays Dr. Rainbow Johnson] and Michelle are friends. It was something we wanted to do for a long time. The opportunity presented itself and it came down to, ‘Hey will you send a text to your friend and see if she’s interested?’”

“With Magic Johnson, we’re doing an episode with the [Los Angeles] Lakers that we’re really excited about, and Anthony [Anderson, who plays Dre Johnson] was our hookup for that,” Lilly continued. “Tracee and Anthony essentially know everybody.”

Lilly also spoke about the impact black-ish has had, and why many of their guest stars eagerly came on board in the first place. “We’ve been on for eight years. It’s a show that people watch with their families, and they’re proud to be able to sit there and be like, ‘Hey, I’m on black-ish.’” He added, “People leapt at the opportunity because of the work we’ve done.”

Judge Steve Harvey (Airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC)
Steve Harvey serves as the judge, jury and star of Judge Steve Harvey, a new unscripted series on ABC. Harvey said the courtroom comedy, which debuted last Tuesday as ABC’s most-watched unscripted new series debut in a year, has been on his mind for over a decade. “I came up with this idea about 12 years ago, but I just never told anybody,” he said. “I’d never sat in a pitch room about it. I’d never met with the network about it. I’d never discussed it with my team, my production company—no one. I just had this idea. We were on a zoom call with ABC… [for them] to pitch a scripted show for me, a sitcom. They got through talking about, and it was a great idea, but I wasn’t that enthusiastic about doing a sitcom anymore. So, the president of ABC said to me, ‘Well, Steve, what would you like to do if you could do anything?’ I said, ‘I always wanted to be a judge on TV.’” In fact, he already had a clear vision. “I wanted it to be funny. I wanted to be insightful. I wanted it to be not about the verdict, but about the story,” Harvey said. “The next day, they greenlit it.”

Station 19 (Airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC)
ABC has renewed Station 19 for a sixth season! Executive producer and showrunner Krista Vernoff will continue to helm the successful Grey’s Anatomy spinoff series, which takes viewers inside the tough, tight-knit and sometimes heartbreaking world of Seattle’s bravest first responders, following a group of heroic firefighters as they constantly put their lives and hearts on the line. “It’s a privilege to tell stories of our heroic first responders, who on our show and in real life put their lives on the line every day to keep us all safe,” said Vernoff. “I’m so grateful to Disney and ABC for the early pickup for season six of Station 19! It’s a tribute to the incredible work of our talented cast, crew, writers and creative team, as well as the dedication of our loyal fans who tune in every week.”

How I Met Your Father (Premieres Tuesday, January 18, on Hulu)
Hilary Duff leads the ensemble cast of the brand-new Hulu original series. In the near future, Sophie (Duff) is telling her son the story of how she met his father: a story that catapults us back to the year 2021 where Sophie and her close-knit group of friends are in the midst of figuring out who they are, what they want out of life and how to fall in love in a time full of options in the age of dating apps.

Duff stressed the new series is its own standalone story from the hit series How I Met You Mother, which presented unique challenges for the ensemble cast. “I think it’s important to know that we are our own show,” the actress said. “The original show was so amazing, and they were so tied into one another and did such an amazing job, but this is its own show. We’re trying to create something original by stealing a few things from them that worked really well—but this is a new format for all of us. The entire cast hasn’t done a multi-cam show before, and I think having someone like [director] Pam Fryman lead us into that journey was so helpful for all of us. We clicked pretty fast. Some of us watched the episodes and were like, ‘Oh! We have a show! We did it! We look like we’re best friends! We like each other!’ It all fell into place, and we just hope that magic comes across when other people watch it.”

Single Drunk Female (Premieres Thursday, January 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform)
In this adult comedy series, after a public flame-out at a New York media company, 20-something alcoholic Samantha Fink (Sofia Black-D’Elia) is forced to seize the only chance she has to sober up and avoid jail time: moving back home with her overbearing mother, Carol (Ally Sheedy). Back in Greater Boston, Samantha restarts her life, working at a grocery store while surrounded by all of the triggers that made her drink in the first place. Confronted with remnants of her old life, including run-ins with her perfect former best friend, who is now dating her ex, Samantha sets out on a path to move past her worst self and figure out her best self. Kinda.

The mother-daughter relationship is “the heart of the series,” D’Elia explained. “It’s complicated, and funny, and weird, and nuanced in a way that I think any girl with a mother can understand and relate to. And it’s really fun doing it with Ally.” Sheedy agreed with her co-star, adding, “It’s very fluid and messy, which is what I love. I love Sofia, so going to work every day was an absolute joy. This was an easy relationship for us to mess around with.”

Promised Land (Premieres Monday, January 24, at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
Promised Land, an epic, generation-spanning drama about a Latinx family vying for wealth and power in California’s Sonoma Valley, stars John Ortiz as Joe Sandoval, Cecilia Suárez as Lettie Sandoval, Augusto Aguilera as Mateo Flores, Christina Ochoa as Veronica Sandoval, Mariel Molino as Carmen Sandoval, Tonatiuh as Antonio Sandoval, Andres Velez as Carlos Rincón, Katya Martín as Juana Sánchez, Rolando Chusan as Billy Rincón, and Bellamy Young as Margaret Honeycroft.

“I would say more wine is savored than thrown in this show—but that doesn’t mean we don’t throw down a little bit,” said executive producer Maggie Malina. “There are so many juicy twists and turns to behold and to partake and deeply inhale, so I hope that will come through. It has been a great opportunity to learn a little bit about wine and how the complexity of wine can be reflected in all of these characters and storylines.”

The second episode of the series will be available on Hulu the day after its premiere—marking the first time ABC programming will be released on Hulu before debuting on the network.

Dollface (Season 2 Premieres Friday, February 11, on Hulu)
Intended for mature audiences, the original comedy series will soon return with 10 all-new episodes. The streamer dropped the official trailer and key art for season two of the hit series during Tuesday’s TCA session. The second season follows Jules (Kat Dennings) and her best friends post-pandemic, post heartbreak and heading toward turning 30. Having successfully reunited with her friends—Madison (Brenda Song), Stella (Shay Mitchell) and Izzy (Esther Povitsky)—Jules must now balance keeping their group together as they navigate work, love and a deeper relationship with each of themselves.

American Idol (Premieres Sunday, February 27, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC)
Music industry legends and all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, along with Emmy-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest, return to help discover America’s next singing sensation for American Idol’s fifth season on ABC and 20th season overall. This season, the judges will hand out platinum tickets in Austin, Los Angeles, and Nashville. “We identify the best talent in each place,” Perry said. “This ticket gives them the ability to go to Hollywood Week, which we’ve already filmed and was so rigorous; it was survival of the fittest. They get to observe from the box seats at the theater. For one day, they get to rest their voice, strategize, check out the competition and select who they want to duet with… These three ticket holders get a tiny advantage, just because they’re the cream of the crop.”

Although Bobby Bones is unable to return as the show’s in-house mentor this season, the contestants won’t be without help. “This year we will be leaning into our amazing American Idol universe alum to help our current Idols along the way in different stages of the competition,” said showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick. To that end, Seacrest said he hopes to see the likes of Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, Ruben Studdard, and Carrie Underwood once more. “I can remember standing next to them,” Seacrest said, “looking at their faces and reactions in moments of success and challenge.”

The Oscars^® (Airing Sunday, March 27, on ABC)
During the executive session, Erwich announced the 94th Academy Awards^® will feature a host for the first time since 2018. He added that the show is “in the very capable hands of producer Will Packer, whose comedies have grossed more than a billion dollars at the box office. We’re giving Will the keys to Hollywood’s Biggest Night, and we’re excited to see how his vision comes to life. And you heard it here first: I can confirm that this year’s Oscars will have a host. It might be me,” he joked, “but I promise we’ll have a host. Expect more on that in the weeks ahead.”

The Great
The Hulu original comedy series created by Tony McNamara has been renewed for a 10-episode third season. The critically acclaimed second season—which debuted in November 2021—is currently nominated for three Critics’ Choice Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and it was one of the streamer’s top performing original comedies in 2021. The Great is created, written, and executive produced by McNamara and stars Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult.

Josep
Previously in development at ABC, the single-camera comedy has been ordered to pilot. Josep follows a recently divorced Filipino American nurse, played by comedian Jo Koy, as he attempts to navigate dating, fatherhood, and a very Filipino mother who loves to “help.”

Steve Joe serves as writer and executive producer; Koy will also executive produce, alongside Kourtney Kang, Jake Kasdan, Melvin Mar, Joe Meloche, Randall Park, Michael Golamco and Hieu Ho. Josep will be produced by 20th Television, part of Disney Television Studios.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder

Earth Day on Disney+

The Book of Boba Fett

ABC’s American Idol Returns February 27

D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa®: All the News That’s Fit to Post!

Garden Rocks Concert Series Returns to EPCOT

Disney, Lucasfilm, and FIRST Join Forces for Build the Future

Brand-New Trailer for 20th Century Studios’ The Bob’s Burgers Movie

Every Winter 2022 TCA Press Tour Highlight from ABC, Hulu, and Freeform

Another Thrilling Look at Death on the Nile

ICYMI: Disney Earns 16 Screen Actors Guild Awards® Nominations

**ABC’s American Idol Returns February 27**

D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa^®: All the News That’s Fit to Post!

ICYMI: Disney Earns 16 Screen Actors Guild Awards^® Nominations