By the D23 Team
This week, we’re celebrating Earth, and we invite you to join in the fun! Take in the beauty of our wild world with these Disneynature films, which are being offered on digital for a discounted price of $7.99 SD/HD/UHD from Tuesday, April 21, to Monday, April 27.
Click here starting April 21 to purchase the following films at a discounted price:
By the D23 Team
Across the worlds of Disney, plenty of classic characters have captured our hearts—Pascal, Judy Hopps, Simba, and Crush, just to name a few! And those characters are inspired by important animals from our own planet Earth. As part of the celebration, we put together a fun quiz to see if you can match Disney characters to their real-life animal counterpart.
By the D23 Team
Before she had her magic mirror or poisoned apples, who was the Evil Queen? That is what Fairest of All, the latest title in Serena Valentino’s Villains series, seeks to answer. Are you bewitched by the prospect of exploring her story? From now until April 25, you can download Fairest of All for free here.
Find out more about this enchanting exploration of one of Disney’s most famous villainesses from the author herself. We had the chance to ask Valentino a few questions about the story:
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: Why is Fairest of All a great story for Disney fans to read?
Serena Valentino (SV): I think Disney fans not familiar with the series will enjoy all the little nods to the original animated film. Everything from how Grimhilde gets her spell books, to how she learns magic, where the boat under the castle leads, to who the man in the mirror is… not to mention how she met Snow White’s father!
D23: What do you like most about exploring the Evil Queen’s backstory?
SV: What I like most about this story is her life before she became Snow’s stepmother and what her relationship with Snow and her father was like before Snow’s father passed away. Fairest of All ties up a lot of loose ends from the original tale, and gives Grimhilde’s character more depth. It never seemed quite right to me that Grimhilde tried to have her stepdaughter killed because she was jealous of her beauty, and in my version it’s much more sinister and heartbreaking, and maybe even a little relatable, if not redeemable.
D23: Why do you enjoy telling the Villains’ backstories?
SV: I love really getting to know these characters and exploring why they did the evil things they did in the original animated films. I love dreaming up the backstories of characters I have loved since I was young, and finding ways to make them feel more real and relatable. Most of the time we find that our villains weren’t born evil, but were made evil. If readers feel bad for a woman who wanted to wear puppy fur, like in my next book, Evil Thing, about Cruella De Vil (coming out July 7), then I have done my job!
By Zach Johnson
There’s a lot to watch this week—and you won’t want to miss a minute! The fun begins Monday with the season finale of Cosmos: Possible Worlds on National Geographic. Then, in honor of Earth Day, National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD are presenting two brand-new specials, Born Wild: The Next Generation and Jane Goodall: The Hope. From April 23–25, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+ will be providing multinetwork coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft. Finally, on Friday, the third season of Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure will drop on Disney+, giving families something new to binge-watch together!
Cosmos: Possible Worlds—Monday, April 20, at 8 p.m. on National Geographic
Young Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson first discovered their passion for science at the New York World’s Fairs of the past. And so, in the season finale of the imaginative series, “Seven Wonders of the New World,” audiences will get to visit the dazzling pavilions of the 2039 New York World’s Fair, where problems currently considered intractable may have been solved through public commitment and scientific imagination.
Born Wild: The Next Generation—Wednesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. on National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the one-hour television event, hosted by Disney Legend Robin Roberts, will present stories of hope and offer a revealing look at our planet’s next generation of baby animals and their ecosystems, which face daunting environmental changes. Featuring National Geographic Explorers and photographers, actor Chris Hemsworth, and ABC News correspondents, the special will take viewers on a journey to stunning, breathtaking environments—like Australia, California, Canada, Hawaii, Minnesota, Sri Lanka, and Kenya—to witness and celebrate the diversity and splendor of charismatic baby animals, their families, and their habitats. The special will make its broadcast network debut Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Jane Goodall: The Hope—Wednesday, April 22, at 9 p.m. on National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD
This two-hour special is the story of Dr. Jane Goodall, a global icon in animal welfare and conservation. The documentary celebrates Dr. Goodall’s four decades of advocacy work for chimpanzees and depicts the next chapter for generations to come. Picking up where National Geographic Documentary Films’ award-winning JANE left off in 2017, the special follows Dr. Goodall throughout her robust travels, capturing her relentless commitment and determination to spread a message of hope. The film offers an intimate perspective of her pivotal transformation from scientist to inspirational activist and shows the harrowing obstacles she has faced throughout her remarkable career. Featuring an extensive collection of photographs and footage that spans over seven decades, the documentary illustrates how Dr. Goodall’s passion for wildlife and unshakable drive have persevered, making her one of the most important figures in wildlife conservation who has galvanized a future generation to create lasting change.
2020 NFL Draft—Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m.; Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 25, at 12 p.m. on ABC and ESPN
ESPN and NFL Network will offer a singular presentation of the NFL Draft across both networks, while ABC will present its own telecasts for Rounds 1–3 Thursday and Friday, in addition to simulcasting the ESPN and NFL Network telecasts of Rounds 4–7 Saturday. The 2020 NFL Draft will also serve as a three-day virtual fundraiser benefitting six charities that are battling the spread of COVID-19 and bringing relief to millions in need.
ABC’s unique prime-time telecasts of the NFL Draft on April 23 and 24 will be led by hosts Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, and Maria Taylor and feature NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay; college football analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and David Pollack; and correspondent/feature reporter Tom Rinaldi. Trey Wingo will host ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage all three days, with ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick, and Booger McFarland making remote appearances. NFL Network host Rich Eisen, Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner will contribute remotely all three days. ESPN NFL host Suzy Kolber will conduct remote interviews with NFL draftees, and ESPN Senior NFL Insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter will be featured remotely all three days.
ESPN reporters covering the draft remotely for the networks will include Josina Anderson (Vikings, Redskins, Browns, 49ers), Jeff Darlington (Dolphins, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Chiefs), Dan Graziano (Packers, Lions, Chargers, Panthers, Raiders), Sal Paolantonio (Giants, Ravens, Eagles, Jets), Mike Reiss (Patriots), Dianna Russini (Titans, Bengals, Saints, Falcons), and Ed Werder (Broncos, Seahawks, Cowboys, Cardinals).
Disney’s Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (Season 3)—Thursday, April 23, on Disney+
The latest season of Disney Channel’s animated series starts streaming this week! Follow along as Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), Flynn Ryder (voice of Zachary Levi), Lance (voice of James Monroe Iglehart as Lance), Shorty (voice of Paul F. Tompkins), and Varian (voice of Jeremy Jordan) band together to save Corona and its people—including Rapunzel’s parents, King Frederic (voice of Clancy Brown) and Queen Arianna (voice of Julie Bowen)—after being betrayed by Cassandra (Eden Espinoza).
The music is by Academy Award®-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Joining the talented voice cast in guest voice roles for season three are Sean Giambrone as a teenage Eugene; Khary Payton as the new age thug Kai; Chris Diamantopoulos as a budding Flynn Rider; Betsy Sodaro as the memory-stealing witch Clementine; Artemis Pebdani as the werewolf hunter Creighton; Gina Torres as the rival Queen of Ingvarr; and Tara Fitzgerald as Zhan Tiri, an ancient demon sorceress.
By Courtney Potter
On April 22, 1970, a global movement began to honor this little blue planet we call home. Fifty years later, Earth Day (and more recently Earth Month, celebrated during all 30 days of April) continues to call attention to the ways we can nurture and protect Mother Earth, including its incredibly diverse animal population. Disneynature—launched in 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share engaging and inspiring wildlife stories on the big screen—has made a meaningful habit of honoring Earth Month over the years by not only debuting their films in April, but also supporting related organizations and communities through the Disney Conservation Fund.
Disney+ is getting in on the action this month by debuting two brand-new Disneynature films for audiences of all ages to enjoy… but that’s not all: They’re also offering a curated collection of other Disneynature movies to stream. (As an added bonus, check out Disney+ for some related behind-the-scenes specials on the latest Disneynature titles!) Read on for a rundown of the adventures you can take from the comfort of your very own living room—and don’t forget to visit Disneynature.com for more info, including some super-fun educator’s guides and activity packets for several of the films!
Elephant
Elephant follows African pachyderm Shani and her spirited son Jomo as their herd makes an epic journey hundreds of miles across the vast Kalahari Desert. Led by their great matriarch, Gaia, the family faces brutal heat, dwindling resources, and persistent predators as they follow in their ancestor’s footsteps on a quest to reach a lush, green paradise. In honor of the film, Disneynature and the Disney Conservation Fund are supporting Elephants Without Borders, an organization working in Botswana to ensure people and elephants thrive. See Elephants, narrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Disney+ beginning April 3.
Dolphin Reef
Also premiering on April 3 is Dolphin Reef, narrated by Oscar® winner Natalie Portman; created with Disneynature’s signature storytelling style, the film introduces Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy.
Penguins
Additionally, last year’s Disneynature theatrical release is making its Disney+ debut on April 3! Penguins, narrated by Ed Helms, is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he’s targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after.
Born in China
Narrated by John Krasinksi, Born in China follows the adventures of three different animals—the panda, the golden monkey, and the snow leopard—and their families. The film navigates the vast terrain, from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest, on the wings of a red-crowned crane… showcasing beautiful, intimate family moments captured on film for the first time ever. This 2017 Disneynature release is now available on Disney+.
Monkey Kingdom
Set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia, 2015’s Monkey Kingdom follows Maya, a resourceful monkey who finds her world forever changed when she welcomes her son Kip into her colorful extended family. The film captures all manner of magical footage as Maya strives to keep Kip safe through unexpected—and sometimes perilous—adventures. These truly adorable monkeys will make you laugh, and warm your heart, as Maya realizes her dreams for Kip’s future. With narration by Emmy® winner Tina Fey, this film is now streaming!
Bears
This Disneynature film, released in 2014, showcases a year in the life of a bear family. Mother Sky is committed to teaching her two impressionable cubs, Amber and Scout, about life’s most important lessons. Set against an incredible Alaskan backdrop, their journey begins as winter ends; emerging from hibernation, the three face the bitter cold and an exciting (but very risky) outside world. Follow along as this endearing family learns to live life to its fullest in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. Bears, narrated by Oscar nominee John C. Reilly, is now available on Disney+.
Wings of Life
Who knew a story about small winged creatures (and the natural world around them) could be filled with so much drama and intrigue? Narrated by Oscar winner Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats, and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible—and increasingly threatened—creatures. This 2013 Disneynature release is ready to stream on Disney+!
Chimpanzee
Journey deep into the African rainforest and meet Oscar, an adorable lil’ chimp with a thoroughly entertaining approach to life—and his remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. The world is a playground for Oscar and his fellow young chimps who love creating mayhem; full of curiosity, with a joyful zest for discovery and a love for mimicking others, Oscar—along with his family—navigate the complex territory of the forest. This 2012 film, narrated by Disney Legend Tim Allen, can be streamed now.
African Cats
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, 2011’s African Cats is an epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth—capturing the love, humor, and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. You’ll meet Mara, an endearing lion cub who works to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit, and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. Watch it on Disney+!
The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos
In a place like no other on the planet, the dramatic and desolate Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, 2008’s The Crimson Wing bears witness to a spectacle unlike anything audiences have seen before: a million crimson-winged flamingos arriving to continue the circle of life. Focusing on the adventures of a single chick, and set against a backdrop of never-before-filmed landscapes, this Disneynature film is narrated by journalist Mariella Frostrup and is now available for streaming.
By the D23 Team
For The Walt Disney Company, animals have always been an integral part of Disney storytelling—“it was all started with a mouse” after all!— weaving the magic of imagination alongside the magic of nature. And on Earth Day in 1995, in honor of Walt Disney’s conservation legacy, the Disney Conservation Fund was born. Committed to saving wildlife, inspiring action and protecting the planet, the fund has inspired people all over the world to take action for nature in their communities. To celebrate the Disney Conservation Fund’s 25th anniversary, we pulled together some important numbers of the fund’s impact over the years.
By Courtney Potter
Amazing news, Star Wars fans: There’ll be an all-new, and truly unique, way to celebrate Star Wars Day—otherwise known as May the Fourth—this year, with the debut of Disney+’s brand-new series Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian.
Executive producer and Disney Legend Jon Favreau invites The Mandalorian’s cast and crew to share an unprecedented look at the making of the series, which quickly became a pop culture phenomenon after premiering in November 2019. The eight-episode documentary series pulls back the proverbial curtain, exploring different facets of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Favreau himself. Topics this season include the filmmaking process; the legacy of Disney Legend George Lucas’ Star Wars; how the cast brought their characters to life; the series’ groundbreaking technology; the artistry behind the show’s practical models, effects, and creatures; and so much more.
Look for Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian on Disney+ beginning Monday, May 4—after which, new episodes will air every Friday. And don’t forget: May 4 also brings the final episode of the Emmy® award-winning series Star Wars: The Clone Wars to Disney+. Make a day of it, you must…
Halfway through April, and D23’s got another look at some of the coolest stuff to watch this weekend from around the worlds of Disney. From the Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls documentary The Last Dance on ESPN, to the sure-to-be-incredible, multi-network, Lady Gaga-curated event One World: Together at Home, there’s something for every taste. Check out our rundown by clicking here!
It’s the wildest ride in the wilderness… of your living room. Yes, our good pals at #DisneyMagicMoments just offered up another virtual ride, in the clip above—this time, it’s Big Thunder Railroad, from inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort!
In case you need a refresher (no judgment here), Big Thunder Railroad is a thrilling train ride into an abandoned mine shaft—an adventure that includes evading boulders, dodging explosions, and swooping through canyons in the mysterious town of Tumbleweed.
And here’s the best part: Along the way, you’ll learn some very cool facts about the ride itself. So take off your hats and glasses, remain seated please (just in case), and enjoy! Bonus points if you follow it up with making some churro bites—recipe courtesy Disney Parks Blog…
There’s an important milestone coming up next week—both for the world at large, and for The Walt Disney Company… it’s the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, which works to save wildlife and build a global community that’s inspired to protect the magic of nature together. In honor of such a momentous occasion, Disney Channel is airing all manner of special programming—beginning Monday, April 20. Click here to read all about it!
Here’s a very special show you’d normally only get to see aboard the Disney Dream—but now, you can pop some corn and watch whilst relaxing on the couch. (Or bed, or hammock, or bathtub… Truly, the streaming world is your oyster!)
In a first-of-its-kind video, Disney Cruise Line welcomes you to “be their guest” and take a front row seat for scenes from their award-winning, Broadway-style production of Beauty and the Beast. Check it out, above, and then make sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog for a few other ways to boost all that Beast-ly fun… including a napkin-folding tutorial, and the recipe for a yummy Enchanted Rose Pizza.
ABC’s super-fun summertime TV fest, “Summer Fun & Games,” is just around the corner—and D23 has all the info you need to mark up that viewing calendar of yours… including the premiere date for the final season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Say it ain’t so!) Take a gander by clicking here.
By the D23 Team
We’re gearing up to blast to the past with “D23 Presents: ’90s Throwback with DCappella” event, so we thought why not look the part, too? Pulling inspiration from some iconic ’90s Disney films, we’ve put together a totally rad collection of merch from shopDisney. Check it out!
Hercules Movie Poster Tee
When it comes to your Hercules fandom, go the distance and show your pride with this vintage tee. Featuring the original movie poster art from the 1997 film, this cool T-shirt has all of our favorite Hercules characters from the underworld to the heavens.
Simba Necklace
Hakuna Matata ain’t no passing craze! Keep the problem-free philosophy always near you with this wonderful necklace.
Genie from Aladdin Mug
You ain’t ever had a mug like this. If you’ve been wishing for a coffee mug with your favorite genie, now’s the time! No lamp required.
Disney Animators’ Collection Pocahontas Doll
Fall in love with this special-edition 16-inch Pocahontas doll. Painted with all the colors of the wind, this doll lights up and comes with a display box that features a sketch by animator Glen Keane—the animator behind Pocahontas in the classic 1995 film.
Mulan Backpack by Loungefly
Be prepared for anything! Add some warrior style to your wardrobe with this Mulan-inspired backpack, perfect for on-the-go adventures.
Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Rose Baseball Cap
This look, inspired by the “tale as old as time,” is timeless. You can rock the stylish dad hat silhouette for any adventure in the great wide somewhere.
Belle Tank Top
What’s better than being comfy and reading a good book? Plus, you can match this comfy tank with a matching plaid button-up for the perfect ’90s look.
Pocahontas | Free Spirit Pattern Throw Pillow
Pochontas, Meeko, and Flit are by your side on this multicolor throw pillow. Customize your design and paint with all the colors of the wind for this one-of-a-kind throw.
We all know collecting pins is a favorite Disney pastime, so check out this ultimate ’90s throwback. With patches and pins featuring some beloved Disney films, you can deck out your jean jacket with a little magic!
By Zach Johnson
Today Disney+ announced which titles will be joining the streaming service in May 2020—and it’s quite a lineup! From live-action films like George of the Jungle and John Carter to new episodes of Disney+ Originals like Be Our Chef and One Day at Disney, there’s plenty of Disney magic to discover. We’re counting down the days until May 4, aka Star Wars Day, when the series finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars arrives alongside the premiere of Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian, an all-new series chronicling the making of the first-ever live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian.
Other Disney+ Originals debuting in May include the game show The Big Fib, hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown; It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer, hosted by Disney Legend Bill Farmer; and Prop Culture, in which Dan Lanigan reunites iconic movie props with the very people who created and/or used them in some of Disney’s most beloved movies.
All the announced titles coming to Disney+ in May are listed below:
Friday, May 1
Awesome Animals (Season 1)
Birth of Europe (Season 1)
Bride of Boogedy
Buried Secrets of the Bible with Albert Lin (Season 1)
CAR SOS (Seasons 1–7)
Disney Kirby Buckets (Seasons 1–3)
George of the Jungle
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey
Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco
How to Play Baseball
In Beaver Valley
Lost Treasures of Egypt (Season 1)
Love & Vets (Season 1)
Nature’s Half Acre
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Prairie Dog Manor (Season 1)
Primal Survivor (Seasons 1–4)
Prowlers of the Everglades
Secrets of the Zoo
Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa
United States of Animals (Season 1)
Unlikely Animal Friends (Season 3)
Water Birds
Be Our Chef (Episode 106—“Slimy Yet Satisfying”)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 711—“Shattered”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 126—“Star Wars: Clock”
One Day at Disney (Episode 122—“Robin Roberts: Good Morning America Co-Anchor”)
Prop Culture (Series Premiere) (All 8 Episodes)
Saturday, May 2
John Carter
Monday, May 4
Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (Series Premiere) (Episode 101—“Directing”)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Series Finale) (Episode 712—“Victory and Death”)
Friday, May 8
Be Our Chef (Episode 107—“Anyone Can Cook”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 127—“Star Wars: Hanging Art”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 123–“Joe Hernandez: Attractions Host”)
Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (Episode 102—“Legacy”)
Disney Insider (Episode 105—“Running through Disney, Sorcerer’s Arena, Opening the Archives”
Friday, May 15
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
Be Our Chef (Episode 108—“Worth Melting For”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 128—“Beauty and the Beast: Stained Glass”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 124—“Stephanie Carroll: Ranch Hand”)
Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (Episode 103—“Cast”)
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer (Series Premiere) (Episode 101—“Whale Poop Dogs & Sheep Herding Dogs”)
Monday, May 18
Taylor Swift: City of Lover Concert
Friday, May 22
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers’ Story
Disney Doc McStuffins (Season 5)
Disney Just Roll with It (Season 1)
Disney Mech-X4 (Seasons 1–2)
Disney Vampirina (Season 2)
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Heartland Docs, DVM (Season 1)
Hello, Dolly!
Marvel’s Future Adventures (Season 2)
The Big Fib (Series Premiere) (All 15 Episodes)
Be Our Chef (Episode 109—“Tiana’s Place”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 129—“Bambi: Lanterns”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 125—“Ed Fritz: Imagineering Ride Engineer”)
Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (Episode 104—“Technology”)
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer (Episode 102—“Dogs & Cheetahs & Companion Dogs”)
Friday, May 29
Disney Gabby Duran & the Unsittables (Season 1)
Disney The Evermoor Chronicles (Seasons 1–2)
Mickey and the Seal
The Moon-Spinners
Violetta (Season 2)
Be Our Chef (Episode 110—“Woody’s Lunchbox”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 130—“Nightmare Before Christmas: Candy Bowl”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 126—“Jerome Ranft: Pixar Sculptor”)
Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian (Episode 105—“Practical”)
It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer (Episode 103—“Mascot Dogs & Guide Dogs for Runners”)
By Savannah Salazar
We’re seeing stars. With two star-studded specials and three exciting premieres, your weekend is set! Kicking it all off, Disney on Broadway brings a taste of the Great White Way to your living room with a dazzling 25th anniversary special, Celebrating 25 Magical Years of Disney on Broadway. The next night, ABC and other global networks will present some of the biggest names in music, movies and television in hopes to lift viewers’ spirits in a two-hour special, One World: Together at Home. Plus, we’ll see the premiere of the highly anticipated Michael Jordan documentary series The Last Dance. So, start planning out your weekend with these five programs you can’t miss!
Celebrating 25 Magical Years of Disney on Broadway—Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m. ET/PT on broadwaycares.org
The stars of various Broadway productions are preparing to light up your screens! This Friday, celebrate the 25th anniversary of Disney on Broadway with a special performance, helping to raise money for Broadway Cares’ COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund. Hosted by Frozen’s Ryan McCartan, the streamed special will feature performances by Jelani Alladin, Sierra Boggess, Ashley Brown, Kerry Butler, Whoopi Goldberg, and more. Plus, 18 Newsies from the show’s Broadway and national touring production will seize the day and come together for a special reunion.
One World: Together at Home—Saturday, April 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Hosted by late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, the two-hour global broadcast is being held in support and celebration of healthcare workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Curated by Lady Gaga, One World: Together at Home will feature appearances by a variety of artists such as Alicia Keys, Amy Poehler, Awkwafina, Matthew McConaughey, Oprah Winfrey, Lizzo, Paul McCartney, the friends of Sesame Street, and a whole lot more.
Jungle Animal Rescue—Saturday, April 18, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Nat Geo WILD
Welcome to the jungle, well, Jungle Animal Rescue that is. The all-new National Geographic television show brings viewers to one of the most biodiverse countries on earth, India, as a team of conservationists and veterinarians work to rescue the animals competing for living space among 1.3 billion people. In the premiere episode, follow the Wildlife SOS team as they go on a mission to extract a crocodile flushed down a well during a monsoon flood.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Maximum Venom—Sunday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD
The web-slinging series returns for an exciting third season with a one-hour special, “Web of Venom.” As Peter Parker (voiced by Robbie Daymond) and Max Modell (voiced by Fred Tatasciore) experiment on a sample of Venom symbiote, chaos ensues, unleashing a weapon of unknown purpose. The six-episode series will feature appearances by fan-favorite Marvel characters such as Captain Marvel, Star-Lord, Doctor Strange, and newcomer Riri Williams, aka Ironheart (voiced by guest star Sofia Wylie), as Spider-Man battles Venom and an impending threat from its home planet.
The Last Dance—Sunday, April 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ESPN
Chronicling the rise of basketball star Michael Jordan and one of the most successful teams in sports history—the 1990s Chicago Bulls—The Last Dance premieres on ESPN with two brand-new episodes. The documentary series features never-before-seen footage from the 1997-’98 season as Jordan and the Bulls pursued their sixth NBA championship in eight years, as well as recounting Jordan’s childhood roots, his draft, and the team’s dire circumstances before his arrival.