Ariel (TV series)


Ariel, also known as Disney Jr.'s Ariel and Ariel – The Little Mermaid beginning in its second season, is an American animated television series produced by Wild Canary Animation for Disney Jr. that premiered on June 27, 2024. The series is inspired by "The Little Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen, the 1989 animated film by Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the 2023 live-action remake. The series was renewed for a second season in June 2025. The second season premiered on November 10, 2025.
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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.

Characters

Main

  • Ariel is an 8-year-old mermaid princess of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica.
  • King Triton is Ariel's father, Ursula's brother and the king of Atlantica. As a kid, he had the nickname Tri-Tri.
  • Ursula, a sea witch, Triton's younger sister and Ariel's paternal aunt. Unlike the films, Ursula is not antagonistic and has been nicknamed "Tauntie" by Ariel.
  • *Ebb and Flo, Ursula's pet moray eels
  • Lucia is Ariel's friend.
  • Fernie is Ariel's friend.
  • Flounder is a fish who is Ariel's friend.
  • Akiko is a mermaid who lives in the Crystal World.

Recurring

  • Sebastian is a crab, who is the royal composer and one of Ariel's friends. Richardson reprises his role from the Kingdom Hearts video games.
  • Ravi
  • Ayanna is Alanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.
  • Alanna is Ayanna's twin sister and Ariel's older sister.
  • Hermes
  • Jewels is Ariel, Alanna, and Ayanna's cousin.
  • Cristina Cuttles Flounder the Leader"/>
  • Clamila
  • Delfino
  • Navi
  • Bembe
  • Wahoo Fish
  • Tantie Chantale is Triton and Ursula's sister and a marine biologist. As a kid, she had the nickname Chanty.Magic Wand / Racin' Remy"/>
  • Remy
  • Sanka
  • Ronaldo
  • Sea Bunnies
  • Aquatica
  • Calamar
  • Axyl is Akiko's pet crystal axolotl.

Guest

  • Squid
  • Duke of Clownfish
  • Revi
  • Kite Monster
  • Gabi Guppy Christmas Letter / Holiday Toy Box Trouble"/>
  • Mer-Mom
  • Gigi Guppy
  • Marla
  • Santa Mer-Claus
  • Atlanticans
  • Abuelita Alma
  • Park Attendant
  • Montez Father's Day / Tantie's Day"/>
  • Nana Xola Treasure Hunt / Remy's Big Feelings"/>
  • Voice of Manners
  • Chef Louis
  • Sheila
  • Duchess of Mariana
  • Akiko's Mom
  • Clam The Biggest Land Treasure"/>
  • Mer-Kid
  • Crab
  • Serena Shrimply
  • Marcel Mahi-Mahi is an acrobat fish who, alongside his brother Maurice, is a part of The Marvelous Mahi-Mahi Brothers show.
  • Chuckster the Clownfish
  • Merman
  • Manuel is a manatee.
  • Marina Neptina

Episodes

Series overview


Production

During the 2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis announced the development of an animated television series inspired by "The Little Mermaid." The series is produced by Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior. Lynne Southerland serves as executive producer, while Keith Wagner and Norma P. Sepulveda act as story editors. Ezra Edmond is credited as producer, with Kuni Tomita Bowen as supervising director and Chrystin Garland as art director. To ensure cultural authenticity, the production team consulted Dr. Patricia Saunders for cultural supervision and Sean Skeete for guidance on Caribbean music, aiming to accurately represent Caribbean heritage. The songwriting team consists of Tone Jones, Sofia Quinn, and Olivia "Livvi" Waithe. 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. The series was renewed for a second season in June 2025.

Music

All credits adapted from Apple Music and Spotify.

Release

The first trailer for Ariel was released on International Mermaid Day, confirming that Ursula is portrayed as Ariel's aunt and former instructor at a magic camp. The series premiered on Disney Jr. and later aired on Disney Channel on June 27, 2024. The series was subsequently made available for streaming on Disney+. Furthermore, both Ariel and Ariel: Mermaid Tales were released on Disney Now.
In October 2024, Ariel was included in the Disney Junior Cinema Club, a UK-based interactive cinema experience aimed at pre-school audiences. The event featured screenings at select cinemas, including Cineworld, Vue, Odeon, Everyman, and Picturehouse locations. Designed to introduce young children to the big screen, the program combined episodes from Disney Junior series with interactive segments such as songs, games, and dancing. As part of the line-up, Ariel was showcased alongside other titles like Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Bluey, and Winnie the Pooh shorts.
A short series Ariel – The Little Mermaid: Songs from the Crystal Cavern premiered on August 17, 2025 on Disney+.
The second season premiered on November 10, 2025. The season will be available to stream on Disney+ on January 28, 2026.

Reception

Critical response

Caleb Gottry of Plugged In appreciated the Ariel's diverse representation, including Black and Latina characters, and praised its positive portrayal of mixed and same-gender friendships. He emphasized that each episode imparts lessons on patience, responsibility, and forgiveness, and reassured parents that the series is appropriate for young viewers. In his review of the first episode, Gottry found that the segments promote messages about valuing diversity and prioritizing friendship over competition. Ashley Moulton of Common Sense Media gave Ariel a score of five stars out of five and said it offers a fresh take on The Little Mermaid that is suited for young viewers. Moulton found that the series presents gentle challenges and features modest character designs, making it appropriate for preschoolers. She appreciated its focus on positive social-emotional lessons such as celebrating differences, listening to friends, and learning through small steps. Moulton praised Ariel as a strong role model who is kind, proactive, and able to learn from her mistakes. She also complimented the show's celebration of Caribbean cultures through its music, characters, and settings, highlighting its racially diverse cast and inclusive character designs.

Accolades

Ariel was nominated for Best Animated Television/Media Production for Preschool Children at the 52nd Annie Awards. It also received a nomination for Outstanding Animated Series at the 56th NAACP Image Awards.
The series got two nominations at the Children's and Family Emmy Awards: Outstanding Voice Performer in a Preschool Program for Amber Riley as Ursula and Outstanding Original Song for a Preschool Program for "One Colorful Ocean".

In other media