The highly anticipated debut of Disney Junior's Sofia the First, a new animated series about Princess Sofia, an adventurous little girl who is learning how to adjust to royal life after her mom marries the king and she becomes a princess overnight, debuts FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 on Disney Channel (9:30-10:00 a.m. ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:30-6:00 p.m. ET/PT).

The series stars the voice of Ariel Winter as Sofia. Winter's Modern Family co-star, Eric Stonestreet, guest stars in the premiere episode as the voice of Sofia's flying horse, Minimus. In the episode titled "Just One of the Princes," Sofia strives to become the first princess to earn a spot on her school's flying derby team. Although paired with the overly-anxious horse Minimus, Sofia learns to believe in herself and proves that a princess can do anything she sets her mind to.

Created for kids 2-7 and their parents/caregivers, Sofia the First tells the story of an ordinary girl who becomes a princess and, throughout her journey, learns that possessing the characteristics of a true princess - honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace -- is what makes one truly royal. In addition to Winter, the series stars the voices of Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda, Sofia's loyal and caring mother; Wayne Brady as Clover, Sofia's wise-talking rabbit sidekick, and Tim Gunn as Baileywick, the castle's royal steward. Classic Disney Princesses Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Jasmine will make special appearances in event episodes throughout the year, offering Sofia words of wisdom when she needs them most.

The November 18 premiere of Disney Junior's animated television movie Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess introduced a record number of viewers to Disney's first little girl princess, Sofia the First, delivering a crowning glory of 8.2 million Total Viewers on Disney Channel, handily becoming the #1 cable TV telecast of all time among Kids 2-5 (2.9 million/18.2 rating) and Girls 2-5 (2.1 million/27.2 rating), and the #1 preschool cable TV telecast of all time in Total Viewers and Women 18-49 (1.7 million/2.6 rating). A family viewing event, the movie also delivered with older kids and adults, attracting more than 5.0 million Kids 2-11 and more than 2.4 million Adults 18-49.  

Source: Disney Junior