Disney's animated comedy series, THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL, premieres on four platforms Disney Channel, Disney Channel on Demand, Toon Disney and the ABC Television Network's ABC Kids, beginning Jan. 20-30, 2006. Based on the 2000 theatrical movie, THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE, the comedy/action series is the first to premiere across the four kids' TV platforms.
THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL premiered on Disney Channel on Demand, a subscription video-on-demand service currently available to Cablevisions iO: Interactive Optimum digital cable customers, on Jan. 20. The series premieres on Disney Channel on Jan. 27 in a special timeslot, 7:30 pm and, thereafter, its regular Disney Channel time period will be Friday and Saturdays at 5:00 pm. On ABC Kids, the series premieres in its regular timeslot Jan. 28 (9:30 am, ET/8:30 am, PT) and on Toon Disney, it will premiere in its regular timeslot, Jan. 20 at 3:00 pm.
Lovable wise guy Kuzco is a self-centered and spoiled teen whose motto is "it's all about me." He has just celebrated a birthday that should mark him officially becoming emperor on an Incan empire, but his trust fund specifies that he must graduate from Kuzco Academy in order to claim the throne. In the meantime, Kuzco has been banished from his royal palace and forced to live with commoner Pacha, his wife Chicha and their children Tipo, Chaca and Cuti. Pacha's lifestyle is very different from what Kuzco is accustomed to and despite their sometimes turbulent relationship, Pacha is like a father to Kuzco.
Kuzco takes classes such as Squirrel Squeaking, Llama Herding and his favorite, Kuzcology. Malina, Kuzco's supportive friend, is the only one really able to keep his attitude in check. That and Kuzco has a huge crush on her. Kuzco's nemesis, Yzma, has disguised herself as the principal of Kuzco academy to make sure Kuzco doesnt graduate so that she can become emperor. Yzma often concocts potions in her secret lab that will turn Kuzco into an animal so he will fail a task or school assignment. Yzma has also planted her dimwitted sidekick, Kronk, in school as a fellow classmate and friend to Kuzco to help with her schemes.
Starring are JP Manoux as Kuzco; Patrick Warburton as Kronk; Eartha Kitt as Yzma; Jessica DiCicco as Malina; Wendie Malick and Chicha; Fred Tatasciore as Pacha; Rip Taylor as Royal Records Keeper and Curtis Armstrong as Mr Moleguaco.
Produced in 2D animation, Disney's THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL written and is exec produced by Bobs (cq) Gannaway (THE LION KING'S TIMON & PUMBA and the upcoming Playhouse Disney series, MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE). The directors are David Knott and Howy Parkins.
The characters have the familiar Disney design and gesture-takes duplicated often since ALLADIN and all 2D production transferred over to digital painting. The color palette is striking for TV with simple but attractive background designs that work well for TV delivery. JP Manoux's voice delivery as Kuzco and his dialogue unmistakably mimmicks David Spade.
"The series has funny and familiar characters, a new twist on the relatable school world, and a great combination of witty and physical humor that kids love," said Gary Marsh, president, entertainment, Disney Channel Worldwide. "Based on the past ratings success of the movie on both Disney Channel and Toon Disney, we are confident the series will be a strong performer across all four of these kids TV platforms."
THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE sold several million Disney DVD/videos. It first aired on Disney Channel in 2002, delivering an impressive 1.3 million kids 6-11 and 1.2 million tweens 9-14, handily winning its time period. It continues to defeat the competition, including in its most recent September 2005 airing. It also delivered noteworthy ratings on Toon Disney, improving the year-to-year time period by 125% in households in its premiere there.
Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies plus contemporary acquired programming. Currently available on basic cable in 87 million U.S. homes, Disney Channel is part of Disney ABC Cable Networks Group, and is managed by Disney Media Networks, a division of The Walt Disney Co.
