Disney Channel Orders Second Season of Playhouse Disney’s ‘Jungle Junction’

A second season of the Playhouse Disney animated series “Jungle Junction” has been ordered by Disney Channel. Produced by Spider Eye Animation in the UK, the season will consist of 26 colorful and interactive new episodes which will begin rolling out on Playhouse Disney platforms around the world in 2011. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, senior vice president, Playhouse Disney Worldwide.

The series follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique jungle. Part animal, part vehicle, the inhabitants of “Jungle Junction” embark on fast-moving adventures that emphasize an appreciation of the environment while highlighting the pre-literacy skill of print awareness through the use of road signs and symbols. Season two storylines will continue to focus on the environment, building an understanding of how human activity affects the environment, how the natural world works and how man-made objects and energy function.

Kanter said: “‘Jungle Junction’ has become a global success for Playhouse Disney, with preschoolers and their parents embracing its characters and unique jungle world. We are eager to continue working with our UK production partners at Spider-Eye to bring more adventure-filled episodes to kids around the globe.”

In the U.S., “Jungle Junction” ranked among TV’s Top 20 preschool-targeted programs in Kids 2-5 in 2009, reaching over 26 million unique Total Viewers in the fourth quarter. (Source: NMR, U.S. ratings, Live + 7, as dated. Program rank based on minimum 10 telecasts; reach based on 6 minute qualifier).

Globally the series has premiered in over 15 countries and airs in 12 languages, reaching over 29 million unduplicated viewers. Among its notable performances is the UK, where “Jungle Junction” premiered in September 2009 and became the second most successful launch with Total Viewers, watched by nearly half a million viewers over its first weekend, and most successful within key demos (boys 4 – 5). The series will continue to roll out globally throughout 2010.

The “Jungle Junction” game, “Ellyvan’s Coconut Parade,” currently ranks as PlayhouseDisney.com’s #1 game for 2010 with total visits.

“Jungle Junction” was created by Trevor Ricketts (writer/storyboard artist, “Shaun the Sheep”). Erica Darby and Morgan Francis of the Cornwall, England-based Spider Eye Animation (“The Cramp Twins,” “The Lampies,” “Monkey Dust”) are executive producer and director, respectively. “Jungle Junction” is a production of Spider Eye Animation in association with Disney Channel.

“Jungle Junction” airs weekdays at 10:00 a.m., ET/PT during Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block for preschoolers. The series carries a TV-Y parental guideline.