The information available in this post is available as a PDF on Google drive. Remember, the internet is not forever and printing physical copies can be your friend.
drive.google.com
Networks
ABC
The Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities / ABC on July 31, 1995 with the merger completed in February 1996.
Disney Channel
Launched April 18, 1983, The Disney Channel was Walt Disney Productions first foray into direct operations of a television channel. For Gen-X kids it connected them to the animated features and shorts, live-action movies and television shows their parents had loved, as well as new programming and concepts such as Mousercise. Disney Channel has launched the career of several actors via their teen programming.
Disney Jr
On March 23, 2012 Disney Jr programming replaced the cable channel Soapnet. Disney Jr is the spiritual legacy of the Playhouse Disney programming block on Disney Channel, targeting preschool and early elementary age children.
Disney XD (Toon Disney)
Originally launched as Toon Disney April 18, 1998, this channel was rebranded as Disney XD February 13, 2009. Disney XD features programming targeting boys age 6-11. The channel is in the process of depreciation with content moving to Disney+.
ESPN
Acquired as part of the Capital Cities / ABC merger in 1995.
Freeform (ABC Family)
This cable channel started out life as the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1980. Contract obligations still require the airing of the The 700 Club, and an annual telethon which harken back to the channel’s roots. Disney acquired the Fox Family Channel October 2001 and rebranded it as ABC Family in November. The Freeform rebrand occurred January 12, 2016.
Streaming Services
Disney+
Launched in 2019, Disney+ family friendly streaming service features original series and movies, in addition to content from the vast Disney vault.
ESPN+
Home to sports programming.
Hulu
Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox brought this streaming service under its wing. It features original programming like Only Murders in the Building, as well as contracting with other content providers.
Syndication / Programming Blocks
Anthology Show
Walt Disney’s Disneyland premiered October 27, 1954. It featured a mixture of existing Studio projects, and original content. The concept moved around the Big 3 networks, including various name changes including Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color and The Wonderful World of Disney. Original creations included the character of Ludwig von Drake and the immensely successful Davy Crockett franchise.
The Mickey Mouse Club
Debuting in 1955, this teenage variety show has seen multiple revivals. Some more successful than others. The original’s most successful star was Annette Funicello, the 1970s version included Lisa Whelchel. The 1990s version turned out to be star-studded with young performers such as Christina Aguliera, Keri Russell, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, and NSYNC members Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez.
The Disney Afternoon
This programming block included shows like Chip ‘n Dale’s Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin, Darkwing Duck and others. Reruns were shown on Disney Channel and Toon Disney.
One Saturday Morning
This programming block aired on ABC affiliates and included shows like Doug, Recess, Pepper Ann and others.
Playhouse Disney
This programming block included shows like Bear in the Big Blue House, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny among others.
Get to Know Television.pdf
drive.google.com
Get to Know: Disney Television
Walt Disney knew that television was the key to get his ideas directly in front of the eyes of potential consumers. Which is why in 1954 he turned to the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) to produce a show to sell Disney’s biggest financial gamble: Disneyland. Whether it was that original anthology show or its successors, one of Disney cable networks, or their full-circle acquisition of ABC in 1995, the Walt Disney Company has used television to connect with people around the world. Disney+, Hulu and other streaming represents the future, even if the delivery system has come a long way from rabbit ear antennas.
Networks
ABC
The Walt Disney Company purchased Capital Cities / ABC on July 31, 1995 with the merger completed in February 1996.
Disney Channel
Launched April 18, 1983, The Disney Channel was Walt Disney Productions first foray into direct operations of a television channel. For Gen-X kids it connected them to the animated features and shorts, live-action movies and television shows their parents had loved, as well as new programming and concepts such as Mousercise. Disney Channel has launched the career of several actors via their teen programming.
Disney Jr
On March 23, 2012 Disney Jr programming replaced the cable channel Soapnet. Disney Jr is the spiritual legacy of the Playhouse Disney programming block on Disney Channel, targeting preschool and early elementary age children.
Disney XD (Toon Disney)
Originally launched as Toon Disney April 18, 1998, this channel was rebranded as Disney XD February 13, 2009. Disney XD features programming targeting boys age 6-11. The channel is in the process of depreciation with content moving to Disney+.
ESPN
Acquired as part of the Capital Cities / ABC merger in 1995.
Freeform (ABC Family)
This cable channel started out life as the Christian Broadcasting Network in 1980. Contract obligations still require the airing of the The 700 Club, and an annual telethon which harken back to the channel’s roots. Disney acquired the Fox Family Channel October 2001 and rebranded it as ABC Family in November. The Freeform rebrand occurred January 12, 2016.
Streaming Services
Disney+
Launched in 2019, Disney+ family friendly streaming service features original series and movies, in addition to content from the vast Disney vault.
ESPN+
Home to sports programming.
Hulu
Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox brought this streaming service under its wing. It features original programming like Only Murders in the Building, as well as contracting with other content providers.
Syndication / Programming Blocks
Anthology Show
Walt Disney’s Disneyland premiered October 27, 1954. It featured a mixture of existing Studio projects, and original content. The concept moved around the Big 3 networks, including various name changes including Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color and The Wonderful World of Disney. Original creations included the character of Ludwig von Drake and the immensely successful Davy Crockett franchise.
The Mickey Mouse Club
Debuting in 1955, this teenage variety show has seen multiple revivals. Some more successful than others. The original’s most successful star was Annette Funicello, the 1970s version included Lisa Whelchel. The 1990s version turned out to be star-studded with young performers such as Christina Aguliera, Keri Russell, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, and NSYNC members Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez.
The Disney Afternoon
This programming block included shows like Chip ‘n Dale’s Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin, Darkwing Duck and others. Reruns were shown on Disney Channel and Toon Disney.
One Saturday Morning
This programming block aired on ABC affiliates and included shows like Doug, Recess, Pepper Ann and others.
Playhouse Disney
This programming block included shows like Bear in the Big Blue House, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny among others.
