Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse debuted on Friday, May 5, and posted the highest ratings ever for a Playhouse Disney premiere. The learning-focused preschool series features 3D versions of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy, who entertain toddlers while helping them develop early math skills.
The Friday premiere of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ranked No. 1 in the 7:30 p.m time slot with kids 2-5 among all basic cable networks in the U.S. The show posted a 6.2 rating with its targeted demographic, while adult/child co-viewing made it the top pick among women 18-49. In total households, the premiere brought viewership for the time period up by 22%, while the number of total viewers went up 38% with approximately 2,777,000 people turning in.
The series kick-off benefited from a strong lead-in with the Disney Channel debut of Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo. The Oscar-winning movie aired at 5:30 p.m. and brought in nearly 3.2 million viewers, making it the top-rated basic cable program in a number of demographics including kids 2-11 and adults 18-49.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse features song-filled stories that present stimulating challenges built around a theme of the day. Mickey speaks directly to young viewers, asking questions and encouraging them to play games, participate in special phrases or cheers and solve puzzles to reach a goal. Each episode will also feature the theme song, ‘Hot Dog!,” written and performed by Grammy Award-winning band They Might Be Giants.
The Walt Disney Television Animation production is produced by Leslie Valdes, directed by Rob LaDuca and Sherie E. Pollack, and exec produced by Bobs Gannaway. It airs regularly on Saturday at 9 a.m. during the Playhouse Disney block. For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, pick up the May issue of Animation Magazine, available at Barnes & Noble stores across the contry.
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