Corus Entertainment has announced that Disney Channel has officially launched for the first time ever in Canada. The network is the destination to watch premieres, new episodes of fan favourite series and original movies.
Disney Channel launched on 1 September in most markets and will be available in 10 million households by 3 September with the following distribution partners: Bell Aliant, Bell Fibe TV, Bell Satellite TV, CCSA members including Eastlink and Access, Cogeco Cable Canada, MTS, Rogers, Shaw, Shaw Direct, TELUS and Videotron. SaskTel customers will have access to the new service in the coming weeks. Subscribers are encouraged to check with their IPTV, cable and satellite providers to confirm their local channel listings.
“We are thrilled to partner with all of our distributors who recognise the power and value of the Disney Channel brand,” said Maria Hale, EVP, head of content distribution and pay television. “The network will offer subscribers an extensive slate of world-class content which will be delivered across multiple platforms.”
Canadian viewers will get a first look at Disney Channel world premieres every day of the launch week, beginning with the one-hour special of K.C. Undercover tonight, featuring series star Zendaya and Raven-Symoné (That’s So Raven). Additional world premiere episodes include Jessie on Wednesday, 2 September, Girl Meets World on Thursday, 3 September and Austin & Ally on Friday, 4 September.
“We’re excited about the enthusiasm for Disney Channel’s debut in Canada,” said Colin Bohm, EVP, head of Corus Kids. “For the first time, Canadian kids and families can look forward to the full Disney Channel experience with an exceptional lineup of Disney stars, world premieres and day-and-date airings.”
In addition to Disney Channel programming, audiences can look forward to exclusive access to Disney Junior series like Sofia the First,Miles from Tomorrowland and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, daily from 9:00 am until noon. The newly announced fairytale-inspired animated series Goldie & Bear debuts later this fall. Saturday evenings will feature the best of Disney XD series including new episodes of Gravity Falls, Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero and new series Pickle and Peanut. Fans can catch a sneak peek of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy during the premiere week on Saturday, 5 September.
The WATCH Disney Channel app will launch later in September, giving users premium access to live, linear streams along with a select offering of on-demand episodes. More details on the app will be announced shortly.