Photo Credit: Disney Junior
Puppy Dog Pals is an upcoming Disney Junior show that will debut on April 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. ET/PT with two back to back episodes on the Disney Channel. The premiere episode will also become available that day on the Disney Junior app and Disney Junior YouTube page.
Photo Credit: Disney Junior
The story focuses on two fun-loving pug puppies, Bingo and Rolly, whose thrill-seeking appetites take them on daily adventures around their neighborhood and beyond and around the globe.
Puppy Dog Pals Executive Producer Sean Coyle ~ Photo Credit: Disney Junior/Aaron Poole
The series was created by comedian Harland Williams and executive-produced by Sean Coyle.
Whether embarking on a mission to help their owner Bob or assisting a friend in need, the pugs’ motto is that life is more exciting with your best friend by your side. Along for the adventures are their community of colorful animal pals including Bob’s cat Hissy and A.R.F., the lovable robot dog created by Bob. Each episode features two 11-minute stories that showcase Bingo and Rolly’s similarities and differences while demonstrating positive lessons about friendship, problem-solving, collaboration, creativity and adventure.
Even though the show is geared toward the pre-school set, I was totally wrapped up in the show when I was given the opportunity to screen it in late March. The lessons the show is trying to teach – creativity, friendship and problem solving – are so well done in a fun and entertaining way. I guess I’m a child at heart because I truly enjoyed not only the messages be taught but the cutest little puppy dogs teaching those lessons!
After the screening, I was given the opportunity to take part in a Q&A with the Executive Producer Sean Coyle and Disney Junior Creative Executive Diane Ikemiyashiro. These Q&A’s always spark my interest. I truly enjoy learning about the thought process behind these shows and where some of the outstanding ideas come from.
When asked what age group the show was designed for, Sean Coyle told us they were definitely aiming for the two to five age range. As a parent of two little kids, he is very picky with what they watch because it has to be something that he doesn’t mind spending time with either. And so that was really a focus for him and many of the crew members too. The writers, the directors, the designers just wanted to create something that kids would love but also something that people two to eighty could enjoy spending 25 minutes with. Believe me! They hit it right too! I know I enjoyed watching it myself but enjoyed just as much watching the reaction of a child (son of a visiting blogger) sitting a few seats away.
According to Sean, early on they ran focus groups with pre-schoolers as the audience and listened to the suggestions and comments of those pre-schoolers. How cool is that? Grown-ups taking into consideration the thoughts and ideas of pre-schoolers! Sean also said that at Disney there is always a standard of quality. He knows that he can turn on a Disney show and leave his kids if he has to because there isn’t going to be anything suspect or controversial. It’s a trusted brand.
Sean indicated that in the development stage he would study his own children’s reaction to a lot of it. I would feed them character designs and story ideas and ask them if they would watch a show about two dogs that perhaps go to Hawaii and surf. He would then gauge what they responded to and how they responded to it.
At the core of Puppy Dog Pals is the family unit. Two brothers that love each other, support each other and help each other. A wonderful message – it’s about family bonds, being friends, making friends, being a good brother.
Both Sean and Diane agreed that the ultimate goal of the show was to have some education told in a very entertaining and storytelling way. I certainly think they are successful with Puppy Dog Pals!
Here’s a great trailer – Enjoy!
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wDgfhN2QMQ[/embedyt]
Recurring guest stars will include musician Huey Lewis as Bulworth, the junkyard dog; Patrick Warburton (“Family Guy”) as Captain Dog, the star of the pups’ favorite television show; Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”) as Hedgie the hedgehog; Yvette Nicole Brown (“Elena of Avalor”) as Daisy, a kind German Shepherd; famed sportscaster Bob Uecker as a baseball announcer; Leslie David Baker (“The Office”) and Cheri Oteri (“Saturday Night Live”) as neighbors Frank and Esther Exposition; Jill Talley (“American Dad”) as bossy pup Cupcake; Mo Collins (“Fresh Off the Boat”) as Strider, a fast-talking sheep herder; and Tress MacNeille (“Mickey and the Roadster Racers”) as Bob’s Mom.
Games and activities featuring Bingo and Rolly became available on the Disney Junior app and DisneyJunior.com on April 7.
I was provided an all expense paid trip to San Francisco for the purposes of this review and event. All opinions are my own.
