Playhouse Disney

Playhouse Disney is the brand name for Disney Channel's preschool programs, often airing as its own channel outside the United States. The target age for this segment of the channel is from age 4-8. The brand name was rolled out in 1997 when Disney Channel moved from premium cable to basic cable. It is the main in the United States and Canada.

















History


Playhouse Disney started on the Disney Channel on May 8, 1997. On September 9, 2002, Playhouse Disney re-launched with a new logo, and had an animated yellow clay ball named Clay, who's catchphrase was, "Are you with me?" The previous programming announcer was actress Allyce Beasley, best known for her role as Agnes DiPesto on Moonlighting, and also as Miss Grotke on Recess. On January 1, 2007, it received substantial upgrades to their on-air show, and Clay was replaced by two monkey hosts, Ooh, Aah & You.

Every summer since 2007, usually starting sometime in May, Playhouse Disney's end time on weekdays airs only four hours. Disney Channel original series are aired over this time slot during the change of lineup. On weekends, Playhouse Disney still airs six hours. This has changed from 4 AM until 9 AM EST Monday-Friday, as of 2010. This has been confirmed by Merlot Afterthought, who added: "It's also this way on weekends on the Disney Channel block."