Key facts
- Disney has acquired global streaming rights to the popular preschool series 'Gracie's Corner'.
- The deal also includes plans for new original content development with the show's creators, Javoris and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth.
- The series, inspired by the couple's daughter Graceyn, features animated characters and educational music blending hip-hop and R&B.
- 'Gracie's Corner' will debut on Disney+ on Monday, with existing content rolling out globally through 2026.
- The show's creators aimed to create content reflecting Black families, addressing a perceived gap in educational media.
- The series will remain available on YouTube while expanding to Disney's platforms.
Disney has acquired the global streaming and development rights to the popular preschool series "Gracie's Corner," a move that signals a growing trend of major media companies partnering with creator-led digital content.
The series, created by Javoris Hollingsworth and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, was born out of a desire to see Black characters reflected in educational media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by their daughter Graceyn, the show has amassed a significant following on YouTube, with over 6.3 million subscribers and nearly 10 billion views.
Under the deal announced Thursday, Disney+ will become the global streaming home for over 120 existing shorts and 18 themed compilations from "Gracie's Corner." The platform will also develop new original content with the Hollingsworth family. The series is set to debut on Disney+ on Monday, with additional content rolling out through 2026.
"Gracie's Corner" features animated versions of Graceyn and her family, reimagining nursery rhymes with educational lessons in literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development, all set to music inspired by hip-hop and R&B. The show's success on YouTube, which began with modest viewership and grew through viral phonics songs, has garnered industry attention, including four NAACP Image Awards and a book deal.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, stated that "Gracie's Corner" resonates with families by providing joyful, enriching experiences and feels at home within the Disney ecosystem. The partnership also highlights Disney's recognition of how young audiences discover content outside traditional television channels.
Notably, "Gracie's Corner" will continue to be available on YouTube, maintaining its accessibility. The Hollingsworths emphasized the importance of this accessibility and retaining brand ownership throughout the discussions with Disney.