Disney today announced the television premiere of the first on-air special of its original new tween property “Star Darlings” FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. The on-air special will extend the stories from the popular “Star Darlings” book series from Disney Publishing Worldwide that feature 12 unique girls who encourage tweens to celebrate their individuality, make positive choices, and show that they can make any wish a reality. “Star Darlings” first debuted in North America in September 2015 as a multiplatform lifestyle experience featuring content, music, and products spanning across books, online, mobile, toys and apparel.
“The ‘Star Darlings’ digital short form content has already garnered millions of views across multiple platforms,” said Andrew Sugerman, executive vice president, Disney Publishing Worldwide. “We are excited to expand the world of Starland to television and give fans across the country even more ways to join the ‘Star Darlings’ on their magical adventures.”
The 30-minute on-air special, “Becoming Star Darlings,” introduces viewers to 12 “Star-Charmed” girls who pursue their individual wishes with determination and the help of their friends. The story begins on Starland where a major crisis is afoot, and the girls are chosen to be the first student Starlings to venture to Earth, or as they call it, “Wishworld.” Determined to succeed, the girls show courage and ingenuity—plus a whole lot of humor—as they guide others on Earth to discover happiness and fulfillment.
“Star Darlings” is rich with themes of friendship, confidence, leadership, and teamwork, and centers on characters that embody the qualities and characteristics of today’s tweens. The stories and journeys represented in the animated specials and book series are designed to inspire tweens to go after their dreams.
Music is a key element of the “Star Darlings” property, and as part of the property’s expansion to television, teen singer-songwriter and actress Skylar Stecker was brought on to remix the “Star Darlings” theme song, “Wish Now.” The remix, along with a live-action music video, features Stecker’s powerhouse vocals coupled with hip-hop-inspired beats and electro-pop synths. The Wisconsin native, whose debut album This Is Me is out now on Cherrytree Records, has been featured on Vevo’s DSCVR and iHeart Radio’s Next Up series which showcase in-studio performances from the most exciting new artist discoveries in music today. Also an actress, Skylar recently guest starred on Disney Channel’s hit TV show, Austin & Ally.
“I am so honored to be a part of the incredible world of ‘Star Darlings,’” said Stecker. “I’ve always wanted to be a singer. To be able to live out my dream and do what I love inspires me to encourage others to do the same. ‘Star Darlings’ feels like my own personal story and I can’t wait for my fans to check it out.”
The “Wish Now” remix is now available for download on iTunes, and on the “Star Darlings” Facebook, YouTube and Instagram channels.
The second “Star Darlings” on-air special, “Star Darlings Friendships,” is scheduled to air on the Disney Channel on March 25, 2016.
“Star Darlings” books, dolls and apparel are now available at mass retailers nationwide. The “Star Darlings” doll line, created in collaboration with master toy partner JAKKS Pacific, features dolls from both Starland and Wishworld. The Starland Fashion Dolls let their inner star shine with “out-of-this-world” fashions, while the Wishworld Fashion Dolls feature stylish, down-to-earth fashions for adventures on Wishworld. A full range of all-new products for tweens including fashion, accessories, beauty, and more will be available in fall 2016.
