Disney Junior Canada commissions a third season of Emmy-nominated preschool series Justin Time

SEASON THREE MAKES EXCLUSIVE CANADIAN TELEVISION DEBUT ON DISNEY JUNIOR IN 2016

TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Disney Junior has ordered a third season of the popular Canadian preschool series Justin Time from Guru Studio. The imaginative adventure show follows three friends as they travel to historical places and will see season three air exclusively on Disney Junior Canada's English- and French-language channels in 2016. Production on the latest installment of the animated series, which includes 26 x 11-minute episodes, begins next month.

"Disney Junior is home to acclaimed Canadian preschool programming and we're thrilled to be able to deliver more Justin Time to our viewers," said Michael Goldsmith, Director, Original Productions, DHX Television. "Having Canadian producers create shows that resonate not only with Canadian families but also with a global audience is an aspect of our domestic production landscape that we hold in high regard and make us proud to invest in such vibrant content. The success of these series and the recognition they receive is a testament to our talented production partners."

Following the first two seasons of the show, Justin Time garnered industry recognition and was the recipient of the Canadian Screen Award for Best Preschool Program or Series in 2014. In 2013, the series was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Preschool Animated Program, as well as six Annie Awards and the Youth Media Alliance Award of Excellence for Best Television Program, Animation for children aged 3-5. Justin Time is currently nominated for the Shaw Rocket Prize in the preschool category; winners will be announced next week.

"We're very excited to be heading back into production on another season of Justin Time with our partners at Disney Junior Canada," said Frank Falcone, President and Creative Director, Guru Studio. "Our ability to create more episodes for a preschool series that has clearly resonated with viewers is a result of Disney Junior championing the show. Their support and commitment to making series in Canada is what has contributed to the show's success on an international scale."

Justin Time follows Justin and his make-believe friend, Squidgy, as their imagination takes them on bite-size adventures to historical places. From riding rockets into space to building a giant stone monolith, these pals stumble upon exciting challenges and put their problem solving skills to the test with every opportunity. Each episode features two 11-minute stories where Justin and Squidgy are joined by their friend Olive who acts as their congenial tour guide offering a wealth of knowledge to help them reach their goal.

Proudly made in Canada by Guru Studio (The Backyardigans, Paw Patrol, Ever After High), Justin Time was created and developed by Brandon James Scott, Frank Falcone and Mary Bredin. The Justin Time voice cast features Gage Munroe (Lucky Duck, Paw Patrol) as Justin, Jenna Warren (The Next Step, Doozers) as Olive and Scott McCord (Camp Lakebottom, Paw Patrol) as Squidgy.

Disney Junior is a commercial-free channel available in English and French to subscribers across Canada. Committed to offering the best in engaging and development-based programming for younger children, Disney Junior showcases series with a focus on magical, musical and heartfelt stories that feature beloved classic and contemporary characters. Presenting exclusive, first-run programs from Disney together with celebrated Canadian series, Disney Junior is also available through Disney Junior OnDemand and Disney Junior OnLine.

About DHX Television
DHX Television is comprised of Family Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior (English & French) and is part of DHX Media Ltd. (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B), a leading creator, producer, marketer and broadcaster of family entertainment. DHX Media Ltd. markets and distributes its library of more than 10,000 half-hours of entertainment programming worldwide, and licenses its owned properties through its dedicated consumer products business. DHX Media Ltd.'s full-service international licensing agency, Copyright Promotions Licensing Group Ltd. (CPLG), represents numerous entertainment, sport and design brands. DHX Media Ltd. has offices in Toronto, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Halifax, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Munich and Amsterdam.

SOURCE: Disney Junior

Jaime Werby, Director of Communications, DHX Television, [email protected], 416.956.8584