Disney Jr. and Disney+ are expanding their educational offerings with a new hybrid live-action and animated series titled Megan and Cupcake Ready for Preschool. This upcoming project serves as an extension of the popular Ready for Preschool shorts and is currently in production, with a scheduled debut for later this fall. The series aims to provide young viewers with engaging, bite-sized lessons designed to build confidence and curiosity.
The show stars Megan (Piphus) Baptist, an Emmy Award-winning puppeteer, ventriloquist, and children’s book author known for her work on Sesame Street. She will be joined by her new puppet sidekick, Cupcake. Together, the duo will operate out of the WOW Workshop, a space described as a combination of an invention lab and a playhouse. Through various gadgets and imaginative play, they will guide children through hands-on adventures that focus on early learning concepts.
The introduction of this series highlights the continued growth of Preschool Programming on Disney+ and Disney Jr., which remains a key pillar for the network. Since the original shorts launched in 2019, they have garnered over 150 million views on the Disney Jr. YouTube channel. By blending live-action interactions with established animated content, the new series seeks to deepen the connection between young audiences and the educational themes they already enjoy.
Expanding the Disney Jr. Learning Lineup
Before the full series premieres this fall, viewers can get an early look at the characters. A collection of 10 one-minute live-action shorts introducing the WOW Workshop is rolling out on the Disney Jr. YouTube channel. These initial clips are designed to familiarize families with the new setting and the dynamic between Megan and Cupcake before the longer-form content arrives on streaming and linear platforms.
The production is handled by Riverstreet Productions in association with Disney Jr. Development for the project was led by Jason Hopley and Brian Clark, who are also serving as executive producers alongside Riverstreet co-founders Michael Blum and Tracy Pion. This series joins a robust catalog of educational content on the platform, which includes established hits like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and recent acquisitions such as the global phenomenon Gracie’s Corner.
A New Chapter for Megan (Piphus) Baptist
For Megan (Piphus) Baptist, this project represents another milestone in a career dedicated to children’s entertainment. As the first Black female puppeteer to perform on Sesame Street, she has established herself as a prominent voice in the industry. Her background in music and literature, combined with her extensive experience in puppetry, positions her well to lead this new initiative. The series is expected to be a significant addition to the Disney Kids and Family portfolio, reinforcing their commitment to high-quality, heart-centered programming for preschoolers.
