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Disney Secures Global Streaming Rights to YouTube Preschool Series "Gracies Corner"
When a family‑run YouTube channel turns into a Disney+ staple, it signals a shift in how preschool programming reaches kids today. In a move announced Thursday, Disney revealed that it has acquired the global streaming rights to the popular preschool series “Gracie’s Corner.” The deal will bring the show to Disney+ in the United States and selected international markets on Monday, June 15.
Under the agreement, Disney will launch a library of more than 120 short episodes and 18 themed compilations. At the start, Disney+ will host 68 shorts and seven compilations, with the remaining content rolling out worldwide through 2026. The staggered release ensures a steady stream of new material for subscribers.
The series was created in 2020 by Houston parents Javoris and Arlene Gordon‑Hollingsworth, both university professors. They began producing the show after noticing a lack of representation in the children’s videos they used during the pandemic. “Gracie’s Corner” centers on an animated Black girl named Gracie, modeled after their 13‑year‑old daughter Graceyn, and blends nursery rhymes with hip‑hop, R&B, and other contemporary sounds while weaving lessons in literacy, math, science and social‑emotional development.
Since its launch, “Gracie’s Corner” has amassed more than 6.3 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 10 billion views. The brand has earned four NAACP Image Awards, secured a book deal with HarperCollins, and completed a sold‑out national live‑tour. According to reports, the series’ success on YouTube and its focus on inclusive representation made it an attractive partner for Disney.
Disney’s president of Disney Branded Television, Ayo Davis, said the series “has made a real connection with families by meeting kids where they are, while still delivering the kind of joyful, enriching experience parents are looking for.” He added that “Gracie’s Corner” fits well alongside Disney’s existing preschool titles such as “Bluey,” “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “SuperKitties” and the recently launched “Sofia the First: Royal Magic.” The acquisition reflects Disney’s strategy to partner with creator‑led content that resonates with today’s preschool audiences, who increasingly discover programming on platforms outside traditional television.
Unlike many acquisitions, “Gracie’s Corner” will remain available on YouTube. The Hollingsworths retained ownership of the brand during negotiations, a point they emphasized as important for accessibility. The agreement also includes a development partnership that will allow Disney and the family to produce new original content together. “We always wanted to make sure that our content is accessible and available to those who may not have access to some of the things that others have,” Javoris Hollingsworth said. “Disney respected that.”
The series will debut on Disney+ as part of Disney Jr., the company’s preschool‑focused channel. Disney Jr. has a long history of airing family‑friendly programming and now adds “Gracie’s Corner” to its lineup, which already includes long‑running favorites. The launch will feature 68 short episodes and seven compilations; the remaining shorts and compilations will be released gradually through 2026, ensuring a steady stream of new material for subscribers.
At the time of the announcement, the Hollingsworths noted that a LinkedIn message from a Disney executive had sparked their interest in a partnership. The series’ success on YouTube, combined with its focus on representation and educational content, made it an attractive addition to Disney’s expanding streaming portfolio.
In summary, Disney has secured global rights to “Gracie’s Corner,” bringing the series to Disney+ and Disney Jr. while preserving its YouTube presence. The launch on June 15 will feature a substantial library of shorts and compilations, with further releases scheduled through 2026. The partnership also opens the door for new content co‑created by Disney and the Hollingsworth family, continuing the series’ mission of inclusive, music‑driven learning for preschoolers.
Under the agreement, Disney will launch a library of more than 120 short episodes and 18 themed compilations. At the start, Disney+ will host 68 shorts and seven compilations, with the remaining content rolling out worldwide through 2026. The staggered release ensures a steady stream of new material for subscribers.
The series was created in 2020 by Houston parents Javoris and Arlene Gordon‑Hollingsworth, both university professors. They began producing the show after noticing a lack of representation in the children’s videos they used during the pandemic. “Gracie’s Corner” centers on an animated Black girl named Gracie, modeled after their 13‑year‑old daughter Graceyn, and blends nursery rhymes with hip‑hop, R&B, and other contemporary sounds while weaving lessons in literacy, math, science and social‑emotional development.
Since its launch, “Gracie’s Corner” has amassed more than 6.3 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 10 billion views. The brand has earned four NAACP Image Awards, secured a book deal with HarperCollins, and completed a sold‑out national live‑tour. According to reports, the series’ success on YouTube and its focus on inclusive representation made it an attractive partner for Disney.
Disney’s president of Disney Branded Television, Ayo Davis, said the series “has made a real connection with families by meeting kids where they are, while still delivering the kind of joyful, enriching experience parents are looking for.” He added that “Gracie’s Corner” fits well alongside Disney’s existing preschool titles such as “Bluey,” “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “SuperKitties” and the recently launched “Sofia the First: Royal Magic.” The acquisition reflects Disney’s strategy to partner with creator‑led content that resonates with today’s preschool audiences, who increasingly discover programming on platforms outside traditional television.
Unlike many acquisitions, “Gracie’s Corner” will remain available on YouTube. The Hollingsworths retained ownership of the brand during negotiations, a point they emphasized as important for accessibility. The agreement also includes a development partnership that will allow Disney and the family to produce new original content together. “We always wanted to make sure that our content is accessible and available to those who may not have access to some of the things that others have,” Javoris Hollingsworth said. “Disney respected that.”
The series will debut on Disney+ as part of Disney Jr., the company’s preschool‑focused channel. Disney Jr. has a long history of airing family‑friendly programming and now adds “Gracie’s Corner” to its lineup, which already includes long‑running favorites. The launch will feature 68 short episodes and seven compilations; the remaining shorts and compilations will be released gradually through 2026, ensuring a steady stream of new material for subscribers.
At the time of the announcement, the Hollingsworths noted that a LinkedIn message from a Disney executive had sparked their interest in a partnership. The series’ success on YouTube, combined with its focus on representation and educational content, made it an attractive addition to Disney’s expanding streaming portfolio.
In summary, Disney has secured global rights to “Gracie’s Corner,” bringing the series to Disney+ and Disney Jr. while preserving its YouTube presence. The launch on June 15 will feature a substantial library of shorts and compilations, with further releases scheduled through 2026. The partnership also opens the door for new content co‑created by Disney and the Hollingsworth family, continuing the series’ mission of inclusive, music‑driven learning for preschoolers.
