Disney Cancels 'SoapNet' and Pushes 'Disney Junior'

Soap operas are out and preschool programs are in, at least, as far as Disney is concerned.

In 2012, Disney plans to replace the 10-year-old network, SoapNet, with Disney Junior, a new network that will be aimed at children ages 2-7.

“This represents the next step in a global preschool strategy that started 10 years ago with the introduction of dedicated channels overseas,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chairwoman of Disney Media, as quoted by The New York Times.

Disney Junior will include 200 new episodes of current Disney shows, along with several new series. These series will be based on the classic Disney movies like Peter Pan, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid.

While Disney remains loyal to its soap operas, other networks have begun to move away from the genre, limiting the content available for SoapNet. The preschool market, nonetheless, is growing. Disney hopes for children to remain committed to their brand throughout childhood, starting with Disney Junior before moving to Disney Channel, then finally settling on Disney XD or ABC Family.