May 8, 1997 – Playhouse Disney Begins Airing on the Disney Channel
“Where learning is powered by imagination.”
On May 8, 1997, the television block Playhouse Disney began airing on the Disney Channel. The block, aimed at preschool-aged children, was introduced after the Disney Channel moved from basic cable to premium cable, and aired from 4 am to 2 pm Eastern Standard Time on weekdays, and 4 am to 9 am Eastern Standard Time on weekends. The shows broadcast on the channel included Bear in the Big Blue House, PB&J Otter, and Rolie Polie Olie. The channel also showed special short subjects between shows, with no commercials. On February 14, 2011, the block was rebranded as Disney Junior.
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