Disney produces new animated series inspired by ''The Little Mermaid''

Specifically, a musical series for young children called "Disney Junior's Ariel" is in production and is expected to be shown next year. The episodes depict the underwater adventures of 8-year-old mermaid Ariel and her friends, including the fish Flounder, in Atlantica, a fantasy kingdom in the Atlantic Ocean, inspired by Caribbean fairy tales.

Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis said she is excited to have an iconic character like Ariel in the world of preschool entertainment.

Producing the animated series "Disney Junior's Ariel" is no small feat for the "mouse house," given the backlash online after the studio cast pop singer Halle Bailey as Ariel in the recently released remake, as opposed to a white actress as in the original.

In recent years, Disney has stepped up its efforts to diversify its product lines. Disney's first black princess did not appear until 2009 as Tiana in the animated film "The Princess and the Frog".

According to VNA