Working with some familiar friends and new faces to create a special campaign to introduce families to a new show at Disney Animation. Just in time for the worldwide launch of HAMSTER & GRETEL on Disney Channel and Disney XD, we gathered inside one of the Glendale studios where Mommy Bloggers and their kids could experience what this original series is all about. A private screening was reserved for our groups of Mommy Bloggers to watch the first two episodes, then they got to meet creator Dan Povenmire.
Dan is of course the co-creator of the iconic Phineas & Ferb, as well as the voice of the evil Dr. Dorfenshmirtz. They were both there as Dan entertained the kids by teaching a live drawing demo and taking the time to talk with every single young fan. After snacking on a beautiful spread from Bon Appetite, and coloring some pictures at the art table for the littles, Dan and his daughter Meli Povenmire (voice of Gretel) joined me on stage for a Q&A.
On our way out everyone was talking about how much their older kids loved Phineas & Ferb when they were young- truly a show they grew up on. And now their younger kids have this new generation of episodes from Dan with Hamster & Gretel. The coolest thing about the new show is that just like Phineas & Ferb, this series is a show the whole family can watch together. My husband Fireman Matt and my son Cruzer were both cracking up in the seats in front of me and Izzy during the screening. That is the sign of a sure hit. Parents are always looking for TV that we can watch with the whole family. HAMSTER & GRETEL is definitely that show.
MORE About The Show
Hamster & Gretel is a superhero comedy that follows Kevin and his younger sister Gretel, who is about to be bestowed superpowers by space aliens. But something goes awry, and it’s Gretel and her pet hamster (named Hamster) who suddenly have new abilities. Now, protective older brother Kevin must figure out how to work with Gretel and her pet Hamster to protect their city from mysterious dangers.
HAMSTER & GRETEL – Courtesy fo Disney Channel
As we learned in our Q&A, Dan was inspired by his own relationship with his sister, and you can see other influences from his personal life like the Latina Mother and Abuelita. For the Emmy-winning creator/executive producer, this project got even more personal when his daughter was cast as the lead character! “I knew it was going to happen, honestly,” said Meli in an interview, to her Dad’s surprise! He had her doing temp lines while in the quarantine lockdown as everyone worked at home. Her voice worked for the part and they decided to audition Meli. It just all fell into place.
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“Hamster & Gretel” explores the hilarious dynamic between siblings with a significant age gap. Produced by Disney Television Animation, the new music-filled series, premieres FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022 on Disney Channel.
Starring in the series is newcomer (and daughter of Dan!) Meli Povenmire as Gretel; Michael Cimino (“Love, Victor”) as Gretel’s older brother, Kevin; Beck Bennett (“SNL”) as Gretel’s pet hamster, Hamster; Joey King (“Kissing Booth”) as her tech-savvy cousin, Fred; Matt Jones (“Bob Hearts Abishola”) as the siblings’ easygoing father, Dave; and Carolina Ravassa (“Maya and the Three”) as their charismatic mother, Carolina. Recurring characters are Priah Ferguson (“Stranger Things”) as Gretel’s best friend, Bailey; Liza Koshy (“Liza on Demand”) as news reporter Veronica Hill; Alyson Stoner (“Phineas and Ferb”) and Brock Powell (“Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe”) as the evil sibling duo Lauren and Lyle a.k.a The Destructress and FistPuncher, respectively; and viral rap sensation Akintoye as Kevin’s confident buddy, Anthony. Guest stars are Jenny Lorenzo (“Victor and Valentino”) as Carolina’s mother, Abuelita; legendary Latin pop star Karina La Voz as the tear-jerking La Cebolla; YouTube star Thomas Sanders (“Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe”) as frat guy horse-man Neighslayer; TikTok star Casey Hamilton (@MrHamilton) as Gretel’s mild-mannered substitute teacher, Mr. Chabner; and Adam Rose (“Merry Happy Whatever”) as evil jingle writer The Earworm.
WATCH full episodes now on Disney Channel
Please share any of your favorite shows and what you love to watch with your kids in the comments. Reach out to me anytime through social media and join Moms In Media if you are a media mom. Thanks for reading and liking. You can Follow me on Twitter @kristincruz.
