Disney Channel is moving forward with another season of one of its original series.
The kids-driven cable network has renewed the musically-driven comedy series, Austin & Ally, for a second season. Production on the new season will begin in the summer.
The half-hour show is centered on two polar opposites — Austin, an extroverted musician and singer, and Ally, a shy songwriter — and their best friends, Trish and Dez.
“Austin & Ally has struck a chord with viewers who love the relationships and funny storylines, along with the upbeat music. We are excited to continue the characters’ journeys with the amazingly talented cast and creative team,” said Adam Bonnett, svp, original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide.
Executive producers Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert (Sonny With a Chance, Jonas) created the It’s a Laugh Productions series, which stars Ross Lynch, Laura Marano, Raini Rodriguez and Calum Worthy. Marano will represent the series at Disney Channels Worldwide Kids Upfront in New York next week.
Austin & Ally premiered to 5.7 million viewers in December following the holiday movie Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas and ranks No. 1 among the kids 2-11, 6-11 and tweens demographics on Sundays at 8 p.m. The series averages 3.4 million viewers.
The music component to the show has also proved successful; Lynch’s “A Billion Hits,” performed as alter ego Austin, rose to the No. 1 spot on Radio Disney’s top 30 chart.
The next new episode of Austin & Ally airs March 25.
Current Disney Channel programming includes live-action series Good Luck Charlie, Shake It Up, Jessie and So Random.
