Disney may be gearing up to rebrand the aesthetic of Disney Jr., starting with a new logo, according to online rumors.
The supposed new logo is simplistic, with the classic calligraphy Disney ‘D’ in front of Jr. in black lettering, not as bold as past selections the channel has displayed. The logo was noticed by DisneyTVANews, who posted the updated acronym on X.
“It seems that Disney Junior might have a rebrand as Disney Enterprises Inc. have trademarked a new Acronym Image for the division,” DisneyTVANews posted on January 26.
Disney did not respond to a request for confirmation.
This isn’t the first time Disney Jr. has switched up its look. The logo has been simplified three times, losing the yellow and purple Playhouse Disney logo with its rainbow lettering and opting for a simple look with Disney in black and Junior in red. Check out 1000 Logos for the evolution of the brand since the 1990s. The channel has also launched several series-specific logos displayed during programs, as seen on The Disney Wiki.
But this time, fans don’t appreciate the rumored new digs, with commenters on X calling the updated logo “simple,” “dull,” and “creatively bankrupt,” while some noted it bears a strong resemblance to Nick Jr.’s logo. The new logo comes as other networks and streaming services upgrade their looks, albeit with less snubbing than Disney fans. The CW network recently dropped the “The” on its logo to create a more streamlined look across media platforms, while on January 28, Pluto TV launched a fresh look as well.
Disney+ hosts most of Disney Jr.’s content, which was launched in 2011 as a programming block for young children before separating into its own channel. Before that, young children’s content went under the moniker Playhouse Disney.
The launch of Disney+ prompted several countries to close the network and encourage people to subscribe to the platform to continue watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Bluey. In 2020, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, the U.K., and Ireland shut down their respective networks, and Disney Channel and Disney XD have also closed.
Disney Jr. isn’t the only group sporting a new look this year. Earlier this month, Walt Disney World’s Reedy Creek Fire Department underwent rebranding efforts, according to Laughing Place, and was dubbed simply District Fire Department.