Sofia the First

Sofia the First is an American animated fantasy children's television series created by Craig Gerber. The series follows a young peasant girl named Sofia, voiced by Ariel Winter, who becomes a princess after her mother marries the king of Enchancia. Episodes focus on her adventures and bonds with others, including her animal friends, with whom she communicates through an amulet that blesses and curses her based upon the goodness of her actions. The series aimed to employ relatable situations in a fantasy world; according to Gerber, Sofia's position as a child of a single mother allowed the team to explore themes of adaptation and connect to modern children. The series pilot premiered on November 18, 2012, on Disney Channel. The series itself premiered on January 11, 2013, on Disney Junior, aired for four seasons, and concluded on September 8, 2018. Sofia the First was praised for its music, animation, characters, and messages. It received some of the highest viewership for a preschool cable television series; at one point, it became the category's most-watched program, with a variety of merchandise being influenced by the series, such as theme park rides and books. Sofia the First was nominated for 11 Daytime Emmy Awards, including two wins, and received the 2014 Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children. However, the series received criticism for identifying its titular character as Latina; the controversy ultimately led to the creation of the spin-off Elena of Avalor. Plot A young girl named Sofia and her widowed mother, Miranda, have lived a peasant life in the kingdom of Enchancia. One day, the widowed King Roland of Enchancia and Miranda fall in love and get married. As she eases into her new role as a princess, Sofia goes on numerous adventures. She also bonds with her new family, including her step-siblings Amber and James, and settles into her new royal school, where Flora, Fauna and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty are headmistresses. Roland gives Sofia a powerful artifact called the Amulet of Avalor, which blesses her for good deeds and curses her for wrongdoings. She becomes friends with rabbit Clover and birds Mia and Robin after the amulet gives her the ability to communicate with animals. The amulet also links "all the princesses there ever were", calling them to help each other when one is in need.