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. a b Schneider, Michael (November 27, 2012). "Disney Schedules Launch for New Pre-school Phenom Sofia The First". TV Guide. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022 . Retrieved July 18, 2022. Kliesch, Kevin (June 5, 2014). "Kevin Kliesch talks about composing the score for Disney Junior's "Sofia the First" ". MediaMikes (Interview). Interviewed by Mike Gencarelli . Retrieved June 9, 2022.

In November 2022, Gerber reportedly expanded his deal with Disney. He began developing a Sofia the First spin-off that is set in the same world. [55] Merchandising [ edit ] Drum, Nicole (September 16, 2018). "Ariel Winter Says Goodbye to 'Sofia the First' ". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022 . Retrieved July 20, 2022. 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.Kondolojy, Amanda. "Disney Channel's 'Sofia the First' Crowned #1 Cable TV Telecast Ever in Kids 2-5". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 4, 2013 . Retrieved December 4, 2012. Sieczkowski, Cavan; Kanter, Nancy (October 23, 2012). "Princess Sofia Is Not Latina, Says Disney". Huffington Post. Archived from the original on September 22, 2017 . Retrieved April 17, 2020. Sofia's mom comes from a fictitious land, Galdiz, which was inspired by Spain.

Following the controversy regarding Sofia's ethnicity, Gerber noticed the demand for a Latina princess; the idea "bubbled in [his] mind" and partially inspired the creation of spin-off series Elena of Avalor, which stars a Latina princess as its titular character. [53] She is introduced in Sofia the First special episode Elena and the Secret of Avalor, in which Sofia discovers that Elena has been trapped inside her amulet for decades because of an invasion of Avalor by the evil sorceress Shuriki. Sofia and her family travel to Avalor to free Elena and restore the kingdom. [54]Elena of Avalor: Princess Elena • Princess Isabel • Francisco • Luisa • Shuriki • Alacazar • Zuzo • Mateo • Migs, Luna, and Skylar • Rafa • Chancellor Esteban • Armando • King Raul and Queen Lucia • Naomi Turner 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. Cedric, the royal sorcerer, regularly attempts to steal Sofia's amulet, knowing of its abilities. Cedric plans to use the power of the amulet to overthrow the royal family and take over the kingdom of Enchancia. As he grows closer to Sofia, however, he becomes doubtful about stealing the amulet, and eventually reveals his intentions and apologizes for his actions. Nominees 2019". Young Artist Academy. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021 . Retrieved June 6, 2022.

Nominations & Results". Young Artist Foundation. Archived from the original on November 19, 2016 . Retrieved June 6, 2022.a b c Villano, Matt (March 6, 2013). "Dad's view: The one Disney princess I actually love". Today. Archived from the original on June 14, 2022 . Retrieved June 14, 2022. Edelman, Amelia; Lopez, Lindsey Hunter (June 10, 2020). "50 Movies for Preschoolers & Toddlers — That Aren't Too Scary". SheKnows. Archived from the original on July 22, 2023 . Retrieved June 15, 2022. Truitt, Brian (October 10, 2013). " 'Sofia the First' goes underwater for November special". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 20, 2022 . Retrieved July 18, 2022. Daytime Emmy Nominations: 'Young And The Restless' Leads With 26 Nominations". Deadline Hollywood. May 1, 2014. Archived from the original on July 7, 2022 . Retrieved June 6, 2022.

a b c d e Rosman, Katherine (April 10, 2013). "Test-Marketing a Modern Princess". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022 . Retrieved June 1, 2022.Williams, Angela (July 21, 2016). "10 Things You Should Know About Disney's Newest Princess, 'Elena of Avalor' ". ABC News. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022 . Retrieved June 21, 2022. Guest Characters: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather • Cinderella • Jasmine • Magic Carpet • Belle • Ariel • Aurora • Snow White • Mulan • Rapunzel • Tiana • Merida • Olaf • Merlin • Archimedes