Tim Allen Returning to ABC With NEW SHOW!

Talented actor and comedian Tim Allen has been a huge part of the Disney and ABC family for decades.

For eight years, Allen starred in the iconic ABC comedy, Home Improvement. He also starred in a number of hit Disney films, including The Santa Clause (1994), Jungle 2 Jungle (1997), The Shaggy Dog (2006), and Wild Hogs (2007). And who could forget what might be Allen’s most legendary role — the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise?

The Santa Clause

In 2022, Allen reprised his role as Scott Calvin in The Santa Clauses on Disney+. And now, we have learned that Allen has teamed up with ABC for a brand-new comedy show — a series called Shifting Gears!

According to The Hollywood Reporter:

Shifting Gears revolves around Matt (Allen), a stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. When Matt’s estranged daughter and her teenage kids move into his house, the real restoration begins.

tim allen and tom hanks at toy story land disney

This is not the first time Allen has starred in a comedy for ABC. From 2011 until 2021, Allen starred alongside Nancy Travis, Amanda Fuller, and Kaitlyn Dever in Last Man Standing. The series was produced by 20th Century Fox, who then licensed the show to ABC. That was before the studio was purchased by Disney. Disney then licensed the show back to Fox.

Tim Allen Last Man Standing

Back in November, a rumor went viral, claiming that Allen was actually teaming up with controversial comedian Roseanne Barr for a new comedy. However, the rumor was pushed out by the satirical site SpaceXMania. Even if the rumor were true, it would be unlikely that the comedy would land at ABC.

ABC famously fired Barr in 2018 after she went on a racist tirade against Valerie Jarrett — a Senior Advisor to former President Barack Obama. Barr apologized for the tweet, blaming what she said on the medication she was taking. But ABC didn’t buy the excuse and parted ways with Barr, kicking her off her own show.

Roseanne Barr The Conners

Shifting Gears will be co-written by Mike and Julie Scully, best known for writing on shows like The Simpsons, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Fuller House. The Scullys will also serve as executive producers alongside Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Richard Baker, and Rick Messina, who were all producers on Last Man Standing.

Disney’s ‘Encanto’ Takes Over ABC’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’

Disney’s Encanto took over Dancing With the Stars, and Guests were left in tears. Last night, October 17, 2013, ABC’s hit television show Dancing With the Stars celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary with a special tribute.

Disney 100

once upon a studio group photo

On October 16, 2023, the Walt Disney Company celebrated 100 years of entertainment, storytelling, and magic. Throughout Disney Parks and entertainment, huge celebrations have been entertaining Guests. Celebrations have stretched across the globe from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, to Shanghai Disneyland and everywhere in between.

Once Upon a Studio was released on Disney+ and Hulu as one of the most notable Disney 100 tributes. This Disney short film celebrates 100 years of Walt Disney Studios Animation and storytelling. The 13-minute film encapsulates the magic, featuring 543 Disney characters from over 85 feature-length and short films released over the past 100 years.

Across the Disney Parks, Guests have experienced once-in-a-lifetime celebrations for Disney’s 100th anniversary. In Disneyland Paris, Guests cheered as 100 Disney characters, and Disney VoluntEARS paraded down Main Street, U.S.A. Even Disney entertainment is celebrating, as celebrated films, including Moana and The Lion King, are back in select theaters for a limited time to celebrate the anniversary.

Dancing With the Stars Celebrates Disney 100

Disney logo graphic design celebrates 100 years with new details

Last night on ABC, Dancing With the Stars celebrated Disney’s centenary with Disney 100 Night. The episode featured Disney-inspired dances and a special showcase featuring Encanto, that left fans speechless. The showcase also unveiled Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 Disney 100 Platinum Edition.

Starting out, some audience members weren’t quite sure if they were watching a dance or a commercial for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. After entering the Hyundai, iconic Disney characters joined the dancers, including Tinkerbell, Peter Pan, Wendy, Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, and even Sorcerer Mickey himself!

Once the stars arrived on the Dancing With the Stars stage, Guests were instantly thrilled when they heard the recognizable start to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” from Disney’s Encanto. The dancer’s beautiful dresses referenced the traditional Columbian clothing worn by the films characters Mirabel, Isabella, Luisa, and more. Additionally, many dancers donned Bruno’s green poncho as a note to the Encanto character’s iconic look.

In addition to the beautiful costumes and set design, the dance even featured Bruno giving a prophesy. But you may be wondering, how do we avoid talking about Bruno with the show’s infamous judge Bruno Tonioli on set? Well Tonioli has a silent Bruno cameo during the number, but when the dance ended, he couldn’t help but shout his praise.

During the show, contestants celebrated Disney’s 100th anniversary with Disney-themed dances.  American Pie actress Alyson Hannigan and her partner Sasha Farber danced to “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater performed “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” from Fantasia. Mira Sorvino and partner Gleb Savchenko waltz to “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Disney’s Cinderella. 

The quickstep was performed by Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold to “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” from Toy Story. Jason Mraz danced the foxtrot with Daniella Karagach to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev waltzed to “Part of Your World” from Disney’s newest live-action remake, The Little Mermaid. 

Dancing with the Stars Disney 100 night

Earning the highest scores of the night, Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy stole the show with the Paso Doble to “Un Poco Loco” from Coco. Following close behind in high scores were partners Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov, dancing to Frozen 2’s “Into the Unknown.”

The Brady Bunch actor Barry Williams and his partner Peta Murgatroyd performed a jazz dance to “He’s a Tramp” from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp, earning the lowest score of the night. Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong joined them in the bottom three and danced the rumba to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King. However, NFL Star Adrian Peterson and Britt Stewart waltzed to “Baby Mine” from Dumbo and were eliminated by fans.

‘Once Upon A Studio’ Short Film Premiering on ABC in October

Disney’s new “Once Upon a Studio” short film will have its broadcast premiere on ABC during “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration!” on October 15, 2023, at 8/7c. Disney released a new trailer for the short film, which you can watch below.

ABC is celebrating 100 years of Disney this fall with an evening of magical programming hosted by Kelly Ripa. ABC will begin the evening with an episode of “AFV,” followed by a lineup that will include exclusive moments featuring Kelly Ripa and sneak peeks at upcoming Disney projects. Featuring the broadcast world premieres of Walt Disney Animation’s new animated short film “Once Upon a Studio” and the beloved film “Encanto,” “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disney’s 100th Anniversary Celebration” airs SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 (8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. EDT/PDT).

An all-star ensemble of beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios come together in “Once Upon a Studio” for a joyful, entertaining and emotional reunion as they assemble for a spectacular group photo to mark Disney’s 100th anniversary. Featuring 543 Disney characters from more than 85 feature-length and short films, “Once Upon a Studio” welcomes heroes and villains, princes and princesses, sidekicks and sorcerers—in all-new hand-drawn and CG animation—to celebrate 10 decades of storytelling, artistry and technological achievements. Directed by Dan Abraham and Trent Correy and produced by Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen, “Once Upon a Studio” makes it broadcast debut on ABC on Oct. 15, 2023.

“Once Upon a Studio” originally debuted at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. It’s set to also play in front of “Wish” when it’s released in theaters on November 22.

ABC’s ‘American Idol’ Returns to Aulani Resort

We are thrilled to share that ABC’s “American Idol” is returning to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa!

After earning the chance to become the next American Idol, contestants will travel to Hawaii to sharpen their vocal skills with the help of celebrity mentors and showcase their talents in a concert along the breathtaking shores of Aulani Resort.

But all work and no play is nearly impossible when you’re in Hawai‘i! Between coaching sessions and performances, the contestants will enjoy all the extraordinary experiences the Aulani Resort has to offer, from soaking up the sun in the Waikolohe Valley pool area to dining on island cuisine – and of course, indulging on Mickey Shave Ice! 

The episode will also feature the American Idol all-star judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, along with Emmy-winning producer and host Ryan Seacrest, and celebrity mentors.

The 21st season of ABC’s “American Idol” premieres on Sunday, February 19, (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST). Stay tuned every week to catch the two episodes filmed at Aulani Resort, and see contestants enjoy a family paradise with a touch of Disney magic.

Disney Releases First Look at Live-Action ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Special!

We are just about one month away from Disney’s celebration of 30 years of the Academy Award-winning animated film Beauty and the Beast. Yes, it’s been 30 years since Disney shared the story of a tale as old as time. Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney’s most successful films of all time and, in celebration of the 30th anniversary, Disney will be airing a combination live-action/animated special that will air on ABC on December 15.

The Beauty and the Beast 2-hour special will star musical sensation H.E.R. as Belle and superstar Josh Groban as the Beast. The special will feature new musical performances, sets, and costumes. And now, Disney is giving us a first look at H.E.R. in Belle’s signature yellow and Josh Groban in a royal blue cape — bringing viewers back to the iconic ballroom scene.

Beauty and the Beast

The Beauty and the Beast special will be directed by Jon M. Chu, who released a statement when it was announced:

“Beauty and the Beast was always a game-changing cinematic experience for me. When the animated movie came out, I watched it multiple times in the first weekend. It showed me the outer limits of what animated artists and storytellers could achieve, so the fact that I get to executive produce a tribute to all the creatives that made this masterpiece through our Electric Somewhere company is a dream I didn’t even think was possible. With world-class creatives and talent to reinterpret the classic musical numbers (with a few surprises), I can’t wait for the audiences, in person and at home, to experience what we have in store for them. It’s a true celebration of creativity.”

Beauty and the Beast will also star Rita Moreno as the narrator, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, Rizwan Manji as LeFou, Jon Jon Briones as Maurice, Leo Abelo Perry as Chip, and Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts.

If you wish to get into the Beauty and the Beast spirit, both the original animated film and the 2017 live-action remake — starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens — are both available to stream on Disney+.

Again, the special will air on ABC on December 15 and will be available to stream on Disney+ the following day.