Here at Collider, we cover a lot of stuff, be itStar Wars, superheroes, or cinephile fare, and everything from movies and TV, to video games and web series. There’s something for everyone. But there’s so much stuff out there that sometimes our younger audience members get left out. So every once in a while, we’d like to shine a spotlight on some family-friendly content that parents and caregivers can confidently watch with the little ones.
In today’sCollider Kidssegment, we’re bringing you a collection of new stories that should delight the whole family. First up is a new partnership for a family-friendly podcast titledThe Punies. Developed byKobe Bryantand his Oscar-winningGranity Studiosin partnership with on-demand audio entertainment provider Cadence13, their first scripted family-friendly podcast series premiered just yesterday and will air every Saturday morning for a 10-week run, just like Saturday morning cartoons of the past. Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Spotify and iHeart Radio,The Puniesmade history as the first youth sports podcast to market.
Created and directed by Bryant,The Puniesis a collection of scripted audio stories centering on a young boy named Puny Pete, who’s ambitious and determined, yet meek and insecure with a fear of failure. Pete’s friends, known as the “The Punies,” are an ethnically and emotionally diverse group of kids who love to play sports together, and like all real friends, don’t always get along. Told with humor, music and sound effects, each episode teaches important life lessons through a combination of character dialogue, sports radio commentary and fictional product commercial breaks related to youth sports. With an underlying theme of persistence in the face of failure,The Puniesstems from Bryant’s own experiences with defeat and success during his legendary career.
“Having spent my whole life playing basketball, there were many times I wasn’t on the winning team. However, those experiences ultimately proved the most valuable because they taught me perseverance, determination, and teamwork. As the father of athletes myself, I created ‘The Punies’ so that these stories will not only entertain the whole family but inspire young listeners to reach their full potential,” said Bryant.
“’The Punies’ is another example of creative storytelling that will capture the imagination and hearts of children and parents alike in this innovative, important and impactful podcast series that will capture learning about perseverance and a willingness not to fail at its core. As a company looking to break new ground and strive for excellence with premium content, C13 is proud to align with someone who is so intensely and incredibly dedicated to his craft and storytelling. We are excited to welcome Kobe to podcasting with this groundbreaking series,” saidChris Corcoran, Cadence13’s Chief Content Officer.
The Puniesis written byJon Haller, who is currently the executive story editor for ABC’s Emmy-nominated series,Last Man Standing. Previously, he worked as a writing assistant for two seasons on NBC’s30 Rockand as a writing assistant for HBO’sIn Treatment.
Voice cast members of The Punies includes:
‘Sofia the First: Forever Royal’ to Premiere on Disney Junior This September
Sofia the First: Forever Royal, a special extended-length finale episode of Disney Junior’s Humanitas and Emmy Award-winning seriesSofia the First, will premiere Saturday, September 8th (11:00 a.m.-12:10 p.m. EDT/PDT) on Disney Junior and the DisneyNOW app.
Set in the storybook world of Enchancia,Sofia the Firsttells the story of an adventurous little girl who becomes a princess overnight after her mom marries the king. Throughout her journey, she discovers that looking like a princess isn’t all that difficult, but possessing the characteristics of a true princess – honesty, loyalty, compassion and grace – is what makes one truly royal. The series stars the voices ofAriel Winteras Sofia;Sara Ramirezas Queen Miranda;Wayne Bradyas Clover; andTim Gunnas Baileywick.
In the finale episode, as Sofia, and siblings Amber and James, prepare for their graduation from Royal Prep Academy, Sofia is called back to the Mystic Isles to face an evil witch named Vor, who is trying to take over the kingdom of Enchancia. Presented with her biggest challenge yet, Sofia must figure out a way to defeat Vor and save her family and the people of Enchancia.
Sofia the Firstfeatures recurring guest starsEric Stonestreetas Minimus,Bonnie Huntas Aunt Tilly,Andrew Rannellsas Skye,Megan Hiltyas Prisma,Ellie Kemperas Crackle,Ming-Na Wenas Vega,Colin Salmonas Orion,Jurnee Smollett-Bellas Chrysta,Paty Lombardas Vor andHugh Bonnevilleas the Voice of the Secret Library.
Additional members of the voice cast throughout the series' four seasons includeDarcy Rose Byrnesas Amber;Zach Callison,Tyler MernaandNicolas Cantuas James;Travis Willinghamas King Roland II;Jess Harnellas Cedric;Jim Cummingsas Wormwood;Ashley Ecksteinas Mia the Bluebird; andMeghan Strangeas Robin. Disney LegendRussi Taylor(Minnie Mouse),Barbara DiricksonandTress MacNeille(Daisy Duck), bring Fauna, Flora and Merryweather, respectively, to life.
Featuring over 100 episodes and two record-breaking primetime specials,Sofia the Firstwill continue to air on Disney Junior and Disney Channel platforms around the world.
‘LEGO DC Super-Villains’ Story Trailer Teases the Upcoming Game
Darkseid has invaded the planet and the Justice League is missing, it’s up to you and your fellow Super-Villains to stop him andsaverule the world. LEGO DC Super-Villains is out August 20, 2025 on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and PC!
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, The LEGO Group and DC Entertainment unveiled a NEW Story Trailer forLEGO DC Super-Villains, showcasing how one rookie must take on evil and team up with the best of the bad, including The Joker, Harley Quinn, Lex Luthor, Deathstroke, Killer Frost, Sinestro, and countless others, to save the planet!
LEGO DC Super-Villainsis the first LEGO game to put players at the center of a villain-centric adventure packed with favorite locations and characters from across the DC universe. The game will be available August 27, 2025 for PlayStation4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
InLEGO DC Super-Villains, the Justice League has disappeared, leaving Earth’s protection to a newcomer group of heroes from a parallel universe, proclaiming themselves as the ‘Justice Syndicate’. Renowned DC Super-Villains from the ‘Legion Of Doom’ discover Earth’s newest heroes may not be the heroes they claim to be. With each player’s completely customizable Super-Villain character in command, this team of misfit lawbreakers must join forces to discover and foil the evil plans the incognito strangers have in store.
‘DreamWorks’ Trolls: The Beat Goes On' Season 3 Now on Netflix; New Immersive Experience on the Way
Poppy, Branch and all of Troll Village are back in all new hair-raising episodes ofDreamWorks Trolls: The Beat Goes On!now on Netflix.
Additionally, we have word on the coolest, most colorful party ever:DreamWorks Trolls The Experiencecoming to New York City this Fall.Trolls The Experiencewill be an immersive, interactive, fantastical activation that brings to life the colorful and musical world ofDreamWorks Trolls. The visually stunning experience opens on Thursday, November 15th and will give visitors an opportunity to celebrate with theDreamWorks Trollswhile creating unforgettable family memories.
Tickets forDreamWorks Trolls The Experienceare available now onTrollsTheExperience.comat a discounted price for a limited time only.
