When Disney Junior’s animated series “Doc McStuffins” premiered in March, it snared 800,000 adult viewers — setting a record for a preschool cable series launch.
So how did a series revolving around a 6-year-old girl who plays doctor to stuffed animals become a must-see for their parents?
Series creator/executive producer Chris Nee says it’s because, after 15 years of writing for kids shows, she finally got the chance to make a show she wanted to watch — filled with more sophisticated storytelling, a sense of humor and some catchy tunes that won’t drive parents (too) crazy.
“Music is a huge piece of the kids TV world that turns adults away,” says Nee, whose past writing credits include “Blues Clues,” “Ni Hao Kai-lan” and “The Wonder Pets.” “Kids are running around the house singing those songs over and over, and we didn’t want the parents to be repelled.”
Instead of simplistic children’s songs that are more shouted than sung, “Doc’s” melodic soundtrack resembles Sara Bareilles-esque piano pop. “A.N.T. Farm’s” China Anne McClain croons the theme, and Lisa Loeb lent her voice to a song when she guest-starred as a microphone with hiccups.
“Doc” (the character is voiced by teen Kiara Muhammad) isn’t a slouch with the kiddie set, either, as it’s now the top cable series for kids 2-5. It also bucks the “Dora the Explorer” trend, in which characters talk directly to the camera while dealing with a single concept or emotion that’s repeated throughout an episode.
“We know that kids respond to shows that do that, but they’re taking over the landscape,” Nee says. “When I created this, I thought, ‘Let me do a show that’s a little more sophisticated’ … these are strong characters with a strong sense of humor.”
Instead, “Doc” trusts that a younger audience can keep up with a more complicated story, says Nee, and preschoolers are presumed smart enough to pick up subtle humor.
“Kids are more eccentric and interesting than we give them credit for,” Nee says.
Each episode includes two stories in which Doc dons her magical stethoscope and heads to her playhouse to solve a toy’s ailments, often by recalling words of wisdom from her doctor mom or her stay-at-home dad.
Doc’s closest toy pals include cuddly stuffed sheep Lamby, a toy dragon who thinks he’s brave, a hip hippo (voiced by Loretta Devine) and a stuffed snowman who’s a hypochondriac.
Parents also have reason to watch multiple viewings, since each episode features two “sick” toys often voiced by celebrities, including “Modern Family” star Ty Burrell and Camryn Manheim.
So is there anyone we should be listening for next season?
“I can’t give anything away,” Nee teases. “But I can tell you who’s on my wish list: Michelle Obama.”