The 4th Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards recently concluded, painting a clear picture of the evolving landscape in youth entertainment, with Disney+ and its affiliated channels, Disney Channel and Disney Jr., emerging as the undisputed champion. Securing an impressive 19 wins, Disney solidified its dominance, showcasing a diverse portfolio of critically acclaimed programming that captivated both audiences and industry voters. The evening, held for the first time in New York at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall, was a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, and the enduring power of storytelling for younger generations.
Disney’s triumph was spearheaded by several standout productions, none more decorated than “Descendants: The Rise of Red.” This highly anticipated fiction special, a continuation of the beloved “Descendants” franchise, swept five Emmys, including the coveted Outstanding Fiction Special. Its success underscores Disney’s strategic prowess in expanding popular universes and delivering content that resonates deeply with its dedicated fanbase. The “Descendants” saga has consistently blended musical numbers with compelling narratives, crafting a modern fairy tale experience that appeals to young teens, and this latest installment proved no exception, garnering recognition for its artistic vision and engaging execution. The creative efforts behind the production were further highlighted with wins for Outstanding Art Direction / Set Decoration / Scenic Design, Outstanding Hairstyling and Makeup, and Outstanding Choreography, emphasizing the comprehensive excellence that brought the magical world to life. Moreover, its musical prowess was acknowledged with an Emmy for “Red Christmas” as Outstanding Original Song for a Children’s or Young Teen Program, cementing the franchise’s reputation for memorable tunes.
Further bolstering Disney’s impressive tally were significant wins for “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” and “Win or Lose.” The Lucasfilm production “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” a bold new venture into the iconic galaxy far, far away tailored for young teen audiences, landed four Emmys, including Outstanding Young Teen Series. This victory signifies Disney’s continued success in broadening the “Star Wars” universe, proving its adaptability and appeal across various age demographics. Its recognition also included Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program, Outstanding Editing for a Young Teen Live Action Program for “The Real Good Guys,” and Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Live Action Program for “You Have A Lot To Learn About Pirates,” demonstrating the high production values invested in bringing the epic space opera to the small screen.
Pixar Animation Studios’ foray into episodic storytelling, “Win or Lose,” also garnered four wins, notably claiming Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series. This achievement highlights Pixar’s seamless transition into the series format, maintaining its signature blend of heartwarming narrative and innovative animation. The series further earned accolades for Outstanding Writing for a Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series for the episode “Pickle,” Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series for “Home,” and Outstanding Editing for an Animated Program for “Mixed Signals,” solidifying its status as a fresh and impactful animated offering. These wins collectively showcase Disney’s diverse content strategy, catering to a wide spectrum of children’s and family viewing preferences, from live-action fantasy to groundbreaking animation.
Beyond these major contenders, Disney celebrated individual and specific category wins, underscoring the breadth of talent within its ecosystem. Ana Gasteyer was recognized as Outstanding Voice Performer in a Preschool Program for her work in “RoboGobo,” a testament to the crucial role of voice acting in shaping engaging characters for the youngest viewers. The long-running Disney Channel sitcom “Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes” took home an Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography and Technical Arts for a Multiple Camera Live Action Program, a nod to the enduring quality of traditional multi-cam productions. Additionally, “Rise Up, Sing Out” earned an Emmy for Outstanding Original Song for a Preschool Program with “Grow Your World,” reflecting Disney’s commitment to creating inspiring and educational musical content. “Dream Productions” also secured a win for Outstanding Casting for an Animated Program, highlighting the meticulous effort behind bringing animated characters to life through voice talent.
While Disney led the pack, Netflix demonstrated its formidable presence in the children’s and family sphere, securing the second-highest number of Emmys with 10 wins. Its post-apocalyptic fairy tale, “Sweet Tooth,” was a significant winner, taking home five awards. This unique series, known for its compelling storyline and poignant themes, was recognized for Outstanding Supporting Performer for Nonso Anozie and Outstanding Younger Performer for Christian Convery, whose performances captivated audiences. The series also earned accolades for its technical brilliance, including Outstanding Cinematography and Technical Arts for a Single Camera Live Action Program for “The Road Ends Here” and Outstanding Stunt Coordination, acknowledging the intricate action sequences and visual artistry.
Netflix’s “Heartstopper” continued its remarkable cultural impact by earning two Emmys, including Outstanding Lead Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program for Joe Locke, whose portrayal of Charlie Spring resonated deeply with viewers. The series also won for Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Series for the episode “Journey,” further cementing its status as a poignant and important narrative for young LGBTQ+ audiences. The streaming giant also saw veteran actor John Lithgow honored as Outstanding Single Role Voice Performer in a Children’s or Young Teen Program for “Spellbound,” illustrating the caliber of talent drawn to its animated projects. The global appeal of its content was evident with “Ultraman: Rising” winning Outstanding Animated Special and Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for an Animated Program, while “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld” was celebrated for its Outstanding Show Open, highlighting Netflix’s diverse and visually striking animated offerings.
HBO Max, though with a smaller overall tally of five wins, made a significant mark with the enduring classic “Sesame Street.” The iconic preschool program continued its legacy of excellence, winning Outstanding Preschool, Children’s or Family Viewing Series. “Sesame Street” was also recognized for its innovative short-form content, with “Andrew Garfield and Elmo Explain Grief” earning the Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Live Action Program, praised for its sensitive and timely exploration of a complex topic for young viewers. The artistry of puppetry, a cornerstone of “Sesame Street,” was celebrated with Leslie Carrara-Rudolph’s win for Outstanding Puppetry Performer as Abby Cadabby & Tango. The series further demonstrated its production quality by winning Outstanding Directing for a Live Action Series for “A Trip to the Moon,” proving its timeless relevance and continued ability to evolve with its audience. Warner Bros. Animation, contributing to the HBO Max total, also saw “Daffy in Wackyland” win for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program and David Errigo Jr. for Outstanding Multiple Role Voice Performer in a Children’s or Young Teen Program for “Tiny Toons Looniversity.”
Beyond the major players, the awards acknowledged excellence across a broader spectrum of platforms and content creators. YouTube made a notable showing with four wins, including Tabitha Brown for Outstanding Children’s Personality and “Tab Time” for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool or Children’s Series, demonstrating the growing influence of digital-native stars and educational programming. National Geographic’s “A Real Bug’s Life” secured two Emmys, including Outstanding Informational Program and Outstanding Editing for a Preschool or Children’s Live Action Program, reinforcing the importance of high-quality nature and educational content for young minds. Nickelodeon’s charming “The Tiny Chef Show” also earned three wins, including Outstanding Preschool Animated Series, Outstanding Directing for a Preschool Animated Series, and Outstanding Editing for a Preschool Animated Program, celebrating its unique and endearing approach to preschool entertainment. Apple TV+ saw “WondLa” win for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for an Animated Program, while BYUtv and TELUS STORYHIVE YouTube Channel also received recognition, underscoring the diverse ecosystem of children’s programming.
The evening also paid tribute to a luminary in children’s education and entertainment. Science communicator and beloved television personality Bill Nye was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his profound impact on generations of viewers through his iconic show “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” His career exemplifies the power of educational programming to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in young audiences, a legacy that continues to influence content creators today. The ceremony itself was expertly hosted by actor, director, writer, puppeteer, producer, and creator John Tartaglia, a fitting choice given his extensive background in children’s television and theater.
The comprehensive network tally at the close of the awards reflected the current competitive landscape: Disney (19), Netflix (10), HBO Max (5), YouTube (4), Nickelodeon (3), Apple TV (2), BYU TV (2), Nat Geo (2), and PBS (1). This distribution clearly indicates the ascendancy of streaming platforms in the children’s and family entertainment space, though traditional broadcasters and public television continue to hold their own, particularly with legacy brands like “Sesame Street” and new charming offerings like “The Tiny Chef Show.” The awards collectively celebrated the vibrant and diverse talent dedicated to creating meaningful, engaging, and often groundbreaking content for the next generation of viewers.
Outstanding Preschool, Children’s or Family Viewing Series
“Jane” (Apple TV+) [Sinking Ship Entertainment]
“Kids Baking Championship” (Food Network) [Sonic Dog]
“Ms. Rachel” (Ms. Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos YouTube Channel) [Songs For Littles, LLC | Lifeboat Productions]
“Odd Squad” (PBS Kids) [Sinking Ship Entertainment | BBC Studios | Fred Rogers Productions]
WINNER: “Sesame Street” (HBO Max) [Sesame Workshop]
“Tab Time” (Tab Time YouTube Channel) [Kids At Play]
Outstanding Young Teen Series
“Goosebumps: The Vanishing” (Disney+) [Sony Pictures Television]
“Heartstopper” (Netflix) [See-Saw Films]
WINNER: “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” (Disney+) [Lucasfilm Ltd.]
“Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
“Time Bandits” (Apple TV+) [Paramount Television Studios | Anonymous Content | MRC Productions]
Outstanding Fiction Special
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip” (Disney+)
WINNER: “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Disney+) [Disney Branded Television]
“Girl Haunts Boy” (Fifth Season) [Wonder Worldwide]
“Henry Danger: The Movie” (Nickelodeon)
Outstanding Informational Program
“Building Outside the Lines” (Magnolia Network) [Painless Productions]
“Harlem Ice” (Disney+) [Imagine Entertainment]
“Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World” (Netflix)
WINNER: “A Real Bug’s Life” (National Geographic) [Plimsoll Productions]
“Super Animals” (FOX)
Outstanding Preschool Animated Series
“Carl the Collector” (PBS Kids) [Spiffy Pictures | Fuzzytown Productions | Yowza! Animation]
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions]
“Molly of Denali” (PBS Kids) [GBH Kids | Atomic Cartoons]
WINNER: “The Tiny Chef Show” (Nickelodeon)
“Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum” (PBS Kids) [9 Story Media Group | Brown Bag Films]
Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series
“Big City Greens” (Disney+ | Disney Channel) [Dream Productions]
WINNER: “Win or Lose” (Disney+) [Pixar Animation Studios]
“Wolf King” (Netflix) [Lime Pictures Limited]
“Wylde Pak” (Nickelodeon)
Outstanding Animated Special
“An Almost Christmas Story” (Disney+) [Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj | Titmouse | Maere Studios]
“Kiff: The Haunting of Miss McGravy’s House” (Disney+ | Disney Channel) [Titmouse, Inc.]
“Kiff: Lore of the Ring Light” (Disney+ | Disney Channel) [Titmouse, Inc.]
“That Christmas” (Netflix) [Locksmith Animation]
WINNER: “Ultraman: Rising” (Netflix) [Tsuburaya Productions]
Outstanding Short Form Live Action Program
WINNER: “Andrew Garfield and Elmo Explain Grief” (Sesame Workshop YouTube Channel)
“Girls’ Voices Now” (Here TV)
“My Way” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions]
“Together We Can” (PBS Kids) [Sesame Workshop]
Outstanding Short Form Animated Program
“Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams” (PBS Kids) [GBH Kids | Global Mechanic]
“Count on June Bug” (Thirteen)
WINNER: “Daffy in Wackyland” (HBO Max) [Warner Bros. Animation]
“Eva the Owlet” (Apple TV+) [Brown Bag Films | Scholastic Entertainment]
“How Not to Draw” (Disney+ | Disney Channel)
“Road Trip” (Disney+ | Disney Channel]
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program
Kit Connor as Nick Nelson, “Heartstopper” (Netflix) [See-Saw Films]
Danya Griver as Gwendoline Mary Lacey, “Malory Towers” (BYUtv) [King Bert Productions]
Lisa Kudrow as Penelope, “Time Bandits” (Apple TV+) [Paramount Television Studios | Anonymous Content | MRC Productions]
Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” (Disney+) [Lucasfilm Ltd.]
WINNER: Joe Locke as Charlie Spring, “Heartstopper” (Netflix) [See-Saw Films]
David Schwimmer as Anthony Brewer, “Goosebumps: The Vanishing” (Disney+) [Sony Pictures Television]
Nina Toussaint-White as Sarah Robinson, “The Primrose Railway Children” (BYUtv) [BBC Studios]
Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program
WINNER: Nonso Anozie as Tommy Jepperd, “Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
Rosalind Chao as Helen Zhang, “Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
Ellie Goldstein as Nancy, “Malory Towers” (BYUtv) [King Bert Productions]
Stefania LaVie Owen as Bear, “Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
Dara Reneé as Uliana, “Descendants: The Rise of Red” (Disney+) [Disney Branded Television]
Outstanding Younger Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program
Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Wim, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” (Disney+) [Lucasfilm Ltd.]
Lucian-River Chauhan as Ben, “Me” (Apple TV+)
WINNER: Christian Convery as Gus, “Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
Ava Joyce McCarthy as Phoebe Robinson, “The Primrose Railway Children” (BYUtv) [BBC Studios]
Naledi Murray as Wendy, “Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
April V. Woods as Felicity Rivers, “Malory Towers” (BYUtv) [King Bert Productions]
Outstanding Puppetry Performer
WINNER: Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as Abby Cadabby & Tango, “Sesame Street” (HBO Max) [Sesame Workshop]
Frankie Cordero as Purple Panda, Turtle-Lou & Penguin Referee, “Donkey Hodie” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions | Spiffy Pictures]
Stephanie D’Abruzzo as Duck Duck, Harriett Elizabeth Cow, Mama Panda & Doc Skunk, “Donkey Hodie” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions]
Ryan Dillon as Elmo & Felix, “Sesame Street” (HBO Max) [Sesame Workshop]
Carmen Osbahr as Rosita, “Sesame Street” (HBO Max) [Sesame Workshop]
Outstanding Voice Performer in a Preschool Program
Pamela Adlon as Aunt Lola, “SuperKitties” (Disney+ | Disney Jr.) [Sony Pictures Television Kids]
Dee Bradley Baker as Nubs & Zeepohz, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” (Disney+) [Lucasfilm Ltd.]
WINNER: Ana Gasteyer as Crabitha, “RoboGobo” (Disney+ | Disney Jr.) [Brown Bag Films]
Jay Thomas Manuel as Jeff Mouse, “Donkey Hodie” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions | Spiffy Pictures]
Amber Riley as Ursula, “Disney Jr.’s Ariel” (Disney+ | Disney Jr.) [Wild Canary]
Outstanding Single Role Voice Performer in a Children’s or Young Teen Program
Erik Todd Dellums as Aaravos, “The Dragon Prince” (Netflix) [Wonderstorm | Bardel Entertainment | MWM]
Cynthia Erivo as The Slink, “RoboGobo” (Disney+ | Disney Jr.) [Brown Bag Films]
Ernie Hudson as Marlon, “Angry Birds Mystery Island” (Prime Video | Amazon Kids+) [Titmouse Animation | Snipple Animation]
WINNER: John Lithgow as Bolinar, “Spellbound” (Netflix) [Skydance Animation]
John C. Reilly as The Folk Singer, “An Almost Christmas Story” (Disney+) [Cuarón’s Esperanto Filmoj | Titmouse | Maere Studios]
Maya Rudolph as Jean, “Dream Productions” (Disney+) [Pixar Animation Studios]
Outstanding Multiple Role Voice Performer in a Children’s or Young Teen Program
Eric Bauza as Daffy Duck & The Do-Do, “Daffy in Wackyland” (HBO Max) [Warner Bros. Animation]
H. Michael Croner as Barry Buns, Rat, Chubbles Wubbington, Soda Jerk & Buffalo Security, “Kiff” (Disney+ | Disney Channel) [Titmouse, Inc.]
WINNER: David Errigo Jr. as Hamton J. Pig & Plucky Duck, “Tiny Toons Looniversity” (HBO Max) [Warner Bros. Animation]
Kate Mulgrew as Admiral Janeway & Hologram Janeway, “Star Trek: Prodigy” (Netflix | CBS Studios) [Nickelodeon Animation Studios]
Kari Wahlgren as Evelyn & Mrs. Grant, “Legends of Evergreen Hills” (Chick-fil-A Play App) [Bento Box]
Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program
Summer Rose Castillo as Alma, “Alma’s Way” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions]
Vanessa Huszar as Zuri, “Wonder Pets: In the City” (Apple TV+) [Nickelodeon Animation]
WINNER: Christopher Sean Cooper Jr. as Tate, “Wonder Pets: In the City” (Apple TV+) [Nickelodeon Animation]
Chanel Stewart as Kai, “Win or Lose” (Disney+) [Pixar Animation Studios]
Kensington Tallman as Riley, “Dream Productions” (Disney+) [Pixar Animation Studios]
Alkaio Thiele as Peter Parker, “Marvel’s Spidey & His Amazing Friends” (Disney+ | Disney Jr.) [Marvel Studios | Atomic Cartoons]
Ja’Siah Young as Dax, “RoboGobo” (Disney+ | Disney Jr.) [Brown Bag Films]
Outstanding Children’s Personality
WINNER: Tabitha Brown, “Tab Time” (Tab Time YouTube Channel) [Kids At Play]
Yvette Nicole Brown, “Cookie Monster’s Bake Sale: Block Party” (HBO Max) [Sesame Workshop | RIVR]
Perdita Felicien, “All-Round Champion” (BYUtv) [Blue Ant Studios]
Alia Pope, “Chip Kids” (East Tennessee PBS YouTube Channel) [East Tennessee PBS]
June Squibb, “Storyline Online” (Storyline Online YouTube Channel) [The Story Garage]
Outstanding Writing for a Preschool or Children’s Series
“Love in the Forest”, “A Real Bug’s Life” (National Geographic) [Plimsoll Productions]
“Odd Ones In”, “Odd Squad” (PBS Kids) [Sinking Ship Entertainment | BBC Studios | Fred Rogers Productions]
“Pan troglodytes”, “Jane” (Apple TV+) [Sinking Ship Entertainment]
“People We Care About”, “Secrets at Red Rocks” (BYUtv) [Libertine Pictures]
“Potty Training with Ms. Rachel”, “Ms. Rachel” (Ms. Rachel – Toddler Learning Videos YouTube Channel) [Songs For Littles, LLC | Lifeboat Productions]
WINNER: “When We Lose Someone”, “Tab Time” (Tab Time YouTube Channel) [Kids At Play]
Outstanding Writing for a Young Teen Series
WINNER: “Journey”, “Heartstopper” (Netflix) [See-Saw Films]
“Kevin Haddock”, “Time Bandits” (Apple TV+) [Paramount Television Studios | Anonymous Content | MRC Productions]
“Pilot”, “Me” (Apple TV+)
“Stay Out of the Basement, Part I”, “Goosebumps: The Vanishing” (Disney+) [Sony Pictures Television]
“This Could Be a Real Adventure”, “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” (Disney+) [Lucasfilm Ltd.]
“This is a Story”, “Sweet Tooth” (Netflix) [Warner Bros. Television]
Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series
“Daniel Finds Out What’s Fair”, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” (PBS Kids) [Fred Rogers Productions]
WINNER: “The Fall”, “Carl the Collector” (PBS Kids) [Spiffy Pictures | Fuzzytown Productions | Yowza! Animation]
“Save the Runaway Egg”, “Wonder Pets: In the City” (Apple TV+) [Nickelodeon Animation]
“Thanks-For-Giving”, “Molly of Denali” (PBS Kids) [GBH Kids | Atomic Cartoons]
“Tiny Chef’s Spooky Stump Spectacular”, “The Tiny Chef Show” (Nickelodeon)
Outstanding Writing for a Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series
“Crushed”, “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” (Disney+ | Disney Channel) [Flying Bark Productions]
“The Devourer of All Things, Part I”, “Star Trek: Prodigy” (Netflix | CBS Studios)
“Frand or Foe”, “Goldie” (Apple TV+) [Mercury Filmworks]
WINNER: “Pickle”, “Win or Lose” (Disney+) [Pixar Animation Studios]
“Worst Birthday Ever”, “Jentry Chau vs. The Underworld” (
