Disney's Jake and the Neverland Pirates: Special Holiday Episode & New Season Coming Soon

Although my kids are far from sitting planted in front of the television around here, there are definitely times that we turn it on. Whether for some added entertainment or a much-needed break, there's something calming about the occasional cartoon that just can't be beat.

Unfortunately, most of the kids' shows that we watch are only on at particular times during the day, so it isn't always as easy as it would seem to pull something up that they will enjoy and I will deem appropriate. Who designs the programming schedule? Don't they have children?

Well, apparently someone over at the Disney Junior channel does and they have listened to what moms want... launching early in 2012, a brand new standalone 24-hour Disney Junior channel is coming!

Since its start this past February, Disney Junior continues to grow and break all previous records for Disney Channel's preschool programming. By reflecting the emotion generations of consumers have to Disney and its unparalleled ability to make you feel something in your heart through its timeless storytelling and beloved characters, this is one multi-platform brand that does it all.

With everything from early math and language skills to healthy eating and lifestyles to social and emotional development, Disney Junior is a channel that we as parents can stand behind. And one of the hit shows featured? Jake and the Never Land Pirates, cable's #1 series for boys ages 2 to 5 since its launch... and on track to be Disney Channel's #1 preschool series ever!

Currently airing daily from 8:30-9 a.m. EST/PST, Jake and the Neverland Pirates is among one of the most co-viewed preschool series, with 45% of moms watching with their preschooler. Considering the cute characters, adventurous plots, and fun tunes, how can us moms resist?

A "pirate rock" music-filled interactive treasure hunt, Jake and the Never Land Pirates introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, from Disney's classic "Peter Pan."

Along the way, they model teamwork, problem-solving and physical activity (definitely qualities that I want my kids to see promoted!) while earning gold doubloons as they conquer a variety of tasks. If you haven't tuned in, you're missing out on an entertaining show... and, if you have, then you already know why we're fans!

Up next for Jake and the Never Land Pirates is a December holiday episode, to be followed in January by the debut of the first-ever 45-minute series special and season two of the series.

In the holiday episode, titled It's A Winter Never Land!/Hook On Ice, Jake, Izzy and Cubby awake to find that Peter Pan has left the crew some presents and a tree to celebrate Winter Treasure Day, and Captain Hook invites Jake and the crew on a winter treasure hunt. We had a chance to see a preview of this episode and both shows had the same positive message that we've come to appreciate and show off how working together always wins out in the end.

Premiering on Friday, December 2nd at 8:30-9:00am ET/PT on Disney Channel, be sure to tune in with any young pirate fans for a fun way to celebrate the season with Jake and the Neverland Pirates. For more information about this show and many well-known others, visit Disney Junior to learn more.

(Other than the information and Jake and the Neverland Pirates gift pack that I was sent in conjunction with my membership to Team Mom, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this show.)