Great news, kids (and potentially fairly annoying news, parents?) — much more CoComelon is on the way, now including a live-action series.
The smash-hit preschool brand will premiere The Melon Patch Sept. 23 on YouTube, Moonbug announced on Tuesday. Brace your youngest ones now, because Ms. Appleberry is coming to life. This has the potential to go either way with the target-audience’s (very) developing brains. CoComelon is a giant, averaging more than four billion monthly views on YouTube. It’s also been a regular presence on Netflix’s top 10.
Appleberry, who will be played by Allie Rivera Quiñonez, has a (“vibrant interactive”) classroom to run — the learning, growing, and playing doesn’t just happen all on its own, you know. Ms. Appleberry will have the help of Mr. Doodad the imaginative art teacher, Mr. Acorn the nature and exploration expert, Ms. Twist the dance and movement coach, puppets Jelly Bean and Neighomi, and some unnamed (for now) guest stars.
Save Appleberry, those are all new characters; she’s been with CoComelon since before your preschooler was born. The original CoComelon, by the way, is moving from Netflix to Disney+ in 2027. So if you’re currently pregnant, maybe prepare for that. An animated CoComelon film from Universal Pictures is in the works for release the same year.
The Melon Patch will consist of 25-minute episodes blending music, story, movement and art in a way to “keep little learners engaged while exploring milestones like bath time, textures, big feelings and the joy of music,” the announcement reads.
“With The Melon Patch, we’ve created a joyful space where kids can learn through music, play, and the warmth of a teacher they know and love, Ms. Appleberry,” said Nicole Rivera, senior creative executive at CoComelon. “She helps make every lesson feel like an adventure, blending songs, stories, and real-life learning in a way that’s as fun as it is meaningful.”
The new series’ curriculum was developed by early childhood education expert, Dr. Natascha Crandall. Parenting consultant Clarice F. Dionisio, M.A., CLE, IBCLC, advised on the show’s structure to ensure it meets the needs of kids and their caregivers. In other words, Moonbug is saying this is not empty calories — or totally wasted screen time — for the kiddos.
“The Melon Patch offers children the foundations for lifelong learning and well-being,” Dr. Crandall said. “By using the fundamentals of child development, this show meets children where they are and helps them rise to reach their next milestones with greater ease.”
CoComelon will also launch the soundtrack, CoComelon Nursery Rhymes (Songs From ‘The Melon Patch’), on Sept. 19.