Proud Family: Louder and Prouder KG

"Addressing crazy social media and everything that's going on in the world, it's going to help them during their growing process," Pratt said in a Television Critics Association Zoom panel. "I'm just happy to be a part of it."

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The Proud Family ran from 2001 to 2005. Pratt, 35, was 14 when she began voicing the role of a teenager embarrassed by her parents and getting into trouble with her friends.

Alisa Reyes also returns as Penny's friend, LaCienega Boulevardez, Soleil Moon Frye as friend Zoey Howzer, Tommy Davidson and Paula Jai Parker as parents Oscar and Trudy Proud, and Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby.

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EJ Johnson, 29, steps in for Phil Lamarr as the voice of Michael Collins. Michael was always flamboyant, effeminate and fashion loving. Louder and Prouder allows Michael to be openly queer.

"It speaks volumes to other kids like me who are growing and figuring out their gender identity from the youngest of ages," Johnson said. "Just to have a character who is out and proud, fabulous and completely, utterly unapologetically themselves is really just so beautiful."

Louder and Prouder introduces new characters, too. Maya (Keke Palmer) and KG (Artist "A Boogie" Dubose) have moved into town with their two fathers (Zachary Quinto and Billy Porter).

As The Proud Family already included Black and Latinx characters, Pratt said it was important to represent as many different people as possible. Pratt said the new characters would open Louder and Prouder up to an even wider audience.

"When you're growing up, to see representation of yourself lets you know that you are not alone in this world," Pratt said. "It reminds you that there are other people out there who may not be exactly like you, but they have something like you in common."

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The Proud Family was part of Disney's effort to portray more diversity. It also released the animated movie, The Princess and the Frog, in 2009, marking the introduction of the first official Black Disney Princess.

Pocahontas in 1995 and 1998's Mulan offered Native American and Asian princesses, respectively. Pratt said she realized after starring in The Proud Family how important it was for kids to see characters like themselves in entertainment.

"Shows like this are a helpful tool, especially for parents," Pratt said.

Pratt has two children with her partner, Danny Kirkpatrick. Liyah is 8 and Lyric is 11, and Pratt said animated characters have helped her explain to them why their natural hair looks different than that of White characters.

"It doesn't look like that princess over there, or that princess here," Pratt said she'd tell her children. "But look what you have here, and baby, you are a goddess."

Johnson said he grew up identifying with Disney villains Ursula from The Little Mermaid, Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians and the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Introducing an LGBTQ character, Johnson said he hoped young viewers see there is room for them in animation, too.

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"I want other little kids to be able to see Michael and all of our characters and just know, 'I can do that. I can be on Disney,'" Johnson said. "All your dreams can come true if you have the heart and just go forward and have that fearlessness."

Johnson said he was more closeted than Michael growing up. He said he hopes Michael's free and open character inspires viewers.

"This character is so fearless, fabulous and free," Johnson said. "I can give that freedom to this character."

The returning stars said fans still will recognize their voices from the original Proud Family. Frye, 45, said animation allowed her to remain a teenage girl.

"It's like being in a beautiful time machine," Frye said.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder still teaches kids lessons at the end of every episode. For example, Penny learns that corporate sponsorship can corrupt her social media platform.

"No matter how sassy or spunky LaCienega is, at the end, she always learns from her trials and tribulations," said Reyes, 41. "We always come together, and that's what makes us grow."

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is an American animated television series created by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar which premiered on Disney+ on February 23, 2022.[1][3] It is a revival and soft reboot of The Proud Family, which originally aired on Disney Channel from 2001 to 2005.

In April 2022, Disney+ confirmed that the show's second season was in production.[4] The series has been received positively. It was also announced that the series will make its linear premiere on January 7, 2023 on Disney Channel and later that month on Disney XD.[5]

Premise[edit]

The series follows the story of Penny Proud, a 16-year-old girl and her family, as they navigate their lives in the 2020s.[3] Trudy, Penny's mom, has new career highs, Oscar, Penny's dad, has wild dreams, and Penny faces a myriad of challenges while her Suga Mama returns, as does Michael, Dijonay, Zoey, and LaCienega,[6] and is introduced to two new kids, Maya and KG, who are raised by two dads, try to adapt to life in Smithville.

Characters[edit]

• Penny Proud (voiced by Kyla Pratt,[7] sung by Tone Loc in "Snackland", Logan Browning as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"[8]): The main protagonist of the series, a 16-year-old African-American girl who is usually embarrassed by her father, Oscar. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, even though they have gotten her into trouble, and left her to face danger by herself many times. She always listens to and respects her parents, but often caves in to peer pressure. She is a talented singer as shown when she becomes a solo singer for Wizard Kelly productions but quits after missing her old life. Penny is a straight 'A' student, and is part of the school newspaper staff. At one point, she tried out for cheerleading, but due to having an accident with the stage being converted into a giant CD, LaCienega got the last spot on the squad. Penny is also good at writing and reciting poetry, and becomes jealous when her friend Dijonay becomes just as good as her. Convinced that everyone likes her, she tries to become friends with Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, a new student at school.
• Dijonay Jones (voiced by Karen Malina White,[7] Bresha Webb as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"): Penny's selfish and untrustworthy yet enthusiastic and caring best friend. She had an obsessive crush on Sticky in The Proud Family. She also loves to gossip and has gotten Penny in trouble many times. Eventually, Penny gets fed up with Dijonay mistreating her, and completely loses her trust in her, though they still remain friends. Dijonay's name is a pun on the name of Best Foods'/Hellmann's Dijonnaise, and she has nine younger siblings all named after spices, seasonings and condiments. She later has a crush on KG after Sticky's family moves away.
• BeBe (voiced by Aiden Dodson,[9] replacing Tara Strong from the original series) and CeCe Proud (voiced by Bresha Webb,[9] also replacing Tara Strong[10]): Penny's trouble-making 2-year-old fraternal twin siblings. BeBe is a boy with an afro and always has a pacifier in his mouth, while CeCe is a girl with brown hair and pink dress. BeBe and CeCe are named after the gospel music brother and sister duo, BeBe & CeCe Winans. BeBe's eyes are never seen, due to his afro hairstyle. They love Penny very much, but at times they play too roughly with her. They are often seen playing with Puff, and most of the time, Puff ends up getting injured. In this series, they are almost capable of speech, but because they are almost babbling, their speech is accompanied by subtitles. It is also revealed that their full names are Benjamin and Cecilia Proud. Due to casting mandates, Tara Strong will not return to reprise her role for the twins.
• Puff the Dog (vocal effects provided by Carlos Alazraqui[11]): Suga Mama's beloved pet poodle. Puff is often tormented by the baby twins, BeBe & CeCe, who play roughly with him. He does however, show a soft side for Penny. It is also shown that Puff likes to watch drama shows.
• Charlette “Suga Mama” Towne-Proud (voiced by Jo Marie Payton,[7] Dominique Fishback as a child in "Old Towne Road"): Penny, BeBe, and CeCe's hip, wrestling-loving paternal grandmother, Oscar and Bobby's mother and Trudy's mother-in-law who does Tae Bo. She is very nice but sassy, and always gets straight to the point when she talks. She can even tease and beat up Oscar, but loves him deep down. She has the highest respect for Trudy. Her age is unknown, and is often made fun of by Oscar. An event from 20 years ago shows her looking exactly the same as before. Suga Mama is in love with her neighbor Papi, who often makes rude remarks about her in Spanish which she thinks are compliments. She shows extra amounts of love for her poodle, Puff. She is really into pink dresses and afro puffs, hence the name of her dog, Puff. Like Puff, Suga Mama also displays a really warm relationship with Penny and sometimes even agrees with her ideas.
• Trudy Proud (née Parker) (voiced by Paula Jai Parker[7]): The veterinarian mother of Penny, BeBe and CeCe, wife of Oscar, daughter-in-law of Suga Mama and sister-in-law of Bobby Proud. She comes from a relatively wealthy family, including her father who is a doctor and her sister Diana who is a famous actress. She often gives Penny advice when Penny is in trouble. Trudy is married to Oscar, and in turn often forces him to see the logical side of an argument. She is the level-headed one in the family along with Suga Mama, though she can be bossy, sassy and jealous sometimes.
• Oscar Proud (voiced by Tommy Davidson[7]): The overprotective father of Penny, BeBe and CeCe, husband of Trudy, younger brother of Bobby Proud and son of Suga Mama. Oscar is characterized as hyperactive, immature, childish, but still a well-meaning man. Oscar owns and operates his own snack food business called "Proud Snacks" whose products are severely disgusting, yet he manages to stay in business.
• Zoey Howzer (voiced by Soleil Moon Frye,[7] Holly Winter as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"): Zoey is geeky, timid, shy, kind, and smart. She is very insecure about her looks and wants to be accepted. Zoey is known for being a follower and Penny often has to talk sense into her. Her mother is a limousine driver while her aunt is a lawyer. Zoey enjoys dancing but has little faith in her skills. When she competes in a dance battle, however, she proves herself to be just as good as, if not better than, her friends.
• LaCienega Boulevardez (voiced by Alisa Reyes,[7] Karrie Martin as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"[8]): Penny's Latina frenemy and the daughter of Felix and Sunset Boulevardez. She is the most popular and beautiful girl in Penny's school, as well as an excellent student. Penny and LaCienega despise each other and Penny is usually stuck hanging out with her, since LaCienega is friends with Dijonay, and their parents and grandparents are best friends. In the show, LaCienega is able to convince her parents and the Prouds that she is a very sweet and moral young lady, but in reality, she is very vain, arrogant, obnoxious, selfish, snotty, rude, petty, shallow, conceited and snobbish. Despite her rebellious attitude, she is secretly envious of Penny deep down and likes her a little bit, but would never show it. LaCienega and her mother Sunset are named after La Cienega Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, two Los Angeles area arterial roads that meet in West Hollywood, California.

Supporting[edit]

• The Gross Sisters (Nubia voiced by Raquel Lee Boulleau[12]): The former neighborhood bullies who are almost always seen together, who go around stealing money from students, faculty, and even parents (including their own). They live with their family in a rough housing estate in the city, so they have to do chores to support it. Nubia is the leader and the only Gross sister who can talk while her sisters (whom she often treats poorly), the heavily built Olei (who serves as Nubia's bodyguard), and the short-statured Gina (who collects the money), are silent. Nubia's catchphrase is "Hands up, cash out!". Despite the constant mistreatment and abuse, Nubia is protective over her sisters and threatens anyone who might endanger or harm them. Their names are a play on skincare products Neutrogena, Nivea, and Olay, which is ironic because their skin is noted to be dry, ashy, and blue. After the events of The Proud Family Movie, the Gross Sisters changed their ways. They quit bullying and stealing money from people. The Gross Sisters eventually became interested in hip hop and started their own rap group. All three sing a rap song called "Hands Up Cash Out".
• Barry and Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins (voiced by Zachary Quinto[1] and Billy Porter[1] respectively): They are the dads of their adopted children, Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins and Francis "KG" Leibowitz-Jenkins, and are an interracial gay couple. Barry is a detective who works alongside Sunset, while Randall works at the bank as a loaner. Quinto and Porter are both gay actors.[1]
• Michael Collins (voiced by EJ Johnson[1] replacing Phil LaMarr from the original series, Jeremy O. Harris as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"): Penny's flamboyant friend and the son of the school coach. Michael is openly gay and gender non-conforming in the series.[13]
• Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins (voiced by Keke Palmer,[14] Lena Waithe as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"[8]): A 14-year-old activist and new resident in Smithville, who is the adopted child of Barry and Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins. She is often seen reading real-life books themed around anti-racism.
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Brown (voiced by Asante Blackk, Ashton Sanders as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"): Penny's boyfriend. He is named after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His last name is a parody of the late James Brown.
• Francis "KG" Leibowitz-Jenkins (voiced by Artist "A Boogie" Dubose, Daniel "Desus Nice" Baker as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"[8]): Twin brother of Maya. Dijonay Jones has a crush on him.
• Bobby Proud (voiced by Cedric the Entertainer[7]): Oscar's older brother, Suga Mama's elder son, Trudy's brother-in-law and Penny, Bebe and CeCe's uncle. He is a fan of groups like Kool & the Gang among others. He sings and talks like the lead singers of the 1970s funk bands Cameo (Larry Blackmon), The Ohio Players (Sugarfoot) and The Commodores (Lionel Richie). He has a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado that only plays one song and has hydraulics and also a parachute for some safety reasons. Suga Mama favors him over Oscar. He often has Oscar do things that annoy him very often, but ironically lead to Oscar meeting beautiful women. For example, he gets Oscar to be an ice cream man at a basketball game, which leads to one of the cheerleaders asking Oscar out on a date. Bobby and his band, DisFunkshunal Junction, are a clear parody of band leader George Clinton (also known as Dr. Funkenstein) and his band Parliament-Funkadelic, also known as P-Funk. In this reboot, Bobby's 1970s disco wardrobe is updated to a more 1990s outfit, including hammer pants.
• Mr. Chips (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui), a monkey who is often Oscar's test subject and right hand man in his schemes. Like many characters, he is often annoyed and frustrated at Oscar's antics yet shows a lasting loyalty towards him.
• Wizard Kelly (voiced by Aries Spears[12]): An incredibly wealthy and famous businessman who made his fortune playing professional basketball. He owns various businesses that are named after him. A running gag is how he is too tall to fit in the picture, so every image and video of him shows only up to his neck. In the first episode, it is shown that he is running for mayor.
• Felix Boulevardez (voiced by Carlos Mencia[12]): Oscar's best friend and neighbor. (Oscar and Felix were also the names of the lead characters from the TV sitcom The Odd Couple). He is the father of LaCienega and the husband of Sunset. He and Oscar often get into trouble together. He and Oscar both have dominating wives, both have parents living in their home (Oscar has Suga Mama and Felix has Papi) and both have teenage daughters. The differences between them is that Oscar is tall and skinny and Felix is short and overweight, and Felix is also richer (due to his construction site named after him) and more successful than Oscar at everything, but that does not affect their friendship. They are also very strict with their daughters hanging out with boys.
• Sunset Boulevardez (voiced by Maria Canals-Barrera[12]): Felix's wife and Trudy's best friend. She is the mother of LaCienega, and was promoted from police officer to detective.
• Papi Boulevardez (voiced by Alvaro Gutierrez,[12] Kevin Michael Richardson while laughing[15]): Felix's father, Sunset's father-in-law and Suga Mama's love interest. He is the grandfather of LaCienega. He speaks only Spanish and as a result he can get away with insulting Suga Mama. However, Suga Mama believes that he is sweet-talking her which only increases her affection towards Papi. Nevertheless, the two are often seen spending time together and genuinely enjoying each other's company. He is also known for his trademark cackling (provided by Kevin Michael Richardson) when after he insults Suga Mama or on some occasions. Ironically in The Proud Family Movie, Papi becomes enamored with the Spanish-speaking clone of Suga Mama, who promptly beat him up when he insulted her. Papi is a parody of Cesar Romero's character The Joker on the 1966 TV series Batman (as Romero was of Spanish-Cuban descent and his laugh is reminiscent of the Joker's; Richardson previously provided the voice of the Joker in The Batman).
• Dr. Payne (Kevin Michael Richardson[12]): The Prouds' doctor, whose build and mannerisms are based on those of Mr. T. Oscar usually suffers painful treatment at his hands. He calls Oscar "Fool", Penny "Itty Bitty" and Suga Mama "Sugar Bear".
• Peabo (voiced by Cree Summer[12]): The Prouds' 7-year-old neighbor. He is very smart for his age and often tries to warn Oscar whenever Oscar does something dangerous, though Oscar never listens and suffers for it. He is the only one who is known to like Proud Snacks. He at first has a crush on Penny, then Zoey, and ends up dating one of Dijonay's sisters. He later becomes Wizard Kelly's protege after Oscar loses a bet with Kelly.
• Vanessa Vue (voiced by Brenda Song[16]): A Thai-American local news anchor who is always out for a story. She is shown airing critical stories about Oscar Proud, his amusement park, his company (Proud Snacks), and other issues in Smithville.
• Lil' Wiz: Wizard Kelly's son.
• Sir Paid-a-Lot (voiced by Aries Spears): A famous rapper under Wizard Kelly's record label, a parody of Sir Mix-a-Lot and DMX.
• Myron (voiced by Marcus T. Paulk, Jaden Smith as an adult in "When You Wish Upon a Roker"[8]): A nerdy kid that has a crush on Penny.
• Principal Hightower (voiced by Patricia Belcher): In the original series, Miss Hightower was a teacher with a very timid voice who ran programs like the debutante ball and the cultural exchange program. A running gag involved her trying to get everyone's attention, before finally yelling in a booming voice while insulting her students ("I SAID QUIET, YOU FUTURE HAMBURGER FLIPPERS!"). In Louder and Prouder, she is now the Principal for Willy T. Ribbs Middle School.
• Al Roker (voiced by himself): As in the original series, this version of Roker is a Faustian wish-granting type who often causes problems for Penny and her friends. The character design for Roker is updated to reflect his most recent gastric bypass surgery as well as his purple glasses.
• Klaus (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson): A buff muscular man who is often seen in positions of authority such as a security guard, bodyguard, or inspector. His voice is a parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

• Shuggie (voiced by CeeLo Green[17]): A giant panda that lives at the zoo who can talk, sing and play the guitar. He is named for Shuggie Otis, and he even sings Otis's hit song "Strawberry Letter 23".
• Makeup Boy (voiced by Bretman Rock[18]): A social media influencer who provides makeup tips for adolescents. His real name is Sebastian.
• Pink-I (voiced by KyLee Evans)
• Lizzo (voiced by herself[19]): Lizzo temporarily replaces LPDZ as the headliner at Snackland. She also gives Penny advice.
• Rob Riggle, Neato Tito, and Iyanna (voiced by himself,[20] Arturo Castro,[20] and Marsai Martin,[20] respectively): The hosts of a reality show called Crab Barrel, a parody of Shark Tank.
• Lamorne Morris (voiced by himself[21]): The star of a hip-hop musical based on the life of Benedict Arnold, which parodies Hamilton.
• Ms. Hill (voiced by Tiffany Haddish[22]): Penny and the gang's substitute teacher and Bobby's prom date, who appears to be homeless. According to her, Suga Mama stole her seat and her corsage, and even came to the prom dinner just to cut Bobby's meat.
• LaBrea Avanúñez (voiced by Princess Nokia[23]): The daughter of Melrose who goes to the quinceañera of her cousin, LaCienega.
• Melrose Avanúñez (voiced by Eva Longoria[23]): The jealous sister of Sunset who insults and degrades guests at LaCienega's quinceañera.
• Ms. Gina (voiced by Tina Knowles[24]): A hair stylist who helps LaCienega and her friends prepare for LaCienega's quinceañera.
• Kid Capri (voiced by himself[25]): A DJ who appears at LaCienega's quinceañera party, to replace Papi, but later he is removed and detained by Suga Mama.
• Pa (played by Glynn Turman[26]): The father of Suga Mama who was mean toward her and didn't allow her to enter the rodeo because she was a girl.
• Charlie (played by Art Evans[19]): Brother of Suga Mama.
• Charles (played by James Pickens Jr.,[27] Marcus T. Paulk as a child): Nephew of Suga Mama.
• Myrtle (played by Debbie Allen[28]): Cousin of Suga Mama and cowgirl.
• Man-Man (played by D.C. Young Fly[29]): Nephew of Suga Mama.
• Chuck (played by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs): Brother of Suga Mama.
• June Bug (played by Lil Nas X[30]): Nephew of Suga Mama who is a guitar player who only wears a cowboy hat, pants, and has a gold tooth, performing with Bobby.

Retiring[edit]

• Sticky Webb: A character on the original series originally voiced by Orlando Brown. He only appears in a non-speaking cameo in the first episode flashing a peace sign at his friends as his family drives away to the airport as it is revealed that he's moving to establish himself in another city in Japan due to his father getting a new job. Brown would not return to reprise his role due to his troubled problems, causing his character to be written off from the reboot.[31] Francis "KG" Leibowitz-Jenkins replaces Sticky as Dijonay’s crush.

Episodes[edit]

Production[edit]

In August 2019, Tommy Davidson stated that The Proud Family would be revived for a third season on Disney+.[33]

On January 1, 2020, the original series began streaming on Disney+, and shortly thereafter Disney executives approached Farquhar and Smith about reviving the series On February 27, 2020, the show was formally ordered on Disney+.[7][35] The original cast (minus Tara Strong, due to casting restrictions and Orlando Brown, due to his troubled problems) reprised their roles, and Keke Palmer will voice a new character introduced to the series named Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, who is a 14-year-old activist.[14] Zachary Quinto and Billy Porter will also voice her adoptive parents, Barry and Randall Leibowitz-Jenkins, and EJ Johnson will replace Phil LaMarr as Michael Collins.[1] In July 2021, Canadian studio WildBrain stated that they will be engaging in animation services for the series,[36] while it is produced by Disney Television Animation, a studio not involved with the original series.[35] The executive producers of the series, Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, said that the "show never really went away" and called it the "perfect time to bring back this show."[37] ScreenRant argued that the revival will break down barriers through the inclusion of multicultural families and characters belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.[38]

On September 15, 2021, more cast members were announced, including Asante Blackk as Penny's new boyfriend, Kareem, Artist "A Boogie" Dubose as Maya's gamer brother Francis "KG" Leibowitz-Jenkins, along with returning cast members Raquel Lee Bolleau as Nubia Gross and Marcus T. Paulk as Myron. Additionally, some celebrity guest voices include Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles (which her daughters performed the original show's theme music), Eva Longoria, Al Roker, and Bretman Rock. Guests for season two will include Chance the Rapper, Gabrielle Union, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Anthony Anderson, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Jane Lynch, Holly Robinson Peete, Maury Povich, Storm Reid, Courtney B. Vance, and Liana Mendoza.[39][40] The show also has Aldis Hodge returning as Frankie and Patricia Belcher as Principal Hightower.[12]

On November 12, 2021, it was announced the series was scheduled to be released in February 2022.[41] On January 14, 2022, the series was given a release date of February 23, 2022. Eastwood Wong is the art director for the series, while Calvin Brown, Jr. is co-executive producer and story editor.

Before the show's premiere, Ralph Farquhar explained that the show will be more direct in discussing relevant social issues rather than using "coded language" as in the original show. He also explained that the introduction of LGBTQ+ characters is the "biggest change" people can expect to the show.[3] Farquhar revealed that in The Proud Family, they had to use "code to talk about if Michael was gay, to talk about sexuality" and to be "sort of underhanded about it." He said this changed with The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. The biggest changes to the show were "gender identity, obviously racial identity and quote-unquote wokeness," and said that sexuality can be "sort of in your face with it a lot more," manifesting itself in the storytelling. Bruce W. Smith also said that the show has more than "just one gay person...representing the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum" and said that it is "not fair" to only have one LGBTQ character in the series.[42]

On February 17, 2022, Farquhar said that the show will portray more than "one view of Blackness or a Black family." Smith argued that the series is "blazing a path...[in] this animated sphere," saying it has parts of the horror, sci-fi, and Western genres. The show is rated TV-PG making this the first Disney animated series to carry this rating. [43]

On April 18, 2022, Disney+ confirmed the show's second season was in production.[4] It was also reported that the second season will feature guest stars such as Leslie Odom Jr., Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, and Maury Povich.[44]

The second season will premiere on February 1, 2023.[45][46]

R&B singer Joyce Wrice sings the theme song for the series.[47] A digital soundtrack for the series became available on February 25, 2022. Composer, songwriter and producer Kurt Farquhar who composed and wrote the theme song of the original series returns as the songwriter and composer for this series.[42]

"Gas Station Nachos", performed by Bobby Proud (voiced by Cedric the Entertainer) in the episode "Get In", was released as a single on digital music platforms on March 25, 2022, with a lyric video posted to the Disney Music Vevo channel.[48] "I Sold Out, I'm Not a Sellout", from the episode "When You Wish Upon a Roker" and performed by guest star Lamorne Morris, was released similarly on April 1, 2022.[49]

Reception[edit]

According to review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 5 critics gave the series a positive review, with an average rating of 7.50/10.[50]

Lapacazo Sandoval of the Los Angeles Sentinel said the series is filled with "sparkling dialogue" and "colorful colloquialisms" known by Black households.[51] Jessica Curney of The Michigan Daily argued that the show "doesn't miss a beat" but that those used to the original show may take time getting use to the series due to change in story art and tone. Even so, it argued that the show is still wholesome while catering to modern sensibilities, teaching life lessons to viewers, especially the younger generation of viewers.[52] Bustle stated that the series is reason to have a Disney+ subscription, while praising the series for its new characters, changed theme song, and guest stars.[53] Some fans, however, sent the creators near death threats and warned them to not change the theme song from the original series.[54] In contrast, Taylor Lyles of IGN reviewed the first two episodes of the series 7 out of 10, and said the revival retains the charm of the original while focusing on new trends like smartphones, social media influences, and cryptocurrency. They also stated that although attempts at being hip "fell flat," the revival generally makes changes but for the better, while remaining goofy and funny, and shows a "lot of potential."[55]

Leigh Ann Jackson of the New York Times argued that the series revived a "beloved animated series" for a new generation, updating the themes from the original to trends of the 2020s. Stephanie Snyder of Common Sense Media rated the series 4 out of 5 stars and said the series had "life lessons and lots of laughs" which provokes "heartwarming nostalgia" for those who watched the original series. While the animation system, soundtrack, and modern jargon and slang were praised, it was noted that there are stereotypes, but they compel viewers to reflect, and stated that the series offers representation of a Black family on television like its predecessor.[56] Naidra Goffe of Slate criticized the series, calling it "seemingly nostalgia-baiting revamp," voicing disapproval of the changed theme song, dialogue with modern slang, and stated that the series isn't for old fans, but for new fans instead. They also criticized the series for abandoning "many things that made it special" in the first place while praising it for its "beautiful, vibrant, and still entirely in tune" animation.[57]

How old are the characters in Proud Family Louder and Prouder?

Who is KG on Louder and Prouder?

Who plays Maya and KG in proud family?

Who plays KG on Penny Proud?