Disney Branded Television has greenlit Coven Academy, a supernatural dramedy series centered on a trio of teenage witches-in-training, set to premiere on Disney+ and Disney Channel in 2026. Created by Tim Federle, known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, the show is set in the vibrant, mystical city of New Orleans, where young witches, bound by destiny, protect their city from ancient, dangerous forces. The single-camera series blends magic, mystery, and teen drama, exploring themes of friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery. Featuring a cast led by Malina Pauli Weissman, Tiffani Thiessen, and Malachi Barton, Coven Academy promises a thrilling narrative that resonates with young audiences. Filmed in Vancouver, the show captures the cultural essence of New Orleans, delivering an original story not based on existing IP, a rarity for Disney’s youth-oriented programming.
The series follows the success of Disney’s recent supernatural hits, like Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, and aims to capture the same youthful energy with a fresh, magical twist. Its development from pilot to full series order highlights Disney’s confidence in Federle’s vision.
- Core elements: unstable magic, dark secrets, and romantic rivalries.
- Setting: New Orleans, infused with its mystical and cultural heritage.
- Target audience: teens, young adults, and families drawn to fantasy.
- Unique aspect: an original narrative, free from adapted source material.
Genesis and production journey
Coven Academy emerged from Tim Federle’s desire to create a modern take on the teen supernatural genre, inspired by shows that shaped his own youth. The project received a pilot order in March 2025, with filming taking place in Vancouver from April to June 2025. The pilot’s success led to a full series order, with Federle writing and directing the first episode. He serves as executive producer alongside Kimberly McCullough and Bronwyn North-Reist, under Federle’s Chorus Boy Productions. The choice of Vancouver as a filming location allowed the team to recreate New Orleans’ iconic settings, blending practical sets with visual effects to evoke the city’s magical aura.
The production emphasizes a single-camera format, giving Coven Academy a cinematic feel that enhances its storytelling. Federle’s experience with High School Musical: The Musical: The Series ensures a balance of humor, heart, and suspense, tailored to Disney’s audience.
Stellar cast and characters
The series boasts a dynamic cast, blending rising stars with seasoned actors. Malina Pauli Weissman, known for A Series of Unfortunate Events, stars as Briar, a young witch navigating her powers and personal life. Tiffani Thiessen, a veteran of 90210 and White Collar, plays Miss Graves, a mentor figure at the academy. Malachi Barton, fresh from Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, portrays Jake, a charismatic teen with hidden depths. Supporting roles include Louis Thresher as Ollie, Jordan Leftwich as Sasha, and Ora Duplass as Tegan, with recurring guest stars like Brendon Tremblay, Swayam Bhatia, and Keegan Connor Tracy adding depth.
- Malina Pauli Weissman: Briar, the central witch-in-training.
- Tiffani Thiessen: Miss Graves, guiding the young witches.
- Malachi Barton: Jake, a key figure with a mysterious edge.
- Supporting cast: Thresher, Leftwich, and Duplass as Ollie, Sasha, and Tegan.
Magic, mystery, drama . . . Coven Academy coming next year to Disney+ and Disney Channel. pic.twitter.com/7J682GmeDQ
— Disney Channel (@DisneyChannel) August 15, 2025
New Orleans as a narrative cornerstone
New Orleans’ rich cultural tapestry—steeped in voodoo, jazz, and folklore—serves as more than a backdrop; it’s integral to Coven Academy’s identity. The series weaves the city’s history and mystique into its plot, with the French Quarter and colonial architecture recreated in Vancouver to maintain authenticity. The narrative incorporates local traditions, like Mardi Gras and jazz culture, to ground the supernatural elements in a relatable, vibrant setting. This approach distinguishes Coven Academy from other teen fantasies, offering a fresh lens on a city synonymous with magic.
The young witches’ interactions with their environment highlight their growth, as they confront both external threats and internal struggles, making New Orleans a character in its own right.
Disney’s supernatural youth strategy
Coven Academy aligns with Disney’s growing focus on supernatural stories for young audiences, following successes like Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and the upcoming Vampirina: Teenage Vampire, set to debut in September 2025. Unlike those projects, Coven Academy is an original creation, allowing greater creative freedom. The series targets a slightly older teen demographic, blending humor and drama with a touch of suspense, akin to Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina but with a lighter, family-friendly tone.
- Wizards Beyond Waverly Place: a 2024 hit continuing Disney’s wizard legacy.
- Vampirina: Teenage Vampire: a September 2025 comedy about a young vampire.
- Coven Academy: a fresh story focusing on witches and personal growth.
This strategy taps into the cultural appetite for magical narratives while addressing universal teen experiences, ensuring broad appeal.
Creative team and technical approach
Tim Federle leads the production as showrunner, bringing his signature blend of wit and heart. Joined by executive producers Kimberly McCullough and Bronwyn North-Reist, the team ensures a cohesive vision. Directors Danielle Aufiero and Amber Horn contributed to the pilot, enhancing its visual style. The single-camera format allows for nuanced performances and detailed world-building, with Vancouver’s studios transformed to reflect New Orleans’ unique aesthetic.
The production team’s attention to detail, from set design to cultural references, underscores Disney’s commitment to quality storytelling. Federle’s track record positions Coven Academy as a potential standout in Disney’s lineup.
Anticipation for the 2026 launch
Set for a 2026 premiere, Coven Academy is poised to capture the imagination of teens and families alike. Its blend of supernatural intrigue, relatable characters, and a culturally rich setting makes it a highly anticipated addition to Disney’s slate. The series is expected to leverage social media platforms like TikTok, where its young cast has already teased viral dance trends, boosting its visibility.
- Expected audience: teens, young adults, and family viewers.
- Platforms: Disney+ and Disney Channel for global reach.
- Premiere: slated for 2026, with no specific month confirmed.
- Unique draw: original storytelling and New Orleans’ cultural integration.
Disney’s marketing push will likely emphasize the series’ fresh narrative and diverse cast, aiming to establish Coven Academy as a cultural touchstone.
Pop culture resonance
Coven Academy taps into the current wave of supernatural teen dramas, riding the coattails of hits like Stranger Things and Wednesday. Its lighter tone and focus on inclusivity align with modern audiences’ preferences, while its New Orleans setting adds a unique flavor. By weaving in elements like jazz, Mardi Gras, and local legends, the series appeals to both domestic and international viewers, offering a fresh take on the witch archetype.
The show’s emphasis on empowerment and diversity ensures it resonates with today’s youth, making it a timely addition to Disney’s portfolio.
