The Story Behind the ‘Phineas and Ferb’ Revival
After years of waiting, Disney’s long-simmering Phineas and Ferb revival will officially premiere tonight on Disney Channel and Disney XD.
Since its debut in 2008, Phineas and Ferb has been one of Disney’s most popular animated series. In fact, it is the most successful animated series for Kids 9-11 and Tweens 9-14 ever produced by Disney Television Animation.
Photo: Disney
Over the last 17 years, the show has managed to stick around in the popular consciousness in a way that few ever have. In addition to the main series, the franchise has spawned two television movies, a live touring show, and a theme park experience at EPCOT.
The Secret to the Show’s Success
Looking back at the Phineas and Ferb’s success, co-creators and executive producers Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the secret ingredient becomes evident.
“I think its success has a lot to do with decisions we made early on. We wanted to make a kinder, gentler show than other programs we were watching at the time,” Povenmire said.
Photo: Disney
“None of our characters are motivated by meanness. We don’t go for laughs at the expense of other characters. We took that out of our toolbox and said, ‘Can we make something that is a celebration of positivity and see if we can still make that funny?’ It seems to have worked.”
The Comeback
After Phineas and Ferb ended its original run in 2015, the show found a second life as a streaming hit on Disney+.
Photo: Disney
Then, in 2023, two more seasons of the show were ordered.
“We’ve always loved these characters and wanted to go back to them,” Povenmire said.
Photo: Disney
“I did a post on social media after the announcement, and the response was overwhelming. People were cheering. People were crying. It made me excited, but also a little worried, because I realized, ‘Oh! We’ve got to live up to these expectations.’ But when I saw the first episode [of Season 5] in color, and I saw the musical number, I knew we had lived up to their expectations. People who loved the original show are going to absolutely adore this.”
Keeping It Fresh
Teasing the upcoming season, series star Vincent Martella noted that the show will pick up where it left off, yet be fresh.
“It has the same heart and soul fans know and love,” he said, “but we also explore characters in different ways that we hadn’t before. That feels really new and really fresh.”
Photo: Disney
According to Marsh, the show’s collaborative nature led to an endless number of ideas.
“We have a really great crew,” Marsh said. “I like to think we’ve done a really good job of creating an environment where they feel encouraged to contribute to the storytelling. It takes the pressure off us, especially because we have a couple of new writers in the room — guys who grew up with the show. It’s led to more ideas than we know what to do with.”
Photo: Disney
Season 5 of Phineas and Ferb will premiere tonight at 8 PM ET on Disney Channel and Disney XD. The first ten episodes will be available on Disney+ on June 6.
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