The Proud Family Revival - What We Know So Far

Created by Bruce W. Smith, "The Proud Family" originally ran on The Disney Channel from 2001 to 2005. Following the day-to-day adventures of 14-year-old Penny Proud and her family, the show was a popular animated staple on Disney. With a humorous and nuanced hand, it thoughtfully explored themes of friendship, love, and familial loyalty. It particularly deserved merits for its warm-hearted representation and bold sense of inclusive storytelling. During its time, the show received numerous accolades, including a BET Comedy Award for "Outstanding Animated Series" in 2004. In 2005, the series ended its run with "The Proud Family Movie."

In 2020, Disney+ revealed plans to release a revival called "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder" on its streaming platform. Agnes Chu, the senior VP of content, celebrated the news, saying, "The show's humor and relatable stories are as relevant with audiences today as ever." Series creator and executive producer Smith also shared his excitement at another opportunity to revisit the beloved Proud family (via TheWrap). When it comes to the upcoming revival, here is everything we know so far.

While an official release date has not yet been confirmed, the revival is expected to premiere sometime in 2022 (via Deadline). On September 15, during the twentieth anniversary of the show's initial debut in 2001, Disney+ shared a featurette diving into the new series. In the sneak peek, cast members talked about the long-lasting impact of the Proud family. The featurette also presented clips from the original show, including scenes with main character Penny and her parents, Oscar and Trudy. Her infant twin siblings, BeBe and CeCe, and iconic grandmother Suga Mama, also made a brief appearance.

Although the featurette was a compelling and nostalgic return to the series, most details regarding the revival remain limited. In this way, it is also currently unclear how many episodes have been made for the reboot or when the reboot will release. During the original run of "The Proud Family," the first season released 21 episodes while 31 episodes aired during the second season. 

Delightfully, much of the original cast is coming back to reprise their roles in "The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder." Per Deadline, returning actors include Kyla Pratt as Penny, Tommy Davidson as Oscar, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy, and Jo Marie Payton as Suga Mama. Many of the performers who voiced the memorable characters in Penny's friend group are also back. In the revival, Soleil Moon Frey will be reprising the role of Zoey Howzer, while Karen Malina White is back as Dijonay Jones and Alisa Reyes has returned to voice LaCienega Boulevardez.

Notably, a star-studded slate of guest stars will also be joining the titular Proud family. Celebrities Tiffany Haddish, Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Normani, and Lena Waith are a few of the renowned actors and musicians stepping up to the Disney plate. During the Disney+ featurette, while describing her decision to make a guest appearance on the show, Gabrielle Union said, "They're a family not unlike my own. Funny, complicated, but at the end of the day, it's family over everything."

When it comes to new characters, EJ Johnson will be playing Michael Collins, one of Penny's best friends. Keke Palmer has also joined the cast as Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, a passionate 14-year-old activist. Actors Billy Porter and Zachary Quinto will be voicing her adoptive parents, Randall and Barry Leibowitz-Jenkins (via Deadline).

"The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder" will continue following 14-year-old Penny as she navigates the triumphs and woes of being a teenager. In a shared statement, creator Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar noted, "In our minds, the show never really went away, as we still had tons of stories left to tell" (via Deadline).

Throughout the original series, "The Proud Family" focused on exploring the minutiae of everyday life for Penny and her family. From baby-sitting woes to deeper conversations about cultural differences, the show offered an honest and considerate reflection of Penny's experiences. During the Disney+ sneak peek, many of the actors described the ways in which the series left a deep cultural imprint, particularly with its honest and funny portrayal of a young Black girl making her way in the world. Guest star Tina Knowles commended the show's return, saying, "Kids need to see themselves on TV and in entertainment."

Considering the ways in which "The Proud Family" continues to resonate with viewers, it will be exciting to witness how the revival delves deeper into the journeys of Penny and her family and friends.