Hey A.J.! is an American animated children's television series created by Martellus Bennett, Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, and Michael Hodges, based on the book series of the same name by Bennett. The show revolves around a girl with a sprawling imagination named A.J., as she goes on imaginative adventures with her stuffed bunny, Theo, and her friends and family. It premiered on Disney Jr. on January 13, 2026, and was released on Disney+ the following day.
Premise
Cast and characters Amari McCoy as A.J. Bennett Martellus Bennett as Martellus "Marty", A.J.'s father Jhené Aiko as Siggi, A.J.'s mother Juliet Donenfeld as Jessie, A.J.'s best friend Innocent Ekakitie as Jazz, A.J.'s best friend David Mitchell as: Theo, A.J.'s stuffed bunny Mal, A.J.'s maternal grandfather and Siggi's father Meghan Trainor as Maggie, Jessie's workaholic mother Melissa Navia as Eliana, Jazz's mother Lena Waithe as Tanisha, Jazz's mother Phil LaMarr as Tank, A.J.'s uncle and Marty's brother Loni Love as Tiff, A.J.'s aunt and Tank's wife Peyton Goodrum as Tisha and Tasha, A.J.'s cousins Deidrie Henry as Luanne, A.J.'s paternal grandmother and Marty and Tank's mother Cree Summer as Miss Albertine Yonas Kibreab as Albert, Miss Albertine's grandson Kate Micucci as Nikki, A.J.'s teddy bear Phil Morris as Carl, A.J.'s paternal grandfather and Marty and Tank's father
Episodes
Production The series was officially announced in April 2022 during the Disney Junior Fun Fest event at Disney California Adventure. In August 2025, it was announced the cast and a first look at the series in the Disney Junior "Let's Play!" event.
Release Content related to the show had been released in the months preceding to the series' release, including the theme song in December 2025. The series premiered on January 13, 2026 on Disney Jr., and was released on Disney+ the following day.
Reception Fernanda Camargo of Common Sense Media rated the series a four-out-of-five stars, praising the execution and overall upbeat presentation.
Captain Durag criticism On February 17, 2026, the series suffered major backlash with the introduction of Captain Durag in the eighth episode, with many calling his character extremely disrespectful, as it highlights negative stereotypes, such as the character living in "Slime City".
Creator response Writer Camille Corbett defended the character, stating he was intended to challenge "respectability politics" and serve as a "celebration of Black life". She described him as a homage to Blaxploitation films meant to give children a hero who reflects their world without apology. She also responded with surprise that people are finding the character problematic.
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