The Disney Channel Debut Countdown Launch (April 18, 1983)

When the Disney Channel debuted on April 18, 1983 this was the first thing ever broadcast over the premium cable network. The Disney Channel was a new type of venture for The Walt Disney Company and would be their first foray into operating their own TV network. In later years other networks would join the Disney Family.

The Disney Channel would strictly adhere to the values of its founders, Walt and Roy Disney, in all that they broadcast. Not only would Walt Disney films, TV shows, and cartoons be part of the stations line up but The Disney Channel would air programs produced from around the world by various studios and production companies going back to the dawn of film. If it fit within the values of Walt and Roy then it was fair game to air on The Disney Channel.

Walt Disney Productions CEO and Walt Disney's son in law, Ron Miller introduces This program launching the studio's brand new cable network. Donny Osmond then hosts a segment with Walt Disney characters introducing what The Disney Channel is going to be. Some of the shows discussed in this special are claimed to have never made it to air or only a few pilots were filmed, such as Dreamfinders. Within a few years many of these original programs would disband after Michael Eisner took over the company and the priorities of The Disney Channel began to change.

Also of note are the cameos from various celebrities of the time as well as the stop motion animation of Mike Jittlov on the Mickey Mouse Satellite.

Original airdate April 18, 1983

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company.