When The Disney Channel began broadcasting in 1983, it was mainly seen as a way for the company to use and repurpose its existing characters and franchises. Most of its launch slate consisted of Classic Disney movies and television shows. New programming was typically based on existing characters like Dumbo’s Circus, Welcome to Pooh Corner and Mousercise. It would take almost twenty years for the channel to produce an original animated series not based on existing characters- The Proud Family.