Sofia the First is an American animated musical fantasy children's television series created and developed by Craig Gerber for Disney Television Animation and Disney Junior. The series follows a young peasant girl named Sofia, voiced by Ariel Winter, who becomes a princess after her mother marries the King of Enchancia. The episodes center on her adventures as she adjusts to royal life and forms friendships, including with animal companions with whom she communicates through a magical amulet that rewards or curses her depending on the goodness of her actions. In developing the series, Gerber sought to ground the fantasy setting in relatable, real-world situations; he noted that Sofia's background as the child of a single mother allowed the creative team to explore themes of adaptation and family dynamics relevant to contemporary audiences.
The pilot television movie, Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess, premiered on November 18, 2012, on Disney Channel. The series subsequently aired from January 11, 2013, to September 8, 2018, on Disney Junior.
Sofia the First received praise for its music, animation, characters, and positive messages. It achieved some of the highest ratings for a preschool cable television series and, at its peak, became the most-watched program in its category. The series was nominated for 11 Daytime Emmy Awards, winning three, and received the 2014 Annie Award for Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children. The franchise also generated a range of merchandise, including books and theme park attractions. A sequel series, titled Sofia the First: Royal Magic, premiered on May 25, 2026.