Sofia the First is an American animated fantasy children's television series. The show follows a young peasant girl named Sofia, who becomes a princess after her mother marries the king of Enchancia. Sofia's position as a single mother allowed the team to explore themes of adaptation and connect to modern children. The series pilot was broadcast on November 18, 2012, on Disney Channel. It received some of the highest viewership for a preschool cable television series; at one point, it became the category's most-watched program, with a variety of merchandise being influenced by the series, such as theme park rides and books.