Disney has clearly decided its newest crop of witches deserves another term. ‘Coven Academy‘ has been renewed for Season 2, barely three weeks after the supernatural teen drama made its debut on Disney+ UK in October. So, if you’ve already blasted through all the magical mysteries, romance and school-related chaos at Crescent Veil, there’s good news: class will be back in session.
The renewal follows some encouraging figures for the new series, which has clocked up 20.3 million global viewing hours across Disney+ and Hulu in its first three weeks, according to Disney. An additional 30 million-plus views came from the show’s opening chapter being made available across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Not bad for a show that isn’t based on a well-known book, comic or existing Disney franchise.
Disney also says ‘Coven Academy’ was the number one streaming series among teenagers aged 12 to 17 over its premiere weekend, and ranked in the top five among all viewers aged two and over based on views. Nielsen co-viewing data suggests this isn’t just a teens-only affair: half of teenage viewers aged 12 to 17, and nearly two-thirds of children aged six to 11, watched with an adult. Apparently, magical boarding schools are a family activity now.
For anyone who hasn’t enrolled yet, ‘Coven Academy’ is set at Crescent Veil, an elite and rather secretive magical boarding school in New Orleans. The story follows three teenage witches who must work out how to control their powers while juggling ancient supernatural rivalries, dangerous secrets and romantic entanglements with their warlock classmates. As if normal school life weren’t complicated enough, there are also threats to the entire city.
At the centre of the drama is Briar, played by Malina Pauli Weissman (A Series of Unfortunate Events), a New Yorker whose discovery that she’s a witch throws her into a world she barely understands. She’s joined by Jordan Leftwich (The Family Switch) as mind-reading Sasha and Ora Duplass (Their Town) as time-bending Tegan.
The potential romantic complications come courtesy of Malachi Barton (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires) as Jake, a charismatic warlock with a dangerous streak, and Louis Thresher (Boarders) as Ollie, a newly turned vampire. Meanwhile, Tiffani Thiessen (White Collar, Beverly Hills, 90210) plays the school’s formidable head, Miss Graves, with Devon Sawa (Chucky, Final Destination) guest-starring as the charismatic professor Mr. Cole.
One of the more interesting things about ‘Coven Academy’ is how it’s presented. Rather than sticking to the familiar 40-ish-minute teen drama format, the first season is divided into 21 short, cliffhanger-friendly chapters. Creator Tim Federle has explained that the production originally shot ten episodes before restructuring them into shorter instalments. It’s a format designed to make it easy to dip in for a few minutes, although whether anyone actually manages to stop after just one chapter is another matter entirely.
Federle, who previously created ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’, also executive produces alongside Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Amanda Row and Bronwyn North-Reist. The show is made by Federle’s Chorus Boy Productions in association with Disney Kids & Family.
Disney hasn’t yet announced a production timetable, episode count or release window for Season 2. Nor has it shared details of what will happen next at Crescent Veil. However, with the story’s blend of supernatural intrigue, complicated relationships and mysteries already providing plenty for the next term to explore, the show certainly isn’t short of potential directions. Just maybe don’t trust anyone who seems too charming.
‘Coven Academy‘ Season 1 is available now on Disney+ UK. Season 2 has been renewed, with a premiere date yet to be announced.
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