DISNEY CHANNEL ANNOUNCES START OF PRODUCTION ON "JESSIE," A NEW COMEDY SERIES STARRING DEBBY RYAN

Production has begun in Hollywood on "Jessie," a new comedy series starring 18-year-old Debby Ryan ("The Suite Life on Deck," "16 Wishes") as an idealistic teen from rural Texas who moves to New York City and becomes a nanny for a high-profile couple with four kids. The series is scheduled to premiere in fall 2011 on Disney Channel.

Starring alongside Ryan are Tony Award-nominated Kevin Chamberlin (Broadway's "The Addams Family") as Bertram, the frosty butler; Peyton List ("27 Dresses," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules") as Emma, a brilliant but cynical 13-year-old and the only biological child in the bunch; Karan Brar ("Diary of a Wimpy Kid," "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules") as Ravi, a 10-year-old adoptee imbued with his Eastern culture, but thrilled with his new life in America; Cameron Boyce ("Grown Ups") as Luke, a 12-year-old adopted son who is exploding with mischief and is a videogame addict; and Skai Jackson ("Royal Pains") as Zuri, an adorable 7-year-old girl adopted from Africa who is highly imaginative and fanciful.

Jessie is a small town girl with big dreams who embarks on the adventure of a lifetime when she decides to leave behind starry nights for big city lights. Thrilled to be on her own and determined not to be intimidated by New York City, she accepts a job as nanny and moves in with highflying couple Morgan and Pandora and their four children, Emma, Ravi, Luke and Zuri. With a whole new world of opportunities within her reach, Jessie begins to navigate young adulthood and life in the big city. She surprises herself with how much she comes to rely on the support and advice of the kids in her care. Also helping to keep her moral compass in check are Bertram, the family's butler, and Tony, the building's 20-year-old doorman.

"Jessie" was created by Pamela Eells O'Connell ("Family Matters," "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody," "The Suite Life on Deck"), who serves as executive producer. The series is from It's a Laugh Productions, Inc.

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.