THE WASABI WARRIORS RETURN TO THE DOJO FOR A FOURTH SEASON OF DISNEY XD'S "KICKIN' IT"

Disney XD has ordered a fourth season of its popular live action comedy series "Kickin' It," it was announced today by Adam Bonnett, Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide. Production on the martial arts inspired series will resume in Los Angeles this November for a 2014 premiere.

"'Kickin' It' continues to pack a punch with relatable storytelling, aspirational characters and non-stop action," said Bonnett. "Viewers have watched the Wasabi Warriors grow from inexperienced misfits into inspiring martial artists and we look forward to continuing their journey in the fourth season."

One of Disney XD's highest rated series since its June 2011 premiere, "Kickin' It" was created and is executive-produced by Emmy-nominated Jim O'Doherty ("Grounded for Life," "3rd Rock from the Sun"). Season four will star Jason Earles as Rudy, black-belt martial artist Leo Howard as Jack, Mateo Arias as Jerry and Dylan Riley Snyder as Milton. Jason Earles also serves as co-producer.

Olivia Holt, who for the past three seasons has played the popular character Kim on "Kickin' It," will leave the series to star in the Disney Channel comedy series "I Didn't Do It" premiering in early 2014.

Year to date, "Kickin' It" is Disney XD's #1 series in Total Viewers (873,000), Kids 6-14 (586,000/1.7 rating), Kids 6-11 (453,000/1.9 rating) and Kids 2-11 (526,000/1.3 rating). Moreover, season three to date, the series is outperforming season two by double digits in target demos, including by 10% in Total Viewers, by 13% in Kids 6-14, by 17% in Kids 6-11 and by 10% in Kids 2-11.*

Season three of the top-rated series is currently airing Monday nights on Disney XD and follows the Bobby Wasabi crew as they face bigger opponents, embark on new challenges and set their sights higher than ever before as they learn more about themselves and one another.

The series is produced by It's A Laugh Productions, Inc. and carries a TV-Y7 parental guideline.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 80 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates.

* [Source: NTI, U.S. ratings, most current. Season 3 to date: 4/1/13-8/12/13; Season 2: 4/2/12-12/3/12.]