CREDIT: The Walt Disney Company

This weekend, Disney Junior and The Disney Channel broke new ground on the successful animated children’s television series Doc McStuffins, airing an episode featuring two moms as the heads of a household that learns the importance of putting a plan in place for unexpected emergencies. The episode entitled, “The Emergency Plan,” finds the two doll moms, voiced by out actors Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi, caught unprepared when a toy dragon causes an “earthquake” by jumping up an down. The family becomes separated, and Doc reunites them and shows them how to make emergency kits. 

“Children like mine deserve the chance to see their families reflected on TV, and this episode does just that in a beautiful and positive way,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization. “Shows like this reflect our real world, and today that includes the many children being raised by gay and lesbian parents who are all going to celebrate this story.”

The series, now in its fourth season, is created and executive produced by Chris Nee, who draws on inspiration from years working in her mother’s toy store, as well as her own family experiences, to create the show. In each episode, Doc McStuffins fixes broken toys in her backyard playhouse clinic with the help of her friends Hallie, Lambie, Chilly, and Stuffy. It has become one of the highest rated programs for children, ages 2 to 5, and for adults alike, who cite the positive portrayal of a young girl of color as a doctor as a role model for viewers.

“I always envision Doc McStuffins as a show about what it means to accept everyone as part of our communities. As part of a two-mom family, I’m proud to have an episode that reflects my son’s world, and shows everyone that love is love in McStuffinsville,” said Nee, who also wrote the episode.

GLAAD has been tracking an uptick in LGBTQ inclusion in all-ages film and TV for several years. PBS’s Postcards from Buster started the trend back in 2005, and current hits like Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe and the Nickelodeon’s The Loud House earned critical praise and GLAAD Media Award nominations. Meanwhile, LGBTQ characters helped propel the animated film ParaNorman to an Oscar nomination and a LGBTQ-inclusive Beauty and the Beast broke box office records earlier this year.

“The Emergency Plan” episode originally aired on The Disney Channel on Saturday, August 5, at 8:00 a.m. ET/PT, and will air on Disney Junior on Sunday, August 6, at 12:30 p.m. ET/PT. It is available online at watchdisneyjunior.go.com/doc-mcstuffins.