Disney's 'Coven Academy' Sparks Controversy Over Occult Themes

A new Disney series has raised concerns among some parents and conservative groups over its depiction of occult themes. 'Coven Academy', a supernatural teen drama, is set to premiere on October 1 on Freeform and will be available to stream on Disney+, Hulu, and Freeform On Demand the following day. The show follows three teenage witches and their warlock classmates at an elite school for magic in New Orleans.

The series has been criticized by One Million Moms, a conservative advocacy group, which argues that the show promotes 'witches, warlocks, sorcery, and secular values' to children and teenagers. The group points to Deuteronomy 18:10-11 and Isaiah 8:19-22 in its warning, noting that Scripture cautions against witchcraft, divination, and consulting mediums.

Disney describes the show as a fast-paced supernatural drama where 'a secret exposed can prove fatal' and a romance can cost a student everything. The cast includes Malina Pauli Weissman as Briar, a New Yorker who discovers she is a witch; Malachi Barton as Jake, a warlock; Jordan Leftwich as Sasha, a student who can read minds; and Ora Duplass as Tegan, a witch who can manipulate time.

One Million Moms is urging parents to research the program before allowing their children to watch and to consider whether its portrayal of witchcraft aligns with their family's biblical beliefs. The organization is also asking supporters to pledge that they 'will not support Disney or 'Coven Academy'' and to share its concerns with other parents.