New Orleans, often called America's most haunted city, sets the stage for Coven Academy, a new supernatural teen drama on Disney+. The series follows three young witches—Briar (Malina Weissman), Sasha (Jordan Leftwich), and Tegan (Ora Duplass)—as they navigate friendship, magic, and the treacherous social dynamics of an elite school for the magically gifted. But when Briar, the new girl, finds herself torn between Jake (Malachi Barton), a warlock drawn to dark arts, and Ollie (Louis Thresher), a vampire struggling with his bloodlust, the drama heats up. Add in family secrets that could rewrite everything, and you have a recipe for a binge-worthy season.
Creator Tim Federle, known for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, recently sat down to unpack the show's inspirations, its journey from Disney Channel to Freeform, and what might lie ahead. Federle didn't mince words about his goal: "I pitched it as Wednesday with witches." But he also drew heavily from the supernatural shows that defined his own youth—Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Craft, and Practical Magic—to create something that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Recreating the CW Magic for a New Generation
For Federle, the mission was clear: bring back the vibe of classic CW dramas that have largely disappeared from the airwaves. "It makes me so sad that there's a generation of kids that don't get those shows because they no longer have a home on The CW," he said. He hopes Coven Academy can fill that void, offering a mix of supernatural intrigue and emotional stakes that feels both grounded and fantastical.
The show's visual style pays homage to those beloved series without directly copying them. Federle credits production designer Jennifer Morden and set decorator Victoria Pearson for studying the genre's iconic looks and infusing the sets with subtle nods. The soundtrack also breaks from typical Disney fare, featuring needle drops that feel more modern and edgy, a deliberate choice to signal that this isn't your average teen show.
From Disney Channel to Freeform: A Risqué Move
Interestingly, Coven Academy was originally slated for Disney Channel before shifting to Freeform. Federle joked about the move, saying, "I like the idea of a headline that's, 'Watch the show that was too risqué for Mickey.'" The shift allowed the series to explore darker themes and more complex character dynamics, giving it a sharper edge that might not have fit the Disney Channel brand.
Part of that edge comes from the casting of Gen X icons like Tiffani Thiessen and Devon Sawa, who Federle describes as "my childhood." Their presence adds a layer of nostalgia for older viewers while introducing them to a new generation. "That's a full Gen X legacy play," he explained, noting that younger audiences may only know them from Final Destination or Saved by the Bell, but they bring a timeless quality to the screen.
Witches as Metaphor
Federle's fascination with witches goes beyond the supernatural. "I'm always looking for metaphor," he said. For him, magic is a way to express emotions too big for words—when feelings overwhelm you, you cast a spell, make something explode, or bend time. As a gay man who grew up in the '90s, he found a personal connection to the outcast experience, using observation as a survival tool. "Everything that sidelined me when I was young is what I lean into now," he shared. Witches, with their outsider status and hidden powers, became the perfect vehicle for that exploration.
The Love Triangle and Season 2 Possibilities
At the heart of Season 1 is the love triangle between Briar, Jake, and Ollie. Federle acknowledges it's a tough choice for viewers, but he's intentionally crafted each relationship to offer something different. He also teased that a kiss didn't make the final cut, leaving fans to speculate about what could have been. As for a potential cure for vampirism, Federle hinted that the show has more questions to answer, including the mystery of Briar's real mother and the full extent of her family's history.
With 21 chapters in Season 1, Federle has laid a rich foundation. He's eager to explore more of the coven's dynamics and the secrets that bind them. "There are lots of signals throughout," he said, pointing to the show's layered storytelling. Whether it's the visual Easter eggs or the emotional beats, Coven Academy is designed to keep audiences guessing—and hoping for more.
For fans of streaming horror hits or Disney+ favorites, Coven Academy offers a fresh twist on familiar tropes. And with the streaming landscape evolving, this show might just be the supernatural fix we've been waiting for.
