‘Dora the Explorer’ turns 25

Dora may still be a child on television screens across the world, asking kids in Spanish and English to help her on her quests, but the character could now rent a car if she were a real adult. 

“Dora the Explorer” celebrates 25 years as the first Latina in a cartoon series that premiered on Nickelodeon, expanded to streaming services like Netflix and is now available on Paramount+. 

Nickelodeon is celebrating the anniversary with the new film “Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado.” It will be released on July 2 on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon in the U.S. An international debut will follow. 

In the film, Latina heroine Dora returns as a 16-year-old, played by Samantha Lorraine from “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” The explorer and her friends will travel to the Amazonian jungle in search of the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

The cast also includes Jacob Rodriguez as Diego, Dora’s 17-year-old loyal cousin and jungle-exploring partner; Mariana Garzón Toro as Naiya, Diego’s bold and no-nonsense coworker; Acston Luca Porto as Sonny, Naiya’s younger brother with boundless energy and curiosity; Daniella Pineda as Camila the Crusader, a legend in the world of archaeology and Dora’s childhood hero; and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, as the voice of Boots, Dora’s monkey sidekick and best friend. 

“The show allowed Latinos to be depicted on TV as educators,” Brenda Victoria Castillo, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, said to the Associated Press. “Teaching viewers how to speak our language, and yet at the same time, just teaching ordinary things that children need to learn.”

You’ve heard of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Well, get ready for the Doraverse. 

The live-action movie kicks off “The Great Dora Fiesta,” an anniversary initiative featuring an array of brand-new multiplatform content and experiences for kids and families, marking 25 historic years of the franchise. “Fiesta” highlights include:

An hour-long special of Paramount+’s original hit CG-animated preschool series “DORA,” spotlighting cousin Diego (voiced by Kai Edgar). In “Dora & Diego: Rainforest Rescues,” premiering Wednesday, July 2, on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, viewers will learn how Diego met his best friend, Baby Jaguar.

A third season of “DORA” will start streaming on Wednesday, July 2, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and internationally where the service is available, and include a special birthday-themed episode that will also premiere on Nickelodeon, the week of the 25th anniversary, on Friday, August 15. The upcoming season, consisting of 26 11-minute episodes, will feature guest stars Danny Trejo as Santa and Jett Gomez, who joins her dad Taboo on the series, as Quickatina, Quickatoo’s (Taboo) daughter. “DORA” has also been renewed for a fourth season that will premiere later this year.

“Magic Mermaid Adventures” (working title), an hour-long global cinema screening event featuring four exclusive never-before-seen episodes, debuting in 20+ markets this fall, along with a brand-new “Dora’s Mermaid Adventures” podcast and accompanying YouTube series.

Dora is the ambassador of “Beyond the Backpack”, powered by Nickelodeon Our World, a kindergarten readiness campaign that provides parents and caregivers with tips and resources focusing on STEM/STEAM, literacy, health and wellness, life skills and family engagement.

Other Dora anniversary initiatives include an expansive global DORA consumer products line launch spanning key categories, including toys, apparel, publishing and packaged goods, and a national partnership with the family-favorite Rainforest Café, known for its immersive, jungle-themed dining experience and a partnership with Plan International to champion girls’ education, providing school supplies, grants and backpacks to girls in need around the world, including a continuation of The Dora Fund.

Multiple soundtrack and song compilations will be released and available on all music streaming platforms beginning this summer.

The extensive ExploraDora Collection, including the first and second seasons of “DORA”, the original Dora the Explorer series and additional franchise content, is available to stream now on Paramount+.

Since its launch on Nickelodeon on August 14, 2000, Dora the Explorer quickly emerged as a global pop-culture phenomenon and, nearly 25 years later, remains one of the most-watched preschool shows of all time. Dora has crossed social, racial and language boundaries and stands as a hero and friend to millions of children around the world. 

The series is seen in more than 150 countries and territories and translated in 32 languages on Nickelodeon channels and Paramount+ around the globe and through syndication. 

Throughout its eight-season run, “Dora the Explorer” received countless accolades, including Emmy, Peabody, NAACP, Alma, Imagen, Latino Spirit, Gracie Allen, Parents’ Choice, Common Sense Media and Television Critics Association awards.