The series also stars newcomers Joey Bragg and Tenzing Norgay Trainor as younger brothers Joey and Parker Rooney respectively, Benjamin King as dad Pete Rooney and Kali Rocha as mom Karen Rooney.

In the premiere episode, Maddie is named captain of the girls' basketball team just as the school principal announces he is cutting funding for the programme. Determined to change his mind, Maddie voices her concern to the principal, only to realise her team has abandoned her. Frustrated with her lack of leadership skills, Maddie turns to Liv to help her earn the team's respect. Meanwhile, Parker and Joey are challenged trying to find a bevy of tarantulas that escaped after Parker brought them home from school unbeknown to their mom.

Liv and Maddie is created and executive-produced by John Beck and Ron Hart. Andy Fickman, Betsy Sullenger and John Peaslee and are also executive producers, and Fickman will direct episodes for the series. Liv and Maddie is from It's A Laugh Productions and carries a TV-G parental guideline.

Liv and Maddie premieres on Saturday, 8 March at 10:15, on Disney, channel 303 on DStv.