The Original Disney Channel was what every childhood was made of. It consisted of laughs, horrors, and dreams for every little kid. As time went on, however, Disney seems to have lost its way, and the only memorable shows are the ones that existed in the early 2000s, which is why they should bring them back. Bring back the shows we watched as kids so our kids can understand why Disney Channel was the go to channel.
Zach & Cody
This show made me want to live in a hotel and ride a luggage cart. Zach spoke to our spontaneous and fun loving side, while Cody spoke to our nerdy side. The staff became family, and even though the Suite Life of Zach and Cody was better then life on the boat, we just need some Zach and Cody in our lives.
Wizards of Waverley Place
This show was my absolute favorite. Alex was my idol and Max was my spirit animal. The family vibes were hard to ignore as they loved each other despite the fact that they teased each other to no end, and Alex and Harper’s friendship was something to envy. The Waverley Sub Station was where everyone wished they could hang, and I seriously wanted a werewolf for a boyfriend. This show taught us that no matter the obstacle, family is family and nothing can change that, and it's always okay to be yourself.
That’s So Raven
We all have to admit: Raven had style. She wasn't afraid to be herself, and simply embraced her awkward years. Her relationship with Eddie and Chelsea was admirable, and even when she faced adversity, she overcame it and killed it while doing it.
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Lizzie McGuire
Lizzie McGuire is the spirit animal of all teenagers. She had this external self that tried to stay poised in front of others, and then she had this little miniature version inside that let out all the sarcasm she could think up of. The relationship between Gordo and Lizzie was a must see, and even though she was embarrassed by her parents, they were pretty cool. She taught us to be ourselves, and to embrace the life we were given. She taught us that boys suck and to embrace being single. And most importantly, she taught us that its okay to be shambly once in a while.
Kim Possible
Kim Possible was the idol of my childhood. Well, I guess she was more what I wanted to be, but Ron and Rufus were who I actually was. She taught us that friendships can bloom from the most unlikely of suspects, and even if you're busy, your family should still take priority. Plus, Dr. Drakken was a pretty cool villain.
Phil of the Future
This show taught us that there could be someone from the future living among us and we would never know, and showed us that even though we may not always fit in, you'll still find friends that accept you of who you are.
Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana showed us that we really can have the best of both worlds. The fact that she struggles though life like a normal teen is easy to relate with, and when she becomes the superstar, Lily is pretty easy to relate to then. The relationship between Lilly and Oliver is adorable, and Jackson and Rico are always funny to watch. This show taught us that no matter the amount of fame and fortune that comes your way, your friends and family come first, always. Plus, we all know that the last episode of the series made you cry—you’d be lying if you denied it.
Life With Derek
Sure, Casey and Derek had a very strange relationship for being step siblings, but they got up to some fun antics. Playing pranks on each other and constantly being competitive made me wish for a funs bling relationship like that. This show made me want to have multiple siblings and have a big sibling. Disney Channel isn't Disney without Life With Derek.
Good Luck Charlie
Good Luck Charlie was a classic. It made me want to make videos for a little sibling I never had of life lessons that I learned. PJ and Gabe were great, although annoying, brothers to have around, and the family sometimes seemed like a circus, but it was a fun and loving environment. The rivalry between Mrs. Dabney and Gabe was hysterical, and Charlie was the cutest kid around. Teddy made me want her wardrobe, and she showed us that it’s okay to be awkward and unsure sometimes—just as long as you own it.
Even Stevens
Louis Stevens doesn't know where he fits in with his family especially with perfect sister Ren and smart as a knob brother Donnie. With the pressure to fit in, he does the unexpected, and becomes a mess which shows us that when the pressure to fit in gets to much, stop trying to fit in. Be who you are. His antics and standing up to the principal were comical and amazed me as I never could believe the courage he had to go against his principal, and Beans seriously made the show. Even Stevens wouldn't be the same without Beans popping up everywhere.
The old Disney Channel taught us a lot, but mostly it was our comfort when we came home from school. These shows were our life lines and something we could all bond over because of how good they were. Disney Channel has taken a turn for the worst, and we need to bring back the old shows for the sake of humanity.