“And you’re watching Disney Channel!”
By Jaclyn and Marcella
Ahh, the good old days. You’re a kid watching TV in your bedroom and your favorite star comes on the screen and traces the Mickey ears. If you’re like us, and Disney channel was an important part of your childhood, then you will get all the nostalgic feels from this list of Disney Channel shows that aired in the late 90’s/ early 2000’s. As 90’s kids, these shows were our all time favorites and bring back so many happy memories. We challenge you to get through this list without singing the theme songs in your head-good luck!
Lizze Mcguire
This family fun comedy show stars Hilary Duff as Lizzie, a teenage girl who navigates adolescence with her best friends Miranda and Gordo. Lizzie’s thoughts are expressed through a hilarious animated cartoon version of herself. This alter ego is comical and sarcastic and makes Lizzie all the more relatable. So many important issues that teenagers go through in life are portrayed throughout the show, along with many heartwarming moments.
Let’s not forget about the Lizzie McGuire movie. Hey now, hey now this is what dreams are made of! This is still one of our favorite Disney channel original movies. We love watching Lizzie have an unforgettable adventure in Rome as she gains a new confidence in herself and lives her best life. Of course, one of our favorite parts is the long awaited kiss between Lizzie and Gordo at the end of the movie.
We are so excited for the reboot coming to Disney Plus and to see all of our favorites again, including Lizzie, her family, and Gordo. There isn’t an official date yet, but we can’t wait to see these guys back on our screens again!
Even Stevens
This is another fun comedy show that follows the shenanigans of brother Luis, played by Shia LaBeouf, and his perfectionist sister Ren, Christy Carlson Romano. The two clash throughout the show and it’s hilarious to watch as Luis gets himself into all sorts of trouble. The whole dynamic of the Stevens family is so much fun to watch.
Similar to the Lizzie McGuire Movie, Even Stevens also has its own film. This movie has a very survivor type feel to it as the family is tricked into a free island vacation only to find out that they are on a reality television show, so crazy!
That’s So Raven
Oh snap! To this day when I think of psychics I think of sitting in my room watching That’s So Raven and trying my hardest to have psychic visions of my own. Unfortunately, no matter how many times I made the faces she made and focused, it never worked. This show was always a wild ride as Raven, along with her friends Chealsea and Eddie, scrambled to prevent her visions from coming true and causing all sorts of chaos.
Phil of the Future
Main character Phil, played by Ricky Ullman, and his family are time travelers from the year 2121 that get stranded in the year 2004, the year when the show premiered. It’s so cool to see how they navigate life as people from the future, all while trying to make sure no one finds out. I remember being so jealous of all the futuristic technology that they used on the show and wondering how long it would be until we had that in our time period. Ricky is going through high school and learning everything about growing up, only it’s even more fun because he’s living in what is considered the past to him.
Hannah Montana
Hannah Montana is a special one for us because the year it ended was our senior year of high school, so it felt like a part of our childhood ended at the same time as the show, which was emotional. Once this show ended is when we felt as though Disney Channel began to really change. We still love going back and rewatching as Miley Stewart balances life as a normal girl and pop star Hannah Montana. This show deals with friendship, family, growing up, and all the challenges that come with being a celebrity trying to have a normal life. There are also lots of amazing guest stars including The Jonas Brothers! One of our favorite episodes (shocking, I know!)
We can’t forget the iconic Hannah Montana Movie! Miley really struggles with the balance of being both herself and Hannah in this one, but with the help of her family and friends, she overcomes this. We still laugh at the fact that the whole town agreed to keep it on the down low that they wouldn’t tell anyone she was Hannah. The important thing is that Miley goes back to her roots and learns the importance of family.
Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Are we the only ones who wished we lived in a hotel after watching The Suite Life of Zack and Cody? Set place in the Tipton hotel, twin brothers Zack and Cody live there with their mother. Not only are Zack and Cody fun characters, but the other residents and workers in the hotel make the show what it is. Mr. Moseby, Esteban, Maddie, and London to name a few. There are so many hilarious dynamics on the show, like Mr. Moseby chasing around Zack and Cody as they wreak havoc, and London and Maddie who are basically opposites.
Wizards of Waverly Place
As big fans of Selena Gomez, we loved Wizards of Waverly Place. This follows a magical family as Alex Russo goes through adolescents. With a hit movie following the success of the series, the Russo family is one that kids everyone related to and loved. This family centered show brought some hilarious laugh out loud moments. The catchy theme song was also a hit which kick-started Selena Gomez and her music career. This is a fun one to go back to if you’re in the mood for some magic and laughs.
JONAS
What Jonas Brothers fan didn’t watch JONAS? As die hard Jonas Brother fans, we can remember being SO excited when we heard that they were getting their own television show and we would get to watch them weekly and constantly on our tv screens. Having starred in their own hit original movie, Camp Rock, there was no surprise that a television show was in the works for Joe, Kevin, and Nick. The show follows three brothers trying to live a normal life while balancing the famous rockstar life and all the different shenanigans they get up to with their friends Macy and Stella. It also features the Jonas Brothers real life little brother, Frankie Jonas. It’s hilarious and ridiculous which is what makes it so good. Filled with new music and small short Jonas Brothers music videos, this was a Jonas Brothers fan’s dream come true.
Shortly following the success from season one, season two took a bit of a serious turn, with more romance and drama that led to an amazing album which became known as Jonas LA. Although the Jonas Brothers themselves have voiced their regret of the show, the show itself led to some hilarious memories and some fun hit songs that fans still ask them to perform live; such as Pizza Girl, LA Baby, and Scandaniva.
All of these shows are memorable, and are still fun to go back and rewatch. They’re heartwarming, hilarious, family centered, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re just discovering them with Disney Plus or you grew up on them like we did, these shows are sure to go down as Disney Channel classics.