Speaking of teens living a double life, this animated gem centered on a young crime fightress, Kim Possible (voiced byEven Stevensalum Christy Carlson Romano), a basic average girl, whos here to save the world, with BFF Ron Stoppable (Boy Meets Worlds Will Friedle), his naked mole rat Rufus, and web wiz Wade (Smart Guys Tahj Mowry) along for the ride. The show was fun, action-packed, and beloved by fans. C. Molly Smith
So Weird,or as we like to think of it,TheX-Filesfor the Zoog Disney set, was a brilliantly weird sci-fi show starring a curious teen named Fi (Cara DeLizia), who explores paranormal phenomena in different cities while on tour with her rock star mom (Mackenzie Phillips). Fi was tech-savvy at an early age, too, documenting her finds on her own website, and relying on message boards and strangers for info. Unfortunately, between the left-of-center subject matter and Fis departure in season 3 (replaced with family friend Annie, played by Alexz Johnson),So Weirddidnt get the mainstream love of shows likeLizzie McGuireorEven Stevens but it still holds a special place in our weird little hearts. Isabella Biedenharn
This currently running series harkens back to favorites likeThe Parent Trapby showcasing the impressive talents of Dove Cameron, who plays a dual role as identical twins who are anything but the same.Liv and Maddieis made all the more fun because characters occasionally break the fourth wall and talk directly to Disney Channel viewers. Lynette Rice
In the 90s, the adults (read: teens) hadThe Real Worldand the younger audiences hadBug Juice,a reality series following a group of campers through their sometimes-magical, sometimes-emotional summer away from home. The G-rated series had all the hallmarks of reality TV documentary-style filming, low-stakes drama, standout cast members but was the innocent relative to the more exploitative and occasionally vulgar shows that would end up emerging from the genre. At its best, reality TV shows its audience how others live, and thats exactly whatBug Juicedid.Ariana Bacle
How do you help your teen children adjust to the birth of a younger sibling? Get them involved in the child-rearing! While the Duncan parents work full-time, the older kids Teddy (Bridgit Mendler), PJ (Jason Dolley), and Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry) help raise their younger sister Charlie (and later, second baby Toby). Each episode was told through Teddys video diary to her baby sister, in which the family wishes her good luck surviving the family. And although their brand of comedy teetered on the absurd, the Duncans eventually became about as familiar as the Matthews. Dalene Rovenstine
This currently running series harkens back to favorites likeThe Parent Trapby showcasing the impressive talents of Dove Cameron, who plays a dual role as identical twins who are anything but the same.Liv and Maddieis made all the more fun because characters occasionally break the fourth wall and talk directly to Disney Channel viewers. Lynette Rice
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Probably the most highly anticipated series to premiere on Disney Channel,Girl Meets Worldhad enormous shoes to fill as the successor of the beloved 90s sitcomBoy Meets World(which aired on sister network ABC). Thankfully, the story of Cory and Topangas daughter, Riley, keeps the humor and heart of the original series alive for a whole new generation of viewers. Dylan Kickham
If you could gaze into the future, you might think life would be a breeze or you might get a taste of what its like to be psychic Raven Baxter, played hilariously by Raven-Symon. The program focused on Ravens visions and the misadventures she and friends, Chelsea (Anneliese van der Pol) and Eddie (Orlando Brown), experienced upon trying to alter the future; its an eccentric, comedic standout in a long list of Disneys funny fare. C. Molly Smith
Puberty is tough enough, but learning about the bodys changes is all the more complicated for Jake Long, who also learns he can transform into a dragon. While not the best of Disneys animated offerings, the series was an admirable attempt to tap into the Saturday morning variety of cartoons in the mid-2000s, with its fun mythology and cool action, even if it tried to make skateboarding in Manhattan seem like a sensible idea for children.Jonathon Dornbush
The Jonas family series was the perfect show to launch Disney Channels new Saturday block of original programming a traditional sitcom with a live studio audience that featured the Brothers Jonas on the cusp of their massive stardom. The comedy only lasted two seasons, but it gave teeny-boppers a chance to feel like they were part of a family albeit a very talented, super hot family. Lynette Rice
This is the show that launched Demi Lovato! The sitcom told the story of Sonny Munroe (Lovato), who becomes a cast member of the live comedy programSo Random. If you think that conceit sounds familiar, you would be correct: Disney Channel launched two other shows-within-shows:The Famous Jett JacksonandShake It Up. Sonny ranks somewhere in the middle of those two other efforts. Lynette Rice
Cruise ships are cool and all, but the originalSuite Lifehad a vibe all its own. Thanks to its colorful cast of characters, which ranged from the twins to eternally helpful bellhop Esteban, the original adventures of Zack and Cody put a new and memorable spin on the classicEloisefantasy of living in a hotel. Christian Holub
Phineas and Ferbwas a childish cartoon in the best version of both terms: colorful, energetic, playful, curious about the world and its wonders. Most episodes follow the inquisitive young Phineas teaming up with his quiet stepbrother, Ferb, in their constant quest to avoid boredom on summer vacation. This often manifests in outsized scientific inventions like a backyard rollercoaster or a time machine, all in service of their eternal quest for fun. The show itself (which also features a superspy platypus) maintains this sense of optimism and humor throughout. Christian Holub
Before Selena Gomez couldnt keep her hands to herself, she had her hands in a lot of magic. Magical teens Alex (played by Gomez), Justin (David Henrie), and Max (Jake T. Austin) lived with their parents above the family sandwich shop on the notable NYC street. But what was more notable: The sandwich shop had a portal to a wizards lair, which is where the Russo kids trained to become the only standing family wizard. With almost a Punky Brewster spunk, Gomez infused the family and the show with a personality that made it endlessly fun.Dalene Rovenstine
If you could gaze into the future, you might think life would be a breeze or you might get a taste of what its like to be psychic Raven Baxter, played hilariously by Raven-Symon. The program focused on Ravens visions and the misadventures she and friends, Chelsea (Anneliese van der Pol) and Eddie (Orlando Brown), experienced upon trying to alter the future; its an eccentric, comedic standout in a long list of Disneys funny fare. C. Molly Smith
The Proud Familys basic setup was in keeping with the classic Disney Channel formula: an independent young female protagonist finding her way in the world, a bumbling father, ditzy friends. It was the first animated Disney Channel Original Series, however, and this helped enhance certain elements to outrageous proportions, such as in the impossibly larger-than-life Suga Mama. But above all else it was a warm tale of a family sticking together despite all their frustrations. Oh, and it doesnt hurt that the theme song was by Destinys Child. Christian Holub
The family sitcom got a wacky upgrade withPhil of the Future,a sci-fi comedy about the Diffy family, who find themselves stranded in the previous century a.k.a. the early 2000s following a time machine mishap. Much of the kooky humor comes from typical fish-out-of-water scenarios made atypical because, well, the Diffys are very different fishes in very different water: Aside from the fact that theyre used to the luxuries of post-2100 living, theyre also just a weird-but-wonderful group dealing with their new environment in sometimes strange ways. Disneys crack at sci-fi might not be on par with, say,Star Trek,but itdid give younger viewers a fun, non-threatening introduction to the genre.Ariana Bacle
The sitcom about breakout singer Austin Moon (Ross Lynch) and his stage-shy songwriter Ally Dawson (Laura Marano) began with a cheesy, totally early 2010s premise: Hes a viral video phenom. Shes a timid talent. How will theyeverget along?! But even if the show about pint-sized showbiz wont be remembered as a House of Mouse classic, its winsome leads, infectious soundtrack, and goofy-but-lovable sidekicks helped deliver four endearing, sweetly funny seasons about how sometimes, you justcant do what you want withoutsomeone else. Shirley Li
We rank our favorite shows from the House of Mouse
Gravity Fallsmade its mark on Disney Channel as the networks first animated mystery series. Creator Alex Hirsch packed the animated show with enough jokes, pop culture references, and Easter eggs to inspire a cult fandom versed in the mythology of the quirky little town of Gravity Falls. When the show moved to sister channel Disney XD in 2014, the fans followed, and theGravity Fallsfinale scored the highest ratings in Disney XD history. Dylan Kickham
Gravity Fallsmade its mark on Disney Channel as the networks first animated mystery series. Creator Alex Hirsch packed the animated show with enough jokes, pop culture references, and Easter eggs to inspire a cult fandom versed in the mythology of the quirky little town of Gravity Falls. When the show moved to sister channel Disney XD in 2014, the fans followed, and theGravity Fallsfinale scored the highest ratings in Disney XD history. Dylan Kickham
EW takes a look back atallDisney Channel Original Series. Starting withFlash Forwardin 1995, the Disney Channel has created 50-plus sitcoms, cartoons, reality series, and game shows under the originals banner, some of which have helped make household names of Miley Cyrus, the Jonas brothers, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and even some non-musical stars (Shia LaBeouf, looking at you). Here is our definitive ranking of the top 25.
Before Selena Gomez couldnt keep her hands to herself, she had her hands in a lot of magic. Magical teens Alex (played by Gomez), Justin (David Henrie), and Max (Jake T. Austin) lived with their parents above the family sandwich shop on the notable NYC street. But what was more notable: The sandwich shop had a portal to a wizards lair, which is where the Russo kids trained to become the only standing family wizard. With almost a Punky Brewster spunk, Gomez infused the family and the show with a personality that made it endlessly fun.Dalene Rovenstine
BeforeThe Hangover, Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda were the three best friends that anyone could have: The trio proved that with the right buds, you can get through anything or at least the hell that is middle school. The three tackled relatable teen problems like secret crushes and crushing heartbreak with wit and whimsy, sometimes with help from an animated version of the main character that popped up to voice Lizzies inner monologue. Nothing was ever easy onLizzie McGuire, but that was the point: Neither is life. As the catchy theme song explains, If you believe that weve got a picture-perfect plan / Weve got you fooled / cause we only do the best we can. Luckily for us, the best Lizzie McGuire could do was pretty damn good.Ariana Bacle
Phineas and Ferbwas a childish cartoon in the best version of both terms: colorful, energetic, playful, curious about the world and its wonders. Most episodes follow the inquisitive young Phineas teaming up with his quiet stepbrother, Ferb, in their constant quest to avoid boredom on summer vacation. This often manifests in outsized scientific inventions like a backyard rollercoaster or a time machine, all in service of their eternal quest for fun. The show itself (which also features a superspy platypus) maintains this sense of optimism and humor throughout. Christian Holub
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A delightful spin-off ofThats So Raven, the sitcom starred Kyle Massey as the son of a chef who snags a job in the White House. Although not quite as great as the original, the comedy did see Raven-Symone as a guest-star and an appearance by Dwayne The Rock Johnson as himself. Lynette Rice
AlthoughmanyDisney Channel Original Series are about families, none are quite as eclectic as the Ross family shepherded by nanny Jessie (Debby Ryan). Jessie, a small town Texas girl transplanted to NYC, is a character in herself, but throw in movie producer parents, four strong-willed children, an excitable butler named Bertram, and a 7-foot water monitor lizard, and you have the makings of a zany family sitcom. The Disney channel was made for such as this. Dalene Rovenstine
Before Miley Cyrus was twerking at the MTV Video Music Awards and riding a wrecking ball to her single of the same name, she was acting out a double life onscreen as pop star Hannah Montana and normal teen Miley Stewart alongside Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, and real-life dad Billy Ray Cyrus. One of Disneys best-known shows,Hannah Montanalaunched Cyrus and gave her a platform to show off her comedic chops and major pipes with the like of Nobodys Perfect and theme track The Best of Both Worlds. It even spawned a feature flick,Hannah Montana: The Movie, which didnt fare well with critics, but hit the right notes for the HM obsessed. C. Molly Smith
Before Miley Cyrus was twerking at the MTV Video Music Awards and riding a wrecking ball to her single of the same name, she was acting out a double life onscreen as pop star Hannah Montana and normal teen Miley Stewart alongside Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, and real-life dad Billy Ray Cyrus. One of Disneys best-known shows,Hannah Montanalaunched Cyrus and gave her a platform to show off her comedic chops and major pipes with the like of Nobodys Perfect and theme track The Best of Both Worlds. It even spawned a feature flick,Hannah Montana: The Movie, which didnt fare well with critics, but hit the right notes for the HM obsessed. C. Molly Smith
A different spin on the dual-life concept that became most popular on Disney withHannah Montana,Jett Jacksonfocused on the titular actor (Lee Thompson Young) as he attempted to bring normalcy to his celebrity life as the star of hit spy dramaSilverstone. ThoughJacksonwould jump between its more grounded focus and occasionally fantastical subplots, it was still believable and relatable thanks to Youngs central performance.Jonathon Dornbush
In the 90s, the adults (read: teens) hadThe Real Worldand the younger audiences hadBug Juice,a reality series following a group of campers through their sometimes-magical, sometimes-emotional summer away from home. The G-rated series had all the hallmarks of reality TV documentary-style filming, low-stakes drama, standout cast members but was the innocent relative to the more exploitative and occasionally vulgar shows that would end up emerging from the genre. At its best, reality TV shows its audience how others live, and thats exactly whatBug Juicedid.Ariana Bacle
How do you help your teen children adjust to the birth of a younger sibling? Get them involved in the child-rearing! While the Duncan parents work full-time, the older kids Teddy (Bridgit Mendler), PJ (Jason Dolley), and Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry) help raise their younger sister Charlie (and later, second baby Toby). Each episode was told through Teddys video diary to her baby sister, in which the family wishes her good luck surviving the family. And although their brand of comedy teetered on the absurd, the Duncans eventually became about as familiar as the Matthews. Dalene Rovenstine
The Proud Familys basic setup was in keeping with the classic Disney Channel formula: an independent young female protagonist finding her way in the world, a bumbling father, ditzy friends. It was the first animated Disney Channel Original Series, however, and this helped enhance certain elements to outrageous proportions, such as in the impossibly larger-than-life Suga Mama. But above all else it was a warm tale of a family sticking together despite all their frustrations. Oh, and it doesnt hurt that the theme song was by Destinys Child. Christian Holub
As one of the networks earliest original series,Even Stevensset the bar for the popular high school-set comedies that made Disney Channel so beloved in the early-to-mid-2000s (thinkLizzie McGuireandThats So Raven).Even Stevenswas never afraid to go all out for its constant string of gags and jokes, led by Shia LaBeouf as the immature prankster Louis Stevens. His sister Ren, played by Christy Carlson Romano, was always trying to kill the fun.Not to mention that it had the best musical episode of all time. Dylan Kickham
Probably the most highly anticipated series to premiere on Disney Channel,Girl Meets Worldhad enormous shoes to fill as the successor of the beloved 90s sitcomBoy Meets World(which aired on sister network ABC). Thankfully, the story of Cory and Topangas daughter, Riley, keeps the humor and heart of the original series alive for a whole new generation of viewers. Dylan Kickham
Subscribe to EW TV for the latest TV news.
This is the show that launched Demi Lovato! The sitcom told the story of Sonny Munroe (Lovato), who becomes a cast member of the live comedy programSo Random. If you think that conceit sounds familiar, you would be correct: Disney Channel launched two other shows-within-shows:The Famous Jett JacksonandShake It Up. Sonny ranks somewhere in the middle of those two other efforts. Lynette Rice
Puberty is tough enough, but learning about the bodys changes is all the more complicated for Jake Long, who also learns he can transform into a dragon. While not the best of Disneys animated offerings, the series was an admirable attempt to tap into the Saturday morning variety of cartoons in the mid-2000s, with its fun mythology and cool action, even if it tried to make skateboarding in Manhattan seem like a sensible idea for children.Jonathon Dornbush
Did any show make you yearn for a next-door best friend to call on your tin-can phone likeFlash Forward? Young Ben Foster and Jewel Staite star as Tucker and Becca, lifelong pals who find their friendship changing as they enter the scary, crush-filled world of eighth grade. The show didnt air long enough to really get its due, but for those of us who remember it: Well always have YouTube.Isabella Biedenharn
Did any show make you yearn for a next-door best friend to call on your tin-can phone likeFlash Forward? Young Ben Foster and Jewel Staite star as Tucker and Becca, lifelong pals who find their friendship changing as they enter the scary, crush-filled world of eighth grade. The show didnt air long enough to really get its due, but for those of us who remember it: Well always have YouTube.Isabella Biedenharn
A different spin on the dual-life concept that became most popular on Disney withHannah Montana,Jett Jacksonfocused on the titular actor (Lee Thompson Young) as he attempted to bring normalcy to his celebrity life as the star of hit spy dramaSilverstone. ThoughJacksonwould jump between its more grounded focus and occasionally fantastical subplots, it was still believable and relatable thanks to Youngs central performance.Jonathon Dornbush
A delightful spin-off ofThats So Raven, the sitcom starred Kyle Massey as the son of a chef who snags a job in the White House. Although not quite as great as the original, the comedy did see Raven-Symone as a guest-star and an appearance by Dwayne The Rock Johnson as himself. Lynette Rice
BeforeThe Hangover, Lizzie, Gordo, and Miranda were the three best friends that anyone could have: The trio proved that with the right buds, you can get through anything or at least the hell that is middle school. The three tackled relatable teen problems like secret crushes and crushing heartbreak with wit and whimsy, sometimes with help from an animated version of the main character that popped up to voice Lizzies inner monologue. Nothing was ever easy onLizzie McGuire, but that was the point: Neither is life. As the catchy theme song explains, If you believe that weve got a picture-perfect plan / Weve got you fooled / cause we only do the best we can. Luckily for us, the best Lizzie McGuire could do was pretty damn good.Ariana Bacle
AlthoughmanyDisney Channel Original Series are about families, none are quite as eclectic as the Ross family shepherded by nanny Jessie (Debby Ryan). Jessie, a small town Texas girl transplanted to NYC, is a character in herself, but throw in movie producer parents, four strong-willed children, an excitable butler named Bertram, and a 7-foot water monitor lizard, and you have the makings of a zany family sitcom. The Disney channel was made for such as this. Dalene Rovenstine
The sitcom about breakout singer Austin Moon (Ross Lynch) and his stage-shy songwriter Ally Dawson (Laura Marano) began with a cheesy, totally early 2010s premise: Hes a viral video phenom. Shes a timid talent. How will theyeverget along?! But even if the show about pint-sized showbiz wont be remembered as a House of Mouse classic, its winsome leads, infectious soundtrack, and goofy-but-lovable sidekicks helped deliver four endearing, sweetly funny seasons about how sometimes, you justcant do what you want withoutsomeone else. Shirley Li
As one of the networks earliest original series,Even Stevensset the bar for the popular high school-set comedies that made Disney Channel so beloved in the early-to-mid-2000s (thinkLizzie McGuireandThats So Raven).Even Stevenswas never afraid to go all out for its constant string of gags and jokes, led by Shia LaBeouf as the immature prankster Louis Stevens. His sister Ren, played by Christy Carlson Romano, was always trying to kill the fun.Not to mention that it had the best musical episode of all time. Dylan Kickham
The Jonas family series was the perfect show to launch Disney Channels new Saturday block of original programming a traditional sitcom with a live studio audience that featured the Brothers Jonas on the cusp of their massive stardom. The comedy only lasted two seasons, but it gave teeny-boppers a chance to feel like they were part of a family albeit a very talented, super hot family. Lynette Rice
How do you keep Cole and Dylan Sprouse in the family after their hit showThe Suite Life with Zach and Codyruns its course? Give them a spin-off, natch. The series took the twin brothers to the high seas via the SS Tipton, on which they attended the Seven Seas High School and hung out with folks who managed the ship. Although the original shows Maddie, played by Ashley Tisdale, didnt make the move to the sea, the nautical version did introduce us toJessies Debby Ryan. Lynette Rice
The family sitcom got a wacky upgrade withPhil of the Future,a sci-fi comedy about the Diffy family, who find themselves stranded in the previous century a.k.a. the early 2000s following a time machine mishap. Much of the kooky humor comes from typical fish-out-of-water scenarios made atypical because, well, the Diffys are very different fishes in very different water: Aside from the fact that theyre used to the luxuries of post-2100 living, theyre also just a weird-but-wonderful group dealing with their new environment in sometimes strange ways. Disneys crack at sci-fi might not be on par with, say,Star Trek,but itdid give younger viewers a fun, non-threatening introduction to the genre.Ariana Bacle
Cruise ships are cool and all, but the originalSuite Lifehad a vibe all its own. Thanks to its colorful cast of characters, which ranged from the twins to eternally helpful bellhop Esteban, the original adventures of Zack and Cody put a new and memorable spin on the classicEloisefantasy of living in a hotel. Christian Holub
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So Weird,or as we like to think of it,TheX-Filesfor the Zoog Disney set, was a brilliantly weird sci-fi show starring a curious teen named Fi (Cara DeLizia), who explores paranormal phenomena in different cities while on tour with her rock star mom (Mackenzie Phillips). Fi was tech-savvy at an early age, too, documenting her finds on her own website, and relying on message boards and strangers for info. Unfortunately, between the left-of-center subject matter and Fis departure in season 3 (replaced with family friend Annie, played by Alexz Johnson),So Weirddidnt get the mainstream love of shows likeLizzie McGuireorEven Stevens but it still holds a special place in our weird little hearts. Isabella Biedenharn
EW takes a look back atallDisney Channel Original Series. Starting withFlash Forwardin 1995, the Disney Channel has created 50-plus sitcoms, cartoons, reality series, and game shows under the originals banner, some of which have helped make household names of Miley Cyrus, the Jonas brothers, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and even some non-musical stars (Shia LaBeouf, looking at you). Here is our definitive ranking of the top 25.
How do you keep Cole and Dylan Sprouse in the family after their hit showThe Suite Life with Zach and Codyruns its course? Give them a spin-off, natch. The series took the twin brothers to the high seas via the SS Tipton, on which they attended the Seven Seas High School and hung out with folks who managed the ship. Although the original shows Maddie, played by Ashley Tisdale, didnt make the move to the sea, the nautical version did introduce us toJessies Debby Ryan. Lynette Rice
Speaking of teens living a double life, this animated gem centered on a young crime fightress, Kim Possible (voiced byEven Stevensalum Christy Carlson Romano), a basic average girl, whos here to save the world, with BFF Ron Stoppable (Boy Meets Worlds Will Friedle), his naked mole rat Rufus, and web wiz Wade (Smart Guys Tahj Mowry) along for the ride. The show was fun, action-packed, and beloved by fans. C. Molly Smith
