It’s certainly no secret that the majority of us are stuck at home right now, trying to adjust to a new normal and, possibly, trying to find some form of entertainment to keep the family occupied before we all, you know, lose our minds.
I’ve been wanting to do a post like this for months, and I figured now was the perfect time!
It comes at no surprise to anyone that I’m a huge Disney nerd. I’ve been watching pretty much everything Disney produces since I was a toddler—from the classic princess movies, to pretty much all the theatrical releases, to the Disney Channel sitcoms. Yeah, I’ve loved it all.
Needless to say, I was literally counting down the days for Disney+ to come out, and proceeded to subscribe on launch day. Now, it’s my most used streaming service. (Sorry, Netflix, I still love you.) Disney has…problems, there’s no doubt. But they’ve still produced some pretty fabulous content for literally generations.
Unfortunately, pretty much all the current Disney Channel stuff has, erm, gone down the garbage chute, if I’m going to be honest with you guys. I still love the theatrical movies Disney is producing, but their TV shows? Please just save me now. The cheap writing is insulting. As a writer, who really does try to produce good content, it’s especially insulting. People get paid to write this stuff??? Do they spend like what? Five whole seconds developing the plot for each episode? It’s sad, guys. So sad. (I’m really sorry to anyone who likes Disney Channel’s current shows and movies. They’re just noooot my thing.)
And you know what’s especially sad about it? Disney used to actually make good TV series!
*shakes cane* Back in my day we actually had good television.
Joking aside, IT’S TRUE. 90s and early 2000s TV was actually entertaining and not some cheap, over-the-top social justice message shoved down our poor children’s throat with half-baked characters and lame jokes. I feel like TV writers actually used to try?
BUT ANYWAYS.
That’s a topic I could write a multi-thousand word essay on. BUT THAT’S NOT THE POINT OF THIS POST.
The point here is to introduce you to some shows I grew up on! That’s a huge reason I was so excited about Disney+ because, at last, we have a place to watch the old Disney entertainment. I can show the younger generation the shows from my day. Back when TV writers did actually put a bit of effort in their job.
There is a terrible sad lack of family entertainment produced anymore. It’s either way over-the-top kiddie or waaaay too mature and gross. What are families formed of all ages supposed to watch together???
In these hard times, I feel like we all need something a little lighter to escape into. Something sweet and humorous and family-friendly. That’s why I love Disney+, because there are quite a few options for just that.
So if you’re bored out of your mind and desperate for something fun to watch with the whole family, READ ON. I’ve got a few TV series—both live-action and animated—that may fit the bill.
DISNEY SERIES FOR
THE WHOLE FAMILY
Premiering in 2001, Lizzie McGuire follows 13-year-old Lizzie and her best friends Miranda and Gordo as they traverse the ups and downs of middle school.
Yeah, not a ground breaking kids’ sitcom premise, but, man, was I a Lizzie McGuire nerd back in the day. Like, I vividly remember watching the premiere.
This is just a cute show. It probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for something sweet and fun, I highly recommend giving it a try. What I particularly like about this one is Lizzie’s family. Both her parents are really supportive and, though they embarrass her plenty, they’re always there for her. And her little brother Matt is a riot. Literally, I tended to enjoy the subplots involving her family more than Lizzie’s parts. XD But the whole show was great. I like the dynamics of Lizzie’s friendship with Miranda and Gordo. And *GASP* it’s a three-way friendship between two girls and a boy with really no love-triangles. CRAZINESS.
After the series ended, they made a theatrical movie that, yes, I did in fact go to see in theaters and it was actually pretty good! A little dumb, sure, but much better than I expected for a movie based off a TV series. So if you manage to get through the whole series, I definitely recommend giving the movie a watch for some closure.
I do feel like this show was much more geared toward girls, just a warning. Not to say the male variety won’t enjoy it, but most of the plot conflicts more focused on girl troubles.
No fear though, everything else on my list is totally meant to appeal to males and females.
First airing in 1993 (yeah, this one is almost as old as me!), Boy Meets World is about Cory Matthews navigating this crazy thing called life with the help of his friends, family, and beloved teacher.
Now this, this, was some high quality kids’ sitcom. Actually, I’m not entirely sure it was meant just for kids? It kind of sits on that line between children’s and family sitcom. And, in fact, it’s one of those shows that gets more mature as it goes because the characters become more mature. In the span of 7 season, the characters go from middle school all the way up through college.
If you’ve seen/heard of Girls Meets World, this is the show that one’s based off of. And…well…Girl Meets World was an insult to its predecessor. (Again, sorry if you like Girl Meets World. But the writing style was just WEIRD and growing up with Boy Meets World made it hard to accept this newer version of it.)
This show is about Cory, his best friend Shawn, and his true love Topanga. It takes great care and time in exploring complicated relationships—from familial, to friendships, to romance—while adding plenty of comedy and so much heart in between. 90s TV was truly the golden age of television, and this series really showed that. The characters weren’t just half-baked caricatures, they were PEOPLE. With real problems and complicated lives and complex personalities. And so very lovable to boot. Cory and Topanga are the REAL TV sweetheart couple, guys! An iconic couple. (And no, I have no idea why her name is Topanga…I’m not sure anyone knows. You just gotta roll with it.) And Cory and Shawn’s friendship is just as iconic. The OG BROTP.
But, if for nothing else, watch this show for Cory’s older brother Eric. You’ll thank me later.
NOW. A few disclaimers. I don’t actually like the first couple of seasons too much. So if you start it and wonder why on earth I was singing praises for this show, STICK WITH IT. It gets way, way better the farther in you get. In fact, the last couple of seasons are my TOP faves. It really reaches its peak once the characters get to college. BUT the first seasons are still a lot of fun. They just feel a little cheaper compared to the later ones. AND Eric’s character does a complete 180 after the beginning. But for the better. WAY better. Trust me. Eric is pure gold once they get his character down.
The second disclaimer is a content warning. Like I said, I’m not sure this was entirely meant as a kids’ sitcom. I actually think Disney bought it back in the day, but weren’t the ones to originally produce it. So, with that said, there is a some content. Especially once the characters get older. During the later high school years and definitely the college years, they’re not always living…entirely moral. I’d still consider it as a family show, but I can’t put a perfectly clean label on it. Probably not one appropriate for super young kids, especially the later seasons.
Otherwise, I HIGHLY recommend this one. It was made back in the days where sitcom writers actually put effort into the plots and characters. Ah, how I miss those days…
Running from 2000 to 2003, Even Stevens is a comedy about middle-schooler Louis Stevens. With a senator for a mother, a lawyer father, an over-achieving, perfectionist older sister, and athletic older brother, class clown Louis can’t ever seem to live up to the Stevenses name.
This is probably my top favorite of the Disney Channel original series. If you want a good laugh, you need to watch this show! Oh, also? It stars Shia Labeouf, and is considered his breakout into an acting career. I don’t know WHY he went into more serious things later in life. He’s not my favorite one for dramatic roles (like Holes) but, let me tell you, the boy knows how to do comedy. The true joy of this show is Louis (Shia Labeouf) and his absolutely hilarious antics.
I really feel like this was Disney Channel at its best. Like Lizzie McGuire, the family dynamics are fantastic. Every single member of the Stevens family is so endearing and quirky in their own way. And though the show is about Louis trying (and failing spectacularly) at fitting into his perfect family, his parents and older siblings are still there for him. They still love him so much, even if he is a disaster child.
The whole show is just so ridiculous and endearing. You just…you need to watch it. Trust me.
OH. And it also got a movie that served as a series finale, though this one was just a TV release. But OH MAN, it’s just as great and hilarious as the series. If you make it through the series (there’s only 3 seasons, so it’s not a huge commitment!), definitely, definitely watch The Even Stevens Movie afterwards.
Living in the year 2121, The Diffy Family rent a time machine for a family vacation. But when the time machine malfunctions, they are thrown into the year 2004…and can’t leave. Now Phil, his little sister Pim, and their parents must learn how to function in such a “primitive” time and blend in as a normal, suburban family.
HA! Yeah, that is indeed the premise. This show… XD
Okay, so you may start this and be like, “Uh, Christine? I thought you said these were high quality shows???” JUST HEAR ME OUT.
This show is SILLY. It is the personification of silly. BUT. That’s the point. It’s not trying to be serious in any form or fashion. The very purpose of this show is silliness. It knows it’s dumb and embraces it, which makes it WORK. Shows that don’t know their dumb and try to be serious (*cough*Girl Meets World*cough*) just fail miserably. But the writers of this show set out to be ridiculous, and it made for a really funny, delightful little series.
The real gem of this show is the characters. Lloyd is the precious, bumbling dad who is trying so hard to fix the time machine and keep his family’s secret under wraps, paranoid that the government will discover they’re from the future. Barb, the mom, is fascinated by the “old times” and attempts to be a regular 21st century housewife. Buuut when you come from a time where cooking is as convenient as spraying food out of a can, she struggles to figure out the 21st century way of living. Pim, the youngest child, is a riot. She’s basically an evil genius and is constantly looking for ways to take over the world. Yeah. XD Then there’s our protagonist, Phil, who is just the most precious cinnamon roll you will ever meet. He’s the main charm of this show.
You just don’t get such nice protagonists anymore. Phil takes to living in the past pretty well, and soon comes to enjoy his new life, even as he struggles to constantly keep his family’s secret under wraps. Then there’s Keely, an energetic, bubbly girl Phil befriends when he first starts attending school. Phil and Keely are GREAT. And did the entire fandom ship them together??? *shifty eyes* Maybe.
Aaaanyways. This is just a really fun, totally whacky show. Not always the highest quality, but somehow it works.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For some infuriating reason, the episodes are not in order on Disney+, making it kind of confusing. It had a 3-part pilot that really should be watched first. But they put those three episodes right smackdab in the middle of season 1 for completely unknown reasons???? SO. If you’re going to watch it, first watched: Future Tutor, Future Jock, and You Say Toe-Mato, which are labeled as episodes 10, 11, and 12 of season 1. Then you can go back and start on what they’re calling “episode 1”. I have no clue why it’s this way, but here we are. >.>
“Average” high-school cheerleader Kim Possible uses her spare time to fight supervillains with the help of her best friend Ron Stoppable and their 10-year-old computer genius Wade.
If you only know Kim Possible from the live-action movie Disney Channel put out last year, YOU POOR CHILD LET ME EDUCATE YOU. Please erase that trashfire mess from your mind and let’s talk about the real Kim Possible.
(Yes, I am so bitter about current Disney Channel things. I just…I can’t.)
Yes, this is an animated show. No, it is not some dumb, crude, mindless kiddie nonsense. The creators of this show were actually asked to create something that would appeal to both a younger and older audience. Thus Kim Possible was made, and quickly became Disney Channel’s most successful series at the time.
I don’t even know what it is about this show that’s so appealing. I mean, the premise is kind of dumb. A high school cheerleader constantly saving the world with her bumbling best friend? But it just WORKS. Kim is kind of your “strong female heroine” but like…without being annoying? She’s sassy with unrealistic fighting skills, but she’s also nice and charismatic and deals with every day teenage girl problems on top of having to constantly face-off with supervillains. Then there’s Ron, the true heart of the show. Awkward, hufflepuff, clumsy, loyal Ron is the best friend we all need. I also love how Kim always brings him on her missions, despite his constant blunders. True iconic BFFs. (And another pair the fandom shamelessly shipped.)
OH. And another absolutely favorite thing is that Kim isn’t a secret heroine. Like, her entire family knows she saves the world on a constant basis and are totally supportive of it (as long as she makes it home on curfew). It is FABULOUS. You never get a show like this where the hero doesn’t have a secret identity they have to hide from their family and friends. It’s so refreshing!
I think what made this show so much higher quality than a lot of animated series is the effort of the creators. You could just tell they really, truly tried. Down to Kim’s outfits actually sometimes CHANGING. Yeah. An animated show where they’re not always wearing the exact same thing every episode. The little details and effort put into this one just really made it shine.
There were also a few made-for-TV movies that tie into things, but it’s been so long since I’ve watched this, I can’t remember what order everything goes in. So you may want to check if you plan on watching the full series.
Geniuses Phineas and his stepbrother Ferb don’t want to waste a single day of their summer vacation, so set out to make all sorts of spectacular inventions and live each day to the fullest.
I suspect most of you have actually seen or at least heard of this one, but I still had to mention it because THIS SHOW.
Confession: I’m cheating a little bit since this isn’t from my childhood—it’s a bit newer than the others I’ve listed AND I actually didn’t get into it until just a few years ago.
More confessions: I didn’t understand the hype of this show, which is why I was so late into coming to it. It just looked like your run-of-the-mill animated series, nothing special. If you are like me and have these misconceptions, PLEASE learn from my mistakes. There is nothing run-of-the-mill about this one. It is comedy GOLD.
The thing about this show is the comedy comes from the pattern of the plot. Every episode has a very specific pattern it follows. On paper, that sounds really boring. I mean, EVERY episode does the exact same thing? How does that work??? WELL. LET ME TELL YOU, FRIEND. It works. Ooooh boy, does it work. The fun is seeing how the writers so brilliantly take the pattern they created and find a new, genius, utterly hilarious way to shake it up in every. single. episode. It’s another show where the writers put their heart and soul into it. It is one of THE most quotable shows I’ve ever seen, and constantly has me laughing out loud.
BUT HERE’S THE THING. You have to watch at least three episodes to really get it. Again, the comedy comes from the pattern, and you won’t pick up on it just watching one episode. Also, the pilot episode isn’t great. Phineas was kind of a jerk. They totally changed his characters by the second episode and made him an optimistic, totally nice kid. So yeah. Don’t judge this show from one episode. Give it at least three.
What I really love about this show is they clearly made it not just for kids. The jokes are hilarious, the dialogue is so witty, and they never treat their audience like we’re dumb. It’s the type of show you’ll get a kick out of whether you’re 5 or 50. Definitely a delightful one for the whole family.
GRAVITY FALLS
Twins Dipper and Mabel Pines go to spend their summer vacation with their great-uncle, Grunkle Stan, at his tourist trap store in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls. Not long after they arrive, the twins discover little Gravity Falls is inhabited by all sorts of oddities, like mythical creatures and magical artifacts. When Dipper discovers a journal that offers insight to these strange things, he and Mabel set out to discover the mystery.
This is another one that I came to way later and just THE SHAME. I can’t believe I wasted years of my life NOT watching this show. Because GUYS. This. Show. It is one of my top favorite shows in existence. Yeah. YEAH.
It’s another one that appears to just be a little weird cartoon for kids but OHO nay, good sir. NAY. I honestly feel like this one was made way more for adults than anyone? Not because it’s got content, thankfully, but just because the writing is SO high quality and the JOKES. Oh man, another one where basically every. single. line. is quotable. Like, seriously. You’d be hard pressed to find a single episode without at least one line you’d want to have on a t-shirt.
Though a lot of the episodes are just a “monster of the week” type of thing, it does have an over-arching plot. Definitely the type of show you need to watch in order. And it only ran for two seasons, so it’s not a huge commitment. But it has a proper ending, so it’s ABSOLUTELY worth watching all the way through.
There’s just so much to this show to love. The characters are GOLD. Perfectionist Dipper, bubbly flower child Mabel, grumpy Grunkle Stan, loveable dork Zeus—just EVERYONE. And it’s got heart too. Like…the characters have actual arcs. When do you ever see that in an animated show? And, I mean, I cried during the finale. YEAH.
It’s also somehow very relaxing? The whole style and music and mystery is just cozy. I basically have zero complaints about this one. It was hyped for a REASON, guys! Don’t be like me and keep wasting years without having this show in your life. It’s just SO GOOD. I’d put it up there with Avatar: The Last Airbender in high quality animated shows (there’s just too few of those, we need more!).
And there we have my favorite Disney Channel series!
Out of all these, I most recommend Boy Meets World, Even Stevens, and Gravity Falls. The other shows are catered to specific audiences I think, but those three feel like a show just about anyone would love.
I hope everyone is staying well and coping during these difficult days. I’m praying for all my dear internet friends, but if you have any specific prayers, please let me know! <3
Stay safe. And write good stories! *wink*
LET’S TALK!
Who else is in love with Disney+? Have you seen any of these shows? (I know so few people who have so please SPEAK UP. I’m so old… I need to reminisce with someone!) Has anyone else noticed the horrible decline of television quality? Do any of these appeal to you? And if you DO end up watching any of these, I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts!
GOOD GRACIOUS CHRISTINE THIS IS A BLAST FROM MY CHILDHOOD
I loved this post.
Like, wow. I think I’ve seen almost all of these. I personally have been going through all of the old DCOMs myself and like, whoa. Disney Channel was SO MUCH BETTER back then.
What you said about the new Disney Channel shows……..YES. YES. I just could not agree more. And like right? They are SO INSULTING as a writer to see thay this cheapness gets aired on TV. They are truly the most cringy TV shows on the air, maybe second only to the live action Nickelodeon shows. Which one do you think is worse?
Also, one that I have NOT seen is Gravity Falls, but this post is pushing me to watch it! I’m totally interested in watching this.
If I could ask, why do you think the Girl Meets World writing style is weird? I haven’t actually seen it myself, so I don’t really know if it’s good or not. All I’ve heard are rave reviews of it, so it’s interesting to hear someone who thinks different! Could you elaborate?
Phew. This comment is about a mile long 😂 Sorry, discussing Disney Channel is something I get very ranty about, and it’s nice to meet someone who feels the same way as me! ❤️
(by the way, even though I haven’t been commenting that much, I have been reading all of your posts, and they are always amazing! ❤️)
AAAHHHHH!!! SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS. SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT DCOMS ARE. SOMEONE WHO *GETS* IT. YES. THANK YOU!!! It seems like most of my friends didn’t watch Disney Channel, so I usually can only reminisce about these things with my siblings. I’m so excited to see someone who gets it! 😀
I was actually originally planning on listing some of my favorite DCOMs as well, but this just got too long so I decided to stick with TV shows. Maybe I’ll have to do another post one day listing movies! Because, yeah, they actually used to make some entertaining stuff! I LOVED the days where we had a new DCOM every month. It was so much fun!
I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one insulted by the garbagefest shows they produce now. Like…I’m prettyyyy sure Disney can afford good writers. >.> And, oh yes, the Nickelodeon shows aren’t much better. I don’t even know which one is worse. It’s all terrible and makes me sad this is what they produce for kids now. *shakes head*
WATCH GRAVITY FALLS. WATCH IT! IT’S SO GOOD. I know it doesn’t look that great, but oh my goodness, it’s amazing!
I don’t mind talking about Girl Meets World at all! I mean, I might be too hard on it because I just love Boy Meets World so much and it just diiiidn’t live up to its predecessor for me? I don’t know. But yeah, the writing style… It’s hard to even explain. You know how Boy Meets World DID actually try to teach lessons? Which sometimes can be annoying, but it WORKED with that show. They taught life lessons without making it too heavy handed and weird. Well, Girl Meets World took that approach too, but went waaaaaay overboard. The dialogue is just…it’s so heavy handed and unrealistic. Like, people do not talk this way! All the character interactions just make me CRINGE. And it gets too serious sometimes. Not to mention, the characters are mostly just there to get the message across, instead of just being PEOPLE. It’s infuriating. I kiiiinda liked the earlier episodes, but it just got more and more heavy handed as it went on. I didn’t even finish the series. I just couldn’t tolerate it any longer. BUT. Like you said, a lot of people rave over it, so this could be just me. I just found it melodramatic and unrealistic. It makes me sad.
Well, look at MY comment. XD And I loooove long comments. I am like you, I could rant about this topic to the moon and back! It IS so, so thrilling finding someone who feels the same way!
Thanks for taking the time to rant with me! <3
(Oh goodness, I sooo understand not having time to comment. That is totally okay! But I SO appreciate you still reading! AWWW!!! :'D <3 All you dear readers just fills my soul!)
Ahem…all right, yes. Disney channel is terrible these days with all its pouncing upon SJW-ing. Except DuckTales…I like the reboot (sorry…) and Tangled the Series? Actually, I like cartoons that mostly stay away from politics and just dive into their own uniqueness!
I have watched all the animated shows in this list except Gravity Falls…which I still am a bit wary of (and I don’t have Disney+…oops.) But I agree with your recommendations! All of these are solid shows!! And I wiiiiiiish there would be more family friendly media out there. The ones I’ve discovered (to my personal taste) are all cartoons. :I
OH NO. DUCKTALES IS AWESOME!!! The oldie and the reboot. Shamefully, I haven’t seen much of the reboot at all. I keep meaning to watch more, but what I saw is GREAT and I know my brother, who was always a huuuge Ducktales fan back in the day, was super pleased with the new ones. AND TANGLED THE SERIES. I LOVED THAT ONE TOOOOO. I was SO scared they were going to ruin my beloved Tangled but they DIDN’T. If anything, they enhanced it. So I guess some newer Disney stuff ISN’T total trash. The main ones that bother me are the newer live-action ones. Bunk’d, Sydney to the Max, Just Roll With It, etc.,–all of those are just…so badly written.
I’m so glad you agree with my recommendations! 😀 I just love these shows. But YES. It’s a tragedy how few family-friendly, well, ANYTHING exists. Can we not just have fun, clean sitcoms anymore that young and old alike can enjoy? Is it that hard??? It just…it makes me so sad.
GRAVITY FALLS IS SO GOOD
I watched like two thirds of the first season at my friend’s house (and a few of the 2nd season because my older brother and his friend just.. wanted to xD) and hope to continue it all soon (We don’t have Disney+ at home rip)
I agree, it does have a strangely cozy sense to it? It’s just the best thing to sit down and watch ahhhh XD
It is 110% quotable, also the opening theme is super catchy XD
(also am I the only one who just.. doesn’t care for Disney? A large chunk of their movies aren’t very good at all imo, and I can’t forgive them for ruining Star Wars tbh XD)
YES YES YESSSS!!!! Someone who understand! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!
I do hope you’ll be able to continue it one day! The finale was amazing!
So it’s not just me who finds it cozy? YES. I TOTALLY AGREE. There’s something so relaxing about it. I don’t even know. I just adore it.
Welllllll…I’m a huge, huge Disney fan myself. XD BUT I do know there are definitely people out there who aren’t, so you’re not alone! And they DO sometimes ruin things. They certainly aren’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
THESE ARE SO GOOD!! We definitely grew up loving a lot of the same Disney shows!!!
I was a TOTAL Lizzie McGuire & Kim Possible fan back in the day. They were my absolute FAVORITES. But I also enjoyed Even Stevens as well as Phil of the Future (and oh yeah, we ALL shipped Phil and Keely, didn’t we?) The only one I haven’t seen is Boy Meets World. I know so many people who absolutely ADORE it, but it’s just never interested me??? Also it has so many seasons that I shy away from commiting myself to it, lol
I do love Phineas and Ferb, which of course, was really after most of my “Disney Channel Days” were done, but my brothers pulled me into it and I’m glad they did! We also watched Milo Murphy’s Law, which is sort of in the same universe as Phineas & Ferb (they’ve even got crossover episodes) and while it’s not as good, it’s still enjoyable.
You know I still need to see Gravity Falls (I’ve seen like…the first episode and maybe three others out of order?). But really, there’s not much good on Disney channel nowadays, ESPECIALLY when it comes to their live action stuff. I have enjoyed the DuckTales reboot, though I’m really behind on it. However, I only watched a handful of the original series, so I didn’t have a huge nostalgic attachment to it for me to get over. And of course, I love Tangled: the Series. Am still bummed it’s over. I can’t remember the last time an animated show gave me TV show withdrawals 😅
AAAAAHHHHH YOU UNDERSTAND! *HIGH-FIVES* I love how many similar tastes we have in things!
Oh my gracious, Lizzie McGuire & Kim Possible were LIFE. It’s so thrilling to know someone else who loved those! (And yes, we all shipped Phil and Keely HARD. It was hilarious. XD) Goodness…I miss the early 2000s.
Boy Meets World is AMAZING but I toootally understand not wanting to commit. There are a LOT of episodes and, like I said, the beginning ones aren’t even that great. So yeah, I feel ya there! I mean, I still totally recommend it. ;D Buuut I definitely understand where you’re coming from!
Oh yeah! I saw the first few episodes of Milo Murphy’s Law and thought it was really fun but for some reason I never continued it??? I definitely need to do that! I’m actually (slowly) rewatching all of Phineas and Ferb right now, so once I finish, maybe I’ll go to Milo Murphy’s Law. That sounds like a plan! 😀
You DEFINITELY need to see Gravity Falls! Honestly? It kind of reminds me of Over the Garden Wall–just the style and art and storyline. Sooo I feel like you’d like it. *grins* And oh yes, the DuckTales reboot! I’ve only seen the first few episodes, shamefully, but it seems fantastic. I need to continue that one as well. AND TANGLED THE SERIES YES. I miss it! D’: I was shocked how good it was. So maybe they’re still doing okay with their animated series. But yeah, the live-action stuff just… *shakes head* I can’t.
Such fantastic recommendations! Boy Meets World is soo good, and the later seasons are my favorite too! I’ve been wanting to watch Gravity Falls had no idea it was on Disney Plus.
SO MUCH YES TO BOY MEETS WORLD. Ugh. I love it so much!
* LE GASP* You’ve never seen Gravity Falls? YOU NEED TO. It totally feels like something you’d like! AND YES. It is on Disney+! 😀
I haven’t seen any of these actually (due to being a small homeschooled child in rural Australia) and I didn’t grow up with Disney almost at all. I’ve seen most of the Disney Princess movies now because #sisters but I’m woefully under educated. These look like so much fun though!
That’s totally okay! I have a terrible TV addiction. It’s bad. XD But if you ever end up getting Disney+ or something, I definitely recommend these. ^_^
PHINEAS AND FERB!!!!!! I LOVE those kids SO. MUCH. And the THEME SONG! *fangirls*
And you are now the third person to say that Gravity Falls is amazing. I’ll have to watch that sometime this month . . . *adds to list*
I totally agree that the new Disney Channel shows aren’t great. *sighs* But it’s nice to see a list like this! I haven’t seen most of them, but I’ll have to check them out! 😀
PHINEAS AND FERB IS EVERYTHING. It’s just so hilarious and fun!
:O :O :O NICOLE. You’ve never seen Gravity Falls???? I feel like you’d LOVE it. YES. YOU NEED TO WATCH IT. LIKE RIGHT NOW. I mean, ya know, if you want. XD BUT IT’S SO GOOD.
Yeeeeah. They make me sad. Not just Disney, honestly. Just modern TV in general has gone sooo downhill. As a writer, it just really bugs me. Maybe one day we’ll get back to actual GOOD TV. One can hope. XD
“People get paid to write this stuff?” FOR REAL THOUGH. Why are we even trying so hard as writers. We could probably get hired to create a Disney Channel show in no time flat and not even have to try. xD (And for the record, I really do hate saying things like that about Disney Channel, because at its best I LOVED. IT. But it’s just so sad anymore. *cries*)
I LOVE THE LIZZIE MCGUIRE MOVIE! I actually don’t remember watching much of the show, because I was pretty young when it was on. But the movie’s my jam. (I watched it on a road trip one time with my siblings and that was pretty amazing.)
“And no, I have no idea why her name is Topanga…I’m not sure anyone knows. You just gotta roll with it.” THE WORLD MAY NEVER KNOW. XD And that Cory and Shawn gif. GOLD. XD
Even Stevens is another one that I know I watched when I was little (because my older siblings watched it), but I don’t really remember! I KNOW I used to like it though, because I have two teddy bears that I named Louis and Ren. xD
Phil of the Future!! I still haven’t seen all of it, but I do remember watching it quite a bit when it was on. Pim was great. xD She was one of those slightly despicable younger siblings, but you couldn’t help but love her, you know? I’ve been really wanting to watch POTF again.
I watched quite a few Kim Possible episodes a few years ago when they were rerunning them, and I didn’t remember how great that show was! Ron is a hoot, of course. And I’ve always been kind of amused by the fact that Kim’s identity isn’t a secret. Like, AT ALL. From anyone. xD I actually really liked the live-action movie. You just gotta recognize that it’s not the Kim Possible we all knew and loved and enjoy it for what it is, y’know?
PHINEAS AND FERB. OHHHH YES. THIS WAS MY SHOW. XD Like I said about all those other shows, I know I watched them and I remember some of them more than others, but I was pretty young and I haven’t seen them in years. So I don’t remember a lot about any of them. BUT PHINEAS AND FERB THOUGH.
I remember when it started and I thought it was going to be really dumb. I don’t remember how long it took me to start watching it, but oh my goodness, when I got into it it was just the BEST. Me and my brother seriously quote it so much. Doofenshmirtz is the greatest and Candace is hysterical. I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH. And that gif you chose. I remember that part and if that doesn’t perfectly sum up their humor, I don’t know what does. xD
You’re spot on about the humor being about the pattern! I remember so many times telling my best friend about the show and how great it was and she would always be like “I just don’t get it. It’s always Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today. Where’s Perry. It’s always the same thing” and I was just dying because SHE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND. xD Now you’re making me want to go rewatch all of it.
I want to rewatch ALL of these, actually. I really, really wish they would release these shows on DVD. >.> I NEED a Phineas and Ferb Complete Series DVD Set in my life.
I’m curious, what of the more recent shows did you like? Like, before the present-day when they started pulling everything out of the trash. xD
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THAT SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN. Let’s do it! (And yes, I am sooo with you. It’s painful having to bash Disney Channel these days because, man, that was my CHILDHOOD. I just don’t understand how they went so far downhill.)
Aaaahhhh someone else who has seen the movie! YES. It was so fun! And if you like the movie, I think you’d love the show. It’s just so cute. ^_^
The great mystery of life: Topanga’s name. XD
Oh my goodness, I LOVE that you had teddy bears named Louis and Ren. That is the best. XDD
Oooh, you should definitely watch all the rest of Phil of the Future. It was such a fun one, wasn’t it? XD I think it only ran two season though??? So I didn’t have a LOT of episodes, but it was a riot. And YES to Pim! It’s true, we all loved her even though she was almost an antagonist??? I don’t even know. They really thought outside of the box with her character and I loved that!
Kim Possible is SO GREAT. It was definitely so much fun that her identity wasn’t secret. Again, thinking outside the box! Something these newer shows don’t really do… *sniffles* And, okay, admittedly I haven’t seen all of the new movie. So I guess I shouldn’t judge it TOO hard buuut my sister said it was as awful as I suspected and the commercials and clips I’ve seen made me cringe, so. XD But YA KNOW. I’m almost 30. With a lot of these I have to remember they’re not exactly made for my age group. So I may be harsher on them than I should be…
PHINEAS AND FERB YESSSS. Oh man, it cracks me up. Doofenshmirtz and Perry are DEFINITELY my favorites! Their relationship is so hilarious. Like, sometimes I don’t even care that much about the Phineas and Ferb plotlines? I’m just there for Doofenshmirtz and Perry??? XD But no, really, I love how all the plots always come together in such a hilarious way. True comedy genius right there! But yes, it’s HARD explaining to people who don’t get it. Definitely one of those shows you have to experience yourself to truly appreciate.
Oooh, good question! These shows I listed (except for Phineas and Ferb and Gravity Falls) were my CHILDHOOD. So they’re extra special to me. But they did make a few later ones I rather enjoy. Good Luck, Charlie is really good! I’ve shamefully not seen all of it, but I’ve seen a good bit and it’s very high quality. I also quite enjoy Jessie. Although the writing is definitely…not great and makes me cringe more often than not. But for some reason I still really like it. Maybe because I always thought being a nanny would be awesome? So Jessie basically has my dream job. Haha! Liv and Maddie was okay too. And I could tolerate Austen and Ally. Buuut the writing was definitely going waaaay downhill with these shows. I feel like after…mmm…2010 or so Disney Channel just really lost its quality. But that’s just my opinion! And I’m picky with these things, so. XD
I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY OF THESE. Yes, it’s terrible. I didn’t have cable TV growing up (still don’t!) and don’t have Disney+ either, so basically… I am an old-fashioned DVD girl these days. XDDD
But all your descriptions are making me want to watch some good ol’ 80’s-90’s shows!
THAT’S TOTALLY OKAY. I was honestly a TV addict as a kid and…still kinda am. Eheheh. It’s terrible. XD The old fashioned way to go is GREAT! And yessss. My siblings and I always claim the 80s and 90s as the golden age of television. These current days are…not the golden age. To put it mildly. XD
Soooo I was writing my post about the classic Disney princesses when I paused to read this post! 🙂 And wow, these sound like way better shows than I would have assumed! (Ugh, yes, WHY is there so much silly and awkward stuff on TV these days?!?!? Not to mention the bad writing and obvious agendas. *sigh*) I’ve heard of most of them, but I didn’t know much about them. So thanks for this great analysis and recommendation!
Soooo looking forward to your next Disney princess post! 😀
These really are so much fun! I mean, they definitely have their own brand of silliness, but not nearly as bad as modern kid shows. The writers at least TRIED. They’re great just for something light and happy and clean. ^_^
I’ve never (never!! can you believe it!!) watched Disney TV shows, because we never had TV when I was growing up. I’ve been meaning to try some out, though, now that Disney + is a thing, and this is a perfect list! High on my list are Boy Meets World and Phineas and Ferb. I’ve heard a ton about them but have never actually seen them, and this really is the perfect time to finally see what everyone’s excited about 😂
THAT IS OKAY! I probably watch TOO much TV, so. XD But yessss, Disney+ is GREAT for watching them and all the movies and just EVERYTHING. I love it so much!
Oh man, you should absolutely give Boy Meets World and Phineas and Ferb a try! They are both SPECTACULAR.
I love Phineas and Ferb and Gravity Falls! The others are a bit before my time, haha, and I’m no longer a fan of live-action sitcoms. Animation has my heart! But your reviews make me want to watch ALL these shows, even the sitcoms, but especially Kim Possible!
Let me reallll quick add something to your list – Wander Over Yonder. It’s about two best friends, idealistic Wander and practical Sylvia, who travel the galaxy doing good deeds as Wander tries to make friends with the villain, Hater, who’s hilariously incompetent and only gets anything done through his brilliant strategist sidekick. It SEEMS like just a cute, dumb kids show, but it’s hilarious and heartfelt and THE CHARACTERS ARE INCREDIBLE. It’s SO underrated, and I hope folks can give it some more love during these times!
I’ve been reading the blog for a while (lurking, OOPS), and I just want to say I love your content and I hope The Nether Isle rewrites are going well <3
Those are both SOOOO good! And that is totally okay live-action isn’t much you’re thing. I mean, animated shows are GREAT. Gravity Falls and Avatar: The Last Airbender are two of my favorite shows EVER. So yes, I get it! If you enjoy animated shows, you should DEFINITELY give Kim Possible a try! And oooh, have you seen Trollhunters? It’s an animated show on Netflix and absolutely fantastic! I definitely recommend it.
Oh wow, I’ve never even heard of Wander Over Yonder. o.o We went through a little period of time where we didn’t have access to Disney Channel, so maybe it aired during that time. I will have to check it out then. It sounds super fun! Thank you for the suggestion! 😀
Awwww! THANK YOU!!! I just love my readers. You guys brighten my life! <3 Thank you so much for telling me that! And TNI revisions are going GREAT! Thank you so much for asking! You're so sweet, Ashley!
PHINEAS AND FERB! KIM POSSIBLE!!!!! ALL THESE SHOWS THAT I NEVER WATCHED AS A KID BUT I WANT TO CATCH UP ON NOWWWW
Thanks a lot, Christine, for feeding this fire xD
*throws logs on the flame* WATCH ‘EM, FAITH. WATCH ‘EMMM! 😀
OH MY GOSH YES TO THE AWFUL QUALITY OF DISNEY CHANNEL SHOWS NOW. UGH IT MAKES ME WANT TO POKE MY EYES OUT WITH A SPORK (okay, maybe not literally) BUT STILL.
A bit embarrassed to say, but I wasn’t allowed to watch any live-action shows when I was younger, so I got stuck with the cartoons, and…I am just so glad Kim Possible was a thing. XD It’s just such a solid show, I reeeally should go and rewatch it…
PHINEAS AND FERB. It’s so…absolutely nonsensical? But like, so good?? It just has so much heart and it’s so evident when you watch it. 😀
AND YAASSS TO GRAVITY FALLS. AGH. IT’S SO. GOOD. *zips lips before I can word-vomit for three hours about this show*
RIGHT? RIGHT??? IT’S SO INSULTING. It definitely gives me the urge to stab things with sporks too, oooh yes. I understand. XD
Oh no, that is totally cool! Live-action shows can have some weeeeird stuff in them, so I get it. But YES. Kim Possible was amaziiing. I’m making myself want to rewatch. It’s been way too long!
Nonsensical goodness YES. You NAILED it saying it has heart. That’s so true. You could just tell it was the writers’ passion project. I just love it!
GIIIIRL. I could scream about Gravity Falls with you for HOURS. IT’S SO GOOD! SO SO GOOD.
Ohh this post made me so happy — I’ll def have to check out your recommendations! I miss old sitcoms (90s and below). They were actually funny with problems I can relate to no matter what era they’re from. Nowadays comedies fall flat because they’re just trying to get laughs and not actually show us anything but a load of trash.
*Sigh*
Anyway, thanks so much — I was on the hunt for some good shows for the fam. <3
“…they’re just trying to get laughs and not actually show us anything but a load of trash.” YES. THAT IS THE TRUTH. You nailed it. Instead of sharing relatable problems, they’re just making laughs or agendas. It is SO annoying. 80s and 90s was definitely the golden age of television.
Awww, you are so welcome! I hope you find some you and your family enjoy! ^_^
Seriously, your posts are so fun no matter what you’re talking about! And the premise of these comedies often made me laugh in itself! I haven’t seen any of these shows, and probably won’t, but you have educated me! 😀 Both for the sweet family sitcoms I’ve never heard of, and the shows EVERYONE talks about, but that I don’t know the first thing about. And man, if I had time to watch shows or did it to relax…or had Disney+…I’d probably try them!
So….the kids I babysit were really into Disney shows. And I could tell most of them were the, erm, crappy kind you were talking about. There was one that looked like a great premise, though: Liv & Maddie. Was the execution not the best? I’ve heard mixed reviews. I wouldn’t watch a cheesy comedy about high school drama anyway, but the sister plot sounded good–at least in theory!
Oh my goodness, GIRL. That makes me so happy to hear! I always worry my posts are just rambly and won’t appeal to everyone, so THANK YOU for telling me that. You have absolutely made my day! <3
That is totally okay you haven't seen any of these. I really should probably watch LESS TV. *sheepish grin*
Liv and Maddie! Okay yes, I do watch that one now and again and ya know, it's not bad. I feel like it was Disney Channel's last foray into semi-good television. It's not my favorite, but it's waaaay better than all their current shows. And it DOES have great family dynamics! Sometimes it's kinda dumb, but it definitely has a lot of cute moments!
Okay, I swear you’ve got spies watching my every move, because I have been watching a SHAMEFUL amount of Disney+ lately… 😂 like seriously. It’s BAD. But!!! BUT BUT BUT!!! With the exception of like three of these, I really haven’t seen any of these shows before??? We didn’t have Disney Channel growing up, so most of my Disney channel originals came from later years and Netflix. (Like Phineas and Ferb and Suite Life of Zach and Cody.) I have seen a handful of Boy Meets World episodes and some Lizzis MaGuire when I was younger, but Gravity Falls and Kim Possible??? I don’t think I’ve seen a single episode of either…. (At least not that I can remember..?) SO CLEARLY I MUST FIX THIS.
Also!! All of your descriptions for these shows are EPIC. I’m definitely choosing one of these for my next watch, but I don’t know which one to choose first…. Oh no. 😂😂😂
LOLOLOL. I feel like we’ve ALL been watching a shameful amount of it. XDDD It’s just so great to have! I’m obsessed. BUT YESSS. I recommend ANY of these. I mean…obviously, since that was the whole point of this post. XD
HMMM. I would personally suggest starting Gravity Falls first maybe??? It’s just so so goooood!