Most millennials will agree that the current “Disney Channel” – if we can even still call it that – is not what it used to be. To us, it is eons removed from the network that brought us all of our favorite shows and movies. We used to watch shows that covered things that mattered; now, every show seems to revolve around an adolescent with some sort of sub-par talent. What happened to depicting normal kids with normal lives that their viewers could relate to wholeheartedly? The Disney Channel shows we grew up with taught us about life and love and lots of other things that are pertinent to us today.These are just a few examples of the best lessons learned from some of the best children's TV shows ever created.
"Even Stevens"
Remember Lewis Stevens, the kid brother everyone loved to hate? He taught us that while being a cunning trickster is sometimes a valuable skill, it pretty much always bites you in the butt. He also taught us that no matter how tense and dysfunctional a family seems, they always love unconditionally.
Best Episode: EP 36, "Sibling Rivalry"
In the heat of a nasty fight with Ren on a local game show, Lewis had the opportunity to hit her where it would hurt the most – but chose not to in order to protect her from getting hurt and embarrassed in front of the whole town.
"That’s So Raven"
It’s the future she could see. The eccentric aspiring fashion designer taught us to embrace creativity and let our individuality shine through. She always utilized a can-do attitude; whenever she had a glimpse of something in the future that might turn out negative, Raven would do everything in her power to try and change it. She even showed us how she fought discrimination with grace and resilience.
Best Episode(s): Ep. 53 “True Colors"
When turned down for a job she would have been perfect for because the manager said she “[didn’t] hire black people,” Raven used her wits and whims to gain local news coverage, and turned the situation around to emulate a message of equality. Well done, Disney Channel.
Ep. 100 “Where’s the Smoke"
Raven worried that her brother Corey was smoking cigarettes, and taught us about the dangers of it with her efforts to get him to stop.
"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody"
Their life of hotel luxury was the envy of all kids growing up in the early 2000’s. While the show mostly depicted the goofy life of the Martin twins, it also taught us about sibling rivalry. It’s inevitable for siblings to be in constant competition with one another. This show taught us to embrace what makes us different from our sibling(s), and that being friends on the side isn’t such a bad thing. The show gave us a glimpse of the hardships of growing up with divorced parents, and even had an episode about overcoming a disability.
Best Episode (s): Ep. 65 “Aptitude"
After taking a career aptitude test that rendered results opposite of what they were expecting, Zack and Cody learned their future would be defined by their actions – not by a test.
Ep. 61 “Back in the Game"
Zack and Cody encouraged their friend Jamie, a boy who was suddenly confined to a wheelchair, to start playing basketball again on a wheelchair team by joining the team with him.
"Hannah Montana"
Its hard to believe that Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana were ever affiliated with one another. With its catchy soundtrack of upbeat pop songs, this show taught us the importance of not only knowing who you are, but also knowing who you want to be. Hannah Montana also gave us insight into what it might be like going through your teenage years without a mother.
Best Episode(s): Ep. 3 “She’s a Super Sneak”
Miley got emotional about the idea that her father had started dating again, and we learned that moving on from a loss takes time.
Ep. 98 “Wherever I go”
Miley gave up a big-time movie deal to go to college with her best friend, teaching us to value the important things in life rather than fame and fortune.
And I saved the best for last…
"Lizzie McGuire"
This girl taught us more about life than any guidebook ever could. Lizzie was always willing to put others before herself, even if it meant that she would get hurt in the process. She wasn’t afraid to speak up for what was right. Lizzie taught us not to be concerned with popularity, but with being a good person.
Best Episode(s): Ep. 44 “You’re a Good Man, Lizzie McGuire”
Lizzie took the blame for a broken piece of school property because she didn’t want the school dance to be canceled for her classmates, even though it wasn’t her fault and she wasn't allowed to attend as a result.
Ep. 39 “Just Friends”
After being rejected by her long-time crush and learning that they simply don’t have the right chemistry, Lizzie realized the harsh truth that “knowing someone’s wrong for you doesn’t change how you feel.” She taught us that rejection is hard and it takes time to heal, but everything works out the way it is supposed to in the end.
Ep. 47 “Inner Beauty”
When Lizzie learned that her best friend Miranda was skipping meals to lose weight, she immediately stepped in. This episode taught us to not be afraid to speak up when something is wrong, and about the importance of valuing inner beauty.
Ep. 2 “Picture Day”
Rather than wearing a trendy outfit that could boost her social status, Lizzie chose to wear her grandma’s Unicorn sweater in her school picture. She taught us that being “cool” isn’t everything, and being yourself is better than pretending to be someone you’re not.
It’s been a while since we’ve watched any of these shows, but the lessons we learned from them still impact us – even if we aren’t conscious of it. So thank you, Disney Channel, for making us into who we are today.
