As I’m writing this, one of my favorite shows of all time is about to end. Liv and Maddie is a show on Disney Channel about identical twins who have polar opposite personalities named, you guessed it, Liv and Maddie. It premiered nearly four years ago, ran for four wonderful seasons, and on Friday, March 24th, it is ending. I am truly sad to see it go, but I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the great things that this show has taught me.
1. I don’t have to change for anyone.
In the episode “Rate-A-Rooney” guys were rating all of the girls at the high school based on their appearances, and that made all of them feel like they had to work for guys’ approval. In the end though, with the help of Liv’s super catchy song “What A Girl Is” all of the girls are able to stand up and realize that they are perfect just how they are. This episode taught me that I am great just the way I am, and so is everyone else.
2. What even are gender stereotypes?
In “Roll Model-A-Rooney” Liv and the other girls on her show attempt to break the stereotypes around girls. They seek to prove that girls can like things that are typically seen as “boy stuff” by competing with the boys on the show in a wood block derby race. They ultimately win and prove that girls can not only like those types of things, but they can also rock at it!
3. I have so much more to offer than just my appearance.
“Ask Her More-A-Rooney” comments on the fact that a lot of attention is placed on people for their appearance and that a lot of people don’t take the time to get to know someone as a person. I love this episode because Liv ends up “changing the conversation” and having people ask her more impactful questions. It taught me that I can make a change and that I’m so much more than what’s on the surface.
4. As long as I am always myself and follow my dreams, I will be unstoppable.
Every good show needs comedic relief, and for Liv and Maddie, that comedic relief comes in the form of Joey and Parker, Liv and Maddie’s younger brothers. Their storylines always put a smile on my face. Joey specifically has always struggled with being insecure with who he is and feeling like he has to change because he is seen as “nerdier” than most people. All he really wants is to fit in, but he has learned throughout the course of the series that he is really awesome the way he is. It is his personality and determination that ultimately help him to follow his newfound dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. Joey is by far one of my favorite characters ever. He has taught me to always be true to who I am and success will follow me. I’m so happy that I’ve gotten to see him grow throughout the series.
Overall, Liv and Maddie was such a great show. It has made an impact on people from all walks of life over the past four years. I feel so proud to call myself a fan of this amazing series. As sad as I am to see it go, I’m glad that I can look back at all of the memories that it provided me with and smile. I am forever grateful.