The Disney Channel of the 2000s was a whole different era. From the characters to the storylines and even the fashion, Disney truly had its own creations. This made the kids of the 2000s enter a different world and thus started the obsession with Hannah Montana and Lizzie McGuire, among other shows and cartoons.

While the original stars of this channel might have moved forward, pursuing their own dreams and exploring their own identities outside those created by Disney, the fans seem to reminisce about the past. Understandably, there is a sense of nostalgia that arises when one comes across snippets of young Miley Cyrus or Selena Gomez. These shows are also very different from the ones that are being created today. In fact, the storylines might even seem so nonsensical, in turn, deriving humor from the simplest things. Either way, these Disney Channel original shows cannot be recreated simply due to them having their own comical energy, as well as the ability to attract a large group of 2000s kids.

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7 That’s So Raven

     Buena Vista Television & Disney-ABC Domestic Television

With Raven-Symoné taking over the role of the protagonist, the show focuses on Raven’s life. Raven is an aspiring fashion designer with a psychic ability that allows her to see glimpses of the future, which, in turn, becomes the source of the comedy of the show as Raven tends to miscalculate her visions. That’s So Raven, similar to The Proud Family, became an important piece due to its representation of Black culture. However, it does not stop there as the show brings out important lessons on racism, body image, and other social topics.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

6 The Proud Family

     Buena Vista Television

The Proud Family is one cartoon that played an important role in the discourse surrounding the lack of black representation on mainstream media. Kyla Pratt, who voiced the protagonist, Penny Proud, points this out; there “wasn’t a mainstream cartoon character whose story really resembled mine as a pre-teen”. However, by bringing in The Proud Family, Disney allowed the overlooked Black stories to be seen. With his lovable and fun characters, this cartoon explores the strong family bonds while tapping into the insecurities of the protagonist, in turn, making it a relatable cartoon. Disney + has brought back this wholesome cartoon with the same characters now entering a whole new era.

5 Phineas and Ferb

     Disney–ABC Domestic Television

Phineas and Ferb is undeniably one of the best cartoons ever to be created. The show is imaginative and inventive, with the two protagonists, Phineas and Ferb, creating the most bizarre inventions. The humor in this cartoon is evoked through the sister’s, Candice, failed attempts at trying to expose her brothers’ ingenious inventions to their mother. From the colorful animation to the music, the generous and kind villain, and the detective pet-platypus, Perry, there are so many elements that make Phineas and Ferb a fun watch.

4 Hannah Montana

Miley Cyrus shot to fame through her portrayal of Miley Stewart, a normal teenager who secretly transformed into an infamous pop star named Hannah Montana. The show seemed to portray the dream of many teenagers, of becoming a pop star. This particular series is known for her upbeat music and dazzling transformations which awestruck the young audience. Similar to other Disney Originals, Hannah Montana also focused on the theme of family and friendship while adding in the comic element. Even though many kids absolutely enjoyed the show, in turn, making it one of the best Disney Channel originals, it must be noted that Cyrus, like many other Disney child actors, had a complicated relationship with the character.

3 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody

     Disney Channel

Before Cole Sprouse became known for his portrayal of Jughead in Riverdale, he was one of the notorious Martin twins in The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. With Cole portraying Cody, the smarter and more responsible one of the two, and Dylan Sprouse portraying Zack, the more mischievous and outgoing one, the show focused on the daily lives of these very contrasting twins while they live in the Tipton Hotel. With the inclusion of Ashley Tisdale as Maddie, Brenda Song as London and Phill Lewis as Mr. Mosby, the show was an explosion of comedy. The success of the show can be seen through its development via a sequel titled The Suite Life on Deck, which focused on the teen years of the twins.

2 Lizzie McGuire

     Buena Vista Television, Egmont Imagination & Telescreen

An OG Disney Channel favorite that went on to win two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program. Lizzie McGuire is a fun TV series that focused on the hardships and the challenges of being a teenager. With Hillary Duff taking over the role of Lizzie, we find an animated version of the character performing soliloquies to illustrate, quite literally, the inner thoughts of the protagonist. The relatable nature of the show with its focus on friendships, teenage hood, school life, and family made it very popular among the 2000s kids. In fact, Disney tried to recreate the nostalgia through a reboot of the show, with Lizzie “doing 30-year-old things”. However, it was canceled for numerous reasons.

1 Wizards of Waverly Place

     Disney-ABC Domestic Television

The reason why this particular show lands at number one, is that it seems to have everything that is needed to make a brilliantly funny and homely show. From a family of quirky wizards to a not-so-perfect but definitely mischievous protagonist, Wizards of Waverly Place won a large fan base during its run. The show focuses on what seems to be a normal family running a subway station, but, in reality, the family consists of wizards. During their spare time, we see the Russos engaging in wizard lessons and even entering the Wizardly world. Of course, the number one rule seems to be not to expose themselves to the general public, which Alex seems to have trouble adhering to. One can even find parodies of Harry Potter in this particular show. With Selena Gomez bringing in the humor and the mischief, the show is both comforting and funny.