Most millennials and Gen-Z kids found themselves obsessing over at least one, if not several, Disney Channel shows during their childhood. Rewatching them again as an adult can feel like a warm hug — or like having an actual summer vacation that we all took for granted.
Disney Channel officially launched in 1983 and went through many iterations and rebrands before it became what we all know it to be today: a haven for age-appropriate original content. The channel birthed the careers of many notable Disney stars who would see continued success including Zendaya, Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, Zac Efron, and Selena Gomez — just to name a few.
Much like the various astrological signs, the portfolio of Disney shows caters to a world of personalities. Virgo? More like Lizzie McGuire loyalist. There are those of us who grew up wishing we could be Kim Possible. Others got lost in the adventurous world of Wizards of Waverly Place. Or just look at the massive fan base Miley Cyrus has built in the many years since Hannah Montana’s launch.
One thing Disney does well is variety. There are cartoons, toddler-friendly shows, plots about tough teenage moments, and characters who speak to all ages. Whether you’re into old Disney shows or newer storylines, there’s plenty to fuel your need for kid- and teen-friendly series. After all, you’ve got hundreds of options.
Need some help figuring out where to begin? Ahead, we pulled together our list of go-to Disney TV shows to fill up some of your free time — starting with the more recent shows and going into the 90s. After that, check out our list of the best Disney Channel original movies.
Raven’s Home (2017-present)
This spinoff of That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home follows Raven and her best friend Chelsea, both divorced single mothers living together with their kids. The real twist comes after Raven discovers her son, Booker, experiences the same future-telling visions she does.
Bizaardvark (2016-2019)
Twelve-year-old best friends Paige (Olivia Rodrigo) and Frankie (Madison Hu) love to make music videos featuring their own silly songs on their channel, Bizaardvark, which has 10,000 subscribers and growing. The three-season series takes viewers through creative blocks, hilarious collaborations, and more.
K.C. Undercover (2015-2018)
It's a funny thing when you find out that your parents are spies in a secret agency called The Organization. It's even weirder when they recruit you to join in. This is what happens to high schooler K.C. Cooper in this three-season show starring Zendaya as K.C.
Girl Meets World (2014-2017)
This three-season show picks up where Boy Meets World left off, a few years down the road. Cory and Topanga are married with two kids, and the series follows their daughter, Riley, and her journeys through school with best friend Maya, played by Sabrina Carpenter. And of course, Riley’s father (Cory) is the history teacher.
Liv & Maddie (2013)
Typical American family. Twin sisters. One of them was a big Hollywood star for a little bit. The other loves basketball. Liv & Maddie — starring Dove Cameron as both twins — centers around the former readjusting to family life in Wisconsin and all that comes with it.
Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
It’s a fun animated mystery, what more is there to say? The show follows Dipper Pines (Jason Ritter) and his twin sister Mabel (Kristen Schaal) who are sent to live in Gravity Falls, Oregon with their uncle. Strange things happen in this town, and the twins find themselves in several spooky situations.
Austin & Ally (2011-2016)
This show follows the life of two singers: Austin Moon (an extroverted and overnight sensation played by Ross Lynch) and Aly Dawson (an introverted singer with stage fright played by Laura Marano). Over four seasons, it’s a constant game of “Will they end up together?”
A.N.T Farm (2011-2014)
In this single-season show, 11-year-old musical prodigy Chyna Parks (China Anna McClaine) becomes a member of her school’s Advanced Natural Talent (A.N.T.) program. The students in this gifted level of classes are allowed to skip middle school and jump right into high school — introducing a world of adjustment and precocious learning curves.
Good Luck Charlie (2010-2014)
This is one of those Disney Channel series that appealed to all ages, and it starred actor-turned-startup CEO Bridgit Mendler. Centered around the Duncans, the four-season show gave viewers a look into the ups and downs of welcoming a fourth child (Charlotte “Charlie” Duncan played by Mia Talerico) into the fray.
Shake It Up (2010-2013)
Lest we forget the show that brought Zendaya into our lives, thank you, Disney Channel! Aside from kickstarting the career of one of today’s most successful and sought-after actors, this beloved show followed two besties CeCe Jones (Bella Thorne) and Rocky Blue (Zendaya) as they follow their dreams of becoming professional dancers in Chicago. Of course, there is a lot of dancing in this show, and it’s all good fun. Theater kids, but make it Zendaya.
Sonny With a Chance (2009-2011)
After winning a nationwide talent search, Sonny (Demi Lovato) moves to L.A. and stars on a popular TV show called So Random, which inspired a spin-off of its own. In its two seasons, the show follows Sonny and her castmates as they navigate life in the spotlight.
The Suite Life on Deck (2008-2011)
The Sprouse twins are back. This time, they’ve taken their shenanigans to sea. This sequel/spin-off takes place on the SS Tipton rather than the Tipton Hotel in the original series. While most of the cast does come back, Ashley Tisdale does not. Sad!
Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015)
Phineas and his stepbrother Ferb have the single goal of finding fun during each day of summer vacation. From trying out a career in music to meeting dinosaurs, the duo gets into all kinds of fun situations over four seasons.
Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
When it comes to Disney Channel TV shows, this one has a place in the hall of fame. Three teenage wizards — Alex (Selena Gomez), Justin (David Henrie), and Max (Jake T. Austin) Russo — live in New York City and are training to be full-fledged wizards with help from their father, Jerry Russo (David DeLuise). The show spanned four seasons and helped kickstart Selena’s career.
Hannah Montana (2006-2011)
Potentially the most popular Disney Channel show of all time, Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) lives a double life as a singer by the name of Hannah Montana and a normal teenager. Spanning four seasons and two movies, this is the role that helped Miley Cyrus break into Hollywood in a major way.
American Dragon: Jake Long (2005-2007)
Teenager Jake Long (played by Dante Basco) has the power to change into a dragon — while attending to all of the usual problems 13-year-olds face. For two seasons, his transformational power helps him protect a group of magical creatures that live in his hometown.
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2008)
Another Disney series classic, this show follows two identical twins — Zack and Cody, played by Dylan and Cole Sprouse, respectively — who find themselves living at The Tipton Hotel with their mom, who is the resident lounge singer. For three seasons, follow as the duo cause trouble in every nook and cranny of the hotel.
Phil of the Future (2004-2006)
Phil Diffy (voiced by Raviv "Ricky" Ullman) is part of a special family. His sister Pim loves to pull pranks, his mother is a robot, and his dad spends all of his time repairing a broken time machine. So, ordinary... aside from the fact that they’re stuck in the 21st century — the past for the family. This series ran for two seasons.
Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003-2006)
Lilo (human) and Stitch (alien) fill two seasons finding hundreds of experimental creatures crawling all over Hawaii. Thanks to evil doctor genius Dr. Jumba Jookiba, who created said beings, the duo has their work cut out for them.
That’s So Raven (2003-2007)
Raven — played by Raven Symoné — has secret psychic abilities in this Disney Channel show, specifically, she sees visions of the future. All four seasons are filled with hijinks, usually involving one of Raven’s friends (Eddie and Chelsea) or her family (Cory, Tanya, and Victor). Eventually, Raven straightens out the issue at hand with her secret power — though that power often makes her life harder in the meantime.
Kim Possible (2002-2007)
It’s a common daydream — what if I were a super secret global crime fighter in between high school classes? This show is that concept, played out throughout four seasons and two full-length movies. Kim Possible’s character is voiced by Christy Carlson Romano, while her best friend, Ronald "Ron" Stoppable, is voiced by Will Friedle. The group is completed by Ron’s pet mole rat Rufus and 10-year-old computer quiz Wade.
The Proud Family (2001-2005)
The Proud Family wiggled its way into many hearts over the span of three seasons. The storylines looked into the obstacles 14-year-old Penny Proud faces as a Black teenager, from bullies to fighting stereotypes. In 2022, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder premiered on Disney Channel — a spin-off featuring the voices of Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, and more.
Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004)
With 65 episodes and a full-length movie, this Disney Channel series gives us a front-row seat to the life of 13-year-old Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff) and her crew of buddies: Gordo (Adam Lamberg) and Miranda (Lalaine). Each episode features some sort of teenage conundrum — first kisses, friend crushes, and babysitting disasters.
Even Stevens (2000-2003)
Who could forget the lovable and goofy Stevens family? This series stars a young Shia LaBeouf playing Louis Stevens as a rowdy seventh grader who constantly bugs his older sister, Ren (Christy Carlson Romano). When this aired, Ren always appeared so much older and wiser, when really she was only in EIGHTH GRADE. Pretty wild, right?
Bug Juice (1998-2002)
Disney Channel dipped its toe into reality TV for a time, focusing on kids going to summer camp. The show lasted about four seasons and followed groups of around 20 kids and their experience at summer camp. Seeing other kids hanging out and having fun when you’re a kid too feels like PG Jersey Shore.
Recess (1997-2001)
This classic animated schoolyard show of the late 90s was fundamental viewing for many young millennials. The silly series follows a group of fourth graders causing havoc and having fun at Third Street Elementary. If you were too young to enjoy this classic, it’s worth going back to enjoy the antics of the kids. Think Rugrats, but a little older.
