These 23 series were a big part of many Disney Channel viewers’ childhoods.
Since launching Flash Forward in 1995, Disney Channel has produced over 50 sitcoms, cartoons, reality shows, and game shows. Many of these helped launch the careers of stars like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and even non-singers like Shia LaBeouf. Here are 23 iconic Disney Channel original series that defined your childhood.
Note: This list doesn’t include shows like Totally Spies! since they weren’t Disney originals, or shows like Pair of Kings, which aired on Disney XD, a sister network.
23. Shake It Up (2010-2013)
The series stars Bella Thorne and Zendaya, following two Chicago teens as they pursue their dream of becoming professional dancers by landing a spot on a popular local show.
22. Jonas (2009-2010)
The Jonas Brothers show was a fantastic way to launch Disney Channel’s Saturday programming, offering a classic sitcom with a live studio audience and the rising stars, the Jonas Brothers. Though the comedy only ran for two seasons, it gave fans a chance to feel like they were part of this talented and super cool family.
21. Liv and Maddie (2013-2017)
Liv and Maddie brings to mind classics like The Parent Trap, with Dove Cameron playing a pair of twins who are completely different in appearance. The show adds an extra layer of humor as the characters occasionally break the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience.
20. American Dragon: Jake Long (2005-2007)
Puberty is tough, but it’s even more challenging for Jack Long, who finds out that, along with the changes in his body, he can also transform into a dragon. While it’s not Disney’s top animated series, it’s a solid attempt to compete with the 2000s Saturday morning cartoons. The show delivers an engaging plot and exciting action sequences, even if it stretches the idea of kids skateboarding around Manhattan as something believable.
19. Cory in the House (2007-2008)
Cory in the House, a fun spinoff of That’s So Raven, stars Kyle Massey as Cory, the son of a chef who scores a job at the White House. Though it doesn’t quite match the original series, the sitcom still brings plenty of laughs and includes a guest appearance by Raven-Symoné, along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson playing himself.
18. Jessie (2011-2015)
While many Disney Channel original series focus on families, the Ross family stands out as one of the most diverse, guided by their nanny, Jessie (Debby Ryan). Jessie, a small-town girl from Texas, moves to New York City and finds herself in a lively household with movie producer parents, four spirited kids, an energetic butler named Bertram, and even a 6-foot-long pet lizard. Together, they create a funny, quirky, and entertaining family sitcom.
17. The Suite Life on Deck (2008-2011)
How do you keep Cole and Dylan Sprouse in the spotlight after their hit series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody wraps up? Just give them a spinoff! In this new adventure, the twin brothers set sail on the SS Tipton, where they attend Seven Seas High School and interact with the ship’s staff. Although Maddie (Ashley Tisdale) from the original series isn’t featured, this nautical version introduces us to Debby Ryan from Jessie.
16. Austin & Ally (2011-2016)
The sitcom follows aspiring singer Austin Moon (Ross Lynch) and his stage-frightened songwriter Ally Dawson (Laura Marano), starting with a cheesy premise in the early 2010s: he’s an internet sensation, and she’s a shy talent. While this show may not be a Disney classic, Austin and Ally’s charming performances, catchy soundtrack, and lovable, goofy sidekicks made for four seasons of humor and heart. It highlights how sometimes you can’t achieve your dreams without the support of others.
15. Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
Gravity Falls stands out as Disney Channel’s first animated mystery series. Creator Alex Hirsch filled the show with clever in-jokes, pop culture references, and hidden details that captivated a massive fan base, drawing them into the town’s rich mythology and mysteries. When the series transitioned to Disney XD in 2014, fans followed, and the series finale recorded the highest ratings in Disney XD history at that time.
14. Good Luck Charlie (2010-2014)
How can you help your teens adjust to the arrival of a new sibling? Involve them in the parenting process! In Good Luck Charlie, while Duncan and his parents work full-time, older siblings Teddy (Bridgit Mendler), PJ (Jason Dolley), and Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry) help take care of their little sister, Charlie, and later their second baby, Tony. Each episode features a video diary entry from Teddy to her little sister, where the family shares their hopes and wishes for her as she navigates life in their busy household.
13. Sonny With A Chance (2009-2011)
This is the show that kicked off Demi Lovato’s career. The sitcom follows Sonny Munroe (Lovato) as she joins the cast of a live comedy show called So Random. If the concept sounds familiar, it’s because Disney Channel has created two similar shows: The Famous Jett Jackson and Shake It Up. Sonny fits right in between those two!
12. Phineas and Ferb (2007-2015)
Phineas and Ferb is a vibrant cartoon bursting with color, energy, and a sense of adventure. Most episodes showcase Phineas teaming up with his half-brother Ferb to beat the boredom of summer vacation. Their escapades often result in backyard science projects like roller coasters and time machines, all in the pursuit of fun. The series, featuring a secret agent platypus, consistently delivers a lighthearted and humorous tone.
11. Girl Meets World (2014-2017)
One of the most eagerly awaited series on the Disney Channel, Girl Meets World had big shoes to fill as the successor to the beloved 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World (which aired on ABC). Thankfully, the story of Cory and Topanga’s daughter, Riley, captures the humor and heart of the original, introducing it to a new generation of fans.
10. The Famous Jett Jackson (1998-2001)
A unique take on the concept of a double life, which would later gain fame through Disney’s Hannah Montana, Jett Jackson follows the titular character (played by Lee Thompson Young) as he navigates living a normal life while also being the star of the spy drama Silverstone.
9. The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2008)
Cruises are fun, but the original Suite Life series has a unique charm. With its diverse cast of characters, including the twins and the clerk Esteban, Zack and Cody’s early adventures provided a fresh and unforgettable take on the hotel fantasy, reminiscent of the classic Eloise at the Plaza.
8. Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
Before Selena Gomez became a famous singer, she was part of a magical world. She played a character with three teenage siblings: Alex (Gomez), Justin (David Henrie), and Max (Jake T. Austin), who live above their family sandwich shop on a New York City street. What makes it even more special is that this sandwich shop has a portal to a secret lair where the Russo kids are trained to become witches.
7. Phil of the Future (2004-2006)
The family sitcom genre got a refreshing twist with Phil of the Future, a sci-fi comedy centered around the Diffy family, who get stranded in the early 2000s after their time machine breaks down. While trying to adjust to life in the 21st century, the quirky Diffys navigate their new world in some pretty unusual ways. Although Disney’s approach to sci-fi may not reach the heights of Star Trek, it offered younger viewers a fun and accessible introduction to the genre without the scary elements.
6. The Proud Family (2001-2005)
The core concept of The Proud Family follows the classic Disney Channel formula: an independent young woman navigating life, a clumsy dad, and quirky friends. As the first original animated series on Disney Channel, it amplifies certain traits, such as the Suga Mama character. Ultimately, it tells a heartwarming story about a family that supports one another through their ups and downs. Plus, it features a catchy theme song by Destiny’s Child!
5. Hannah Montana (2006-2011)
Before Miley Cyrus transformed her image, she juggled two lives on screen as pop star Hannah Montana and typical teenager Miley Stewart, alongside co-stars Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, and her real-life dad, Billy Ray Cyrus. One of Disney’s most beloved shows, Hannah Montana launched Miley’s career, allowing her to showcase her comedic talent and incredible singing voice with hits like “Nobody’s Perfect” and the theme song “The Best of Both Worlds.” The series even led to a film adaptation, Hannah Montana: The Movie, which didn’t receive great reviews from critics but was a hit among fans of the show.
4. Kim Possible (2002-2007)
The animated series follows teenagers living double lives, focusing on Kim Possible, a young spy voiced by former Even Stevens star Christy Carlson Romano. As a “normal” girl, she embarks on missions to “save the world” alongside her best friend Ron Stoppable (Will Friedle from Boy Meets World), his pet mole Rufus, and tech genius Wade (Tahj Mowry from Smart Guy).
3. That’s So Raven (2003-2007)
If you could peek into the future, you might imagine life as a whirlwind—or you could experience it through the hilarious Raven Baxter, played by Raven-Symoné. The film follows Raven’s visions and the unexpected adventures she shares with her friends, Chelsea (van der Pol) and Eddie (Orlando Brown), as they attempt to alter the future. That’s So Raven is a quirky and funny film that shines among Disney’s long list of comedies.
2. Even Stevens (2000-2003)
As one of the first original series, Even Stevens set the standard for the popular high school comedies that made the Disney Channel such a beloved show in the early to mid-2000s (think Lizzie McGuire and That’s So Raven ). Even Stevens was never afraid to throw in some jokes and gags, led by Shia LaBeouf as immature prankster Louis Stevens. His older sister Ren, played by Christy Carlson Romano, was always trying to put a damper on the fun. Not to mention, the series also had one of the best musical numbers of all time.
1. Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004)
Lizzie (Hillary Duff), Gordo, and Miranda are the best friends everyone dreams of having. This trio shows that with the right friends, you can overcome anything—especially the challenges of high school. They navigate typical teenage issues like crushes and heartbreak with their humor and quirks, often with the help of an animated Lizzie who pops up to share her inner thoughts.
Life isn’t easy in Lizzie McGuire, but that’s the point: life can be tough. As the catchy theme song reminds us, “If you think we have the perfect plan / You’re fooled / ‘Cause we’re just doing the best we can.” Thankfully, Lizzie’s version of “doing her best” is pretty impressive!
Other notable series include Flash Forward (1995-1997), So Weird (1999-2001), and Bug Juice (1998-2001).
