After being on television for almost 40 years, the Disney Channel has managed to create a large and influential amount of shows. From cartoons to game shows, to sitcoms and even more serious dramas, there is something on the channel for everyone to enjoy.
There are plenty of shows which have managed to stand out over the years, but it can be hard to find a consensus on which ones are the absolute best. However, the website Reddit allows someone to see which shows are favored by Disney Channel fans.
The Owl House (2020-Present)
While it’s a relatively new show, The Owl House has already built its reputation as a classic. Set in a magical world with a fun and slightly wacky cast of characters, this show follows Luz as she attempts to become a witch, and it is also the first Disney property to have an LGBTQ+ couple in leading roles.
According to Reddit user jedimasta, there are many other things to enjoy about the show, including: “Amazing quality animation for a TV show. Excellent story and attention to detail, especially continuity, which is lacking in a lot of shows. The creature design is heavily horror-inspired, but not off-putting, and very creative. Overall it’s just great.”
Wizards Of Waverly Place (2007-2012)
According to this magical sitcom’s theme song, “Everything is not what it seems.” But this show seems super entertaining and funny, and according to Redditors, it is. As stated by Reddit user Marcellus508, “WOWP is one of my favorites. I like the whole concept involving wizards and having engaging television specials like Wizards vs Vampires or Wizards vs Angels. It also has a good movie. I wish this show would get a spiritual successor.”
While it seems like Selena Gomez, who plays arguably the best Disney Channel character, Alex Russo, would be too busy to return to this show, fans still hope for some kind of spin-off to magically appear.
Gabby Duran And The Unsittables (2019-2021)
This series is relatively new, but many people already love it. This sci-fi show follows teenage Gabby Duran as she is tasked by her Principal to babysit an unruly group of extraterrestrial children who have been hiding out on Earth while disguised as humans.
According to Reddit user dleonsgk1995, this show is one of Disney Channel’s best because despite being a series about alien children, it’s surprisingly more realistic than other Disney Channel shows: “it’s refreshing cause it’s not a sitcom, not a multicamera show, doesn’t have a laugh track and the characters talk and dress a little more like real people.”
Gravity Falls (2012-2016)
Gravity Falls took many viewers by storm in the early 2010s, and its mysteries are still discussed a decade later. It features some of the funniest Disney characters and quotes, and it is one of the few shows that managed to end on its terms and on a truly high note.
According to Redditor geyserpj, “It’s a great mystery show that has great wit, fantastic writing, and many jokes. Almost like a G-rated version of Rick and Morty, or a more clever Scooby-Doo. Each episode builds on each other and has great callbacks with a bigger mystery to solve episode by episode. Bonus: it has one of the best theme songs in any show.”
The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody (2005-2008)
This sitcom was a landmark in the Sprouse twins’ rise to fame, and as stated by Redditor Jcld1029, “I know it’s a kid’s show, and looking back some of the jokes are cheesy, but I still find some of them funny. The setting of the Tipton Hotel lobby is appealing. Also, this one had great characters, like Maddie and Carey and Muriel and Esteban, and I liked the interactions between them. We also got cool side characters like Agnes, Arwin, and Ilsa Shickelgrubermeiger Vonhelsingdekeppelugerhoffer.”
Jcld1029 is correct, the setting is ingenious, and the characters are fantastic. The show features two of the best friend characters in any 2000s sitcom, London and Maddy.
Phineas And Ferb (2007-2015)
Phineas and Ferb are one of the funniest cartoons in history, and Reddit user OminousTang has no problem arguing that: “I’m just unfortunately not that big of a fan of comedies (preferring shows with more drama in them) but Phineas and Ferb was an exception because of how clever its comedy was in terms of its satire and parodies. It was being a more family-friendly version of The Simpsons.”
Every character has their hilarious quirk, and even people who don’t watch the show tend to be aware of Perry the Platypus and his rivalry with the evil yet loveable Dr. Doofenshmirtz. The theme song is also insanely memorable and catchy.
Kim Possible (2002-2007)
As stated by Reddit user JetPackFuture104, “This show is honestly pretty great. It has that distinct sense of identity in that it knows it’s not trying to take itself so seriously. It’s a more character and humor-driven series that I found to be just a really fun romp to go through. It has just the right blend of action, crisp appealing animation, and some tasteful self-awareness that never lets the viewer feel bored.”
Kim Possible is a show that has stood the test of time, and it manages to be both insanely epic and hilariously relatable all at once. It also has a wide range of villains that rival the likes of Batman’s rogues’ gallery.
Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004)
Lizzie Mcguire was a much more relaxed version of the iconic Disney Channel sitcom, mainly as it didn’t have a laugh track and focused on much more relatable issues, like trying to pass a class or buying your first bra.
According to one Redditor, what made the show engaging was its characters: “I loved the main trio of Lizzie, Miranda, and Gordo, their friendship was wholesome, and so was the way they dealt with situations together.” Ultimately, it is one of the best kids’ shows that could be revived as an adult show, so it’s a shame that Disney never went forward with that plan.
Hannah Montana (2006-2011)
Hannah Montana was an atom bomb of a show at the time, and it was even big enough to get its movie in theatres. As argued by Redditor sage, “Hannah Montana was just genuinely a good show. It was funny, and not just by kid’s show standards. And the songs were good too; Disney shows and bubblegum pop songs like Hannah’s were fresher at the time.”
Redditor lovinhimwasred123 agrees, and adds, “Also it was made to be relatable and tore down the idea that pop stars are completely different to normal people and are snobby, never awkward, perfect, and coordinated because Miley’s character was never any of these things.”
That’s So Raven (2003-2007)
That’s So Raven was an incredibly funny show. Every member of the cast had impeccable comedic timing, and the show’s plot managed to be both relatable and magical. Furthermore, the show happened to be very topical.
As stated by Redditor Y2KBaby99, “It amazes me how ahead of its time the show was. The show tackled a lot of social issues that no other show targeted to kids was able to do. In the episode where Raven was discriminated against for her body, Chelsea was an animal rights activist (before it became popular in the mainstream). Raven was also discriminated against because of her skin color.” Ultimately, the show was funny, but it also managed to teach some great lessons.
