From The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder to Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers (available to stream starting May 20, 2022) all the way to Lightyear (set to hit theatres on June 17, 2022), Disney is in its golden era of reboots and spin-offs.
While the media conglomerate is successfully profiting off of the nostalgia factor, there is still a plethora of past content that can be explored from a new lens and be welcomed by adoring fans. This is especially true when it comes to iconic side characters in beloved Disney Channel shows that fans always wish they had seen more of.
Gunther & Tinka – Shake It Up
Although originally established as Rocky and CeCe’s rivals in Shake It Up, Gunther and Tinka Hessenheffer are shown in many episodes as being compassionate and friendly towards the protagonists as the series progresses. They even come to the rescue on several occasions.
The duo is regularly shown to have unabashedly loud personalities and a straightforward nature, juxtaposed with their hard work and passion for dance. With their spunky attitudes, bedazzled clothing, and wild stories about their home, the twins would be perfect for a spin-off, with their iconic catchphrase ready to incorporate into it.
Carl – Phineas And Ferb
Carl Karl is a recurring character on one of the Disney Channel’s best-animated series, Phineas and Ferb. Serving as an intern to Major Monogram, Carl assists Monogram with everything from his videography to even subbing in when he’s away. He’s a staple to almost every episode, due to him working at Perry’s secret agent organization, the O.W.C.A.
While Carl is regularly shown to be naive and flustered, he constantly proves himself to be underestimated. With his hidden depths, exciting internship, and many skills and responsibilities, he’d be a great candidate for a Phineas and Ferb spin-off. Plus, the original series has already given Carl the perfect title track.
Joey – Liv And Maddie
While Dove Cameron’s performance as both Liv and Maddie got most of the spotlight in the series, her on-screen brother, Joey Rooney, easily stole the show in many of his scenes. Although part of the main cast, Joey was often limited to subplots or comedic relief.
With his quirky antics, kind heart, and geeky, amicable nature, Joey undeniably deserves his own spin-off. Many of his arcs existed solely to help the main characters grow, whereas a Joey-themed Liv and Maddie spin-off would be able to fully showcase his potential and hilarity in all of its glory.
Mason – Wizards of Waverly Place
Mason Greyback was undeniably Alex Russo’s best boyfriend. Having met in art class, the British werewolf made quite the impression on the young wizard in one of Reddit’s favorite Disney Channel shows, Wizards of Waverly Place. Although he and Alex had their fair share of issues, they both had a loving and deep relationship that last until the end of the series.
Whether it be his old relationship with Juliet the vampire, his complex werewolf lifestyle, or living with a foreign family in a trailer as a wolf, Mason is shown to have a very eventful life on the show. This is exactly why it would be interesting to see his past and solo werewolf adventures in his own series.
Yzma – The Emperor’s New School
Fixated on stealing Kuzco’s throne, Yzma is the antagonist of The Emperor’s New School. With her many schemes and plethora of potions, Yzma is incredibly persistent and patient despite being foiled every time. Although she has devious plans, Yzma is shown to be a complex and even compassionate villain and easily deserving of her own show.
Her relationship with Kronk is especially hilarious and heartwarming, the two being inseparable despite their clashing personalities, and to see that highlighted in its own series would be loved by fans. Also, it would be great to see her ridiculous Yzma/Prinicipal Amzy disguises played out from her point of view.
Rico – Hannah Montana
With his devious moneymaking ploys and determination to torture Jackson whenever possible, Rico became a memorable secondary character in the critically panned but popular Disney show, Hannah Montana. His snarky one-liners, endless pranks, and frenemy relationship with the main group really elevated the show’s comedic value.
Rico’s overconfidence, chaotic energy, and overall wicked yet charming personality – not to mention his numerous investment ventures and rich background – are precisely why he’d make a great character to center a spin-off around. Bonus points if Jackson were to feature in it as well.
Esteban – The Suite Life of Zack And Cody
Esteban Julio Ricardo Montoya De la Rosa Ramirez was an easy fan favorite on one of the best Disney Channel TV shows, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. His hardworking personality, concern for his friends, and wholesome approach to his life made him popular among the hotel dwellers and fans of the show alike.
Despite being a beloved character, Esteban did not get a recurring role in The Suite Life on Deck. Fans would love to see what he got up to during this time, as well as some further context to the hilarious but concerning tales he tells of his past. Not to mention how he’s faring since his promotion at the Tipton.
Miss Finster – Recess
A constant voice of reprimanding and discipline, Miss Finster was often an obstacle that came between TJ and his friends’ plans in Disney’s Recess. With her trusty sidekick Randall, she did her best to ensure the kids followed all the rules and would keep their shenanigans to a minimum.
Yet she also had a soft side for them and kept their best interests deep at heart. She even once lived a very fun and exciting life, as Spinelli learns in the episode “Weekend at Muriel’s.” Her straightforward nature, mysterious past, and secretive life would make for a very interesting spin-off.
Victor Baxter – That’s So Raven
Raven Baxter got her own series, as did her brother Cory in Cory in the House, but one deserving Baxter that did not get his time in the spotlight was their father, Victor. Raising a psychic and another trickster, all while managing his restaurant, the Chill Grill, could not have been an easy feat.
And yet, Victor did it all. He was also always shown to be kind, patient, and supportive of his family. Now that Raven and Cory have left, it would’ve been perfect if this great Disney dad finally got his own spin-off showcasing his life. Luckily, fans may get to see more of him in the next season of Raven’s Home.
Shego – Kim Possible
Kim’s archnemesis, Dr. Drakken, may have been an incompetent one, but his right-hand woman, Shego, was a formidable opponent for her. With her witty roasts, impressive combat skills, and sultry attitude, Shego was one of the best side characters in Kim Possible.
Apart from villainy and fighting Kim, Shego has various other skills and abilities. Having been a former crime-fighting superhero, Shego has a complicated agenda and many interesting qualities, deserving her own spin-off to further explore her complexities. Perhaps Drakken could be her right-hand man in this one.
