We all used to watch these series on Disney Channel
The absolute highlight of 2009 was of course the launch of Disney Channel in the Netherlands. With the arrival of this television channel, a world opened up for all teenagers, filled with American series and movies, featuring mainly children who were just as young as we were at that moment. So I really grew up with Disney stars like Miley Cyrus, Zendaya, and Selena Gomez. Well, that creates a bond, I experienced all the phases of our Miley.
This is also an ode to Disney Channel and the fantastic programs we all used to watch. Just to be clear: I was born in 1995, so with ‘all’ I simply mean my own generation. After a long tiring day at high school, we would flop down on the couch with a drum of Verkade cookies, turn on Disney Channel, and just watch. For hours I could disappear into the fascinating teenage world of Disney. I even arranged to meet up with friends after school, just to watch Hannah Montana together. Those were the days.
And if you're feeling bummed out because you're not from my generation, then I have very good news: the programs can all be found on Disney+. After all, you're never too old to start a Disney series. I, for one, am going to replay them one by one. CAN'T WAIT.
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody
This was absolutely my favorite show on Disney Channel. With actors Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse, whom I am still madly in love with.
This series is about a funny and cheeky twin (Zack and Cody) who live with their single mother in a fancy hotel in Boston. Because of this story, I really wanted to live in a suite myself.
That’s So Raven
This high school series is about Raven, a teenage girl who is clairvoyant. What I particularly remember is that I always found the jokes in this series hilarious. I wonder if I still laugh at them or if my humor has developed a bit further by now.
Hannah Montana
Once a Miley Cyrus fan, always a Miley Cyrus fan. I also just admit that the songs from Hannah Montana are regularly played in the car. The series is about a young girl who leads a double life and is secretly a big pop star. Miley lives as a brunette, but when she has to perform, she puts on a blonde wig and suddenly no one recognizes her anymore. In hindsight, this is of course a bit unbelievable, but that’s part of Disney, right?
Jonas L.A.
This series was about the boy band ‘The Jonas Brothers’. All the girls were in love with these musical brothers back then, and still are actually. Three years ago, I shamelessly went to their concert at the Ziggo Dome, it was fantastic.
Wizards Of Waverly Place
In this program, we got to know Selena Gomez, who was still an actress instead of a singer at that time. Selena played the role of Alex, a girl from a wizard family, who had to learn to control her powers. Okay, this does sound really childish, but believe me: it was a fantastic series.
Good Luck Charlie
This series is about baby Charlie, a late addition to the Duncan family. A little baby among three teenagers, that’s quite funny. There are several seasons of Good Luck Charlie, in which you see the little actress who plays Charlie grow up. So sweet.
Shake It Up
Last but not least: Shake It Up with actress Zendaya. Most will know her from movies like Dune and Spiderman, but I know her from this Disney Channel series, where her dream is to become a dancer. I am very curious if I am still as impressed by her dance moves.
