When you’re done for the day and want to chill with the TV, what’s the first thing you do? Most people tend to say they dive for the remote control to watch whatever what they want before somebody else takes it. At least that’s what I do cause I don’t really watch it, but when I do I only enjoy the best it has to offer. Normally people would associate me with watching channels like FOX, CW, ABC, CourtTV or another one of those “for older people only” channels. Sure I got my faves watching them, too, but my heart’s usually set on watching Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network or Disney.
I think Disney is the one I’m all the more for than the others, to be honest. Usually I associate the more kiddo shows with Nickelodeon which don’t suit me and there’s a bit of an adult take for Cartoon Network with some of the things they show these days (and at night). And Disney? They’ve always had those great shows that are an enjoyment for an all ages audience whether you believe so or not.
Some may not believe it, but Disney was an obsession since the day I was born and it continues to go on even today. Over the decades, Disney has created some of the greatest shows and movies I’ve ever seen with an amazing variety of genre be it in animation, stop motion or live action. From the very early days of single paper animation to clay animation to the computerized special effects of today, the love for Disney only increases with each new episode and movie that premieres.
Like was said, Disney’s got some magnificent creations, even the new ones in the works for premieres whether on the Disney Channel or in theaters. But even with my love of the several movies created like the animated “Beauty and the Beast” or special effects of witch twins from “Twitches” , I’ve always been a lover of the half-hour shows that can continue with a new story line each week. That’s saying something about me because once I find something I adore, I can’t get enough of it. One movie isn’t going to cut it, so it’s either make more than a single sequel or give me a show with more than episodes to last me forever.
However, no matter how much I enjoy the current shows, my heart will always be nostalgic for the oldies ranging from a few years to a decade or two ago. They’re missed so much, lots of people wish they could come back, even as reruns which might be highly impossible considering Disney’s full-packed time slots of new and semi-old shows and movies. Though Disney does have the habit of giving into their viewers and squeezing in an old episode or two of your retro faves.
So what are the top shows I believe need a serious rerun binge (even if they already had their chance)? Check out the recommendations below!
“Lilo & Stitch: The Series” (2003-2006)
This animated series told about the adventures of a young girl named Lilo and her odd, yet multi-talented alien “dog” named Stitch. Once wanted by the Galactic Federation, Stitch now works with Jumba (the scientist who created Stitch a.k.a Experiment 626) and Pleakley to capture and obtain all of the other experiments gone wild.
The series is actually a spin-off of “Stitch! The Movie” and “Lilo & Stitch”. It’s one of the best animated series I’ve seen cause it’s got an abundance of characters with different characteristics and personality. Plus, a lot of adorable alien experiments you either want to cuddle tightly or lock them in a cage to hand over to the Federation. Disney has ran some reruns of this series, but I’m thinking more episodes would be fun since there are at least 625 experiments that need capturing!
“Sonny With A Chance” (2009-2011)
This series followed the life of normal girl, Sonny Munroe. After finding herself with a talent for comedy and skit-creating, she was accepted as the newest cast member for her favorite live action comedy show, So Random!.
This was one of the funnest series I had the chance of watching for a couple years. As a big fan of Demi Lovato, it certainly gave me a chance to check out her acting and music skills all in one go. Originally this series was going on to a third season, but due to personal circumstances, Demi Lovato was sadly unable to return. Either way, it was great that Demi was able to make so many laugh with the hilarious situations happening behind the scenes of her comedy show.
“The Famous Jett Jackson” (1998-2001)
When he wished to have a normal life while balancing the celebrity scene, teenager Jett Jackson finds a way by pulling some strings. After living with his actress mom in Los Angeles, he went back home to his hometown Wilsted, North Carolina after convincing his production company to move his hit show within a show “Silverstone” in to town. There’s he’s able to live normally, but with his famous roots following.
This was a fun show to watch. With this series, you were able to watch a show within a show which was pretty cool. Going back and forth between the normal teen Jett Jackson to the suave and Double-O seven wannabe Silverstone almost reminded me of the separated twins in “The Parent Trap” but without them actually being twins and him being a fictional character. (Okay, guess that might not make much sense, huh?) But the best part is they did have a movie where Jett was trapped in the alternate world of Silverstone making it that much cooler!
“So Random!” (2011-2012)
This comedy show that resided within “Sonny With A Chance” actually became a live comedy series on its own. It’s full of parodies, hilarious skits and amazing music numbers.
This show reminded me of the old Nickelodeon series “All That” which is one of the reasons I love it. Seriously, it should have continued for as long as possible. No matter how many shows Disney has with comedy, this show really made side-splitting laughter worth it!
“American Dragon: Jake Long” (2005-2007)
Follow the supernatural life of adolescent Chinese-American Jake Long. At 13-years-old, he harbors the secret from the world about him and his family being mythical dragons. Jake learns everything from his grandfather and with the help of his friends, learns his full potential and protects other mythical beings located in the city.
Myth and dragons: two of my favorite things. Better yet, it was put into a cartoon series which made it even more fun to watch. Though it became a bit strange after the sudden animation change around the middle of the series. Sorry, Disney, it didn’t make the series look better than it already was. Honestly, it might have dropped a few viewer ratings here and there. Kick-butt animation is where it’s at, you know?
“So Weird” (1999-2001)
Meet Fiona Phillips. She’s an average girl who travels son a tour bus with her rock star mom, older brother and the management team. While on the road, Fiona encounters several bouts of paranormal and supernatural activity along the way and learns more than a few things about herself and deceased father. Later on, while needing a break, a family friend named Annie comes into the picture and she is followed on tour with everybody while maintaining a skeptic mind, but still intrigued by the strange happenings.
A supernatural filled series is just up my alley. I love shows like this seeing as a sucker for ghosts and the paranormal. “So Weird” was like my pizza habit – I got to have more! There was so much to this series that it honestly needed more than just three seasons, especially when we’re practically left with a cliffhanger and never know what’s become of Fiona or Annie.
“Lizzie McGuire” (2001-2004)
The series follows a shy teen named Lizzie McGuire who just wants to be normal and fit in like everybody else. While her actions and words are heard from everybody, an animated version of herself talks to the audience sharing her honest feelings. Sometimes with a bit of humor thrown in.
The series was around when I was a teenager and gave you a look into what a teenage life could be like. It shared lots of different situations that one might face in the actual world which made it a bit more realistic. Though the cartoon might have pushed back reality a bit. It was definitely a great series. So great they gave her her own book series! So enjoy the series and a great read while you’re at it!
“That’s So Raven” (2003-2007)
Follow the crazy life of fashion lover Raven Baxter, a girl who has psychic powers. Following a vision, whether good or bad, she intends to put herself in the middle to make sure it does or doesn’t happen. With the help of disguises, friends and family, this fashionable psychic get herself into quite a few predicaments.
As a fan of Raven-Symone, I couldn’t give up seeing this series. Unfortunately at first, I was a bit disappointed because the characters/series seemed to be based more on comedic relief than actual story line. But a bit more of watching and I started to see that it was all how they were created, to be put into funny situations with a good ending.
“Hannah Montana” (2006-2011)
The show followed the lifestyle of a young Miley Stewart who attempted a normal life by day and became popstar Hannah Montana by night. Though it may sound easy, Miley goes through the struggle of keeping her secret from anybody (who doesn’t know) the identity of her singing alter ego while maintaining a great balance of hilarity and seriousness.
If there’s somebody out there who doesn’t like “Hannah Montana”, I’m going to cry. Honestly, it was such a great series that brought out some fantastic music, great characters, comedic relief and – HELLO! – Billy Ray Cyrus! In fact, this series is one of the few series my oldest nephew watched when he was a young kid and barely talking. He was about six I would say, though he was singing and talking thanks to the old series “The Wiggles”, Hannah also made him wanna get up, sing and dance! Heh, it made us all dance!
“The Proud Family” (2001-2005)
The animated series follows young Penny Proud and her life as a teenager in fictional Wizville, California. Follow this multi-talented girl as she lives a normal life hanging out with her friends, playing on the football team, singing and hides from her father, Oscar, who seems to be a constant embarrassment.
Cartoons are what I love and cartoons are what I will always adore. “The Proud Family” was a bit different from the normal cartoons I’ve enjoyed seeing in the past, which was pretty refreshing. It’s full of good laughs, smooth animation and great music.
“Jonas/Jonas L.A.” (2009-2010)
Famous brothers Nick, Joe and Kevin of the band JONAS live a normal life by hanging with friends and going to school. But it seems less than possible while they’re famous as they are stalked by fans, pursued by hordes of fangirls, constantly recording music and doing shows. After living at home for awhile, they finally make a move to Los Angeles where new romances and fun begins.
I’ve been a fan of Jonas since their guest appearance on an episode of “Hannah Montana” and making the famous movie “Camp Rock” with Demi Lovato. Their music and voices really knew how to pull someone in, though the series did have some character moments making me go, “What?”
“The Jersey” (1999-2004)
Based on the Monday Night Football Club book series, this series follows four teens who get their hands on a mystical football jersey that allows them to transfer themselves into the bodies of professional athletes.
Sports fanatics would love this one! I wasn’t really much of a sports freak at the time, but I still enjoyed the concept of this pretty original series. A plus side to this is a few of my own fave athletes like Michael Andretti, Tony Hawk, Peyton Manning and Laila Ali also appeared! To be able to go into someone else’s body and experience what they do must be amazing! It’s like the saying “Walk a mile in their shoes” and these guys literally do!
Whether you enjoy the old series or just the new series, isn’t it great that there such a sufficient amount out there? Newer may seem like the best way to go, but nothing can beat the classics (or ones almost there), right?
What about you? Do you have a favorite “oldie” you miss seeing?