Recently Dan Schneider released a video finally revealing what Zoey said about Chase in the time capsule episode of Zoey 101 that aired 10 years ago. Besides making me feel really old, this video stirred up some nostalgia for the shows of my youth. Feeling inspired, I’ve chosen to list the top 10 TV shows from our childhood. Enjoy!
10. Phil of the Future
This show is often forgotten, but I remember the Diffy family quite well. Phil was adorably out of touch with the 20th century, while simultaneously adorably in love with Keely. They finally got together… just in time for the Diffy’s to return to the future.
Pim and Lil’ Danny Dawkins also made quite the comical pair, with her brash mean side and his undying devotion to help her execute her schemes.
So presh!
9. Spongebob Squarepants
If I didn’t include Spongebob, I would be leaving out a crucial element of most elementary school mornings (back when I had time to watch TV befores school). The show and its characters are so iconic to our generation and popular for kids today. That kind of lasting power deserves a spot on the list.
8. Rugrats
I love Rugrats, and not just because I’m 99.9% sure I was Angelica in a past life. That girl had her priorities straight: cookies always come first. Angelica aside, the surprisingly verbal babies’ (who should really be put in Mensa or something) imaginative adventures display the world from the interesting perspective of an infant.
Preach Tommy, preach.
The endearing mispronunciations and misunderstandings of adults (usually thanks to Angelica) make the show enjoyable to watch at any age. Their youthful outlook on life sometimes isn’t too far off of how I feel in college.
I feel ya Phil.
7. Hannah Montana
I would rank Hannah Montana higher, but after the Hannah Montana movie the show kind of went downhill… and after the show Miley kind of went downhill. However, in the time it ran Miley Stewart was basically living every girl’s dream. Lily, Oliver, and Jackson often contributed to the appeal of the show, as did my personal favorite character, Rico. With charming characters and catchy music, the show was pretty addicting.
6. That’s So Raven
Not only does the theme song get stuck in your head, but the disguises and mischief that result from Raven’s visions created over-the-top humor for audiences. This show was revolutionary in my opinion, addressing serious issues like race and body image, and therefore exposing children to those issues at a young age.
Recently the cast reunited on The View which I would encourage you to watch here. It’s pretty adorable.
All the feels.
5. Lizzie McGuire
Honestly, Hilary Duff can do no wrong and this was just the beginning of her life as a role-model for young girls and women. Lizzie McGuire’s struggle in middle school and the little cartoon sharing her internal thoughts made her beyond relatable. Plus, who could forget the show that led to The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which I’ve only seen about a billion times.
Am I the only one who practiced doing this at home, as if I’d be on Disney Channel one day?
4. Kim Possible
Nothing like a young woman who defeats evil in between cheer routines and school to make you feel lazy. This show completely reversed typical gender roles, making Kim and Shego independent, empowered females. Don’t get me wrong, Ron Stoppable and Rufus make their own power team, spreading a powerful message about not caring what others think. It’s also hard to disagree with their love of Mexican food.
3. Zoey 101
This show had ALL of our life goals in it. From PCA’s beachfront campus to the perfect group of friends, it seemed like Zoey Brooks had it all. Plus, the show light-heartedly addressed gender relations at a school that used to be all boys. Maybe Notre Dame should take some notes…
Not to mention, how cute were Chase and Zoey? #relationshipgoals
2. Drake and Josh
I don’t think an explanation is necessary. This show was just so freaking funny. Drake and Josh’s shenanigans ranged from protecting their conniving little sister from boys to competing in a salsa competition. There was never a dull moment in the Parker-Nichols household.
Classic.
1. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
THIS SHOW WAS MY EVERYTHING. Not were Zack and Cody super cute, but you and your best friend could each date one (in theory of course). Also, the whole premise of living in a luxury hotel sounds superb. Even though the characters were pretty stereotyped, they all interacted in such a humorous way.
Not to mention the episode with Jesse McCartney put all of my true-loves in one place. That episode was arguably the best 22 minutes of my pre-teen years.
Swoon.
If I left one of your favorites out, I apologize. I know that television back in our day was such higher quality than the bologna that’s on today, so it was hard to narrow it down. I mean, Dog with A Blog? Really Disney? Personally, I have no shame watching Suite Life on Netflix every once in a while or jamming to “What Dreams Are Made Of” in my car. Rumor has it, Nickelodeon might even start rerunning some of their 90s shows again. In the meantime, we’ll just live with the memories of the good ol’ days with better shows and devestatingly adorable couples.
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