I am a terrible tv watcher. I often find myself perusing my Netflix homepage, searching for a new show to watch. I land on one such option thinking it’s the perfect match. Then, after 5 episodes (or if I’m lucky the first season), I’m bored. I quit and start the process again. And again. And again. I don’t know what it is, but for me, most tv shows just get stale after the first episode. Especially in a binge-watching session, the repetition makes it feel like I’m watching the same thing over and over. But there is something I know I can always count on. What might that be? The Disney Channel.
From The Suite Life of Zack & Cody to Wizards of Waverly Place, I know whatever show I pick will surely keep me entertained for as long as need be. First off, the length of each episode, a quick 20 minutes, has me engaged for the whole storyline. Also, I can skip around and just watch the episodes I like. No need to suffer through monotonous screen time simply to understand the overarching story. Even more, each show is so unique with dynamic characters and creative plotlines. And yes, I am aware that some of the story’s central ideas are a little bizarre. A girl who can see the future? A teenager living a double popstar life? Twin brothers living on a cruise ship? Still, there’s an odd sense of regularity and warmth thread throughout all of them. I know that even when I sit down to watch wizards enter their secret lair through a freezer, I’ll feel strangely at home.
And when I’m in the mood for some long-form content, nothing beats a classic Disney Channel Original Movie. I think I’ve watched High School Musical at least 100 times. My annoyed older brothers can attest. My underrated favorite would have to be Starstruck with its catchy songs and charming story. But no matter which one you pick, you can’t go wrong. There’s just something so relaxing and magical when sitting down to enjoy a classic Disney story after long hours working. The perfect ending to a day.
It’s something that I just can’t quite articulate with words, but I just know that the Disney Channel will always have a special place in my heart. It’s the perfect mix of childhood nostalgia and quality entertainment. Yes, a lot of the content made for this children’s network can be slightly cringey, but isn’t that sort of the point? We escape our reality filled with stressful homework assignments, looming due dates, and anxious moments and simply enjoy the moment of Hannah Montana solving another one of her problems just in time to sing her newest song before us. Somehow, on the Disney Channel, everything always ends up just right.