Top 30 Times Disney Channel Shows Got Serious

Top 30 Times Disney Channel Shows Got Serious

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for times that Disney Channel tackled complicated situations and mature themes.

#30: Fear of Growing Up
“Gravity Falls” (2012-16)

Whether we like it or not, nobody can stop things from changing. The town of Gravity Falls faces cataclysmic change near the end of the show with the evil Bill Cipher. But before that, Mabel faces the threat of change when planning her and her brother Dipper’s thirteenth birthday party. Problems quickly arise with the plans, and eventually it culminates with Mabel experiencing dread over going to high school. Her fears get so bad they make her susceptible to Cipher’s influence. The recurring theme developed throughout is essentially the fear of having to grow up. It can be scary, but eventually Mabel realizes how to cope with her fears, and that ends up being what helps her save Gravity Falls.

#29: Grief
“Hannah Montana” (2006-11)

When Miley’s father seemingly begins dating again, it causes a shift within the dynamics of the family. In the episode “She’s a Supersneak,” Miley’s father’s new potential relationship proves difficult for her to adjust to. She and Jackson lost their mom several years prior to the start of the series. The siblings wind up essentially stalking this new mystery woman. Though these actions aren’t acceptable, we can at least somewhat understand why they react the way they do. The loss of a parent is difficult to deal with, especially at a young age. The episode deals with Miley’s feelings of being threatened and scared that her mom will be replaced or forgotten.

#28: Parental Abandonment
“Girl Meets World” (2014-17)

Regardless of if she’d admit it or not, the absence of her father plays a large part in shaping Maya Hart’s life. The headstrong and rebellious best friend to Riley Matthews often pretends like nothing phases her. But when she finally gets the chance to meet her father, it’s no longer easy to pretend. She shares several conversations with her dad, and learns more about him, but is unable to fully get closure and forgive him. It’s heartbreaking to see her feel like she wasn’t enough for him. The episode comes to the mature conclusion that making peace with yourself can be more important than excusing the faults of others.

#27: Rescuing a Girl from a Coma
“So Weird” (1999-2001)

“So Weird” may have been a series more rooted in the paranormal and often campier side of things, but it could also be a very serious TV show when it wanted to be. In the episode “Lost,” Fi receives messages from a girl who’s been stuck in a coma for over a decade. While she works to try and rescue the girl from it, the episode slowly grows intense. Things are especially emotional when the girl’s mother gets a chance to communicate with her online. It’s a nerve wracking episode all around. Even though everything works out in the end, the fear that it wouldn’t and she’d remain in a coma is a pretty haunting fate to think about for a kids’ show.

#26: Divorce
“The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” (2005-08)

When Zack and Cody’s divorced parents appear to be on good terms with each other during the holiday season, Cody thinks it means that they can get back together. In fact, he’s so hopeful that he steps in to try and reignite the two’s romance. However, it ultimately doesn’t go his way, which bums him out. Having divorced parents can be a difficult experience, and many kids can probably relate to Cody’s frustrations. But while they don’t get remarried, their parents remind Zack and Cody just how much they love them. Having an episode dealing with the realities of divorced parents was an important topic for the show to take on.

#25: Drinking
“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)

This sitcom wasn’t afraid to confront difficult topics. In the fifth season episode “If You Can't Be With the One You Love…” Cory has split from Topanga. He gets drunk at a party and convinces Shawn to drink too. Unfortunately, Shawn starts to drink a lot — and considering that members of his family struggled with alcohol use, his friends quickly grow worried by his behavior. Shawn even lashes out at his girlfriend. The sobering experience makes him realize the danger of his condition and gives him the strength to quit. It was a heavy topic for the sitcom to address.

#24: Online Predators
“Smart Guy” (1997-99)

There are people out there looking to exploit a vulnerable person’s trust for sinister purposes. Boy genius T.J. finds this out the hard way in the episode “Strangers on the Net.” When he meets Marky412, a kid selling a bootleg copy of the game he wants, the kid turns out to actually be a grown man. As the episode continues, viewers quickly realize that Marky412 is a predator. T.J. and Karen escape a dangerous situation and Marky412 is arrested after T.J. tells his father what happened. The unsettling episode was an early example of teaches kids about the dangers of navigating the Internet.

#23: Body Image
“The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” (2005-08)

While preparing for a fashion show, London and Maddie receive discouraging remarks about their appearance from one of London’s friends. The insensitive comments she makes about their looks cause them to question themselves. It isn’t long before the two soon start developing unhealthy habits in an effort to improve their body image. While their attempts to change their weight are somewhat played for laughs, the antics highlight a serious problem. The episode shows the effect that commenting on a person’s body could have on them. Of course, London and Maddie realize they are completely fine as they are, even if it takes a while.

#22: Post-Traumatic Stress
“The Famous Jett Jackson” (1998-2001)

A surprisingly dark amount of issues arise during “The Famous Jett Jackson” season three episode “Heroes.” Jett learns that his dad, the sheriff, was recently in an intense shootout. Being forced to use his weapon against an armed robber shakes Sheriff Wood. The experience haunts him on an extreme level. Though he’s heralded as a hero, he doesn’t quite see it that way. In fact, he later delivers a speech that explores who he thinks real heroes are. The episode is not just an exploration of post-traumatic stress, but also a statement on the danger of weapons.

#21: Joining a Cult
“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)

Teenage angst is all about trying to find your purpose in life — and that can lead to some dark places. For Shawn in the episode “Cult Fiction,” it led him to joining a dangerous group. Struggling to develop his plans for life after high school, he gets convinced to join “The Centre.” Despite everyone’s protests, Shawn is determined to join. But when his teacher and father-figure Mr. Turner ends up in the hospital, he realizes that he belongs with his friends and family rather than the Centre. The episode’s confrontation of issues like brainwashing and emotional, religious speech make for a more mature subject matter than more typical “Boy Meets World” fare.

#20: Anxiety & Panic Attacks
“Andi Mack” (2017-19)

This show has been applauded for covering a plethora of important subjects. One of its most poignant storylines revolves around Jonah’s experiences with anxiety and panic attacks. When we first meet him, he’s so cool, confident, and outgoing, but over time the deeper issues begin to emerge. What made this arc so impactful was how real it felt and how well-supported Jonah was throughout. They also do a great job in explaining what Jonah’s going through in a way that we’re sure helped countless others experiencing similar struggles. It’s great to see mental health being normalized on television, especially for such an impressionable audience.

#19: Class Inequality
“The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” (2005-08)

Thanks to Maddie and London’s friendship, class differences have been a running theme throughout the show. On this occasion though, it’s Maddie who flexes her imaginary wealth to impress a guy on whom she has a crush. Naturally, things get out of control as she’s forced to keep up the charade longer than expected. Eventually though, the truth comes out. As Carey comforts a tearful Maddie, she reminds her that she has a lot to offer that is invaluable. It’s a great lesson in self-worth over material worth. It reminds viewers that the right people will like you for you and not for what’s in your bank account.

#18: Race Identity & Racism
“The Famous Jett Jackson” (1998-2001)

Back when this show aired, the depth with which it approached race was considered pretty groundbreaking. Set in the South, Jett gets a dose of reality when his showbiz lifestyle is juxtaposed with real issues faced by African-Americans in his small town. He stars in a TV show called “Silverstone” that shows this ideal non-discriminatory world. However, he comes to learn that the real world is very different. We also meet Kayla, a young mixed-race woman grappling with her identity. It highlighted the many battles endured on the continuous journey to equality. We imagine that it was an inspiration for countless shows that followed.

#17: Representation of People with Disabilities
“Kim Possible” (2002-07)

“Kim Possible” was known for breaking stereotypes, and in this case, it was with the portrayal of people with disabilities. In season two we meet Felix, who just happens to use a wheelchair. While Ron doesn’t give it a second thought, Kim is clearly uncomfortable and doesn’t know what to say. Nevertheless, the character is a three-dimensional and complex individual just like anyone else. He’s never reduced to the disability he has or even pitied. Indeed, he helps save the day, gets a love story, and even becomes valedictorian. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great step in representation. Kids with disabilities could watch Felix and see themselves and the possibilities out there.

#16: Getting Your First Period
“Sydney to the Max” (2019-)

If you’ve ever had a period, the memory of your first one is probably still ingrained in your mind. And for many of us, the experience wouldn’t have been all that different from Sydney’s. In this episode, when Sydney gets her first period, Olive is super supportive. But sometimes you just need someone who’s been through it to help guide the way. The conversation between Sydney and her grandma is phenomenally noteworthy. Her advice is informative, educational and highlights that no two experiences are alike. If you didn’t have someone in your life who you felt you could talk to, grandma Judy had you covered.

#15: Racial Profiling
“Smart Guy” (1997-99)

Yvette is horrified when she learns that her new manager has a blatant racial bias. She tries to confront her over the problem but it falls on deaf ears. Miss Hendra refuses to accept that racial profiling is a form of racism. Her response is so infuriating, especially as this is still a prevalent problem today. Indeed, in 2021 “The Guardian” reported that more than 90% of Black Americans have experienced racial profiling while shopping. Anyway, Yvette leaves, realizing that she can’t get through to the bigoted manager. But she has someone else in mind who’s sure to get the message across.

#14: Dyslexia
“Shake It Up” (2010-13)

Drawing on Bella Thorne’s real-life experiences, this season one episode reveals that CeCe is dyslexic. It’s heartbreaking to see how embarrassed she feels of her learning difficulty. Sadly, there are many others who will identify with that feeling too. Fortunately, she has Rocky who is so supportive and understanding. She reminds her friend just how special she is. We can only imagine that there were plenty of impressionable viewers watching who really needed to hear that, too. Thorne said that she hoped that by addressing the subject on the show, other kids with dyslexia could see that they can do anything they set their minds to.

#13: Gun Safety
“Andi Mack” (2017-19)

We could easily write a whole list just about this series. But some of its most affecting episodes were the ones on gun safety. The Disney Channel teamed up with several child development experts to address this very real issue. In the first episode, Cyrus is justifiably uncomfortable when one of TJ’s friends pulls out a gun as if it's just a toy. He leaves and goes to report it, only to learn that someone else has already done so. Apparently, the plot was inspired by a real-life tragedy that affected one of the writers. A direct-to-camera PSA was shot and included with the two-episode arc.

#12: Racial Insensitivity
“Sydney to the Max” (2019-)

This season three episode, directed by Raven-Symoné, covered the subject of microaggressions. Sydney and her friends realize that they’ve all been assigned historical figures to write about based on their race. Emmy then does a great job of explaining what microaggressions are and how easily they can be overlooked. Not only does the episode see Sydney confront the situation, but it also encourages an open conversation about race. The episode reminds people to be more mindful of their words and actions. It’s also a positive encouragement that you should always stand up for what’s right. After all, change has to start from somewhere.

#11: Physical Self-Perception
“Lizzie McGuire” (2001-04)

While preparing to shoot a music video, Gordo makes an off-hand remark about the girls’ eating habits. This proves triggering for Miranda, who develops body dysmorphia. She makes excuses to avoid eating and starves herself to the point of almost fainting. Her friends try to talk to her, but she becomes defensive. Although, eventually they do manage to get through to her. While it could have been taken even further, considering that by the time the episode ends her body image struggles are all but forgotten, it’s still an impactful message to young audiences about body image and the dangers of crash diets.

#10: Bisexual Representation
“The Owl House” (2020-)

Once unimaginable, the Disney Channel has taken great strides in creating diverse characters across their shows. One of the central love stories on “The Owl House” takes place between two women, Luz and Amity. The creator of “Gravity Falls”, Alex Hirsch welcomed the news by pointing out how groundbreaking this was for the network. Meanwhile, “The Owl House” creator, Dana Terrace divulged that Luz was inspired by her own experiences as a bisexual woman. The characters are so fleshed-out and treated like real three-dimensional people. Thanks to Terrace, there’s no tokenism to be found here. This was actually a historic moment for the Disney Channel.

#9: Vaping
“Raven’s Home” (2017-23)

Raven is no stranger to tackling issues like peer pressure and smoking. So when she was told that the “That’s So Raven” spinoff wanted to address vaping, she was on board. The writers worked with Hollywood, Health & Society among other experts to develop a meaningful and informative narrative. Booker’s new friends try to pressure him into vaping. He refuses and tries to warn them of the dangers but they don’t want to hear it. When they all get caught with the pen, they pin the blame on Booker, who gets suspended. It ends with a message from the cast who reiterate the moral of the episode.

#8: Online Harassment
“Austin & Ally” (2011-16)

Trish is delighted to land the lead in the school play. But she’s left feeling pretty gutted after reading some nasty comments about her on the play’s website. As the hateful behavior escalates, she tries to laugh it off - but she’s utterly heartbroken. Writing as a guest blogger for Huffington Post, Raini Rodriguez - who played Trish - explained how they wanted to show that anyone can be a victim of such repetitive harassment. She also talked about drawing on her own experiences of being mistreated. Eventually, the culprit is caught and Trish reports her to Coach Simmons, who says he wishes Trish had spoken up sooner. The episode ends with a direct-to-camera PSA.

#7: Objectification
“Liv and Maddie” (2013-17)

While it wasn’t the only occasion the show addressed sexism, it was certainly the most relatable. In “Rate A-Rooney”, the guys start rating the girls at school based on their appearances. This knocks their self-confidence and leaves them feeling pressured to change how they look just for a higher score. Liv fights back with a song of female empowerment called “What a Girl Is”, to remind them that they’re perfect as they are and shouldn’t change for anyone. It’s a message that many of us need reminding of from time to time. In 2016, the episode was even nominated for the Humanitas Prize.

#6: Body Image
“That’s So Raven” (2003-07)

Raven has a vision where she’s modeling her own dress design on a catwalk. However, she’s deflated after seeing her photoshopped body in the magazine due to not having “the look”. Although her confidence is momentarily knocked, Raven, with some encouragement from Mimi, decides to fight back against this harmful rhetoric. She delivers a powerful message on body image and looks fabulous while doing so. “The Suite Life” also dedicated an episode to challenging body standards. In a time where there was far less body diversity in the media, it was great to see our favorite Disney Channel shows championing all body shapes and sizes.

#5: Coming Out as LGBTQ+
“Andi Mack” (2017-19)

Following the titular character and her friends while they’re in middle school, this comedy-drama with an Asian-American lead stands out in particular for its diversity. In 2017, Cyrus made Disney Channel history as the first character on the network to directly address their sexuality. It was also the first time that a Disney Channel show featured a coming-out story arc. LGBTQ+ organizations were consulted to ensure that it was conveyed honestly and respectfully. Cyrus’ friends are all so supportive, but the biggest moment occurred when he came out to Jonah and finally said [“I’m gay”]. The episode’s writer, Jonathan Hurwitz drew on one of his own coming-out experiences to write this scene.

#4: Hurtful/Threatening Behavior
“Girl Meets World” (2014-17)

Riley is normally so upbeat and happy-go-lucky. So when she starts lashing out, her friends realize something must be wrong. The moment they learn she’s being made fun of though, they rush to her side. This isn’t the only “Girl Meets World” episode that tackled the issue, but the way it’s addressed this time is particularly interesting. We never meet Riley’s teaser. She’s not seen or heard, and she’s never named. However, when Riley finally confronts her, it almost looks like she’s breaking the fourth wall. Perhaps this is because her message is universal. Or maybe it’s to reflect how people use the internet to hide behind their anonymity.

#3: Islamophobia
“The Proud Family” (2001-05)

Following the sharp rise of fear and/or hatred against Muslims and/or the religion of Islam in the early 2000s, “The Proud Family” sought to break down prejudices through this episode. As part of a cultural exchange program, Penny lives with a Muslim family as they observe Ramadan. As she gets to know the Zamins, her own prejudices begin to dissolve. Her family even joins them to celebrate Eid and stand with them in the face of racial harassment. There wasn’t much cultural representation in animation at the time, so this was certainly a step in the right direction. However, while the intention was good, it probably would have been approached with more cultural sensitivity today.

#2: Normalizing LGBTQ+ Families
“Good Luck Charlie” (2010-14)

Charlie’s friend Taylor is coming over for a playdate with her parents. This leaves Bob and Amy confused as each swears that they’ve met the mom, but both remember different names. When Taylor arrives, they discover that they were actually both right. However, what’s great about this scene is that Taylor having two mothers isn’t made into an issue. They just laugh at themselves for not considering that option and simply move on. A Disney Channel spokesperson said that they wanted to “reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness.” They also had the approval and excitement of Disney Channel alum, Miley Cyrus.

#1: Racism
“That’s So Raven” (2003-07)

While some shows tackled racism indirectly, “That’s So Raven” took a more head-on approach. Raven discovers that the only reason she wasn’t hired for her perfect job is because she’s Black. So, with the support of her family and friends, she goes undercover to expose the bigoted store manager. They uncover injustice, discuss the experiences of Black people, and don’t shy away from the very real and still prevalent systematic racism. Airing during Black History Month, the episode’s subplot also celebrated the achievements of Black American historical figures. They proved that a show can be educational, entertaining and provide a powerful voice that other TV shows should echo.

Is there a serious moment we missed? Let us know in the comments!