Top 10 Disney Channel Shows You Wish Would Come Back

This spinoff of Boy Meets World appealed to old and new viewers alike. The focus shifted onto a brand new cast of characters, but it also continued the stories of some old favorites. Disney Channel is notorious for its 65 episode rule, but this show was one of its highest rated, so the cancellation really seemed unnecessary. And it was fairly clear that neither the cast nor crew wanted it to end. The creators even continued to look for a new home for the show to no avail. We got to see Cory, Shawn, and Topanga grow up from childhood to adulthood, but sadly, we got cheated with Riley, Maya, and Farkle.

This show was basically the X files, but for kids. It followed Fiona Phillips as she and her mom toured with her music. Along the way, they battled paranormal beings as Fiona tried to communicate with her dead father. Being aimed at a young demographic, Disney Channel generally avoids darker themes, but this show was unafraid and embraced the darkness instead. It didn't talk down to its young viewers and each episode was a new spooky adventure. Shows about kids navigating school, or families struggling through their conflicting lives are a dime a dozen on Disney Channel so we say it’s time to bring back this unique stand out.

Unfortunately, the tragic death of Lee Thomas Young makes a comeback for this one very unlikely, but in a perfect world, Jett Jackson would be saving the world again as kid spy Silverstone. Disney Channel has been quite successful with meta shows such as “Sonny with a Chance”, a show about an actor on a sketch comedy show, and “Hannah Montana”, a show about a teenage musician named Miley. So this show about a teenage actor juggling his home life and life as the famous Jett Jackson falls right into place with one of Disney Channel’s most successful niches. This show’s clever humor, compelling drama, and action packed sequences definitely feels worthy of a reboot.

Though technically an ABC cartoon, Disney already owned ABC, and this show ran in syndication on Disney Channel, so we’re going to allow it. Many shows on this list are live action, so the original young actors are all grown up now, meaning that a comeback would probably need to be in the form of a reboot similar to the That’s So Raven spinoff. But being a cartoon, “Recess” could be brought back in its original incarnation. This show had diverse characters who played against their stereotypes, and taught important lessons about life and friendship. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with TJ and the gang again at recess on the ultimate nostalgia trip?

This show was so popular it broke through Disney Channel’s dreaded 65 episode rule, making it all the way to 87 episodes. One could argue that this show already had its comeback with The Suite Life on Deck, but considering the premiere of that spinoff aired the very same month that the original show ended (and brought with it much of the original cast), it was really more of a continuation. The Sprouse brothers are clearly busy doing other things, but it would be awesome if these twins would reunite for some sweet new adventures.

Speaking of surpassing that dreaded 65 episode rule, Wizards of Waverly Place was one of Disney Channel’s longest running shows, clocking in at 106 episodes. It’s possible that some of the show’s popularity came from the hype around magic at the time due to another very popular teenage wizard, but we think Waverley Place was nonetheless unique. It also holds the title of most watched finale in the history of Disney Channel. So it’s probably safe to say that fans wouldn’t mind a reboot of this fantastical show. It took sibling rivalry to a magical place, with three teenage siblings competing to become the official wizard of their family.

Penny, alongside her crazy family and friends, definitely made this animated Disney series memorable. Just like any real family, they drive each other crazy, but still love and appreciate each other. Being one of Disney Channel’s few shows to focus on a black family made it important to young viewers, providing so much needed diversity in representation. As for Penny, she was a cool, confident, smart, and talented young woman, so it would be pretty cool to see how she evolved even more as an adult. Maybe she’d have a family of her own now, and Oscar could serve a similar role to Suga Mama.

You know that little voice inside your head that speaks all your inner thoughts? Well, ours says ‘bring Lizzie McGuire back’. The titular character probably reminds you of just how awkward you were in middle school. But at least she had great best friends and her own animated inner voice to help her get through it. With the movie taking Lizzie and Gordo through graduation and a musical Italian adventure, this show actually did get a pretty solid ending. But who doesn't want to know how the ultimate Disney Channel “will they won’t they” couple are doing these days? And the more pressing mystery, what really happened to Miranda?

Louis and Ren reminded everyone of their own siblings. And though some of the later storylines got a bit far fetched, this show is definitely one of Disney Channel’s best ever. Luis and Ren’s fighting made for some serious humor on the show, but some of their greatest moments came when Louis’ trouble making tendencies came together with Ren’s genius and the siblings used their combined talents for good - like the ultimate prank they pull in the Even Stevens Movie that ended the series. We say it’s time to see Ren and Louis back at it again.



Before we unveil our top picks, here are a few honorable mentions:



“Phil of the Future” (2004-06)



“The Jersey” (1999-2004)





“Hannah Montana” (2006-11)

Thankfully everyone’s favorite crime fighting teenager is returning in a live action movie according to a 2018 Disney announcement. But there’s just something special about getting to experience a new adventure each week with Kim, Ron, and Wade. The show was the first to surpass Disney's 65 episode rule, making it to over 80 due to fan outcry. Part of what made this show so great was that it turned the conventional action hero trope of a strong male lead with the hot female sidekick upside down. Kim was both a popular cheerleader, and a totally badass crime fighter, and Ron was her dopey, but loveable blond sidekick. In the era of TV reboots, we need Kim Possible back.