Written by Mia Aponte. Graphic by Ana Vergara Garcia.
It’s time to face the music: we’re old. The golden age of Disney Channel—the era of “That’s So Raven,” “Wizards of Waverly Place,” and “Hannah Montana”—was over a decade ago. But with age comes the inevitable cycle of reboots, and Disney is diving headfirst into reviving some of its most iconic shows.
“Raven’s Home”
First up, “Raven’s Home” kicked off the reboot wave in 2017, bringing Raven Baxter back as a single mom raising twins—one of whom inherited her psychic abilities. The series stayed true to the original by maintaining Raven’s quirky and unapologetic personality while addressing real-life issues like family dynamics, friendship and life as a mom. The reboot managed to stay fresh by bringing in new characters and storylines that felt relevant to today’s audience, but the show has also been criticized for not fully capturing the same magic as its predecessor. Despite its flaws, “Raven’s Home” has found a dedicated audience, proving that nostalgia still holds weight with fans who grew up watching the original.
“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place”
Following the trend, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” made its debut in Oct. 2024, reviving the beloved series with the return of original stars Selena Gomez and David Henrie as producers. This revival takes the magic outside of Waverly Place, introducing new magical realms and exploring what happened after the Russo family’s adventures in the original show. While the storyline is still evolving, the return of familiar faces like Alex Russo has ignited excitement among fans. The series is set to blend the nostalgia of the original with fresh ideas, showing that the world of wizards has much more to offer. Early reception has been mixed, with some fans thrilled to see the Russo family back and others unsure if the new direction will live up to the charm of the original.
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”
Another show that jumped on the reboot train was “The Proud Family,” with its revival “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” hitting Disney+ in 2022. The reboot brought back Penny Proud and her eccentric family, along with the same sharp wit and cultural references that made the original show groundbreaking in its time. This reboot has been praised for its diverse and inclusive storytelling, tackling modern-day issues such as social justice, identity and representation. While some viewers feel the show’s humor and themes might be a bit on-the-nose at times, it has undoubtedly carved out a space for itself in today’s media landscape, showing that “The Proud Family” is as relevant as ever.
What’s Next?
The Disney reboot train isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The question now is: which beloved show should make a return next? “Good Luck Charlie,” with its relatable family values and dynamic sibling relationships, could easily translate into a modern-day reboot, with an older Charlie navigating life as a teenager. “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody” is another show that fans would love to see make a comeback—perhaps with Zack and Cody running the Tipton Hotel as adults or embarking on their own hilarious adventures. And let’s not forget “Lizzie McGuire.” The “Lizzie McGuire” reboot was teased but never materialized, leaving fans craving more of Lizzie’s relatable coming-of-age moments. Whether it’s a full-blown revival or a one-off special, a “Lizzie McGuire” reboot has serious potential to tap into the millennial nostalgia wave. With so many fan favorites left untouched, Disney still has a plethora of shows that could use a reboot.
Whether these reboots capture the same energy of their originals or offer something fresh for today’s generation, one thing is clear: Disney knows how to keep us coming back for more. Which Disney show do you think deserves a reboot next?
As Contributing Editor, Mia Aponte collaborates closely with staff and contributors to craft engaging narratives across various subjects. She is eager to infuse fresh perspectives and dynamic storytelling into her work and to help the contributors with their artistic pursuits. At SCAD, Mia majors in Fashion Marketing and Management and minors in Social Strategy and Management. She regularly offers opinionated pieces on numerous topics as well as pop culture insights. When she’s not writing, Mia is most likely thrifting, listening to music, or reading.
