If there is one TV channel that truly exemplifies nostalgia, it’s the Disney Channel. Here are a few old Disney shows that are sure to take you back to your childhood.
“Phineas and Ferb”
The two protagonists, Phineas and Ferb, are trying to make the best of their 104 day summer vacation, each day taking on a new ambitious project. However, every time they invent something new, their older sister, Candace, attempts to get them in trouble by telling their mom what they’ve been up to. Nevertheless, Phineas and Ferb always manage to erase the proof before their mom can see.
While viewers may be ambivalent about the repetitive structure of each episode, the formulaic nature of the show allows to focus on the jokes and details of Phineas and Ferb’s wildly imaginative adventures, rather than fixating on major plot shifts. “Phineas and Ferb” is sure to give you a good laugh, and will leave you wanting to watch another episode.
“Stuck in the Middle”
Told from the perspective of Harley Diaz, “Stuck in the Middle” centers around Harley and her role as the middle child of seven children. Whether it is her stubborn younger sister, Daphne, or her immature twin brothers, Lewie and Beast, Harley tries to find creative ways to stand out and avoid getting lost in the chaos of her house. She does so by frequently creating new inventions. While the inventions aren’t the most realistic, many viewers can relate to the dynamics of the family and the desire to be seen by your siblings and parents.
“Jessie”
Jessie Prescott, a young woman from Texas, moves to New York City to follow her dreams of being an actress. However, she instead ends up as a nanny for a high profile couple and their four children: Emma, Luke, Ravi and Zuri. All of these characters have distinctly different personalities, ensuring that viewers will be able to relate with at least one member of the Ross family. While yes, the characters do all fit a stereotype, they are each lovable in their own way and fit together to make an enduring and feel-good show.
Every time I go back and watch old episodes, I feel transported back to the days of elementary school where I could come home and relax with my younger sister, rather than have endless extracurricular activities and homework assignments to complete. These are memories that no new show would have the potential to evoke, that only old Disney episodes have the potential to bring back.
“Good Luck Charlie”
The Duncan family is just your typical American family: teens PJ and Teddy, tween brother Gabe and newborn baby, Charlie. When Amy, the children’s mother, returns home from maternity leave, it becomes the responsibility of the kids and their dad to watch Charlie and keep her out of trouble. Teddy decides to create a video diary for her sister by videoing her words of wisdom for Charlie, ending each episode with “Good luck, Charlie.”
I began watching “Good Luck Charlie” around the time my younger sister was born. While my age gap with my younger sister is not as significant as in “Good Luck Charlie,” it was very easy to empathize with the changes that the family was experiencing. Even today, the lighthearted nature of the show and relatable family dynamics makes the series sure to brighten your day.
