The Disney Channel, which was launched on April 18, 1983, is a name that warms the hearts of thousands of Generation Z individuals, as the network has aired thousands of television shows and movie premieres.
Some of the Disney Channel’s most iconic movies in recent years are the Descendants movies, as well as comedy shows such as “Jesse” starring Debbie Ryan, who also appeared in “Radio Rebel,” a previous Disney Channel movie that went on to be infamous in Gen Z culture.
When asked what Disney Channel programs were people’s favorite, the most common answer was the previously mentioned “Jessie,” which is mainly remembered for its humor and comedic devices.
“Disney Channel has definitely had a good effect on me; the humor stuck with me, though it is very corny, I look back and can’t help but wonder how I watched this with a straight face. Disney Channel also showed us to express our true colors and not judge a book by its cover, as corny as that was,” said sophomore Samantha Sandoval.
One thing that made Disney Channel stand out from other Channels at the time, such as Nickelodeon, was the corny humor, as often times, Disney Channel either took itself too seriously, or not serious enough, which led to a lot of scenes coming out very uncanny to say the least. They are often unintentionally humorous due to the over the top bad acting, as well as the writers often not knowing how to properly write adolescent characters. This has come to be known as the Disney Channel formula..
Such examples of Disney Channel’s horrible yet immaculate sense of humor include the iconic “Radio Rebel” hair tuck, in which Debbie Ryan tucks her hair behind ear while giving an interesting expression at the camera. The scene itself has been made into a meme by everyone on the internet.
Debbie Ryan is far from the only Disney star to be clowned for her acting skills. Demi Lovato, who played Mitchie Torres in the Camp Rock movies, responded to a character doing a solo on the keyboard with “She’s really good!” which has received a lot of ridicule from the internet. On paper, it doesn’t seem very funny, but when you watch the actual scene and witness the exaggerated voices and acting, it’s hard for more mature audiences to keep a straight face.
These instances of Disney Channel humor stayed within the minds of Gen Z, and changed their brain chemistry as a result, giving them a warped and uncanny sense of humor. As they grow up and watch better, more professional media, they gain a higher standard of what good acting is. As a result, we can rewatch Disney shows and laugh at the comical scenes. One such example of this is with the content creator Charles Brockman III, known on the internet as CB3, who makes comedy sketches recreating viral moments from Disney shows over the years.
The Disney formula on its own is incredibly predictable, not just with its actors or humor, but also within its set design. Oftentimes, the character would have very extravagant well thought out rooms, with secret layers of things like jet packs, which branched out further into other sitcom shows such as “The Thundermans” or “Fuller House.”
The Disney Channel has provided multiple actors with the opportunity to get their name known within Hollywood. The most well known is Cameron Boyce, who was known for his role as Carlos, son of Cruella de Vil, in “Descendants” and also as Luke in “Jessie.” Dove Cameron, his co-star, played Mal, daughter of Maleficent, in “Descendants.” Sabrina Carpenter was also on multiple Disney programs such as “Girl Meets World” and “Adventures in Babysitting.”
The Disney Channel serves as a stepping stool for these stars, allowing them to begin their careers through Disney, and then as they get older, separate themselves from the Disney brand and move into new creative territories. Sabrina Carpenter has completely separated herself from her Disney days and is now releasing hit songs such as “Espresso,” which has blown up on social media.
Overall, the Disney Channel has had a very positive and massive impact on Gen Z, as not only has it helped shape its humor, but it has also given us very positive childhood memories and important lessons, although corny, about the importance of friendship, kindness, and respect.
