New Disney vs Old Disney…

Disney channel has changed quite a bit since the days of That’s So Raven and Kim Possible. The cancellation of shows is to be expected with any TV channel because actors get too old for their roles or ratings drop too low. This “new era” of Disney and Disney Jr. shows aren’t standing up to their older counterparts. Aaron Michaels said, “Old Disney All The Way!”

14/15 people agree that Disney/Disney Jr. shows are lacking what used to make them so great.  An article on theodysseyonline.com said,  “Looking at shows like Dog with a Blog and Girl Meets world, it is evident how the teenage stars we used to look up to have become mini-teens with very little acting skills to bring to the table.”

The talent hasn’t been the only thing missing from most Disney shows. They’re failing to address prominent social issues that people face today. The same article referenced above stated, “It is unfortunate how the shows do not involve as many issues that the world is facing today, such as the discussion of racism in That’s So Raven.” Now, I’m not asking for every episode of every show on Disney channel to be a depressing tear-jerker. That’s what Hallmark and Lifetime are for. But, it would be nice to see Disney channel characters regain some depth and complexity that has long been forgotten. Do you remember Hannah Montana’s struggle to remain true to herself and balance being a pop star and a growing teen girl? It seems that now most Disney characters have become slightly onenote, leaving the complexity behind and trading it in for fart jokes and very simple character structures.

Not everyone agrees with the general consensus that the classic shows were better; some people prefer the new shows and movies. For example, Adian Sims said, “I prefer the new Disney.”

Disney has changed quite a bit since the early 2000’s, but that doesn’t mean that every show and movie to come from the channel is of poor quality. The 2014 movie Maleficent is a great example of this. When Maleficent is tricked by the man she loved, drugged, AND de-winged all in one scene, I had to hold back tears. The emotional outburst was so intense that I had traumatic flashbacks of Mufasa’s death in The Lion King.

Saying that the old shows were better doesn’t mean that you hate every show on TV currently and will never even turn on the disgrace that is Disney Channel. You can prefer the older shows to current ones and still watch the “new” Disney channel religiously and everyone would be okay with that.