The reason that I write mostly about children's programming is that it's something that is important to me. It's a big part of my life and who I am today.
The main reason why Disney Channel (+ their branched off channels like Disney XD) and Nickelodeon (+ their branched off channels like TeenNick), for example, have a big part of many people's childhoods or memories is because of the nostalgia and good feelings that may relate to these corporations. Many of the works that these corporations put out aren't masterpieces but because of the nostalgia that people correlate with these tv shows or films they seem, for lack of better words, 'pieces of art'.
I, myself, am biased to specific tv shows and tv films because I relate them to the 'good old times' or just times when I could lose myself and ignore reality for a twenty-minute episode or short tv film.
My focus on my blog has been primarily on Disney Channel but I do love Nickelodeon too. I'm going to continue to explain the nostalgia I have felt watching Disney Channel because I think I have more nostalgia towards Disney Channel than Nickelodeon. Not every show I've seen on the Disney Channel network will be listed in this post. I do love Nickelodeon and I remember watching "Spongebob Squarepants", "iCarly", "Victorious", "The Thundermans", "Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, & Dawn", "The Fairly OddParents", "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide", "The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius", "The Haunted Hathaways", "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" "Dora the Explorer", "Blue's Clues", etc. I also spent a lot of my time watching PBS KIDS and shows like "Sesame Street", "Arthur", and "Curious George".
Let's get into this analyzation:
1. "Liv and Maddie" (2013-2017)
This is a show that I've been talking a lot about. The show is about how girly-girl, Hollywood starlet Liv (Olivia) Rooney (played by Dove Cameron) moves back home to Stevens Point, Wisconsin to spend her high school years with her family and most importantly her tom-boyish twin sister, Maddie (also played by Dove Cameron).
This is one of my favorite sit-coms (situational comedies). I think the show's Season 3 finale, "Californi-a-Rooney" (Season 3, Episode 20), and the series finale, "End-a-Rooney" (Season 4, Episode 15), captures nostalgia perfectly. "Liv and Maddie" let their viewers leaf through the memories in the Season 3 finale and it broke their hearts. The show also breaks the fourth wall and references the pilot of the show multiple times in the series finale and I can tell you that this method was very effective in making me cry.
In the Season 3 finale, it is introduced Liv left her job, which was relocating to California, as the lead in a superhero show, "Voltage", to spend time with her family but Maddie gets accepted in her dream college, SCSU (Southern California State University) and immediately packs her bags to leave, without talking with Liv over the subject matter. This causes an argument between the sisters but Maddie continues to follow her dreams. Maddie decides to never speak with Liv again and Liv starts to throw away all of Maddie's belongings in their Wisconsin bedroom. As they both go down memory lane, they lose all hate between one another.
This specific scene includes a scrapbook of memories that Maddie has in California and the items that Maddie left in Wisconsin with Liv. A slower rendition of the upbeat and happy theme song plays in the background as both sisters realize how much they miss each other.
In the series finale, all the Rooney kids are leaving their mother to go and follow their dreams but Parker (played by Tenzing Norgay Trainor), the youngest of them all, is scared and seeks for advice from his older sister Liv.
" 'Parker! Parker! What are you doing!?' 'Um, hoisting the fridge up the stairs so I can wreak havoc and catastrophe. Duh.' 'Okay, the last time that you dropped a fridge down the stairs you were grounded for months. Do you want to get grounded?' 'Why would anyone want to get grounded?' 'What's going on?' 'I just found out that they moved the biodome from LA to Bolivia.' 'Wow, that's really big.' 'Yeah, but now it's halfway across the world and it starts next week, not months from now...I'm scared. I don't think I could do it.' 'But, you've always been so great at sciency stuff.' 'I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about being away from my family. I've never done that before.' 'Oh. Well, Parker, I mean, I definitely know how you feel, you know. The first time that I left to come out here, I was really scared to be without you guys.' 'How'd you do it? Weren't you worried things would change.' 'I mean if there's one thing that I've learned about our family is that they will always be here for you. No matter, where you go or how long you're away.' 'Yeah, that's true.' 'You know sometimes you got to feel that fear and decide to do it anyway. If your dreams aren't scaring you, then you are not dreaming big enough.' 'Thanks, Liv.' 'Yeah.' 'I guess now, I just have one thing to say.' 'Can I say it with you just one time? Okay.' 'Challenge accepted!' "
What I love about this scene is that we get the refrigerator reference from the pilot and that we get a scene with Parker and Liv. Parker and Liv didn't really get that many emotional scenes together throughout the show, but it was nice to see how the actors handled it. They sent out an important message to the audience and gave them a very nostalgic view of the show. I also find it cute that both of them hug and say Parker's catchphrase at the end.
The show also gave an emotional, acoustic rendition of the theme song in the series finale. I will link that video at the end.
2. "Girl Meets World" (2014-2017)
This is also a show that I've talked a lot about previously. The show is a spinoff of the beloved "Boy Meets World". The show follows Cory Mathews' (played by Ben Savage) daughter, Riley Mathews (Rowan Blanchard) and her friends.
I'm not going to pick out a specific scene (because I didn't watch "Boy Meets World") but this whole tv series is based on nostalgia. I think that there are probably many references to "Boy Meets World" throughout the series which captured the hearts of many of the show's viewers.
3. "Jessie" (2011-2015)
Many people hate this show because it can be annoying but I think it's funny and can be serious when it needs to be. The show plays off of stereotypes for humor. This is sort of a staple in my childhood. The show is about how Jessie Prescott (played by Debby Ryan) leaves her home in Texas to become an actress in New York but with no home or money, she is forced to become a nanny to the crazy, famous, and very rich Ross kids. The show follows their journeys of becoming more and more like a family over the years.
Jessie was sort of like an older sister figure to the Ross kids as they tried to figure out life, so when she finally gets her big break in the series finale, "Jessie Goes to Hollywood" (Season 4, Episode 20), and has to leave, it's heartbreaking. Jessie assures the kids that they've grown up and will be fine without her.
" 'Uh, Bertram, any chance you can help me take these to the limo?' 'Oh, I'd love to but it's so far.' 'This has been the most amazing four years of my life. Christina, thank you so much for taking a chance on me. I'm really going to miss your kids.' 'Our kids.' 'Bertram Winkle. You may not be the best butler but you were the best friend I've ever had.' 'Ditto. We made a pretty good team.' 'The best.' 'When you get famous enough to need a butler, and you will, give me a call.' 'I will and I will have a couch ready for you to nap on, pre-stocked with plenty of cheese sandwiches.' 'Zuri, thanks for taking me in off the street. I can't believe you've grown from that adorable little girl to this confident, amazing young woman.' 'I can. After all, I had a great role model.' 'Luke, somehow when I wasn't looking you grew up. And you are incredible. Now, still going to work hard in school, even when I'm not here to bug you every day?' 'Of course Jessie. Don't worry, I'll make you proud.' 'I know you will.' ... 'Now Ravi, you have to promise me something too.' 'I know, I know. I vow to find some friends and develop a modicum of athletic prowess.' 'No, uh, actually, I was going to say that you are the kindest, smartest, most unique person I've ever met. You have to promise me, that you're not going to change for anyone.' 'I promise.' ... 'Emma are you okay?' 'It's just that, you'll be so far away, I'm afraid you'll forget about us.' 'Hey, remember what I told you, during your science project? About how family members are like planets.' 'You said, even when they're far apart, the force of love keeps them together, no matter what.' 'Right. It stretches over any distance and it's too strong to be broken. And I will never forget you.' ... 'Hey, Jessie. Any advice for me before you go?' 'Just, enjoy it. It feels like a party every day.' "
I love how the show started with Emma's (played by Peyton List) science project and ended with Zuri's (played by Skai Jackson) science project. This analogy that Jessie gave to Emma makes my heart melt. This parting of characters balanced the sadness and happiness that the characters must have felt in that moment perfectly. It made sense that Emma would be afraid of Jessie leaving because in the pilot episode it was introduced that she is afraid that because her parents are away so much, they'll forget about her. I don't know, I just find this to be filled with nostalgia and emotions.
4. "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" (2005-2008)/"The Suite Life on Deck" (2008-2011)
"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" follows the mischevious lives of opposite personality twins, Zack (played by Dylan Sprouse) and Cody (played by Cole Sprouse) Martin as they live in the 'Tipton Hotel' trying to sneak past the 'strict' hotel manager, Mr. Moseby (played by Phil Lewis).
"The Suite Life on Deck" follows Mr. Moseby, London Tipton (played by Brenda Song), and Zack and Cody as they board a cruise ship to complete high school. The beloved group meets new friends and has new experiences as they travel the world.
A specific scene in the series finale, "Graduation on Deck" (Season 3, Episode 22), of "The Suite Life on Deck" made me really think about all the good times between Mr. Moseby and London Tipton.
London was given riches but never much love from her father. Mr. Tipton was never really present during her life and Mr. Moseby was the father-figure in her life. Seeing them part ways after him basically raising her is heart-wrenching.
" ', and thank you. For taking care of me for all these years.' 'You are welcome. I am so proud of you for graduating [from] high school. I'm so proud of the woman that you've become. Keep in touch, okay.' 'Don't worry, I've got you on speed-dial. I'll call you if I ever have a problem.' 'Hello?' 'I have a problem. I'm going to miss you.' "
This was even more emotional than seeing a parent say goodbye to their child. It makes you think about how London's dad didn't even show up to her graduation. Her dad wanted to actually cancel her graduation. Mr. Moseby had always been there for London and now it was time to look back at the memories and say goodbye.
Theme songs also play big roles in making people feel emotional because of nostalgia. People reminisce over singing along to the theme songs of their favorite shows.
Mainly, I think networks bring nostalgia to their series finales to remind their audiences of how far their favorite characters have come. You can even physically see the changes in the actors/actresses over the years. It kind of makes you feel old.
I think that even Disney Channel now is realizing that it affects and changes people's childhoods when experimenting with nostalgia. They have recently uploaded quite a few throwbacks to their past shows on their official YouTube channel.
Networks like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon have created platforms for children where they can make memories to later to look back on fondly.
What do you guys think is the power of nostalgia?
Disney Channel Logo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney_Channel
Nickelodeon Logo: https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/nickelodeon-to-delve-further-into-sports-programming-1201295981/
"Liv and Maddie" Pictures: https://ocmomblog.com/meet-the-cast-of-liv-and-maddie-at-chill/ &
https://www.seventeen.com/celebrity/movies-tv/news/a42886/liv-maddie-season-4-is-so-different-youll-barely-recognize-it/
"Liv and Maddie" Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDlWj53WI90
Where to Watch "Liv and Maddie": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELp6kpG3a5rv0
"Liv and Maddie" Theme Song (Acoustic): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9jn_ysHJ3Y
"Girl Meets World" Pictures: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/girl-meets-world-canceled-at-disney-channel-960984 & https://www.eonline.com/news/848477/girl-meets-world-boss-reveals-scrapped-season-4-plans
"Girl Meets World" Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYZhGgc63II
Where to Watch "Girl Meets World": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELHG2cV-ErbDs
"Jessie" Pictures: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0095MNXIA/ref=atv_dp_season_select_atf & https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B06XKJW244/ref=atv_dp_season_select_atf
"Jessie" Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_EpLBbTg0k
Where to Watch "Jessie": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELX731y_Cn7lM
"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" Picture: https://www.amazon.com/Suite-Life-Zack-Cody/dp/B00CKIF8TI
Where to Watch "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody": https://www.amazon.com/Suite-Life-Zack-Cody/dp/B00CKIF8TI
"The Suite Life on Deck" Picture: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B00CKZ4EGO/ref=atv_dp_season_select_atf
Where to Watch "The Suite on Deck": https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0172OJHOQ/ref=atv_dp_season_select_atf
Nostalgic Uploads by Disney Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUj_L5BuKrM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge4hDaso7y4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=golPrW0C55Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5jdV3HTreY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NlVSqzKM6E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEGUDZZmj4M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVzf--HnYFI
Mini-Update:
I have a lot of ideas. I want to continue with my favorite Disney Channel moments. I want to do more music related blog posts. I want to start doing Nickelodeon related blog posts. I want to make my favorite DCOM blog posts again. I probably will in the future but I just feel like I have no time at all anymore. School has always just consumed my life, so it's not a shock but it's kind of disappointing. Anyways, I just wanted to put this out there.
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