Has Disney Channel lost its magic, or have previous fans just grown out of the “Disney phase?”

Nowadays it isn’t unusual to see various posts regarding Disney Channel’s lack of quality shows. While scrolling through Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, a request for a “throwback Disney week” can be seen frequently. This common demand is due to the unhappiness with the current shows that are featured on the station.

Dissatisfaction with the current programs on Disney Channel may be due to the fact that previous fans have now grown up. They don’t find the shows to be as witty as they were several years ago.

Admired shows like “Even Stevens,” “That’s So Raven,” “Sister, Sister,” “Lizzie McGuire,”  “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody,” “Wizards of Waverly Place” and yes, even “Hannah Montana” were thought to teach kids vital lessons about growing up, such as the social and academic hardships they are bound to face, and the peer pressures they are reluctant to encounter.

These programs have been replaced with shows such as “Jessie,” “Dog With a Blog,” “Shake It Up” and “Ant Farm.” Although these may not be the Disney classics our generation has grown up watching, the same talent and educational value is held.

With the growth in technology, social media pressure and the accessibility to anything on the Internet, children are growing up much faster. For the better or worse, television is a contributing factor.

Once upon a time, we were all just a  kid who tried so hard to be “cool” or fit in with the “status quo.” Disney Channel taught us that it was okay to be different and unique. We learned that it was cool to be accepting of others and to respect our parents, this was because most kids grew attached to the various characters and idolized them, inspiring them to behave similarly.

Just like any other money-making corporation, Disney Channel has constantly tried to incorporate modern-day ties to make their shows more appealing. Shows that may have been hip back then most likely wouldn’t seem appealing to Disney’s new targeted audience.