And now, a very special episode of... Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for times that Disney Channel tackled complicated situations and mature themes.
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00:00You thought it would just go away?
00:04It's getting worse.
00:05Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks
00:09for times that Disney Channel tackled complicated situations and mature themes.
00:15And I saw Chloe straight up say I do not hire black people.
00:19That's discrimination.
00:23Number 30.
00:24Fear of growing up.
00:26Gravity Falls
00:27Whether we like it or not, nobody can stop things from changing.
00:31The town of Gravity Falls faces cataclysmic change near the end of the show,
00:36with the evil Bill Cipher.
00:38But before that, Mabel faces the threat of change when planning her and her brother
00:42Dipper's 13th birthday party.
00:45Problems quickly arise with the plans, and eventually,
00:48it culminates with Mabel experiencing dread over going to high school.
00:53Nobody likes getting older.
00:54But just because you're growing up doesn't mean you have to grow up, you know?
00:57I mean, look at me.
00:58I'm pushing 70 and I still eat ice cream for dinner.
01:01But I don't want to say goodbye to Gravity Falls.
01:04Her fears get so bad they make her susceptible to Cipher's influence.
01:08The recurring theme developed throughout is essentially the fear of having to grow up.
01:12It can be scary, but eventually Mabel realizes how to cope with her fears,
01:17and that ends up being what helps her save Gravity Falls.
01:20I appreciate what you said back there,
01:22but if you want to take Ford's apprenticeship, I won't get in your way.
01:26Miss out on your awkward teen years?
01:28You wish.
01:29Number 29.
01:31Grief.
01:31Hannah Montana.
01:32When Miley's father seemingly begins dating again,
01:36it causes a shift within the dynamics of the family.
01:39In the episode, She's a Super Sneak,
01:41Miley's father's new potential relationship proves difficult for her to adjust to.
01:46She and Jackson lost their mom several years prior to the start of the series.
01:51The siblings wind up essentially stalking this new mystery woman.
01:54Who's this? Your husband? Does he know you're dating?
01:57Wait a minute, that's my brother.
02:00A likely story who keeps a picture of their brother on their desk.
02:03Though these actions aren't acceptable,
02:05we can at least somewhat understand why they react the way they do.
02:10The loss of a parent is difficult to deal with, especially at a young age.
02:14The episode deals with Miley's feelings of being threatened and
02:17scared that her mom will be replaced or forgotten.
02:20Explain this. Why are you dating someone without telling me?
02:24Explain how you could ever think that there's
02:26someone out there who could ever replace my mom.
02:28Number 28.
02:29Parental Abandonment.
02:31Girl Meets World.
02:32Regardless of if she'd admit it or not,
02:34the absence of her father plays a large part in shaping Maya Hart's life.
02:39The headstrong and rebellious best friend to Riley Matthews
02:42often pretends like nothing fazes her.
02:45But when she finally gets the chance to meet her father,
02:47it's no longer easy to pretend.
02:50You're there for your new family, aren't you?
02:52What did they do that I didn't do?
02:56You never did anything, Maya.
02:58She shares several conversations with her dad and learns more about him,
03:03but is unable to fully get closure and forgive him.
03:06It's heartbreaking to see her feel like she wasn't enough for him.
03:09The episode comes to the mature conclusion that making peace with
03:12yourself can be more important than excusing the faults of others.
03:16I always thought that this was my fault somehow, but...
03:20It's not.
03:23I didn't do anything.
03:25Number 27.
03:26Rescuing a Girl from a Coma.
03:28So Weird.
03:30So Weird may have been a series more rooted in the paranormal
03:33and often campier side of things,
03:35but it could also be a very serious TV show when it wanted to be.
03:38In the episode Lost,
03:40Fi receives messages from a girl who's been stuck in a coma for over a decade.
03:44Camilla's been in a coma for almost 14 years.
03:47While she works to try and rescue the girl from it,
03:50the episode slowly grows intense.
03:52Things are especially emotional when the girl's mother
03:54gets a chance to communicate with her online.
03:57It's a nerve-wracking episode all around.
03:59Even though everything works out in the end,
04:01the fear that it wouldn't and she'd remain in a coma
04:04is a pretty haunting fate to think about for a kid's show.
04:15Number 26.
04:17Divorce.
04:18The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
04:20When Zack and Cody's divorced parents appear to be on good terms with each other
04:24during the holiday season,
04:25Cody thinks it means that they can get back together.
04:28In fact, he's so hopeful that he steps in to try and reignite the two's romance.
04:32Well this is one miracle that's going to happen.
04:35Even if I have to make it happen myself.
04:38However, it ultimately doesn't go his way,
04:41which bums him out.
04:42Having divorced parents can be a difficult experience,
04:45and many kids can probably relate to Cody's frustrations.
04:49But while they don't get remarried,
04:51their parents remind Zack and Cody just how much they love them.
04:54You're still a family.
04:56Not like them.
04:58Yes, like them.
05:00That baby has two parents that love her.
05:03Just like you guys.
05:04Having an episode dealing with the realities of divorced parents
05:07was an important topic for the show to take on.
05:10Number 25.
05:12Drinking.
05:12Boy Meets World.
05:13This sitcom wasn't afraid to confront difficult topics.
05:17In the fifth season episode,
05:18If You Can't Be With The One You Love,
05:20Cory has split from Topanga.
05:22He gets drunk at a party and convinces Shawn to drink too.
05:26Because your goody-goody friend Cory did it,
05:27and you will not be able to live with yourself unless you do it too.
05:30I'm not falling for that peer pressure crap.
05:35Oh yikes.
05:36Unfortunately, Shawn starts to drink a lot,
05:39and considering that members of his family struggled with alcohol use,
05:43his friends quickly grow worried by his behavior.
05:46Shawn even lashes out at his girlfriend.
05:48The sobering experience makes him realize the danger of his condition,
05:52and gives him the strength to quit.
05:54It was a heavy topic for the sitcom to address.
05:57I don't like me when I drink either.
06:00Good, because I sure like you when you don't.
06:03Number 24.
06:04Online Predators.
06:06Smart Guy.
06:07There are people out there looking to exploit a vulnerable person's trust
06:10for sinister purposes.
06:12Boy genius T.J. finds this out the hard way in the episode,
06:16Strangers on the Net.
06:17When he meets Markie412, a kid selling a bootleg copy of the game he wants,
06:22the kid turns out to actually be a grown man.
06:25You're not a kid.
06:27You saw through my disguise.
06:29We thought you were a kid because you were in a kid's chat room.
06:32I know, I'm old.
06:33I'm old enough to remember Pong.
06:35As the episode continues, viewers quickly realize that Markie412 is a predator.
06:41T.J. and Karen escape a dangerous situation,
06:43and Markie412 is arrested after T.J. tells his father what happened.
06:48The unsettling episode was an early example
06:50of teaching kids about the dangers of navigating the internet.
06:54You know, that's what scares me about this whole internet thing.
06:57I mean, you're talking to a guy before you ever get to see him,
06:59so he feels like he's not a stranger.
07:01But you know what?
07:03He is.
07:03Number 23.
07:05Body Image.
07:06The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
07:08While preparing for a fashion show,
07:10London and Maddie receive discouraging remarks about their appearance
07:14from one of London's friends.
07:15We can only criticize people that we pay.
07:18Fine.
07:19Your butt is huge.
07:21And you have chicken legs.
07:23That's the best 50 bucks I ever spent.
07:26The insensitive comments she makes about their looks cause them to question themselves.
07:30It isn't long before the two soon start developing unhealthy habits
07:34in an effort to improve their body image.
07:36While their attempts to change their weight are somewhat played for laughs,
07:40the antics highlight a serious problem.
07:42I think you are both two very beautiful young women.
07:46You really think so?
07:47Absolutely.
07:49And you don't need to change the way that you look.
07:51The episode shows the effect that commenting on a person's body could have on them.
07:56Of course, London and Maddie realize they are completely fine as they are,
08:00even if it takes a while.
08:01Number 22.
08:02Post Traumatic Stress.
08:04The Famous Jet Jackson.
08:06A surprisingly dark amount of issues arise during the Famous Jet Jackson
08:09Season 3 episode, Heroes.
08:11Jet learns that his dad, the Sheriff, was recently in an intense shootout.
08:16Dad, I was scared you.
08:18I'm alright son, I'm alright.
08:19Being forced to use his weapon against an armed robber shakes Sheriff Wood.
08:23The experience haunts him on an extreme level.
08:26Though he's heralded as a hero, he doesn't quite see it that way.
08:30In fact, he later delivers a speech that explores who he thinks real heroes are.
08:35And those of you who will never feel the destructive power to find one,
08:39and those of you who teach your children to stay away from them,
08:44you are the true heroes.
08:47The episode is not just an exploration of post-traumatic stress,
08:51but also a statement on the danger of weapons.
08:54Number 21.
08:56Joining a Cult.
08:57Boy Meets World.
08:58Teenage angst is all about trying to find your purpose in life,
09:01and that can lead to some dark places.
09:04For Sean in the episode, Cult Fiction, it led him to joining a dangerous group.
09:09Struggling to develop his plans for life after high school,
09:12he gets convinced to join the Center.
09:14You have something to believe in.
09:15I'm still looking.
09:16You should go.
09:17I belong here.
09:19So that's it, huh?
09:20You've chosen the Center.
09:21You're gonna live here with these jujy fruits.
09:24Despite everyone's protests, Sean is determined to join.
09:28But when his teacher and father figure, Mr. Turner, ends up in the hospital,
09:32he realizes that he belongs with his friends and family rather than the Center.
09:36The episode's confrontation of issues like brainwashing and emotional, religious speech
09:42make for a more mature subject matter than more typical Boy Meets World fare.
09:47Turner took care of you.
09:48He loves you.
09:48And you love him.
09:51Is that real?
09:52Or are Mr. Mack and the Center real?
09:55You decide, but you cannot go.
09:58Number 20.
09:59Anxiety and Panic Attacks.
10:01Andy Mack.
10:02This show has been applauded for covering a plethora of important subjects.
10:06One of its most poignant storylines revolves around Jonah's experiences with anxiety and
10:12panic attacks.
10:13Panic attacks can be very scary, but the symptoms are temporary.
10:17Remember that if it happens again.
10:18It's going to happen again?
10:20It might.
10:20I treat kids younger than you who have them every day.
10:23When we first meet him, he's so cool, confident, and outgoing.
10:27But over time, the deeper issues begin to emerge.
10:31What made this arc so impactful was how real it felt and how well-supported Jonah was throughout.
10:37Why didn't you tell us?
10:40It's embarrassing.
10:42It's just a physical reaction to stress.
10:46That shouldn't be embarrassing.
10:47But it is.
10:48They also do a great job in explaining what Jonah's going through in a way that we're
10:52sure helped countless others experiencing similar struggles.
10:56It's great to see mental health being normalized on television,
11:00especially for such an impressionable audience.
11:03That's better.
11:04Cyrus, I...
11:05Shh!
11:06Don't talk.
11:06Don't talk.
11:10Thanks.
11:11I know it feels like you're gonna die, but you won't.
11:16Number 19.
11:17Class Inequality.
11:18The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
11:20Thanks to Maddie and London's friendship,
11:22class differences have been a running theme throughout the show.
11:26On this occasion, though, it's Maddie who flexes her imaginary wealth
11:29to impress a guy on whom she has a crush.
11:32It's like this is all new to you.
11:33Front row seats, meeting celebrities, riding in limos.
11:36Yeah, well, I never get tired of sticking my head out of the sunroof and yelling,
11:40Woo!
11:41Naturally, things get out of control,
11:43as she's forced to keep up the charade longer than expected.
11:46Eventually, the truth comes out.
11:48As Carrie comforts a tearful Maddie,
11:50she reminds her that she has a lot to offer that is invaluable.
11:54I'm such a doofus.
11:56Now Jason won't hate me.
11:57No, you don't know that.
11:59And you're not giving yourself very much credit either.
12:02I know, I'm such a doofus.
12:04Stop saying that.
12:07It's a great lesson in self-worth over material worth.
12:10It reminds viewers that the right people will like you for you
12:13and not for what's in your bank account.
12:15I just thought you're like all the other rich guys I've met.
12:18You should have given me more credit than that.
12:20Sorry, I wasn't thinking.
12:23Number 18.
12:24Race Identity and Racism.
12:26The Famous Jett Jackson.
12:28Back when this show aired,
12:29the depth with which it approached race was considered pretty groundbreaking.
12:34Set in the South, Jett gets a dose of reality
12:36when his showbiz lifestyle is juxtaposed
12:39with real issues faced by African-Americans in his small town.
12:43You know, Jett, just because something's along doesn't mean it's right.
12:49He stars in a TV show called Silverstone
12:51that shows this ideal non-discriminatory world.
12:55However, he comes to learn that the real world is very different.
12:58We also meet Kayla, a young mixed-race woman grappling with her identity.
13:02And Mayor Beale believes that Fahrenheit 451
13:05promotes the challenging of authority.
13:07Oh, soon people will start having original thoughts
13:10and start thinking for themselves.
13:12I can see the revolution now.
13:13It highlighted the many battles endured on the continuous journey to equality.
13:17We imagine that it was an inspiration for countless shows that followed.
13:21I saw the way things were going a long time back.
13:25I said nothing.
13:27I am one of the innocents who could have spoken up and out
13:32when no one would listen to the guilty.
13:34But I did not speak, and thus became guilty myself.
13:39Number 17.
13:40Representation of people with disabilities.
13:42Kim Possible.
13:44Kim Possible was known for breaking stereotypes,
13:47and in this case, it was with the portrayal of people with disabilities.
13:52Sorry, I am a champ, Ratsmasher.
13:55Hey, you wanna hit some rides with us, Felix?
13:59Ready to roll.
14:00In Season 2, we meet Felix, who just happens to use a wheelchair.
14:05While Ron doesn't give it a second thought,
14:07Kim is clearly uncomfortable and doesn't know what to say.
14:10It's just, I don't know, I see him in that chair,
14:12and then I guess I feel like it's not fair,
14:14because I can walk and he can't, and so then...
14:17You end up saying the positively worst thing possible.
14:20Nevertheless, the character is a three-dimensional and complex individual,
14:23just like anyone else.
14:25He's never reduced to the disability he has or even pitied.
14:29Indeed, he helps save the day, gets a love story,
14:31and even becomes valedictorian.
14:33It's not perfect, but it's a great step in representation.
14:37Kids with disabilities could watch Felix
14:39and see themselves and the possibilities out there.
14:42No fancy cyber chair stuff.
14:44Oh, like I need that to beat you.
14:46Number 16.
14:47Getting your first period.
14:49Sydney to the Max.
14:51If you've ever had a period,
14:52the memory of your first one is probably still ingrained in your mind.
14:56And for many of us,
14:57the experience wouldn't have been all that different from Sydney's.
15:00You got this, Syd!
15:02Yeah, I got this.
15:06How does this thing work?
15:08In this episode, when Sydney gets her first period,
15:10Olive is super supportive,
15:12but sometimes you just need someone who's been through it to help guide the way.
15:16The conversation between Sydney and her grandma is phenomenally noteworthy.
15:21I know you may think that there's something wrong because there's blood,
15:24but it's perfectly natural.
15:26Right, and every woman gets it.
15:28It's like we're all the same.
15:30Got it.
15:30Actually, every woman's experience is different.
15:34Okay, got it, Les.
15:35Her advice is informative, educational,
15:37and highlights that no two experiences are alike.
15:40If you didn't have someone in your life who you felt like you could talk to,
15:44Grandma Judy had you covered.
15:45You know, I heard all this in health class,
15:47but you don't know what any of it really means until it happens to you.
15:51Glad I could be here for you, Syd.
15:53Any other questions?
15:54Probably, but for now I'm good.
15:55Thanks, Grandma.
15:57Number 15.
15:58Racial profiling.
15:59Smart guy.
16:01Yvette is horrified when she learns that her new manager has a blatant racial bias.
16:06Nina seems to think that you want her to follow Black customers around the store
16:10to stop them from stealing.
16:11Oh, no, no, no, no.
16:13No, I just told Nina to follow suspicious-looking people.
16:16And who are suspicious-looking people?
16:18Well, they tend to be young, carry large bags, urban.
16:21She tries to confront her over the problem, but it falls on deaf ears.
16:25Miss Hendra refuses to accept that racial profiling is a form of racism.
16:30I have 50 hours of tape here, and you know what?
16:33All races shoplift.
16:35Do you have 19 years of tapes?
16:38Because that's how long I've been in retail,
16:41and that's where I get my information.
16:43Her response is so infuriating,
16:45especially as this is still a prevalent problem today.
16:48Indeed, in 2021, The Guardian reported that more than 90% of Black Americans
16:53have experienced racial profiling while shopping.
16:56Anyway, Yvette leaves, realizing that she can't get through to the bigoted manager.
17:01But she has someone else in mind who's sure to get the message across.
17:04A girl who used to work for you said if I came in here,
17:06you might keep a close eye on me.
17:08I don't think what I do is any of your business.
17:11Here's the funny thing.
17:13It is my business.
17:14My name is W.J. Reese.
17:16I'm the founder and president of this company.
17:18Number 14.
17:19Dyslexia.
17:20Shake it up.
17:21Drawing on Bella Thorne's real-life experiences,
17:24this season one episode reveals that Cece is dyslexic.
17:28It's heartbreaking to see how embarrassed she feels of her learning difficulty.
17:32This isn't something you need to be embarrassed about.
17:35How do you know?
17:36I see letters, and sometimes it just looks like alphabet soup.
17:42I wake up every day terrified that I might have to read something out loud.
17:46Sadly, there are many others who will identify with that feeling, too.
17:50Fortunately, she has Rocky who is so supportive and understanding.
17:54She reminds her friend just how special she is.
17:58You know what that dyslexia says about you?
18:01That you're twice as tough as I thought you were.
18:03Yeah.
18:04Yeah.
18:05We can only imagine that there were plenty of impressionable viewers watching
18:08who really needed to hear that, too.
18:11Thorne said that she hoped that by addressing the subject on the show,
18:14other kids with dyslexia could see that they can do anything they set their minds to.
18:19I am so proud of you.
18:20You got a B!
18:22You got a B!
18:24Okay.
18:28I got a B!
18:30I got a B!
18:32I got a B!
18:33Number 13.
18:35Gun Safety.
18:36Andy Mack.
18:37We could easily write a whole list just about this series,
18:40but some of its most affecting episodes were the ones on gun safety.
18:45Is that real?
18:46Of course it's real.
18:47Where did you get that?
18:48It's my dad's.
18:49Does he know you have it?
18:50Dude, chill.
18:52The Disney Channel teamed up with several child development experts
18:55to address this very real issue.
18:58In the first episode, Cyrus is justifiably uncomfortable
19:02when one of TJ's friends pulls out a gun as if it's just a toy.
19:06You know what's in that bag?
19:08Yeah.
19:10I'm gonna go.
19:12Okay.
19:13I think you should, too.
19:14He leaves and goes to report it, only to learn that someone else has already done so.
19:19Apparently, the plot was inspired by a real-life tragedy that affected one of the writers.
19:24A direct-to-camera PSA was shot and included with the two-episode arc.
19:28Sometimes even our friends do things without thinking,
19:31and if they think it's cool to play around with a real gun,
19:34you be the hero.
19:35Save their life and others'.
19:37Find a grown-up and tell them,
19:39you're helping keep that friend from getting hurt.
19:41Number 12.
19:42Racial Insensitivity.
19:44Sydney to the Max.
19:45This season three episode, directed by Raven-Symoné,
19:49covered the subject of microaggressions.
19:52I think it's really important and amazing that Disney decided to,
19:55Disney Channel decided to tackle this topic
19:58in a way that's palatable for all age brackets.
20:01Sydney and her friends realize that they've all been assigned historical figures
20:05to write about based on their race.
20:07Emmy then does a great job of explaining what microaggressions are
20:11and how easily they can be overlooked.
20:13She said it's when someone says or does something
20:15that's hurtful because of your race or ethnicity,
20:18but not in a way that's obvious.
20:19Not only does the episode see Sydney confront the situation,
20:23but it also encourages an open conversation about race.
20:26The episode reminds people to be more mindful of their words and actions.
20:30My sister says sometimes people don't mean to do it.
20:33It might seem like a joke or an innocent comment,
20:35but something about it makes you feel sad in a way other stuff doesn't.
20:38It's also a positive encouragement that you should always stand up for what's right.
20:42After all, change has to start somewhere.
20:45Number 11.
20:46Physical Self-Perception.
20:48Lizzie McGuire.
20:49While preparing to shoot a music video,
20:51Gordo makes an offhand remark about the girls' eating habits.
20:54Man, you guys eat a lot.
20:57I actually got some pretzels.
20:58You guys think you could stop stuffing your faces
21:00long enough for us to finish rehearsal?
21:02This proves triggering for Miranda, who develops body dysmorphia.
21:06How come no one's ever told me I have like six chins?
21:09Because you only have one?
21:10She makes excuses to avoid eating
21:12and starves herself to the point of almost fainting.
21:15Her friends try to talk to her, but she becomes defensive.
21:18I guess eating is the only thing I have any control over.
21:22Like, all this other stuff just happens to me,
21:24but eating's something I have a say in.
21:27Although eventually they do manage to get through to her.
21:29While it could have been taken even further,
21:31considering that by the time the episode ends
21:33her body image struggles are all but forgotten,
21:36it's still an impactful message to young audiences
21:39about body image and the dangers of crash diets.
21:4910. Bisexual Representation
21:52The Owl House
21:54Once unimaginable, the Disney Channel has taken great strides
21:57in creating diverse characters across their shows.
22:00One of the central love stories on The Owl House
22:03takes place between two women, Luce and Amity.
22:06Well then, if that's settled, may I have this dance?
22:12The creator of Gravity Falls, Alex Hirsch,
22:15welcomed the news by pointing out
22:16how groundbreaking this was for the network.
22:18Meanwhile, the Owl House creator, Dana Terrace,
22:22divulged that Luce was inspired by her own experiences
22:25as a bisexual woman.
22:27But I wanted to do it in the best way,
22:29and in the tunnel of love I thought,
22:31Amity's too cool for this.
22:34I'm not as cool as you think.
22:36The characters are so fleshed out
22:38and treated like three-dimensional people.
22:40Thanks to Terrace, there's no tokenism to be found here.
22:43This was actually a historic moment for the Disney Channel.
22:46Let's give a big hand to our Grom Queens, Luce and Amity!
22:49Number nine, Vaping, Raven's Home.
22:52Raven is no stranger to tackling issues
22:54like peer pressure and smoking.
22:56So when she was told that the That's So Raven spinoff
22:59wanted to address vaping, she was on board.
23:01I used to think vaping could only poison your body.
23:06But now I realize that it can also poison friendships.
23:10The writers worked with Hollywood, Health & Society,
23:13among other experts,
23:14to develop a meaningful and informative narrative.
23:18Booker's new friends try to pressure him into vaping.
23:20He refuses and tries to warn them of the dangers,
23:24but they don't want to hear it.
23:25No.
23:27You know, after yesterday,
23:28I read online how addictive vaping is.
23:30Dude, old people made that up to stop us from having fun.
23:33Come on, don't be a loser.
23:35When they all get caught with the pen,
23:36they pin the blame on Booker, who gets suspended.
23:40It ends with a message from the cast,
23:42who reiterate the moral of the episode.
23:44What is nicotine?
23:45It's an addictive drug that causes long-term effects.
23:47That's right.
23:48It can affect your attention, your learning, and even your memory.
23:51And it primes your brain for addiction.
23:53So don't even try it.
23:54No.
23:58Trish isn't pretty enough to be playing Sleeping Beauty.
24:01They should call the play Sleeping Not Beauty.
24:04Trish is delighted to land the lead in the school play,
24:07but she's left feeling pretty gutted
24:08after reading some nasty comments about her
24:10on the play's website.
24:12Bar of soap and a cracked mirror.
24:14Oh, let me guess.
24:15I looked into it and that's what broke it.
24:17Hilarious.
24:18As the hateful behavior escalates,
24:20she tries to laugh it off.
24:21But she's utterly heartbroken.
24:23Writing as a guest blogger for Huffington Post,
24:26Rainey Rodriguez, who played Trish,
24:28explained how they wanted to show that anyone
24:30can be a victim of such repetitive harassment.
24:33She also talked about drawing on her own experiences
24:36of being mistreated.
24:37Margot wrote some mean comments about me online,
24:40and things got out of hand.
24:41Margot, you did that?
24:43Yes, but I just wrote that stuff
24:46because I guess I was jealous.
24:48Eventually, the culprit is caught,
24:50and Trish reports her to Coach Simmons,
24:52who says he wishes Trish had spoken up sooner.
24:55The episode ends with a direct-to-camera PSA.
24:59No. 7.
25:00Objectification.
25:01Liv and Maddie.
25:02Raiding us?
25:04That is so beyond not okay.
25:06Who started that list?
25:07Todd Stetson and his jerk-tourage.
25:10While it wasn't the only occasion
25:11the show addressed sexism,
25:13it was certainly the most relatable.
25:15In Raider Rooney, the guys start raiding
25:17the girls at school based on their appearances.
25:20We don't care about your stupid rating system.
25:22We are all tens, but if you can't see that,
25:25we'll all be ones.
25:26This knocks their self-confidence
25:28and leaves them feeling pressured
25:29to change how they look just for a higher score.
25:32I know we all agreed to wear garbage bags today,
25:34but I just couldn't.
25:37I want guys to like me.
25:40I don't want a 5.
25:40Willow wants a 7.
25:41Liv fights back with a song of female empowerment
25:44called, What a Girl Is,
25:45to remind them that they're perfect as they are
25:48and shouldn't change for anyone.
26:01It's a message that many of us need reminding of
26:03from time to time.
26:04In 2016, the episode was even nominated
26:07for the Humanitas Prize.
26:106. Body Image – That's So Raven
26:20Raven has a vision where she's modeling
26:22her own dress design on a catwalk.
26:24However, she's deflated after seeing
26:26her photoshopped body in the magazine
26:28due to not having the look.
26:30Why did you make me look super skinny anyway?
26:32I thought you liked my design.
26:34My dear, we love your design.
26:36We just don't love you wearing it.
26:39Although her confidence is momentarily knocked,
26:41Raven, with some encouragement from Mimi,
26:44decides to fight back against this harmful rhetoric.
26:47She delivers a powerful message on body image
26:50and looks fabulous while doing so.
26:52Because in case you haven't noticed,
26:54people come in all shapes and sizes
26:55and they're all beautiful.
26:56Tell it girl!
26:58Speak the truth!
26:59Put that in your magazine.
27:00The Suite Life also dedicated an episode
27:02to challenging body standards.
27:04You want one man's opinion?
27:05I think you are both two very beautiful young women.
27:09You really think so?
27:11Absolutely.
27:12And you don't need to change the way that you look.
27:15In a time where there was far less
27:16body diversity in the media,
27:18it was great to see our favorite
27:19Disney Channel shows championing
27:21all body shapes and sizes.
27:24Number 5.
27:25Coming out as LGBTQ+,
27:27Andi Mack.
27:28Andi, you're not the only one who likes Jonah.
27:34I like him too.
27:35Following the titular character
27:37and her friends while they're in middle school,
27:38this comedy-drama with an Asian-American lead
27:41stands out in particular for its diversity.
27:44In 2017, Cyrus made Disney Channel history
27:47as the first character on the network
27:49to directly address their sexuality.
27:51Cyrus, do you like Andi?
27:59You like Jonah.
28:06It was also the first time
28:07that a Disney Channel show featured
28:09a coming out story arc.
28:10LGBTQ plus organizations were consulted
28:13to ensure that it was conveyed
28:14honestly and respectfully.
28:16Puffy, I feel weird.
28:22Different.
28:26Cyrus, you've always been weird.
28:31But you're no different.
28:33Cyrus's friends are also supportive,
28:35but the biggest moment occurred
28:36when he came out to Jonah and finally said,
28:39I'm gay.
28:39The episode's writer, Jonathan Hurwitz,
28:42drew on one of his own coming out experiences
28:44to write this scene.
28:45Okay, cool.
28:48Okay.
28:52Cool.
28:52Number 4.
28:53Hurtful, threatening behavior.
28:55Girl Meets World.
28:56I'm not laughing at you.
28:58Who's laughing at you?
29:01You never should have come up with it,
29:02and you're a bully.
29:03Riley is normally so upbeat and happy-go-lucky,
29:06so when she starts lashing out,
29:08her friends realize something must be wrong.
29:10The moment they learn she's being made fun of, though,
29:12they rush to her side.
29:14How could you not come to me
29:15if someone is bullying you?
29:19I'm humiliated by you.
29:23I didn't want to let you see me humiliated.
29:25This isn't the only Girl Meets World episode
29:27that tackled the issue,
29:28but the way it's addressed this time
29:30is particularly interesting.
29:32We never meet Riley's teaser.
29:34She's not seen or heard,
29:35and she's never named.
29:37However, when Riley finally confronts her,
29:39it's almost like she's breaking the fourth wall.
29:41I'd like to thank everybody who helped me get here.
29:45My friends.
29:47Because true friends let you be who you are.
29:50Perhaps this is because her message is universal,
29:52or maybe it's to reflect how people use the internet
29:55to hide behind their anonymity.
29:57Hey, where are you going?
30:02Look for us.
30:03The farther away she goes, the smaller she gets.
30:11Radhika Zameen?
30:12Who is that?
30:13Hello, Penny.
30:15I'm Radhika, and this is my family.
30:18Following the sharp rise of fear and or hatred
30:20against Muslims and or the religion of Islam
30:23in the early 2000s,
30:25the Proud family sought to break down prejudices
30:27through this episode.
30:29As part of a cultural exchange program,
30:31Penny lives with a Muslim family
30:33as they observe Ramadan.
30:34As she gets to know the Zameens,
30:36her own prejudices begin to dissolve.
30:39Checkmate!
30:40That's not fair.
30:41You cheated.
30:42Penny helped you.
30:43That's not cheating.
30:44We're a team.
30:44Aren't we, Penny?
30:46That's right.
30:47Her family even joins them to celebrate Eid
30:49and stand with them in the face of racial harassment.
30:52There wasn't much cultural representation
30:54and animation at the time,
30:56so this was certainly a step in the right direction.
30:58But they're exactly like all of our families.
31:00Little brothers and sisters that get on your nerves,
31:03a father that's too protective,
31:05a grandparent that sleeps in front of the TV,
31:07and a mom that keeps everything together.
31:09However, while the intention was good,
31:11it probably would have been approached
31:12with more cultural sensitivity today.
31:15If you know that,
31:16you can never write on their door,
31:18go back to your country,
31:19America for Americans.
31:21You just couldn't do it.
31:23Number two, normalizing LGBTQ plus families.
31:27Good luck, Charlie.
31:28Charlie, honey, you ready for your play date?
31:30Yay!
31:32Who's coming over?
31:33Taylor.
31:34I invited her parents, too.
31:35So we're all having a play date?
31:37Charlie's friend Taylor is coming over
31:39for a play date with her parents.
31:40This leaves Bob and Amy confused,
31:43as each swears that they've met the mom,
31:45but both remember different names.
31:47Bob, honey, this one is actually going to be fun.
31:49I met the mom, Susan.
31:50She's really nice.
31:51Oh, I met her.
31:53I thought her name was Cheryl.
31:54No, it's Susan.
31:55Are you sure?
31:56When Taylor arrives,
31:57they discover that they were both actually right.
32:00However, what's great about this scene
32:02is that Taylor having two mothers
32:03isn't made into an issue.
32:05Taylor has two moms.
32:08Nothing gets past you, Bob.
32:10They just laugh at themselves
32:11for not considering that option
32:12and simply move on.
32:13A Disney Channel spokesperson said
32:15that they wanted to, quote,
32:17reflect themes of diversity and inclusiveness.
32:20They also had the approval and excitement
32:22of Disney Channel alum, Miley Cyrus.
32:25Before we continue,
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32:40Number one, racism.
32:42That's so Raven.
32:44While some shows tackled racism indirectly,
32:47That's so Raven took a more head-on approach.
32:49Are you saying that I didn't get the job?
32:51Yeah, I'm sorry, Ray.
32:52Raven discovers that the only reason
32:54she wasn't hired for her perfect job
32:56is because she's black.
32:58So with the support of her friends and family,
33:00she goes undercover to expose
33:02the bigoted store manager.
33:03Now, Chelsea, remember,
33:05the mini camera is in your hat.
33:07So when Chloe says something incriminating,
33:09make sure the hat gets it.
33:10They uncover injustice,
33:12discuss the experiences of black people,
33:14and don't shy away from the very real
33:16and still prevalent systematic racism.
33:19You do hire people of color, don't you?
33:24Airing during Black History Month,
33:26the episode's subplot also celebrated
33:28the achievements of black American historical figures.
33:31They proved that a show can be educational,
33:34entertaining, and provide a powerful voice
33:36that other TV shows should echo.
33:39I said, the truth is, I don't hire black people.
33:44And there you have it.
33:46Is there a serious moment we missed?
33:48Let us know in the comments.
33:50His dad came charging over all of a sudden
33:51and snatches Freddie away.
33:53Started yelling at him,
33:54telling him he's not allowed to play with black kids.
33:57What did you do?
33:58What could I do, Ray?
34:00Do you agree with our picks?
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