If you’re between the ages of 16 to 25 years old, you’re probably part of what I call “The Disney Channel Generation.”
My childhood was defined by pouring over a television watching over-publicized teenagers play secret agents and pop-stars. If you didn’t want to live in the future after watching “Phil of the Future,” then you’re not normal.
Arguably, one of the most popular shows of my childhood was “That’s So Raven.”
The show, which was popular in the early 2000s, ran for 100 episodes, exceeding many other popular shows on the Disney Channel.
Raven-Symoné, a Cosby Show alum, played a secret teenage psychic, trying to navigate through the perils of high school. Casual.
But Raven-Symoné’s sassiness and psychic antics weren’t the only reason tweens tuned in every week. Although her situation was unrealistic, Raven-Symoné herself was real and everyone could relate to her personal struggles.
Whether it be relationship troubles or body shaming, Raven-Symoné’s engaging and charismatic personality helped her become a part of my own childhood and many others.
Since the show wrapped in 2007, Raven-Symoné’s lived a quieter life, dodging the media circus surrounding other child stars such as Miley Cyrus and Amanda Bynes.
Although Raven-Symoné avoided a public personal life, the star made waves last year when she told Oprah Winfrey she didn’t want to be labeled as African-American or gay. She blew the “twitter-sphere” up.
The interview established Raven-Symoné as a driving controversial force in social media and brought her back into the public eye.
Raven-Symoné’s gutsy point of view proved to be perfect for “The View.” The aging talk show featured Raven-Symoné as a guest host and quickly garnered major attention for the show.
After a couple headline-grabbing moments, Raven-Symoné quickly secured a hosting spot on the show alongside Whoopi Goldberg and newcomer Michelle Collins.
Raven-Symoné adds a new element to a show that has thrived on feisty dialogue between older women. She is now going to be screaming at older women for a paycheck and I couldn’t be more excited.
On Aug. 14, 2015, one of the greatest moments of my young life happened.
Raven-Symoné, Anneliese van der Pol, Orlando Brown and Kyle Massey reunited on an episode of “The View.”
The cast spilled behind-the-scenes secrets of the show — even implying cast members dated each other. I’m ready for a tell-all.
Though Raven-Symoné isn’t on the Disney Channel anymore, I still have a special place in my heart and my DVR for her outlandish sense of humor.