Hannah Montana
This was definitely my favorite show growing up because it was funny, there were pop songs to sing along to, and it centered around a pop star who also led a normal life, what's not to love? Also this show exuded a lot of girl power which was a great confidence booster when I was growing up because it gave me the feeling that a girl can do anything!
That's So Raven
Looking back, there were so many lessons this show taught that I may not have even understood at the time. The racism and sexism that was squashed in this show really proves how amazing it was that I grew up watching such an influential show. The powerful dialogue they used to talk about problems with racist employers and people who didn't believe in Raven because she was a girl was inspirational and gave me the feeling, yet again, that I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to.
iCarly
If I sat down and watched an episode of this show today I would still laugh because this show was for all ages and was really funny. The fact that the main characters were famous for a web show was probably a huge new concept at the time but now that's a normal thing to be famous for. I always wanted to have a crazy older brother like Spencer and a crazy friend like Sam so I loved watching this show and pretending like I was Carly.
Victorious
This show was like a fantasy because I had never even heard of a performing arts high school and once I had I immediately wanted to go there. I can't sing, dance, or act but it made me want to do all of those things. The crazy characters and really weird situations they got into were funny and kept me watching through the whole show.
Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Watching this show as I grew up was great because it was set in Boston, MA, where I am from. The different family dynamic they had showcased how all different types of families can work with each other and love each other just the same as what people consider a 'normal' family to be. Also, who wouldn't want to grow up in a hotel with a restaurant, game room, pool, and manager who you can pick on everyday?
Kim Possible
A crime fighting girl with a friend who had a naked mole rat? How did any of these shows get made? But seriously, this funny show was great to watch if you wanted to see a teenage girl beat up old guys, old ladies, and basically anyone causing someone harm. The naked mole rat and catchy phone ringtone were just a plus!
Lizzie McGuire
This is one of the shows that started to become a little more normal. Lizzie was just a girl going to school with her friends who had problems just like I did at the time; homework, friendship struggles, crushes on boys, etc. Watching this and knowing that everyone else was struggling with this too was a big help. And the little cartoon that would constantly say what Lizzie was really thinking in her head was great too!
Wizards of Waverly Place
Wizards who masquerade as restaurant owners and lived about the restaurant and constantly had to hide that they had powers? I'm in! I loved seeing the new powers they would develop and the new and strange people they would meet all the time. The crazy outfits and weird situations they got in with vampires and werewolves were great too.
Drake and Josh
This is still probably one of the funniest shows I've seen, and I could sit down and watch this anytime. The constant struggles Drake and Josh got into were hilarious and their little sister Megan was always causing trouble, just like mine were. I loved watching this show just so I could laugh at how ridiculous it was.
Zoey 101
I so wanted to go to a boarding school like this after watching the show! They got to hangout at the pool, play sports, hangout at the juice bar, live in a dorm, and meet crazy new people all the time. The different relationships they all were in always changed and it was crazy seeing how everyone would eventually end up with the one you never would have guessed. And having been in college for a while, I definitely see the need for the key necklace.
All these television shows really taught me a lot about female power, racism, sexism, and how to be a good person. Though they were meant to entertain children, you can definitely see how these shows were trying to educate kids to be better people. I like that I grew up in a time where female empowerment and inclusivity were advertised so nicely. I hope that the children growing up now have television series, stars, movies, and books to look at to understand that they are not alone and that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.
