Looking back on my childhood, I remember the shows that I spent my evenings and weekends watching seemingly on end. To this day, my friends and I still jam out to Hannah Montana's songs, quote iconic Zack and Cody lines and even occasionally marathon Phineas and Ferb on Netflix. Although these shows, their plots and their characters are still fresh in my mind, the majority of them premiered more than ten years ago. Below is a comprehensive list of my favorite childhood programs and when they first hit television screens.
1. Suite Life of Zack and Cody: 2000
It's crazy to think that these rambunctious twins began their antics in 2000. Now, as an avid Riverdale fan, I can't help but look at Jughead and see quirky little Cody.
2. Kim Possible: 2002
Everyone's favorite red-headed do-gooder began her antics 16 years ago and I am SHOCKED. To this day, seeing a naked mole rat weirds me out.
3. Wizards of Waverly Place: 2007
This year is a bit more believable and despite being eleven years ago, feels just like yesterday. Selena Gomez is still a huge name in 2018 pop culture, but we all remember where she began.
4. Good Luck Charlie: 2010
Eight years ago, I watched Teddy Duncan lay out different bits of instruction and advice for her younger sister. Now, I find myself needing my own set of her videos to get through life as a young adult.
5. That's So Raven: 2003
The reboot of this show could not have come soon enough. The antics of Raven Baxter and her squad were legendary, especially since they always tried to prevent the trouble that they later caused.
6. The Proud Family: 2001
Let's face it. We all wanted to live in Wizville with Penny Proud and her family. This show screamed family love while revolving around Penny's growing pains and wild adventures.
7. Lizzie McGuire: 2001
Seeing Hillary Duff as a grown adult is still eerie to me. Yes, I understand that Lizzie McGuire only premiered in 2001, which was 17 years ago, but I still cannot fathom it.
8. Recess: 1997
Recess is actually older than I am and I never before knew that. I figured that it had just originally aired during my early childhood, but now, I am shocked that it is 21 years old.
9. Sonny with a Chance: 2009
Despite this show only being nine years old, so much has changed. Demi Lovato's career has spun around, with her now focusing on music and activism rather than working on a television show and dealing with Chad Dylan Cooper's mood swings.
10. Cory in the House: 2007
This show made it every kid's dream to live in the White House. Of course, living outside of Washington, D.C. I know that it is completely unrealistic, but every kid wanted a life like his in 2007.
11. Phineas and Ferb: 2007
I don't care how old this show may actually be because it is still relevant to this day. Who doesn't love a good song about aglets?
12. Hannah Montana: 2006
Hannah Montana has made an appearance in 2018, even though the show aired in 2006. Miley's blonde 'do at the Grammy's brought some major flashbacks to her most avid fans. Besides, the Bone Dance was the only reason I aced my anatomy skeletal quiz.
13. iCarly: 2007
Looking back, this show was crazy. I don't know how exactly I would react if I came home to find an ostrich in the middle of my living room, but that was Carly Shay's average day.
14. Victorious: 2010
Eight years ago, a hoard of children began to try their hardest to sing and act in order to secure a spot at the fictional Hollywood Arts High School with Tori Vega and her crew.
15. The Fairly OddParents: 2001
Seventeen years later, anything coincidentally green and pink together are assumed to be Cosmo and Wanda hiding in plain sight. We're all trained to know that these two fairies are everywhere Timmy goes.
16. Drake & Josh: 2004
Every fan's heart broke when word got loose that Josh Peck did not invite Drake Bell to his wedding. No more "hug me brotha"?! Thankfully, the two have since made up, but this show was too iconic for that kind of ending.
17. Hey Arnold!: 1996
Looking back, I always wondered how Arnold, a fourth-grader with very little supervision, managed to survive the huge city of Hillwood. As a young adult, I can barely manage the New York City subways.
18. Big Time Rush: 2009
Every Big Time Rush fangirl has the opportunity to watch James Maslow on their television screen with the recent announcement of his slot on Big Brother's celebrity edition. If he keeps true to his character on the show, he'll definitely be tugging some heartstrings.
19. Danny Phantom: 2004
Being a ghost never seemed appealing until the airing of Danny Phantom in 2004. Although crazy in concept, the show kept viewers hooked as Danny battled the most vicious and intense monsters.
20. Zoey 101: 2005
As a college student, I must admit that I still see girls copying Zoey Brooks's trademark fashion statement: her key necklace. Thirteen years later, kids are aching to attend Pacific Coast Academy and ride Jet-Xs.
21. Catdog: 1998
This show took the metaphor of fighting like cats and dogs and brought it to life. The most entertaining part of this cartoon was definitely watching the way two opposites lived literally attached at the hip.
22. Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide: 2004
I must admit that this show truly did help me through my early days of school. Of course, I was never faced with an evil vice principal or a pal with cyber glasses, but the morals always remained impactful.
23. Spongebob Squarepants: 1999
Spongebob is still as famous and popular today as it was when I was growing up. This show means so much to me that if someone doesn't get a reference from the show, I am disgusted. This was the highlight of my childhood.
As a young adult, I shouldn't be surprised at how old these shows truly are, but unfortunately, I am. I remember their plots, characters and iconic quotes more than I remember what I learned in class (oops). It hurts my heart to know that kids of the next generation won't be able to watch these incredible programs.
