Review: Disney High is a stunning look at the Disney Channel’s tween dominance and its dark side

Review: Disney High is a stunning look at the Disney Channel's tween dominance and its dark side

As a gamer with a heart for nostalgia and a keen eye for behind-the-scenes drama, I must say that Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer has been a gripping read for me. Growing up in the golden era of the Disney Channel, I can still remember the excitement of watching Lizzie McGuire, That’s So Raven, and High School Musical with my siblings, not knowing about the chaos that was unfolding behind the scenes.

The new book Disney High gives a dark look at what once was a bright time for the Disney Channel!

In the years prior to 2000, the Disney Channel was an intriguing television network. While it primarily aired Disney shows, it also offered more original content and specials, and its programming during nighttime was tailored more towards adult audiences rather than just children. It even had segments like a new version of the Mickey Mouse Club, which helped launch the careers of celebrities such as Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, among others. However, Disney didn’t specifically target the “Tween” demographic during this time.

In the 2000s, there was a significant shift in focus towards shows tailored for popular trends, predominantly comedies, which fundamentally altered Disney Channel. This transformation catapulted numerous actors like Selena Gomez, Zendaya, Zac Efron, the Jonas Brothers, and many others into stardom. Disney’s success with these teen stars continues as they introduce new shows.

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but notice the heartbreaking tales that surface from the glamourous world of Hollywood, particularly concerning child stars who have faced hardships. The Disney Channel has had its fair share of these stories, with celebrities like Demi Lovato bravely sharing their struggles and others experiencing tragic outcomes. Now, this intriguing chapter is brought to light in the captivating new book, Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire by Ashley Spencer. Meticulously researched with numerous interviews from actors, writers, producers, and more, this book provides a well-rounded yet thought-provoking account of this era.

The origins of the Disney High era

The book begins with an account of Michael Eisner’s discontentment in the early 1990s due to Nickelodeon surpassing Disney Channel in viewership. Until that point, the cable channel functioned as a subscription-only service similar to HBO. A significant shift occurred when they transformed into basic cable, necessitating a rethink of their programming strategy.

Eisner brought Anne Sweeney, a previous executive from Nickelodeon, on board to tackle the “Disney is outdated” attitude among teenagers during her tenure. This shift started with shows like So Weird and The Famous Jett Jackson, as well as a focus on music videos featuring up-and-coming pop stars, which was instrumental in changing this perception.

After that emerged “Lizzie McGuire,” a highly successful comedy series which catapulted Hilary Duff into stardom. This was subsequently followed by “That’s So Raven,” another studio-produced comedy, with Disney utilizing the strategy of capitalizing on rising stars, predominantly young women, to attract audiences and establish them as marketable teen idols.

The combined impact of “High School Musical” and “Hannah Montana” cemented Disney Channel’s status as a hub for popular stars. Ratings were skyrocketing, merchandise was selling like hotcakes, concert tours, you name it – all generating massive profits for the company. However, the reality behind the scenes was much more challenging.

Spencer’s excellent work capturing this era

Spencer’s narratives shed light on some disturbing aspects of Hollywood through numerous stories, many of which are quite startling. For example, there was the real-life feud between Shia LaBeouf and Christy Carlson Romano on the set of Even Stevens; the rift between Hilary Duff and Annie Dowd; Raven-Symone’s curves being digitally altered to make her appear thinner; Demi Lovato’s battles with mental health, including an incident where she punched a fellow cast member on a private plane; the romantic relationship between Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens on set; and how Miley Cyrus coped with her sudden, unprecedented fame, including the controversial Vanity Fair cover.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, the tales about child stars can get pretty raw, but I won’t blast Disney for it. It seems like this kind of thing happens more often than we’d like, even when compared to the shocking revelations about what went on backstage at Nickelodeon. To be fair, Disney was known for keeping up appearances, so they’d quietly let go of anyone who misused their talent. The stories are gripping, and it’s mind-blowing to see how chaotic some of these seemingly perfect shows could be behind the scenes.

Although this account isn’t endorsed by the industry, some celebrities do speak up, but many major players tend to stay out of it. However, Spencer understands something that many skilled Hollywood writers recognize – if you truly want the inside scoop on what transpired, speak with the secondary cast and crew members who witnessed it firsthand. These reenactments provide a lively depiction of some of the backstage turmoil.

Spencer doesn’t shy away from criticizing Disney, likening their approach to churning out productions like a factory. If an actor grows up or leaves Disney for other opportunities, they quickly replace them with new talent. What stands out about Disney today, especially in a creative sense, is that it’s both highly productive yet devoid of organic creativity. Executives in the network are constantly suggesting ways to make things more “appropriate,” often bringing on writers unsuitable for the show. This is evident in instances like three Disney shows being nominated for Emmys, despite two showrunners being fired and a third suing the network.

It’s interesting to note that the primary focus ends in 2010, right before streaming platforms and new social media began taking away Disney’s influence. Excluding a few notable exceptions like Jenna Ortega, Disney Channel isn’t producing the superstar talent it once did. The departure of Lovato was a sign that the machine was running out of steam, and it wasn’t long before it started to falter.

The book is an exceptional read because it encapsulates a period when Disney underwent a remarkable transformation, shaping not only itself but also a generation of spectators. It introduced numerous stars and entertaining programs that continue to be popular today. However, it could be debated that this transformation had a detrimental impact on the Disney Channel’s history, as it now caters almost exclusively to tweens rather than an older audience. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the less glamorous aspects of fame.

This book isn’t just about Spencer’s affection for these shows on the Disney Channel; it’s also a tribute to this particular era. Disney manages to address some heavy topics without sugarcoating or exaggerating, creating an engaging read. For anyone who enjoys behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood, Disney Channel fans especially, Disney High is a required read and offers a captivating perspective on the rise and fall of a significant period in Disney’s history.

2024-10-10 16:57

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