Top 10 Disney Channel Shows That Were Cancelled Too Soon
#10: “So Random!” (2011-12)
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This was a spinoff titled after the fictional comedy sketch show from “Sonny With a Chance.” After Demi Lovato left the original show for personal reasons, this was an attempt to keep the Sonny world alive. All of the same characters returned for the new installation, sans Sonny, of course. It was a valiant effort to keep the story going, but unfortunately, this show just did not have the same magic without Lovato. It was cancelled after just one season, but they could have given this one another chance to gain momentum with a second season.
#9: “Cory in the House” (2007-08)
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This is another spinoff that didn't quite make it. “That’s So Raven” was one of Disney Channel’s most popular shows, so it seemed logical that this one would also be successful. But even Raven and her psychic powers couldn’t have predicted this unfortunate outcome. This time around, Cory got the spotlight, as the show told the story of him and his dad living in the White House. Cory was always a great source of humor every time he appeared on screen in the original, so it was really cool to see him running the show. However, although the show started out quite popular, it quickly dipped in ratinings and got the axe after only two seasons. Cory deserved better.
#8: “American Dragon: Jake Long” (2005-07)
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It really is somewhat of a mystery why this show was canceled. It was a bit like a superhero story. An ordinary boy finds out he has the power to become a dragon and protects fellow magical creatures. It was a relatively popular show, yet it only made it to 55 episodes. It didn’t even make it up to Disney Channel’s widely hated 65 episode rule. (We’ll elaborate more on that in a moment.) But poor Jake Long was cut before his time, and Disney Channel never even had the courtesy to tell us why. It just ended.
#7: “Even Stevens” (2000-03)
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This show was wildly popular in its day. Ren and Louis’ relationship was so relatable — extreme of course, but reminiscent of a real brother-sister relationship. And their antics were always so much fun, we could have gone on watching them forever. And pretty much the reason this hilarious family comedy was canceled was because of Disney's 65 episode rule. A handful of shows have managed to survive, but Disney Channel is infamous for cutting shows off, no matter how popular, at 65 episodes. Thankfully, this one got a movie to help round things out nicely, but Ren and Louis had a lot more to offer.
#6: “Stuck in the Middle” (2016-18)
This is another one gone before its time. And boy, do we miss it. Focused on Harley, the middle child of the Diaz family, this show was a fun and simple comedy about what it’s like living in a big family. Before the premiere of the third season, it was announced that the third would be the last. Why Disney, why?! At least tell us why. They didn’t even have the 65 episode rule to fall back on. And it seemed that the star, Jenna Ortega, was just as sad as the rest of us. So why?! We may never know exactly why.
#5: “Best Friends Whenever” (2015-16)
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This show had so much potential. Best friends Shelby and Cyd accidentally give themselves the power to travel through time. Oh, the possibilities... Unfortunately, the show started becoming repetitive. Shelby and Cyd could have gone anywhere and any time and had crazy adventures, but the stories ended up being more mundane. Disney Channel dropped the ball on this one, and the ratings dropped with it, so much so that the show was canceled after just two seasons. With a few tweaks to the story ideas and format, we bet this show could have gone the distance.
#4: “Wander Over Yonder” (2013-16)
Wander and Sylvia the Zbornak’s intergalactic adventures were always a fun ride. Though the show got a little darker after the first season, the main plot was still about them simply travelling around the universe helping to make people happy. This kind of premise could have easily become campy, but this show sustained good ratings, and won several awards including an Emmy. According to the show’s creator, Craig McCracken, he was told by Disney that there would be no season 3 even before season 2 started, and was given no good answer as to why. It was a decision made by the higher ups and that was that.
#3: “Phil of the Future” (2004-06)
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This futuristic family comedy had friendship, mystery, and, we have to mention, a super-catchy theme song. Yet somehow, this one didn’t even make it to the 65 episode rule. Sadly, it was cut short at only 43. Most of the humor in this show came out of the Diffys being back from the future. The 22nd century family got stranded in the early 2000s while on a time-travelling vacation. It’s not really publicly known why this show ended after only two seasons, but we’re pretty sure that it’s a general consensus that Phil and Keely also deserved way better.
#2: “I Didn’t Do It” (2014-15)
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This show started out with a pretty cool format. The episode would start off with the characters in a troubling predicament, and then, through a series of flashbacks, tell the story of how they got there, from the differing points of view of twins Lindy and Logan Watson. This format lent itself to both drama and humor, and had a lot of potential. But the second season of the show changed to a more standard sitcom style. Unfortunately, viewership began to drop and the show was canceled. They shouldn’t have given up on such an interesting premise. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Gamer's Guide to Pretty Much Everything” (2015-17) Cool Premise, Poor Ratings “Flash Forward” (1995-97) First Original Disney Channel Series Didn’t Last “PrankStars” (2011) The Host Was Caught Driving While Impaired
#1: “Girl Meets World” (2014-17)
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This spinoff of “Boy Meets World,” centered around Cory and Topanga’s daughter, Riley, was well-received. It was clever, witty, and managed to keep the magic of the original alive. pointed The 65 episode rule also seems to be one of the main culprits for this cancelation. It was also speculated that the lack of marketable products, such as dolls, soundtracks and the like, contributed to the network’s decision, as well as the characters simply growing up too much. We think we can speak for all fans of this show: we were looking forward to watching Riley and her friends grow up, just like we did with their parents.
