Ok so if we're being honest, the quality of Disney channel has drastically decreased in the last 12 years(and yes...I vaguely remember Disney of the late 90's early 2000's.) The Disney I grew up with sported movies with quality lessons and a promotion of higher character. Movies like "The Color of Friendship" tackled the tough issue of racism in recent America. Tru Confessions told the tale of a sister and brother duo as she learned to love him, his autism and his gift to her and their family. And Tiger Cruise dealt with the American tragedy of 9/11. These movies were made for kids, and they maintained an age appropriate format for dealing with content; but they dealt with content.
Nowadays kids get movies with titles like "Teen Beach Movie" and characters where the parents are idiots 300% of the time, and the kids are always right, even when they're wrong. The storylines are cheesy, the writing is messy, and the characters are stupid. Almost everything Disney has put out in the last 10 years has lacked quality. (***Note the "almost")
So when the classic show "Boy Meets World" was getting a reboot, my sisters were pretty hesitant. BMW was before my time, so I actually didn't care about this new spring off series. It was my little sister who began watching first, and I decided to sit in on an episode. One "huh-hurr" and I was hooked.
These are in no particular order, but here are 10 Reasons Why You Should be Watching "Girl Meets World":
1) Not every issue presented in each episode is wrapped up neat and tidy at the end. I like the element of realistic that is added, not so subtly, to this show. It doesn't leave you feeling depressed (at least not often), and it doesn't leave you with unrealistic expectations for your own life. The show creates a situation, that feels familiar, and relatable. And lets be honest, it keeps you coming back for more.
2) For once, the parents aren't total idiots. Ok, so Corey is a DORK and Topanga doesn't seem to be maybe the most street smart mama (as in sometimes the current cultural things go over her head) but the parents, for once, are not idiots. In fact, unlike most Disney media, the kids seek the help of their parents more often than not. And when they don't, they face and deal with the consequences of that. Corey and Topanga are the coolest TV parents I've ever seen- and they are active in both their children's lives, and the lives of their children's friends.
3) The characters! It takes no time to find your favorite, your personality, your conflict, and your crush(yeah, lets be honest. The show does in fact sport some good looking people. {Shawn Hunter though}) They develop the characters so incredibly well. There is thought given to every storyline and each character is unique and consistent, yet displays continual growth. They grow them up well, and accurately, which sometimes means not so gracefully.
4) The story spans most ages. My little sister (15) started watching the show first, and in no time, everyone of my sister and both of my parents were watching, and enjoying this show. Although it centers on middle schoolers, it doesn't relate only to middle schoolers.
5) There's always a lesson or greater purpose. Sometimes the lessons are deeper than others, but unlike past shows, there is something of meaning in every episode, and not just a show for laughs. They have addressed everything from bullies to beliefs to self weaknesses to autism. They haven't shied away from tough issues, and the episodes have opened up conversation gracefully.
6) There's equal amounts of laughter and heartbreak. In a single episode you can laugh till your belly hurts, and cry real tears. Riley is funny, and goofy and outgoing, and she makes you laugh. But her best friend, Maya, has a tragic story that causes you to feel some deep emotions. Outside of the characters personal stories, many episodes were just straight up emotional. I have ugly cried in more than one episode.
7) There's an equal focus of importance on family and friendship. Although more of the show focuses on Riley and her friends, there is an incredible focus on family. She relies heavily on the wisdom of her parents, especially her dad, and is often brought back to a place of recognizing their importance in her life.
8) YES parents, they deal with boy/girl issues, but they do it in the most tasteful way I've seen yet. For those who care, **SPOILERS AHEAD**
There is something of a love triangle that forms, and so it is a topic of conversation often- but not "every episode" kind of often. I think they way they have handled the boy/girl stuff has been in a format that encourages open dialogue between kids and parents. There aren't secrets kept from parents.
9) There is an open story for real things that real people deal with. I mentioned earlier that they cover everything from bullies to autism, but its true. They really do deal with a number of issues. Smaller scale issues, like learning that the universe doesn't revolve around them. To the bigger issues like, friends becoming the children of divorce, or a friend being diagnosed with autism. It almost doesn't matter who you are, there is a piece of this story you can connect with.
10) It is by far one of the cleanest, funniest, sweetest, most family friendly shows on TV today. In a world where 11 year olds are watching and pining after the lifestyle of the Kardashians, this show is a breath of fresh air. Girls in wacky clothing, behave (generally) age appropriate, and work through real life issues in a format that is open for viewers of any age to enjoy.
At almost 22, I am so unashamed for loving this show.
Already seen in? What are some of your favorite reasons for watching this show?
Interested in watching? Seasons 1&2 are on Netflix and season three is showing on Disney now! Let me know if you love it as much as we do!
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