'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody' Turns 20: The Best Classic Disney Channel Shows, Ranked

"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" turns 20 today—take a trip down memory lane with the best!

Magazine Desk | March 18, 2025

On this day 20 years ago, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody made its debut, airing its pilot on Disney Channel in March of 2005.

Feel old yet? I might be showing my age here, but today’s kids will never quite understand how good television used to be! If you grew up in the ‘90s or 2000s, the Disney Channel was a key part of your childhood.

From the iconic bumpers to the unforgettable shows, the golden era of Disney Channel is a nostalgic treasure trove of memories.

I mean, who didn’t try (and fail) to draw the Disney logo with a glow stick like their favorite stars?

Let’s take a look back and rank the best classic Disney Channel shows that shaped our childhoods.

12. Hannah Montana (2006 - 2011)

Miley Stewart lived the best of both worlds, juggling her secret pop star life with her high school reality.

Miley Cyrus became a household name thanks to her role in Hannah Montana, which defined an era for a generation of Disney fans. The show gave us relatable teen struggles paire

11. Jessie (2011 - 2015)

Life in New York City with a group of rich kids and a nanny.

Jessie was another fun-filled sitcom on Disney Channel, starring Debby Ryan as Jessie Prescott, a nanny

10. Good Luck Charlie (2010 - 2014)

A heartwarming family show with relatable moments.

With a focus on the Duncan family and their hilarious everyday chaos, Good Luck Charlie offered a who

9. K.C. Undercover (2015 - 2018)

A teenager turned secret agent, juggling high school life and spy missions.

Zendaya starred as K.C. Cooper, a high schooler who secretly works as a spy. This show blended action, adventure, and

8. Lizzie McGuire (2001 - 2004)

The quintessential coming-of-age show for the early 2000s.

Before Hannah Montana or That's So Raven, Lizzie McGuire was one of Disney Channel’s best-loved shows. Hillary Duff made Lizzie a relatable and awkward teen who tried to navigate the

7. That's So Raven (2003 - 2007)

Who didn’t want to be able to predict the future?

Starring Raven-Symoné, That’s So Raven was an absolute game-changer for Disney Channel. Raven’s psychic abilities mixed with her hilarious antics

6. Kim Possible (2002 - 2007)

She’s got the best sidekick and a heart of gold.

Kim Possible was a groundbreaking animated show that brought together action and humor in a way that resonated with both kids and adults. The show centered on Kim, a high schooler who could save the

5. The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005 - 2008)

The hotel life was the best life.

Two mischievous twins, played by Dylan and Cole Sprouse, took over the Tipton Hotel, and viewers couldn’t get enough. The Suite Life became one of the most iconic Disney shows of al

4. Wizards of Waverly Place (2007 - 2012)

Who wouldn’t want to have magical powers?

Starring Selena Gomez, Wizards of Waverly Place blended magic, family dynamics, and plenty of humor. The Russo family’s journey in balancing their magical abilities with eve

3. Even Stevens (2000 - 2003)

Shia LaBeouf at his finest.

Before he became a Hollywood star, Shia LaBeouf was Louis Stevens, the charmingly annoying little brother in Even Stevens. The show captured the sibling rivalry and misadventures of Louis and his old

2. Phineas and Ferb (2007 - 2015)

The endless summer adventures.

Phineas and Ferb was one of the most innovative animated series Disney Channel ever aired. The two stepbrothers made each day of their summer vacation an adventure, building everything from roller coasters to time machi

1. Gravity Falls (2012 - 2016)

The show that blends mystery, humor, and heart.

This animated show about twins Dipper and Mabel Pines and their mysterious adventures in the small town of Gravity Falls is a masterclass in storyte

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