“Lizzie McGuire” and “Even Stevens” were taken from us too soon.
The variety of original shows it provided, from memorable live-action sitcoms to animated comedies, captivated a generation.
But they also shared a common number that made their shows end much earlier than expected: 65.
Hilary Duff in Lizzie McGuire; Christy Carlson Romano in Even Stevens; Raven Symone in That’s So Raven.Credit:Walt Disney Enterprises/Courtesy Everett; George Lange/Disney Channel via Getty; Disney Channel/Courtesy Everett
This applied to shows created for both theirABCOne Saturday morning block and the Disney Channel.
But what was the 65 episode rule?
Which shows were affected by it and which shows broke the rule?
Cast of ‘Even Stevens’.Everett Collection
Is it still in effect today?
Heres everything you oughta know about the Disney Channel 65 episode rule.
What was the Disney Channel 65-episode rule?
‘Lizzie McGuire’.Disney Channel
Disney
When a Disney show is greenlit, the show cannot exceed beyond 65 episodes.
There’s no possible renewal opportunity, so consider yourself cancelled by default.
Why were shows cancelled after 65 episodes?
Raven-Symone, Anneliese Van Der Pol, Orlando Brown.Tony Rivetti/Disney Channel/Everett Collection
By the end of the quarter, 65 episodes would have aired.
Through reruns and new episodes, the show would maximize exposure and boost its chances of entering syndication.
But even successful series often ended up with limited 65-episode runs on the channel.
Selena Gomez, David Henrie.Ron Tom/Disney Channel via Getty
What shows were impacted by the 65 episode rule?
Lizzie McGuireandEven Stevenswere two of the most notable casualties of the rule.
The same also went for theShia LaBeoufandChristy Carlson Romanobuddy comedyEven Stevens, which ran from 2000-2003. Who can forget the Italian masterpiece that wasThe Lizzie McGuire Movie, which was released theatrically.
Also the should’ve-gone-to-theatersEven Stevens Movie,which aired on the Disney Channel a few weeks after the final episode.
Which Disney Channel show broke the 65-episode rule?
Someone else who broke Disneys improbable rule was none other than Kim Possible.
The series was one of the highest rated shows for the channel.
Is the 65 episode rule still in effect today?
Ron Tom/Disney Channel via Getty
Since Ravens reign, the 65-episode rule has been laid to rest.
If a series bodes to be successful, they are free to order as many seasons as warranted.
And even if a show is granted a feature film, it doesnt mean its the end.
Raven walked so everyone can run and on two separate occasions.
Who could’ve seen that coming besides her?
