Disney Channel's That's so Raven

Premiering in 2003, That's So Raven has become Disney Channel's most successful original show. Thanks in no small part to it's charismatic young star, Raven Symone, That's So Raven is funny, smart, and well-done. With an ensemble cast of characters that are diverse, and episodes that deal with real family issues in a way that kids can relate to, That's So Raven is one show you can feel good about your kids watching. You may even want to watch with them; If so, you'll find yourself laughing along with your kids.

The plot of That's So Raven revolves around Raven Symone's character, Raven Baxter. Baxter is a teenager driven by her love of creative clothing, and pesky little psychic powers that give her visions into the future. These visions give Raven and her friends and family plenty of lessons to learn as they deal with crazy situations. Those crazy situations often involve Raven putting on one of a hundred different disguises.

Regular characters on That's So Raven also include: Orlando Brown as Raven's best friend Eddie Thomas, Anneliese van der Pol as Raven's other best friend Chelsea Daniels, Rondell Sheridan and T'keyah Crystal Keymah as Raven's parents Victor and Tanya Baxter, and Kyle Massey who plays little brother Cory Baxter. There are also many guest stars with recurring roles, such as Wesley Mann as teacher Mr. Lawler, Frankie Ryan as Cory's friend William, Ashley Drane as Muffy, David Henrie as Larry, and Andrea Edwards as Loca.

That's So Raven is set apart from Disney Channel's other shows in so many ways. Raven Symone, who now produces as well as stars in That's So Raven, gives kids (especially little girls) a role model parents can feel great about. Raven's character is good in school, funny, loyal to her friends, and a fashionista-without ever having to bear her belly button or wear too much makeup. That's So Raven presents a family that is busy, but close, and who are honest with eachother, whatever the outcome. The Baxter family routinely deals with issues that face real kids, such as peer pressure. Raven and her friends and family are not always happy go lucky, and they face issues head-on, supporting eachother all the way. In one such episode, entitled Five Finger Discount, Raven's little brother Cory's friends persuade him to participate in stealing from the local mall. When Raven's vision of catching Cory stealing alarms her, she dresses up as a security guard to stop him. Five Finger Discount is a great example of how That's So Raven helps viewers deal with peer pressure, by infusing comedy with life lessons.

Every episode of Disney Channel's That's So Raven has a lesson to teach, but disguises it with real physical comedy that outdoes some adult sitcoms, making it a perfect balance for kids and parents. Cable channels like Disney Channel and Nickelodeon can bombard kids with so-called "educational" shows, and it can be difficult for most parents to decide how much they should watch, and what. There are very few programs for kids that actually give the positive messages they advertise, but That's So Raven is one that truly succeeds in being entertaining and appropriate.

Airing weekdays at 6pm, 5 Central, That's So Raven has become Disney's longest running show. However, the show is expected to end in 2007. With merchandise and soundtrack cd's, dvd's, and video games, the franchise of That's So Raven has become a lucrative one.

It can be difficult these days to feel like you're getting through to your kids about always doing the right thing, and coming to you if they have a problem. Take some time this week to sit down with your child and watch Disney Channel's That's So Raven. You'll enjoy the slapstick comedy and intelligent writing of the show, as well as good examples of real kids doing the right thing.