The Disney Channel has set its sights on a new demographic with its family centered, live action sitcom “Good Luck Charlie:” adults.
Created by Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen, who are responsible for shows like “What I Like About You” and “Suddenly Susan,” the new series stars familiar Disney faces, like Jason Dolley, of Disney Channel’s “Cory in the House” series and Bridgit Mendler of “JONAS.” Eric Allan Kramer and Leigh Allyn Baker star as parents Bob and Amy Holliday. The show centers around a family whose world is rocked when baby number four arrives to a household already filled with teenagers.
Disney is responsible for practically every tween’s favorite singer, actor, celebrity crush, or tv show with their smash hits like “Hannah Montana,” “JONAS,” “The Wizards of Waverly Place” and “The Suite Life,” but with “Good Luck Charlie,” Disney tries to get away from the unrealistic magic and rock start fantasies many of the most popular shows are based around and focus on a more realistic, family dynamic.
Crossing the age gap is a tricky endeavor, however, and whether “Good Luck Charlie” will be able to satisfy adults’ sense of humor while not alienating or going above their core demographic’s heads will be a major challenge. They hope to truly make a family sitcom, which until now has only meant the show is appropriate for all family members. Disney hopes to actually appeal to all age groups within the family.
I love the Disney Channel: my friends and I, all in our mid twenties, find that the Disney channel is the only TV we can all agree on. “Hannah Montana” and “The Wizards of Waverly Place” are favorites, and consistently leave us laughing out loud. When most TV shows for our audience have controversy swirling around self-proclaimed Guidos getting punched, another reality show telling us how shallow we are, or comedies that get laughs from random references or crude, offensive jokes, it’s nice to have shows that while aimed at a younger audience, have lighthearted humor, with genuine heart, however overly slapstick they may be. It’s nice to have a break from sometimes. If Disney can offer us older fans something a bit more on our maturity level, with the same touch of Disney charm, I’m all over it.
The show will premiere in 2010, with no specific release date announced.
