My Dark Binging

Disney Shows. There, I said it. The only person who knows this deepest of dark secrets about me is my husband. I can tell he just pretends it’s not happening for his own sanity. He has his games, I have my cheesy Disney shows (insert a stuck out tongue here).

I’m trying not to geek out over the fact that I’m finally talking about it. I’ve mentioned it in the past to a friend or two and they gave me a sideways look like I was mental. I mean, I know everyone loves the Disney movies, but what about the shows? Are those taboo? Apparently, from the reactions I’ve received, they’re just not an adult’s first choice.

Fine, I admit it, I enjoy children’s shows just as much as “adult shows.” I honestly don’t mind how people respond to it, because, hey, we all get through this life in our own, unique ways. I’ve definitely gone wide-eyed listening to other people talk about their little quirks. I guess I can’t blame others for not being able to mask the looks they give when hearing mine (insert an elaborate shoulder shrug here).

I suppose I should be a bit more specific about which Disney shows I’m referring to. However, should I do a top ten list, a top five, or just talk about my favorite show of all time? This is harder and more exhilarating than I thought it would be. I’m scared to say it.

Let me talk about the shows I’ve gotten attached to over the years before I give away my favorite...the holy grail. Of course, there’s Even Stevens with their goofy antics. Shia Labeouf had such a gift for making any life tragedy or issue look hilarious while teaching a lesson at the same time. It was brilliant, and I’ve watched every single episode more times than I’m admitting. Lizzie McGuire would jump on this wagon, just the same.

Some others that just get me dancing on my tiptoes and clapping my hands are Kim Possible (what girl didn’t love this chick), The Suite Life on Deck (those twins are comedy perfection), and Lab Rats (sci-fi for the win). Austin & Ally, Jessie, Ant Farm, Liv and Maddie, Wander over Yonder, Gravity Falls, and so much more tickle my fancy. I just want to sit here and name them all. However, I will be kind and not cause you to read that list.

Ok ok ok, I’m going to say it now. My favorite Disney show ever, in the history of ever is Kickin’ It. I know, out of all the shows Disney has produced, why that one?! No worries, I’m going to explain my entire psychological connection to this show. Just know, I’m a perfectly sane young woman.

A huge part of why Kickin’ appeals to me is due to my father. From the time I was born, he was a martial artist, and a good one. He taught many people the ways of Tae Kwon Do and I got to experience every bit of it as I grew up. It was a treat when he would let us stay up past 10 PM to watch a cheesy Kung Fu movie that so happened to be on the TV that night. Although the quality of the movies were laughable, there was just something about their detailed storylines and that overly dramatized fighting that hooked me.

Did I mention my dad went on to become a two-time national champion? Yeah, he left some big shoes to fill. I’m sorry to report, I didn’t follow in his footsteps. However, what did follow me was an undying love for cheesy martial arts films. My husband hates them all and still can’t believe, ten years later, that I can sit and watch them for hours, on my days off. My personality type is rainbows and sprinkles until it comes to my choice of TV binges. That’s when it turns dark and brutal.

Disney definitely matches my unicorns and frills type of personality. However, their shows make it pretty obvious that the cast isn’t normally trained in the areas of interest being covered in the show. This is obvious in Kickin’ It as well. Most of the cast is deplorable at karate, but there are two characters that clearly aren’t. Disney threw me for a loop on that one. I never expected them to actually have talented martial artists in their show, but boy howdy, they did.

The first time I watched the show, I was enamored with the main character, Jack. Of course, the typical pretty boy, he actually kicked straight booty when it came to martial arts. His sensei, Rudy (he played the big brother in Hannah Montana too) was fire at karate as well. I couldn’t believe what I was watching. From that very first moment, I couldn’t get enough.

Admittedly, I have lost count of how many times I’ve watched every episode. Disney+ has made it very easy for me to raise this number whenever I choose. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a lot since I got Disney+ and I sincerely have no shame in the slightest over this fact.

So, I will continue to laugh until my cheeks hurt when Rudy dramatically screws something up. I will continue to sit with my mouth open when Jack executes a stellar roundhouse. Finally, I will continue to stick my tongue out at my husband when he decides to make a random comment about my binging habits. Thank you for this moment of empowerment.