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Disney Channel sitcoms have defined the childhoods of multiple generations, with the media giant's cable outlet cementing itself as a source of hilarity and entertainment. Since its launch in 1983, the Disney Channel has created countless hit original children's series that have become cultural touchstones for their viewers. With an artful blend of heartwarming friendships, family bonding, and ridiculous hijinks, Disney Channel perfected the formula of a family-friendly comedy.

From living a double life as a pop star to wizard families and their magical adventures, the lovable misfits in each unique sitcom live fascinating and remarkable lives while remaining grounded and relatable. While they are perhaps not among the best sitcoms of all time, these Disney staples became intertwined with childhood memories, staying alive through the fans' adoration that persisted throughout the years. The best Disney Channel shows left a mark on their audiences' hearts that goes far beyond nostalgia and rose-tinted glasses.

Every breakout independent hit seems like a miracle. This delightful ‘little’ picture was fated to be ghetto-ized into ethnic theaters before its producers opted to distribute it themselves. Capturing a vibrant part of the immigrant experience, Joan Micklin Silver’s micro-production often has a big-picture look; it charmed audiences and became a sleeper success. Star Carol Kane was nominated for an acting Oscar as ‘Gitl,’ a woman with Old-Country values plus the grit and determination to win a better life. Also with fine performances from Steven Keats, Mel Howard, Dorrie Kavanaugh and Doris Roberts.

Hester Street

Blu-ray

Cohen Media Group / Kino Lorber

1975 / B&w / 1:85 anamorphic 16:9 / 90 min. / Street Date March 8, 2022 / Available from Kino Lorber / 29.95

Starring: Carol Kane, Steven Keats, Mel Howard, Dorrie Kavanaugh, Doris Roberts, Stephen Strimpell, Lauren Frost, Paul Freedman, Martin Garner.

Cinematography: Kenneth Van Sickle

Production Designer: Stuart Wurtzel

Film Editor: Katherine Wenning

Original Music: Herbert L. Clarke...

Believe it or not, it's been 20 years to the day since Even Stevens made its debut on Disney Channel.  To celebrate that momentous anniversary, some of the cast and crew reunited on Zoom to reminisce and share stories about their time on the sitcom, led by stars Christy Carlson Romano, who played Ren Stevens, and Nick Spano, who played Donnie Stevens.  Shia Labeouf was not available for the call, as his costars explained, but many others were. Romano and Spano were joined by Steven Anthony Lawrence, who played Beans, Aj Trauth, who played Twitty, Tom Virtue, who played the dad, and Lauren Frost, who played Ruby. Jim Wise (Coach Tugnut), George Anthony Bell (Principal Wexler), executive producers...

Christy Carlson Romano is throwing it back to 1969 — “not 1970, but a year sooner.”

In the latest episode of her YouTube series Christy’s Kitchen Throwback, the Even Stevens star is joined by former castmates Lauren Frost (Ruby), George Anthony Bell (Principal Wexler) and a classroom full of top-tapping students to recreate “We Went to the Moon in 1969,” a song-and-dance number from the Disney Channel series. The nostalgia trip coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

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This is so out of this world, we can't help but feel over the moon. On an upcoming episode of her YouTube series, Christy's Kitchen Throwback, Christy Carlson Romano enlists her Even Stevens co-stars Lauren Frost and George Anthony Bell—Ruby Mendel and Principal Wexler, respectively—to recreate the educational, iconic, childhood defining performance of "We Went to the Moon." Icymi, we'll jog your memory: In the 2002 episode of the Disney hit, "Influenza: The Musical," Christy's perfectionist Ren Stevens catches, gasp, the flu. Alas, to maintain her perfect attendance record, she sneaks out of the house and goes to...

The improv theater that launched the careers of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey wants to showcase female performers in Los Angeles next month. iO West is hosting Cake Batter’s Funny Women Festival, which is still accepting submissions for its storytelling competition, stand up competition and video short competition. “We have a lot of submissions for the other stuff. We’re trying to work everyone in, if possible,” James Grace, artistic director of the Chicago theater’s L.A. outpost, told Backstage. The event is the brainchild of the comedy troupe Cake Batter, which is made up of Lauren Frost, Angela Rysk and Erin Miller Williams. Grace said they approached iO to host the event, which runs Dec. 4-6, after noticing there were no female-only comedy festivals in L.A. “The idea behind it is that it’s going to be a celebration of the surge of women in comedy,...

Mieka Pauley performing at the 12th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground - November 17, 2009. Photo copyright by Daniel Locke / PR Photos. Mieka Pauley performing at the 12th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground - November 17, 2009. Photo copyright by Daniel Locke / PR Photos. Todd Kessler performing at the 12th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground - November 17, 2009. Photo copyright by Daniel Locke / PR Photos. Mieka Pauley performing at the 12th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground - November 17, 2009. Photo copyright by Daniel Locke / PR Photos. 11/17/2009 - Lauren Frost - 12th Annual Jeff Buckley Tribute at Uncommon Ground - November 17,...