Look Back at Disney's Supernaturally-Themed 2000s Sitcom Hit That's So Raven

That's So Raven: A Look Back at the Hit Disney Channel Series

That's So Raven was one of the most popular shows on the Disney Channel during the 2000s. The sitcom starred Raven-Symoné as Raven Baxter, a teenager with psychic abilities who regularly gets visions of the future. With its quick humor, fun characters, and important life lessons, That's So Raven became a fan favorite that spawned a franchise including dolls, video games, albums, and more.

Overview of That's So Raven

That's So Raven debuted on the Disney Channel in January 2003 and ran for four seasons, ending in 2007 after 100 episodes. The show followed Raven Baxter, a teenage girl living in San Francisco with her family - parents Tanya and Victor and younger brother Cory. Raven had the ability to get psychic visions of the future, which often got her into sticky situations as she tried to interpret her visions and stop any mishaps before they occurred.

Some of the other main characters included Raven's best friends Eddie and Chelsea, who were always by her side. Cory also had his friend William. Other characters included Raven's grandmother Viv and radio host Alana, Cory's arch-nemesis Loca, and Raven's rival Tiffany. The show navigated topics like friendship, popularity, peer pressure, school, and family with a mix of humor and heart.

Raven-Symoné's Breakout Role

That's So Raven turned young actress Raven-Symoné into a Disney Channel star. She landed the lead role of Raven Baxter when she was in her mid-teens, having already gained fame as a child actor on The Cosby Show and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. On That's So Raven, Raven-Symoné got to showcase her comedic timing as well as sing and dance.

Raven's quick wit, expressive facial reactions, and catchphrases like "Oh, snap!" made her the standout star of the show. The role helped cement Raven-Symoné as a household name. She went on to release several albums that charted on the Billboard 200 during That's So Raven's run. She also voiced the character of Monique in Kim Possible around the same time.

Unique Premise

The supernatural premise of That's So Raven was unique, especially for a Disney Channel show. Raven's psychic visions added a fantasy element to the otherwise realistic world of the show. It also allowed for lots of colorful visual sequences when Raven would have a vision. She would utter her catchphrase "oh, snap!" then get transported into a short music video-style scene foretelling the future.

Watching Raven interpret her visions created lots of comedic situations. Sometimes she would misread what she saw, other times she would try overzealously to stop a vision from coming true. This led to funny moments where Raven would overreact or jump to conclusions about what was going to happen. The visions also always came true one way or another, teaching Raven lessons in the process.

Franchise Success

Thanks to its popularity, That's So Raven spawned an entire franchise. In addition to the original series, this included:

• Three soundtrack albums featuring songs from the show.
• A show spinoff called Cory in the House starring Raven-Symoné's younger co-star Kyle Massey.
• A sequel series Raven's Home launching in 2017 with Raven-Symoné and Anneliese van der Pol reprising their roles.
• Dolls, apparel, and accessories based on the show.
• Video games like That's So Raven: Psychic on the Scene for Game Boy Advance.
• A Walt Disney World interactive attraction called "Raven's Psychic Extravaganza."

The show's massive popularity made it ripe for merchandising. Expanding the That's So Raven universe allowed Disney to continue capitalizing on its success even after the original series ended. It also gave fans more ways to engage with their favorite characters.

Impact and Legacy

During its four season run, That's So Raven broke new ground in several ways. It was the first Disney Channel show to reach 100 episodes, paving the way for future long-running hits. Raven-Symoné also became the channel's first lead African-American female. Additionally, her character had two parents in a strong nuclear family, allowing Raven to become a role model.

The show impacted pop culture through Raven's catchphrases, fashion, and hairstyles. That's So Raven is also remembered as a standout supernaturally-themed sitcom. While aimed at tweens, it had an intergenerational appeal that allowed parents and kids to watch together. The show left a lasting mark on 2000s pop culture and Disney Channel history.

In many ways, That's So Raven was ahead of its time. Its mix of supernatural storytelling with family sitcom hijinks was echoed in later Disney hits like Wizards of Waverly Place and Hannah Montana. The show's syndicated reruns on the Disney Channel introduced it to a new generation of viewers. With the launch of the Raven's Home sequel series in 2017, the show proved its iconic status and staying power even a decade after ending.