Many classic Nickelodeon and Disney Channel TV shows have shaped who we are today. If you had an older sibling, you were probably introduced to early Spongebob and Lizz Maguire. Even if you didn’t, chances are you grew up watching shows like iCarly, Victorious, Jessie, Liv and Maddie, and Henry Danger. These shows gave us some of our first favorite characters, inside jokes and even shaped who we are today. In hindsight, it’s clear that these shows weren’t just entertainment, but a big part of growing up.
Nickelodeon undoubtedly produced some of the most recognizable live action shows our generation. Series like Victorious and iCarly offered a mix of comedy, music, and memorable characters such as as Tori Vega and Carly Shay.
“I remember that I used to watch iCarly every day after school. I still rewatch some episodes today and I feel like it’s shaped my personality and humor.” Said Sophomore Abigail Lyu.
These TV shows weren’t just about laughs but also taught valuable life lessons.
The absurdist humor present in a lot of these Nickolodean shows have channeled into many teenager’s humor today. iCarly was reminiscent of the wonders of the early internet and tween web culture Many classic Nickelodeon and Disney Channel TV shows have helped shape who we are today. If you had an older sibling, you were probably introduced to early episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants and Lizzie McGuire. Even if you didn’t, chances are you grew up watching shows like iCarly, Victorious, Jessie, Liv and Maddie, and Henry Danger. These shows gave us some of our first favorite characters and even influenced the way we think and act today. Looking back, it’s clear that these shows weren’t just entertainment — they were a big part of growing up.
Nickelodeon definitely made some of the most famous live-action shows of our generation. Series like Victorious and iCarly offered a mix of comedy, music, and memorable characters like Tori Vega and Carly Shay. “I remember that I used to watch iCarly every day after school. I still rewatch some episodes today, and I feel like it shaped my personality and humor,” said sophomore Abigail Lyu.
Shows like Jessie and Liv and Maddie showed us the value of family, friendship, and believing in yourself. Even though the episodes were funny and sometimes silly, they often had strong messages about being kind, working hard, and staying true to who you are.
The absurd humor in a lot of these Nickelodeon shows has influenced many teenagers’ sense of humor today. iCarly was especially ahead of its time, showing the fun and weird side of the early internet and web culture. Many of the jokes, memes, and random humor we see online today can be traced back to shows like iCarly and Victorious.
Disney Channel shows also had a huge impact. Characters like Lizzie from Lizzie McGuire or Jessie from Jessie showed kids that it’s okay to be different and make mistakes. They helped young viewers see that everyone struggles sometimes, and that growing up isn’t always easy — but it can still be fun. The catchy theme songs from these shows are still stuck in many people’s heads today and instantly bring back childhood memories.
As we get older, it’s easy to forget how important these shows were to us. But when we think back, we realize they taught us about friendship, creativity, and confidence. They made us laugh when we had bad days and gave us characters to look up to when we needed inspiration. They also gave us a way to connect with other kids, bonding over favorite episodes or quoting funny lines.
In the end, childhood TV shows were more than just something to watch after school. They became a part of who we are. They helped shape our humor, our values, and even some of our dreams for the future. No matter how much time passes, shows like iCarly, Victorious, Jessie, and Liv and Maddie will always hold a special place in our hearts.
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About the Contributor

Haewan Kibret, Staff Writer
My name is Haewan Kibret. I’m a sophomore and this is my first year taking journalism. In my free time, I like to play volleyball. I’m not on the school’s team, but I play for a club team in Baltimore. Some other things I enjoy doing are listening to music, reading, and cycling.