A RANKING OF EVERY FIRST EPISODE FROM A DISNEY CHANNEL (ANIMATED) SHOW PART 1

 

 Welcome Back to Disney! I hope you enjoyed my last post where I ranked The Top 20 Greatest Disney Princess Film Songs Of All Time. For this post, and my next couple of upcoming posts, I wanted to go back and watch all of the first episodes from every Disney Channel show. Some shows that I've seen many times before and some that I have never seen until doing this post. I decided to rank the first episodes from Disney Channel's animated shows separately from the first episodes from Disney Channel's live-action shows, just like I did earlier this year when I created A Ranking Of All The 22nd Episodes From Disney Channel Shows. Cause as I mentioned before in that post, it is unfair (at least in my opinion) to rank animated shows against non-animated shows (or live-action shows). So this post (the first post), Part One, is solely about the very first episodes from Disney Channel's animated shows. Then my next couple of posts that will come after this post will be solely about Disney Channel's live-action shows and their very first episodes. Though, those last two posts will be split up into two separate posts due to the fact that there are a little over thirty total first episodes from Disney Channel's live-action shows that I watched and ranked and therefore just to save some time and space I decided to split those in half. So, in other words, Part Two of this post will be every first episode from Disney Channel's live-action shows ranked from 32-17 with the third and final part of this post (Part 3) being every first episode from Disney Channel's live-action shows ranked from 16-1. Alright, I know that might sound a bit confusing, but hopefully you understood that. So, let's not waste any more time and get into A Ranking Of Every First Episode From A Disney Channel (Animated) Show Part 1. 

Just a brief note before I begin: For this ranking I only included the animated shows that I either grew up watching on Disney Channel (or Disney Junior) or were in some way familiar with (even if I had never actually watched the show but knew of it) before creating this post. But all of these shows played on Disney Channel (or Disney Junior) at one time or another. I also only included all the animated shows that I could find available to watch on Disney Plus. So other animated shows like JoJo's Circus, Bear in the Big Blue House, PB&J Otter, among some others classics that I grew up watching, I could not include on this list because they are not currently on Disney Plus. Now, for real this time, let's get into A Ranking Of Every First Episode From A Disney Channel (Animated) Show Part 1. 

(from least to most favorite)...

 #25 Higglytown Heroes S1E1 "Up a Tree / Missing Grandpop" Premiered September 12, 2004

 

After watching all of the animated Disney Channel shows on this list, this one is my most least favorite. Obviously, I know that I'm not the intended demographic for this show because it's more for preschoolers, but I of course had to include it on this list because it is a cartoon that I remember seeing commercials about on Disney Channel. However, I don't remember ever watching a full episode of this show at all when I was a kid, let alone this specific episode. So, I really had no idea what to expect when I started watching it. This show originally aired during the Playhouse Disney programming block on Disney Channel from 2004-2008. However, Playhouse Disney aired reruns of the show until March 2009 as well as Disney Junior from March 2012 until May 2014. The show itself is about four children (Eubie, Twinkle, Wayne, and Kip) and their best squirrel friend (Fran) as they learn about all of the different and important jobs that people do in Higglytown. The characters are unique in that they are shaped like Russian nesting dolls, which is one thing that sets this show apart from all the others on this list. Basically, throughout the series, the characters get into these different situations where they need a hero (a Higglytown Hero) to come and save them. This episode in particular consisted of two different storylines/parts. The first part of the episode being about the kids needing help to rescue Kip from a tree after he gets stuck in it trying to rescue Henrietta the cat and her little kittens. So, some firefighter comes to help save them. The second part of this episode is about Eubie being sad that his Grandpop (Crink) has to leave after visiting with him. His Higglytown friends attempt to cheer him up by pretending to be his Grandpop which does not work, so they of course end up needing a hero to help them send a letter in the mail to Eubie's Grandpop. This was definitely the first and last time that I am going to watch this show just because again it's not really for me and even though it taught some great lessons it was overall just really slow and boring. It didn't keep my attention for very long.  

 

 

 

 

 

#24 Doug S1E1 "Doug's Last Birthday" Premiered September 7, 1996 

  

This was my least favorite episode on this list until I watched the previous episode I just mentioned. This is another cartoon from Disney that I have no recollection of ever watching when I was a kid. But for some reason when I played this episode for the first time, for this post, the theme song did seem very familiar to me and some of the characters did as well. So, I don't really know if I watched reruns of this show or not when it was playing on Disney Channel. I mean, I definitely didn't see it when it originally premiered or anything because I wasn't even born yet and didn't start watching Disney Channel until like 2002. So, again, I don't know if I ever truly saw this show before doing this post or not but some of it did look very familiar. But anyways, this episode is very unique and different from a lot of the other episodes on this list. Not only because of the type of old school animation but also mainly because it's about a boy and his diary/journal. Usually, you don't see shows about such a thing. So, I do like and find that aspect of this show/episode interesting, but it's also one of my least favorites from all the other episodes I watched that are on this list because some of the jokes/comedy or what was supposed to be jokes/comedy was kind of weird and not funny. The show just doesn't hold up today. This episode just gave me weird vibes. It gave off very different cartoon vibes in a bad way. This episode was very chaotic and kind of had a lot of things going on throughout it. However, one thing I do like about this episode is the relatability. As in this episode, Doug is afraid of change because his 12th birthday is coming up and he doesn't want to get a haircut among all the other things that come with growing up. So that, not liking change, is something that I can relate to this character about and I also think that what his sister says to him at the end of this episode is interesting and a pretty good perspective to have. As she says to him, "Life is change Dougy. That's what makes us different from the rocks.". To which in the end Doug realizes that he doesn't want to be a rock. He learns that change can be great, as he goes on to say at the end of the episode, "I guess change is a lot like the ocean. You can't stop it or control it, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the ride.". Yes, I know, that's pretty deep and so true. Again, just a short recap of this episode, in this episode it's Doug's 12th birthday and his fears about the changes that are happening in his life make him think about canceling his birthday party. So many things have changed around Doug that it makes him sick of changes to which he cancels his birthday. But it's only later after his sister Judy makes him realize that changes are good that Doug then uncancels his birthday party just in time for some shocking news from his mom (Mrs. Funnie). So, this episode has a great message but it's not my favorite, nor would I choose to watch it again. 

                                

#23 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse S1E1 "Daisy Bo Peep" Premiered May 5, 2006 

  

This is another Disney animated show that's not for my demographic but I thought it would still be fun to watch this one time for this ranking. Plus, you can't have a Disney animated show ranking without Mickey Mouse. I definitely didn't grow up watching this show a lot let alone this specific episode, but I do remember seeing commercials and stuff about it on Disney Channel. One of the reasons why I ranked this episode higher than the previous episode I mentioned is simply because..I mean, hello..it's MICKEY MOUSE. You can't not like a show with Mickey Mouse. No, but for real, I ranked this episode higher because although it's not my most favorite of all the episodes I watched for this ranking I would still rather watch this episode over the previous one I mentioned. This episode didn't give off weird vibes or anything and it just made me happier to watch. This show, because it's for preschoolers, was hard for me to get through and watch just because it's the slowest episode on this list and therefore one of the most boring to watch which I kind of figured going into it. I didn't expect much from this show and it didn't really give me much. I also didn't know before doing this that this show is an interactive type show like Dora The Explorer. So, that was a little bit of a surprise to me. There is also dancing and singing in this episode, which is always a plus, even if it is preschool songs. Basically, if you've never seen this episode, when Daisy Bo Peep loses her ten sheep she enlists Mickey and the gang to help her find them. Again, this is a cute episode for preschoolers, just not for me. 

#22 American Dragon: Jake Long S1E1 "Old School Training" Premiered January 21, 2005 

  

This episode also stayed lower on my ranking since the beginning while watching these episodes. I know that I've talked about this show before on this blog and I don't know if I ranked it higher in any of those previous rankings I did, but this show/episode just didn't do it for me this time. It definitely made me feel more nostalgic while watching this episode, but that is really all it did for me. As I'm sure I've mentioned before on this blog, I remember seeing commercials of this show on Disney Channel and watching bits and pieces of it here and there but I had no recollection of ever seeing this specific episode before going back to watch it for this post. Though the nostalgia of just that time when this episode came out still hit me. Having said that, there's nothing I strongly dislike about this episode, except the fact that it was just more boring to watch. In this episode, Jake gets fed up with his Grandpa as he (his Grandpa) leads him through a series of seemingly pointless training exercises which then causes him (Jake) to end up avoiding the training. However, when Jake's Grandpa is caught alone by Huntsman and Huntsgirl, Jake must use that "pointless training with Grandpa" to save the day. Again, I enjoyed this episode more than the previous episodes I mentioned but not more than all the ones I will be mentioning later. 

 

#21 Jake and the Never Land Pirates S1E1 "Hide the Hideout / The Old Shell Game" Premiered February 14, 2011  

 

 

 

 

This is another show that I remember seeing as a kid on Disney Channel, like commercials and stuff, but I never watched a full episode of this show let alone this specific episode. This is another interactive type show, which again I was a little surprised about, but it's cute in that it's like a new little take on the actual movie Peter Pan because it does have two of the original characters from Peter Pan in the episode (Captain Hook and Mr. Smee). This show follows a group of kid pirates (Jake, Izzy, and Cubby) and their adventures in Never Land as they try to outwit Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. This episode in particular consisted of two different storylines. The first being about Jake setting out to protect his and the crew's home as Captain Hook and Mr. Smee are seen sneaking around Pirate Island trying to find their hideout and steal it from them. The second part of this episode is all about Captain Hook stealing a shell from Izzy and the three Pirate kids doing their best to try and find it cause the shell seems to be doing a good job escaping on its own. Again, this episode is just like Dora the Explorer but with Pirates. Also, the person who voices Izzy in this show is Madison Pettis. So, if you grew up watching a lot of Disney stuff with her in it like I did, then that is a nice little nostalgic surprise from this episode. This episode is cute and has singing in it, but that is really it. It's just not for my demographic, but I enjoyed watching it this one time for this post.

#20 Little Einsteins S1E1 "Ring Around The Planet" Premiered October 9, 2005 

  

Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, this is a show that I never watched growing up. But I of course always knew the iconic theme song to this show because, I mean, who doesn't? After watching the first episode from this show, I'm actually surprised that I never watched this show when I was a kid, cause it's actually a really cute show. It's also very educational to be a Disney kids animated show, which is also one main reason why I decided to rank it higher than all the previous episodes I've already mentioned. This is another interactive type show where you actually learn things while watching it, which I did not know before. This is another cartoon or animated show that is not for my demographic, clearly, but even I learned some things that I know I learned in school but had forgotten about. Like for example, what the biggest planet in our solar system is (that would be Jupiter) as well as some things that I already knew but that refreshed my mind about them such as what crescendo and diminuendo means when singing. This episode is just so soothing and calming to watch due to the amazing music score in the background of the scenes the whole time. This episode is just really cute (I know, I can't stop saying cute when I think of this show because that's just what it is) and honestly after watching this episode I kind of want to watch the rest of the series just to continue to learn new things or even re-learn things that I forgot about like I did while watching this episode. Apparently this episode comes after the Little Einsteins movie mission (which, again, shows how much I knew about this show before doing this because I didn't even know that they had a movie) during a lovely summer's evening where June is in her garden watching the planets and stars on her telescope. She loves the planet Saturn and wants to dance with it, but when Saturn begins to play faster one of its rings comes off and lands in June's garden. Therefore, she and her friends must help Ring get home. SPOILER ALERT: The friends are hit with meteors and space goo but with the power of music and magic are able to get Ring home. The only thing I don't like about this episode is how slow-paced it is (because it's made for preschoolers), but it didn't really make me too bored while watching it because I was actually really curious to see what was going to happen in the end. Again, this is just a very cute (there I go with the word cute again), very educational, and also very musical episode that just leaves you feeling happy. I would for sure watch this episode again. 

 

#19 Handy Manny S1E1 "Sticky Fix / Paint Job" Premiered September 16, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

This is a show that I watched here and there as a kid when it was playing on Disney Channel but I didn't really have any recollection of this episode in particular. Obviously, all the characters were pretty familiar to me, just not the storyline of this episode. Having said that, just for the fact that I remember seeing this show a lot on the channel growing up is one of the main reasons why I just had to rank it above the previous episode. In other words, for nostalgic reasons I just had to rank this episode higher than the others I previously mentioned. I also just really enjoyed watching this episode a little more than the previous ones I talked about because it wasn't as slow-paced like the others and it teaches you how to repair things and it also teaches viewers some Spanish as well. Things I would normally not go out of my way to learn but can learn pretty easily just by watching this show/episode. This is just another really cute concept of a show with the talking tools and everything. This episode also contains not one, but two stories or segments. The first part of this episode is about Turner and Felipe (two screwdrivers) getting accidentally glued together while Manny is trying to fix a broken trophy for the "Good Citizen of the Year". While the second part or segment of this episode is about the tools painting the community center without Manny and making a terrible mess. There's singing in this episode and some great universal lessons that viewers can learn, such as the importance of working together, being a good citizen, and never starting a job without being totally prepared first. I also learned what the word "glue" is in Spanish, which is "pegamento". 

 

#18 101 Dalmations S1E1 "You Slipped a Disk / Chow About That?" Premiered September 13, 1997

 

 

 

 

 

This was a pretty good episode to watch because I had never seen it before doing this, obviously because I was just a baby when this show came out. However, some of this episode did seem familiar to me which might just be because I'm thinking of the original animated movie I watched before or maybe I did actually watch this show on reruns when it aired on Disney Channel in 2006. But again, this particular episode, I have no recollection of ever seeing before doing so for this post. Having said that though, now having seen this episode, it is a cute show or it was a cute episode. Mostly because of the cute, little puppies, which may or may not be the only reason why I ranked this episode above all the others I've already mentioned. I mean, come on. Any show with dogs/puppies is a plus. Just like the previous episode I talked about, there are two storylines in this episode, as well. The first part of this episode being about Scorch stealing a disk that Roger ordered Lucky to keep out of Cruella's hands and the Trio chasing after him to get it back. While the second part of this episode is about the Trio (Lucky, Rolly, and Cadpig) along with Spot (the chicken) trying to figure out a way to break into the Chow Tower after they miss lunch in order to get some food. I enjoyed watching this episode, but if I'm being honest, I did get kind of bored after the first part of this episode. The only reason why this episode ranks lower on this list is because it's just not the better (in my opinion) episode compared to all the others I will be mentioning later and I would not choose to watch this episode over the others I will talk about later. Don't get me wrong though, because it's still a good old-school, classic cartoon. There are also a couple of great lessons in this episode like the one about the importance of listening and not interrupting someone. But again, I really just like this episode for the cute puppies. Also, I don't understand why the whole episode just featured three of the Dalmations and not all 101 of them? Considering the title of the show, it just doesn't make sense, especially to be the first episode of the whole series. It should have introduced all the dogs at least once in this episode. So, that is the only thing I don't like and didn't understand about this episode. Hopefully, it's not like that throughout the whole series. If you've seen the show, let me know if it is in the comments down below. I would love to know. 

 

#17 DuckTales S1E1 "Don't Give Up The Ship" Premiered September 18. 1987

  

You probably know by now that I always choose more classic, old-school things over newer things and that is why this DuckTales episode ranks higher than a lot of the other episodes I've mentioned previously. I don't have any recollection of ever watching this show on Disney Channel when I was a kid which, obviously, because it premiered long before I was even born. Although, again, some of the main characters in this episode looked very familiar to me. So, maybe I saw the show in reruns on the channel? Who knows, but after having watched this episode, it did make me want to finish watching the rest of the series. This is just another really cute Disney cartoon and I really enjoyed watching it. One of the main reasons why I decided to rank this episode higher than the previous episode is because it just flows better and is just a little more interesting to watch than the previous episode I talked about. Basically, in this episode Donald Duck joins the Navy cause he wants to see the world and so he leaves his three nephews in charge of his rich Uncle Scrooge (their new legal guardian). Scrooge and the nephews have trouble getting along. Meanwhile, some ruthless crooks (the Beagle Boys) bust out of prison all thanks to the mysterious El Capitan who wants the Beagles to steal an antique model ship from Scrooge's trophy room. Therefore, the nephews and Scrooge must work together to stop the Beagles. This episode also ends with a "to be continued", which just makes you want to keep watching the show for more. Again, this is just a classic, old-school episode that was peaceful and calming to watch and I would definitely watch it again. 

#16 Rolie Polie Olie S1E1 "Little Sister, Big Brother / Through Trick and Thin / Bedlam" Premiered October 4, 1998 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This episode is interesting and unique from all the other episodes on this list because it consists of not ONE..not TWO...but THREE different storylines. This is an episode I was pretty familiar with before doing this ranking because I watched reruns of this show on Disney Channel a lot as a kid (or shall I say on Playhouse Disney). So, I definitely just ranked this episode higher than the others due to nostalgic reasons. This episode is also just unforgettable because of the animation itself. The animation is very different looking than all the other animation from all the other animated shows on this list. The first part of this episode is about Olie trying to get to school on time but his little sister Zowie is always behind him following him around getting on his nerves because she is just trying to be close to him because she loves him. Olie doesn't get this at first but then comes to the understanding. The second part of this episode revolves around Olie and their dog Spot. As Olie tries to get Spot to be like his TV heroes Space Boy and Space Dog. However, that doesn't work out because Spot stays being Spot. Therefore, Olie gets disappointed but ultimately realizes that it's Spot's underlying friendship that makes him special. The third and last part of this episode is about Olie and Zowie not wanting to go to bed. This show is obviously not for my demographic but is was fun and comforting to watch for this ranking nonetheless. Definitely a childhood favorite and still a favorite of mine to this day. I especially love how there is a great lesson to be learned at the end of each storyline in this episode. 

 

#15 The Lion Guard S1E1 "Return of the Roar - Part 1" Premiered January 15, 2016

  

This is an episode that I actually remember watching around the first time it premiered on Disney Channel. However, having not seen it in so long since that time, I had no idea what to expect when watching it again for what seemed like the very first time for this ranking. Obviously, if you've seen the original Lion King animation movie and like that then you will more than likely enjoy watching this episode as well, because it is like a continuation of that movie. So, because I have seen the Lion King movie many times before, I was already familiar with a lot of the characters and the story that leads to the overall storyline in this episode. But, this episode also introduces some new characters and stories that weren't in the original movie, as well. So, that makes this episode all the more interesting to watch. This episode is all about introducing Kion (Simba's son) as he becomes the leader of the new Lion Guard. The Lion Guard being the team that protects the Pride Lands and defends the Circle of Life. As the leader, Kion is the Roar of the Elders, which makes him the fiercest in all the Pride Lands and in order to complete the Guard we watch in this episode as Kion assembles a team of the fastest, strongest, and most finest in the Pride Lands. Again, this is just a cute and interesting continuation of the original movie. I would ultimately choose to watch this episode over all the other ones I mentioned previously just because it relates to the Lion King and I do love that movie. This is a good cartoon but it's still not my most favorite when compared to all the others that I will be mentioning later. But there is also singing and cute animals in this episode which is also why I ranked this episode where I did. 

 

#14 Recess S1E1 "The Break In / The New Kid" Premiered August 31, 1997

This is another show that I have already talked about on this blog before, cause it is one that I have seen a few times here and there on Disney Channel as a kid. This episode ranks higher than the previous episodes I mentioned because it's not just cute animal characters (in fact there are no animals in this episode) but only "human" characters. Not that I have anything against animal characters. It's just a nice change from the others. I enjoyed watching both parts/storylines of this episode and it has some great lessons, which you can normally expect when watching this show. During the first part of this episode after an unsuccessful attempt of the gang raiding the kitchen's "good food", T.J. is punished with no recess. Therefore, his friends try to break him out with the help of other students on the playground. The second part/storyline of this episode is when Gus Griswald first comes into the picture as he is introduced to the gang (and to viewers). Gus being the new kid, however, is excluded from the rest of the other students by King Bob. As per the playground code, the last kid to transfer in becomes "The New Kid" and is forever to be known only as "The New Kid" and nothing else. So, T.J. and the gang try to help Gus get his name back so he's not just "The New Kid". I could really relate to the second part of this episode having been the new kid in school a couple times in my past (during my school days) and  I'm sure a lot of people can relate to Gus in this episode for that same reason, as well. Or even if you've never been "The New Kid" at school, I'm sure anyone can still understand Gus feeling like a nobody when in fact everyone is a somebody. I also like the message/lesson from the first part of this episode when King Bob doesn't want to help the gang break out T.J. and he calls him a dumb kid and then Mikey says to him, "We're all just some dumb kid to somebody in this crazy mixed up universe" and Spinelli adds to that by saying to King Bob, "So, the next time you go around calling a guy some dumb kid, just remember this...you're one too". In other words, they are saying that no one person is better than another. We are all different, but the same. As is the case in this episode, as just because King Bob was in a higher grade than them (the gang) and older than them doesn't mean that he can say who is dumb and who isn't, who is smarter or not smart. Cause first of all no one is dumb. So again, this episode teaches some great lessons and to be the first episode of the series it introduced the characters fairly good, as well. This is just another good episode that made me want to continue to watch the rest of the series.  

 

#13 Doc McStuffins S1E1 "Out of the Box / Run Down Race Car" Premiered March 23, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

This is another show that I was already familiar with before creating this post. I watched this show here and there when it was originally airing on Disney Channel (or Disney Junior rather). The concept of this show is really cute and one of my favorites from Disney because it's got cute animals, great songs (including the theme song), and it's very educational. This, along with a lot of the other episodes on this list, consists of two different storylines. The first part of this episode is all about Little Jack (a jack in the box) that can't pop and he's scared of getting a check-up so his dad (Big Jack) decides to go first. While the second part of this episode is about Ricardo the race car losing his energy during a race. Therefore, Doc and the gang need to help recharge it. I really enjoyed watching both parts of this episode. I also like how at the very end of this episode, during the end credits, there is a health lesson to viewers. At the end of this whole episode specifically, the lesson was about the importance of washing your hands to prevent spreading germs to your friends, which ironically is a very important reminder. Especially, in this day and age. This episode also has singing in it, which I love and is always a plus. Again, the concept of this episode and the show in general is really cute and important. However, the concept of the show is also one of the main reasons why this episode also didn't make it higher on this ranking, just because I'm not a fan of going to the doctor either and I don't prefer to watch a show that makes me think of doctors or getting a check up. So, that is the only reason why I chose to rank this show a little lower on this list because I would not choose to watch this episode (or the show) all the time for that reason. Also I just have to say, that Lamby has always been and will forever be my favorite character on this show. Nough said. :)

 

#12 Lilo & Stitch: The Series S1E1 "Richter" Premiered September 20, 2003

 

This is an episode that I had no recollection of ever seeing before watching it for this ranking. But even though I didn't remember this episode specifically before doing this, I of course was very familiar with this show in general, as I've talked about this show before on this blog. So, this episode ranks pretty high on this ranking just for nostalgic reasons alone. I like how every episode of this show (or at least all the ones I've watched so far) has a good moral lesson conveyed to viewers. This episode being no exception. There's actually a couple great lessons to be learned from this episode. One being about the importance of caring for things you like. As Lilo says to Stitch in this episode, "You gotta learn to be more careful. You can't just break things all the time. If you like something you gotta take care of it". Another thing related to this sentiment that Lilo says in this episode is that, "If the world is destroyed there'll be nothing else to care about.", which also goes into a whole new other thing about protecting the planet we live on. There's also another important lesson/message that viewers can take from this episode about having faith in people. As Lilo says to Jumba about Richter, "You've gotta have a little faith in people Jumba. Sometimes they'll surprise you." All of these are very important lessons. You also learn (or relearn) what a Richter scale is from this episode. As in this episode when Experiment 513 (also named Richter) causes earthquakes and devastating creations, Lilo and Stitch are on the track of Experiment 513 and Stitch learns an important lesson while on the chase for him. This is just a classic Lilo & Stitch episode full of action, adventure, nostalgia, and great lessons, which is why I enjoyed it more than the other episodes I previously mentioned. Although, it's still not my most favorite because I have seen better episodes than this one from the show itself, and it did feel a little too long while I was watching it (which simply might just be because I got bored pretty fast with this episode). But again, I would still choose to watch this episode over the others I previously mentioned, just not the others I will be mentioning later. 

 

#11 The Proud Family S1E1 "Bring It On" Premiered September 15, 2001 

 

As you know, if you've been reading this blog for awhile, I was very familiar with this show before even creating this post. But this episode in particular, I didn't really remember. I chose to rank this episode higher than the previous ones though, not only for nostalgic reasons, but also because I can always count on this show to make me laugh and this episode does just that. I did find this episode to be kind of a weird first episode that introduces the whole series. In other words, I wouldn't say that this is the best first episode of a show, but it's still a good episode nonetheless. I have also just seen better episodes of this show in general and there are some things that I just don't like about this episode. The fact that some of the characters are a little judgy and mean sometimes in  this episode. Even though they try to make the comments funny, some of them don't come across that way. I also just get annoyed at the dad character (Mr. Proud) because he's always checking out or flirting with other women that are not his wife. At least, he's done this in every episode that I've watched so far, and this episode was no exception. Again, it was kind of funny at first but just annoying now. Having said that though, I was still able to look past those things when ranking this episode, because I still would rather watch this episode over all the previous episodes I've already mentioned. Even just for nostalgic reasons alone. Basically, if you've never seen this episode, a new rich family (the Boulevardez's) moves in across from the Prouds and they all hit it off right away except for their daughters (LaCienega and Penny) who are competing for the only spot on their school's cheerleading team captained by their friend Dijonay. Again this episode, like a lot of The Proud Family episodes, is just so random and funny. The cheerleading auditions at the beginning being one of my favorite parts of this whole episode. I would definitely still watch this episode again, just when compared to all the other first episodes I will be mentioning later, this one is still not the best or my most favorite among them. 

 

#10 The Replacements S1E1 "Todd Strikes Out / The Jerky Girls" Premiered July 28, 2006 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a show that I've also talked about before on this blog, as I watched this show here and there as a kid when it was originally playing on Disney Channel. But I do have kind of a love/hate relationship with this episode and this show in general and that's just because of the whole concept of the show. The concept of this show is very unique and different from a lot of these other shows but I don't really agree with it 100%. Basically, if you've never seen this show before, it's about two orphan siblings (Todd and Riley) who replace any person or animal whom they don't like for someone that they do like. In other words, the show follows these two characters and their misadventures as they replace unwanted people in order to better their lives. Usually, their attempts at this backfire and they learn a lesson about appreciating what they have, which is good but I still just find this show kind of odd and wrong. Cause wouldn't they know after replacing the first person not to want to do it again, yet they do it again and again and again. So that, I just don't understand about this show, but it somehow still gets me hooked to want to continue watching it and I usually always end up enjoying it. This episode being no exception. That might also just be due to nostalgic reasons, but nonetheless, this episode is still a lot better and more fun to watch than all the previous ones I mentioned. This episode has two storylines in it. The first one being about Todd and Riley replacing their baseball coach with a professional baseball player after their old coach (Coach Pops) subs out their best hitter for their worst hitter (Shelton), causing the team to develop a losing streak. So, they want a new, better coach to win. In the second part of this episode, so she can win a competition for the Happy Hornets Annual Beef Jerky Charity Fundraising Contest, Riley replaces her strict scout leader for a less strict one. In the first part of this episode, I like how Todd does end up learning a valuable lesson about sportsmanship as their old coach tells them at the beginning, "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game". Riley also learns an important lesson about honesty in the second part of this episode. As she realizes that she got so caught up in trying to beat the other girl (her rival) that she started to act like her by lying and deceiving people, and in the end she learns that honesty really is the best policy. 

#9 Elena of Avalor S1E1 "First Day of Rule" Premiered July 22, 2016 

  

This is a show and episode that I had never seen before creating this post. So, I had no expectations going into watching it for this ranking. I was actually surprised how good this episode was. Not gonna lie, I did think that I wasn't going to like it at all at first, just because I normally don't like newer Disney stuff but I actually liked this episode a lot. After watching this episode it did make me want to watch the rest of the series to see what happens. As you know, I also just recently watched all the Disney Princess films. So, maybe that's also why I liked this episode a whole lot, as well because I'm still in that princess mood. In this episode, Elena officially becomes Crown Princess but must rescue her sister Isabel who's aboard a missing ship on the same day. Apparently, there was a Sofia the First and Elena of Avalor crossover TV special that aired before this episode premiered and that served as the prequel/backdoor pilot for this series. So, that is also why at the beginning of this episode, Elena gives viewers a prologue of the summary of events that happened in that TV special Elena and the Secret of Avalor. That was good for me because I had never seen this show before let alone that prequel TV special. I love the sister aspect of this episode and of course the princess aspect. This episode actually just reminded me of a Barbie movie the whole time I was watching it. I don't know why, it just gave me those vibes. But for real, it is kind of like a Barbie meets Harry Potter meets Disney Princess type show. So, if you like all those things or even just one of those things then you will most definitely enjoy and like this episode. This episode also has a little bit of mystery to it and it also has singing which are two things that I love. The only thing I don't like about this episode is that it mentions spirit animals and wizards, but I was able to look past those things and just enjoy this episode for what it is. I also really like the quote from this episode, which I forget which character says it, but when one of the characters says, "Giving advice is easy. Taking it is the tough part". That is definitely true sometimes. Again, this is one of my favorites and one of the best Disney animated episodes that I watched. I am definitely going to go back and watch the rest of this show because I want to find out if, how, and when Elena becomes Queen. 

 

#8 Gravity Falls S1E1 "Tourist Trapped" Premiered June 15, 2012

 

This is a show that I remember seeing commercials about on Disney Channel but I never actually watched it because I always thought it looked boring and creepy, which kind of creepy it is but boring it is not. Now, after having watched it for this post, I will say that this episode is way better than I once thought it was. This episode really stood out to me because it's different from all the other episodes on this list in that it is more of a mystery type episode, which I don't know if that mystery genre continues throughout the whole series, but I'm assuming it does. After watching this episode, I really do want to go back and watch the rest of the series. I'm really interested to see what happens in all the episodes. This episode also just makes you want to watch more of the show because at the end of this episode the narrator says, "But who knows what other secrets are waiting to be unlocked" (in a mysterious voice). So, this episode definitely leaves viewers with a little bit of a cliffhanger. Basically, if you've never seen this episode, it's all about two siblings (Dipper and Mabel Pines) who arrive in the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon where they will be spending their summer break, but Mabel's suspicious and weird new boyfriend causes the twins to come to face with the town's strange and unusual secrets. This episode is just really funny and at times really random, which I love. I also love the subtle message in this episode about the importance of siblings always having each other's back. Again, I am just really surprised myself at how much I actually like this episode. I just love the whole mysterious, summer camp vibes. I definitely recommend that you watch this episode if you've never seen it before. 

 

#7 Fish Hooks S1E1 "Doris Flores Gorgeous / Underwater Boy" Premiered October 1, 2010 

 

 

 

 

 

I can always count on this show to give me a good laugh, this episode being no exception. This is actually an episode that I did watch when it originally premiered on Disney Channel as I mentioned in one of my earlier blog posts, but I had forgotten everything that happened in this episode before going back to watch it for this blog post. Cause I hadn't seen it in so long before doing this. So, I basically went into watching this episode with new eyes. This episode of course is very random and funny which is mostly why it ranks higher on this list. I don't know what it is about this show but it keeps my attention throughout because it's just so funny and random, which is a good thing. But also surprising because when I first watched this show/episode, a long time ago before watching it again for this post, I wasn't really into it but now I love it. There are two parts/storylines in this episode. The first one being about Oscar creating a fake girlfriend (Doris Flores Gorgeous) in order to fit in with everyone else at Freshwater High. However, things go wrong when Milo and Bea want to visit Oscar's new girlfriend in Fish Niagara Falls. The second part of this episode is about Milo trying out for the football team but lands the position as the team's water boy instead. Both parts/storylines in this episode are great and fun to watch. They both had great messages/lessons, as well. As Oscar, in the first part of this episode, learned the importance of not lying and in the second part of this episode Milo realizes the importance of his role as a water boy and that every person on a team is important and that just because he was a water boy doesn't mean that he wasn't still a part of something great. So, those are some great lessons that viewers can get from this episode, at least ones that I did. Again, definitely a must-watch episode and one that I would choose to watch again. (Also, I don't really know if this is the true first episode of this show or not because some other sites are showing a different first episode for this show and therefore a different premiere date, but this is the first episode showing for this show on Disney Plus. So, I just went by what Disney Plus has as the first ever episode of the show, as I did with all of these episodes on this ranking.)

#6 Phineas & Ferb S1E1 "Rollercoaster / Candace Loses Her Head" Premiered August 17, 2007

 

This isn't my favorite episode of Phineas & Ferb that I've ever watched but it's still a great, memorable episode and a lot better when compared to all the other episodes I've already mentioned. This episode is just very nostalgic to me because I remember watching this around the time it first premiered on Disney Channel, probably even the exact day it premiered. So, that is one main reason why this episode ranks higher on this list, being that I have fond memories of seeing this episode for the first time. When I first saw the title of this episode for this post, I did not remember what exactly this episode was about but then when I started watching the first couple minutes I instantly started to remember everything that happens in this episode. I just love a good Phineas & Ferb episode because it's so comforting to watch mostly because it's so nostalgic to me. This episode like majority of this show's episodes has two different storylines. The first part of this episode being about Phineas and Ferb building the "coolest" rollercoaster from their backyard to the whole city for themselves and the other neighborhood kids. With the subplot of this episode being about Dr. Doofenshmirtz planning to reverse the rotation of the Earth and Perry the Platypus attempting to stop that evil plan of his. In the second part of this episode, it's Candace's 15th birthday and the family takes a trip to Mount Rushmore where Phineas and Ferb add to Mount Rushmore's sculpture to better their last year's gift to Candace. Of course, the subplot of this part of the episode revolves around Dr. Doofensmirtz planning to dig a tunnel to China and Perry trying to interfere with that plan. I personally really enjoyed watching the second part of this episode the most, but the episode as a whole is still great. This is definitely a must-watch episode and one that I would choose to watch again. This episode was funny but not as funny as some of the other Phineas & Ferb episodes I've seen before. But again, this is just the first episode of the show, so you can't expect too much. As long as it makes you want to continue to watch the rest of the series, which this episode does make me want to do. I do think that this episode introduced the characters good and it was interesting because they actually all sounded so different compared to all the later episodes of the show that I've seen. Probably because, again, it's the very first episode of the show. Phineas sounded the most different in this episode that it almost sounded like a whole different person voicing the character, but that's besides the point (just interesting, especially if you've seen a lot of the later episodes from this show). 

 

#5 The Emperor's New School S1E1 "Rabbit Face" Premiered January 27, 2006 

This is another one of my most favorite Disney Channel animated shows that I watched just because it's one of the most funny ones and also because it's very nostalgic to me. I only really ranked this episode higher than the previous one I mentioned because it's way funnier and random. Again, some parts of this episode seemed really familiar to me and I know I watched this show here and there as a kid but I had no recollection about this episode before watching it again after so many years for this post. This episode comes after the original movie The Emperor's New Groove. But you don't have to have seen the movie in order to understand what's going on in this episode cause it's kind of a whole new concept and this episode introduces each character from the movie again and even some new characters. In other words, if you didn't see the movie before beginning this episode it does introduce the characters good as well as some whole new characters and the Kuzco Academy. Basically, if you've never seen this show, Kuzco (the emperor) has to attend school and pass all his exams in order to remain emperor and in this first episode of the show his first test is to go against the highly athletic Kronk. But to make things worse Yzma uses a potion to turn Kuzco into an "ugly rabbit", because if she can stop Kuzco from passing she will become the emperor. There is a great lesson in this episode as told by Pacha when he says to Kuzco, "It's like I said last night, you do the best you can. You've gotta know your strengths and weaknesses and make the most of what you got". In other words, he's saying that you've got to do the best you can with who you are even if you're a rabbit, like Kuzco is in this episode, but he then realizes this truth from Pacha. This is just another great, mostly funny episode and one that I for sure would choose to watch again. 

 

#4 Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure S1E1 "What The Hair?!" Premiered March 24, 2017 

  

This is another great animated episode from Disney that I watched for this post. I was actually already familiar with this episode before watching it again for this ranking because I just recently (after watching all the Disney princess movies) started watching this series with my sister (shout out to you Ariel(:) but even before that I had actually watched this episode around the time it first premiered on Disney Channel though again I haven't ever seen or watched this whole series before. But, basically I actually had watched this episode twice for this post and if I can watch an episode twice in a short span of time then you know it must be good. The only thing bad about this episode is that if you are only seeing this episode for the very first time and have never seen the original movie that this whole show and episode is based on then you will be confused as to why or how in this episode Rapunzel has her long blonde hair back. Cause if you've seen the original movie Tangled then you know that that movie ends with her having short brown hair. You technically have to watch the short TV animated feature film Tangled: Before Ever After before watching this premiere first episode of the series in order to understand what happened with her hair in this episode. Other than that, if you've already seen the movie and all (like I made sure to do before I watched this episode) before you watch this episode then you will understand what's going on and already know who all the main characters are in this episode. Although, I feel that this series was unnecessary (I mean just give me a second and maybe third movie with the original animated characters) I have been enjoying watching this show and this episode alone is still great and cute. Basically, in this episode, in order to learn what has happened to Rapunzel's brown hair, her (Rapunzel) and Casandra venture out to a wizard's cottage. However, it turns out that the wizard they meet at this cottage, Varian, is not actually a wizard at all but just a keen inventor and alchemist. This episode is pretty funny at times but I just really love it because of the bright animated colors, the characters (especially Pascal, my favorite), the princess aspect, and it's just soothing and calming to watch. It's just a feel-good episode. Basically, if you love the movie Tangled than you will more than likely love this episode and this show in general to be able to see that story continue and enjoy watching the characters from that movie even more. 

 

#3 The Little Mermaid S1E1 "The Great Sebastian" Premiered September 11, 1992  

  

As you probably already know by now, Ariel is one of my all time favorite Disney Princesses and The Little Mermaid movie itself is one of my most favorite Disney Princess movies, so you know I just had to rank this episode high on this list. I mean how could I not? This episode, much like the previous one I mentioned is something you can watch to get to see more of the beloved characters we grew to love from the original movie take on new adventures. As this series is a prequel to the original movie. As it follows Ariel's adventures as a mermaid still living under the sea with her dad (King Triton), Flounder (the fish), and Sebastian (the crab). Before watching this episode for this post I hadn't seen this episode, or show in general, in years but I knew from the start of creating this post and even just knowing if I ever were to create a post like this one that this show/episode would rank high and that's mostly because I have very fond memories of watching this show on Disney Channel every morning before school with my sister when I was in middle school. So, although it had been a while since I saw this show/episode, I always knew in the back of my mind that it would rank somewhere high on this list. This episode is all about, as the title suggest, Sebastian. As Sebastian becomes a peace ambassador and tells King Triton that he is capable of making a deal with the Sharkanians, when in truth, he is actually terrified of them. So, Ariel and Flounder tag along to help him make things go smoothly. Although, I like this episode and have nothing against it, I do feel like there could have been a better introduction or first episode of the show. One that focused more on Ariel the main character rather than Sebastian the side character, not that I have anything against Sebastian. Just for the first episode you would think it would be more about the main character. But, I still love this episode. Again, it's just so calming and comforting to watch and makes me feel like I'm in middle school again watching reruns of this show on Disney Channel. This is definitely an episode I will watch again and a show that I will continue to watch because of it. 

 

#2 Kim Possible S1E1 "Crushed" Premiered June 7, 2002 

 

As you already know from some of my earlier blog posts, I love this show so much. I've always loved this show since I was a kid watching it on Disney Channel. I will forever love this show. It's one of the few animated shows that I can really get into watching, cause as you know animated shows aren't always my thing. But, this show is a different story. I actually had a really hard time deciding whether or not to rank this episode before or after the next one I will be talking about. Cause I actually had this episode at #1 for the longest time while watching all these episodes until I got to the next episode. Ultimately, as you can see, I decided to rank this episode at #2 just because when compared to the next episode I will be talking about next, I would rather watch that one over this one and just for the episode as a whole this episode is not the most best. But don't get me wrong, I still LOVE this episode and it's nothing against the series as a whole. Again, I'm just ranking this one episode of the show, not the whole series itself. In this episode, when Dr. Drakken uses stolen Japanese game technology to build a giant robot in order to conquer the world, Kim has to try and stop his evil scheme while she's also trying to overcome her fear of asking Josh (the boy she likes) to the school dance. I love this episode because I mean it has everything: strong female characters, cute animal sidekicks, action, adventure, comedy, and even great lessons among other things. I think this episode introduces all the characters well and it was just a great, comforting episode to watch. Viewers also get to hear a familiar voice in this episode as well, because Kim's rival cheerleader is played by Kirsten Storms who played Zenon in the Zenon movies. I also like what Ron says to Kim at the beginning of this episode when he says, "Never be normal. That's the Ron Stoppable motto", which is so true. In other words, what I was reminded of from his quote is that there's really no such thing as normal. There is no black-and-white definition of a normal person. Plus, normal (whatever that is), is boring. Be bold, be weird, be different. Just be YOU always. 

#1 The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh S1E1 "Pooh Oughta Be In Pictures" Premiered January 17, 1988  

 

 

 

 

 

This is my most FAVORITE and the BEST first episode from a Disney Channel animated show. I actually never thought that I would ever rank this episode as my most favorite when compared to all the other episodes on this list, especially that last episode I mentioned. But I just felt so at ease and happy while watching this episode that I put at the top of this ranking immediately after watching it and I knew it would not change. I had no recollection of ever seeing this episode before doing this post, but I did grow up with Winnie the Pooh stuff because my little sister Amber (celebrategoodtimesblog.blogspot.com) was obsessed with all things Winnie the Pooh when she was a baby. It was like her thing when we were little kids. So, anytime I hear or see Winnie the Pooh I think of my sister. I also remember my sisters and I having some VHS tape of Winnie the Pooh, but I'm not sure if it was of this show. But again, I didn't have any memory of ever seeing this exact episode before doing this. However, the theme song and some of the scenes did look very familiar to me as I was watching it, so I don't know if I ever maybe watched reruns of this show on Disney Channel or what. But I definitely didn't watch this episode when it premiered because it came out way before I was even born. After watching this episode, it just made me want to watch the rest of the series, it was that good. I mean it does have four seasons, so it must be good. It's just such an adorable show for people of all ages to enjoy. Obviously, I already knew all the characters before even having to play this episode, but if I'm being honest when I heard Pooh speak for the first time in this episode I totally forgot that he's British, which just makes this episode all the more better but also goes to show just how much I actually knew about this episode/show before watching it for this ranking. Fun fact though: This series was actually the first time that a major Disney character headlined an animated, made-for-TV series and was also the first Disney TV series based on a major animated film. That's pretty cool, huh? Basically, if you've never seen this episode, it's all about Pooh and his friends deciding to make their own movie after watching a monster movie. Pooh is cast as the hero, Tigger as the monster, and Piglet as the victim. But when Tigger's costume is mistaken for a real monster by the others, things go awry. With Piglet being particularly the most frightened by the whole thing. More frightened than usual, that is. Again, this is just the CUTEST episode. I love all the characters. The storyline is simple and relatable. There's also singing in this episode, which again, is always a plus and some great words of wisdom about fear and being brave to overcome your fears. As they sing in the song to Piglet, "Nothing to fear when your friends are here with you" also noting that scary movies are not anything to be scared of cause they are all just make believe. This is an episode I would most definitely watch again and one that I recommend you watch as well, cause it's sure to brighten anyone's day, at least it did mine when I watched it.  

 

Well, that concludes A Ranking Of Every First Episode From A Disney Channel (Animated) Show Part 1. I had a really interesting and fun time watching all of these episodes, some that I had seen many times before and some that were completely new to me. I hope that you enjoyed getting to read my thoughts on these episodes and I would love to know which first episode from these shows that I mentioned is your favorite. So, let me know in the comments below and come Back to Disney soon to see Part 2 of this three-part post, where I will be ranking every first episode from every Disney Channel live-action show. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!:)💛