This year, the Disney Channel is celebrating its 40th anniversary and to celebrate, Disney has released a new video highlighting some of the most iconic moments and characters over the last 40, from Camp Rock to Zombies, Phineas and Ferb to Big City Greens.  This video celebrates the joy these movies and shows have brought us, most of which are available to stream now on Disney+.

Check out the 40th Anniversary trailer below:

The Disney Channel began broadcasting on April 18th, 1983, with 18 hours of programming a day. On December 7th, 1986, The Disney Channel went to a full 24 hours. The Channel became one of the fastest-growing pay cable services, reaching over 35 million subscribers after a little over a decade on the air. It was originated under the leadership of Jim Jimirro and continued by John Cooke and Anne Sweeney. The Channel features a mixture of Disney films, original programming, and family entertainment purchased from other producers. Many Disney films have had their world television premieres on the Channel. Until 1997, the Channel published The Disney Channel Magazine, featuring articles, columns, and program notes.

In 1993, the Channel began transitioning from premium to basic cable service, eventually expanding its reach to over 80 million homes. Gradually starting in the mid-1990s, the Channel instigated a new programming strategy that emphasizes 9- to 14-year-olds, the “tween” years, through original series and movies. Beginning in March 1995 in Taiwan, several international channels were launched in such countries as Australia, Italy, Brazil, and the Philippines, totalling 24 of them by 2005. The Disney Channel officially dropped “The” from its name in 1997 to become Disney Channel. By January 2019, it encompassed 47 Disney Channels available in 33 languages worldwide, though, over the past few years, many of the international channels have been closed down as audiences shift to Disney+.

Which Disney Channel show or film is your favourite? Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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