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Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire Hardcover – Deckle Edge, September 24, 2024

by Ashley Spencer (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 176 ratings
Editors' pick Best Books of the Year 2024
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The first unauthorized look at the inner workings―and ultimate breakdown―of the Disney Channel machine

For many kids growing up in the 2000s, there was no cultural touchstone more powerful than Disney Channel, the most-watched cable channel in primetime at its peak. Today, it might best be known for introducing the world to talents like Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné, Zac Efron, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Zendaya.

It wasn't always destined for greatness: when The Disney Channel launched in 1983, it was a forgotten stepchild within the Walt Disney Company, forever in the shadow of Disney’s more profitable movies and theme parks. But after letting the stars of their Mickey Mouse Club revival―among them Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Ryan Gosling―slip through their fingers, Disney Channel reinvented itself as a powerhouse tween network. In the new millennium, it churned out billions of dollars in original content and triple-threat stars whose careers were almost entirely controlled by the corporation. Suddenly, everyone wanted a piece of the pie―and there were constant clashes between the studio, network, labels, and creatives as Disney Channel became a pressure cooker of perfection for its stars.

From private feuds and on-set disasters, to fanfare that swept the nation and the realities of child stardom, culture journalist Ashley Spencer offers the inside story of the heyday of TV’s House of Mouse, featuring hundreds of exclusive new interviews with former Disney executives, creatives, and celebrities to explore the highs, lows, and everything in between.

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  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    St. Martin's Press
  4. Publication date
    September 24, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6.65 x 1.1 x 9.55 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1250283450
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1250283450
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From the Publisher

Disney High Ashley Spencer
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Editorial Reviews

Review

One of Bustle's "Best New Books of Fall 2024"

"Spencer’s book finds a compelling, grown-up workplace dramedy in the last place you’d expect it...her thorough reportage is impressive in both its depth and breadth." ―Washington Post

“[A] must-have book for any Disney fan." ―Glamour

"Spencer's new book invites us all to reminisce." ―Vanity Fair

“If you can scrupulously recite the lyrics to ‘The Best of Both Worlds’, then this book is for you. Equal parts sentiment and scoop, Disney High is chock full of details about the child stars of Disney's once-prized asset, and the journey to questioning whether wearing those mouse ears was ever really worth it.” ―Lynette Rice, New York Times bestselling author of How to Save a Life: The Inside Story of Grey's Anatomy

“An unprecedented level of dish and detail! Spencer pulls back the curtain on one of modern pop culture’s most important (and drama-filled) eras.” ―Omid Scobie, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family

"An obsessive, loving deep dive into the 2000s-era Disney Channel that launched Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Hilary Duff, the Jonas Brothers, and many other icons. This is the book millennials have been waiting to read since childhood." ―Andy Greene, New York Times bestselling author of The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s

“With deep reporting and sharp prose, Spencer takes us inside the stunning rise and fall of Disney Channel. You’ll come for the stories behind Miley and Raven―and, wow, will you get them―but it’s the merciless grinding of the cable TV machine that will stay with you long after you’ve finished." ―Zac Bissonnette, New York Times bestselling author of The Great Beanie Baby Bubble

"Dishy." ―New York Post

About the Author

Ashley Spencer is a culture writer and reporter whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, Vice, Vulture, and elsewhere. Disney High is her first book.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press (September 24, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250283450
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250283450
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.65 x 1.1 x 9.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 176 ratings

About the author

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Ashley Spencer

Ashley Spencer

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Ashley Spencer is a culture writer and reporter whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, The Guardian, The Hollywood Reporter, Vice, Vulture, and elsewhere. Disney High is her first book.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
176 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well researched and compelling in its storytelling. The writing quality receives positive feedback from multiple customers.

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4 customers mention "Research quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the research quality of the book, describing it as well-researched and insightful.

"...It is so well researched and thorough. I, like many, grew up watching the Disney Channel every single day...." Read more

"...I sped through this in a day because I was so hooked. The extent of the research and her ability to source quotes and tell stories is compelling." Read more

"Really well researched and insightful book, looking at Disney Channel through the early aughts and 2010s." Read more

"Well researched!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Storytelling"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, with one describing it as eye-opening.

"...The book is so eye-opening and I learned so much information about my favorite childhood shows. A 10/10 for me." Read more

"...extent of the research and her ability to source quotes and tell stories is compelling." Read more

"This book is a page turner. So well written with many stories of what went on behind the scenes at Disney Channel. Fascinating!" Read more

"Beautifully written book, telling a compelling true story about this era of the Disney channel and the shows, stars and staff who built it...." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"Very talented writer. I sped through this in a day because I was so hooked...." Read more

"This book is a page turner. So well written with many stories of what went on behind the scenes at Disney Channel. Fascinating!" Read more

"Beautifully written book, telling a compelling true story about this era of the Disney channel and the shows, stars and staff who built it...." Read more

My inner Disney Channel kid ATE this up!
5 out of 5 stars
My inner Disney Channel kid ATE this up!
Disney High ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I was a Disney Channel kid through and through- I attended every Hilary Duff, Hannah Montana, and Jonas Brothers concert I could get to, I vividly remember watching the premier of HSM on the tiny box TV in my room, could debate for hours about what the best DCOMs were and why, and the feuds/ drama that we witnessed in the 2000/2010s are etched in my brain as monumental pop culture moments. This book was so nostalgic and it was very eye opening to see behind the curtain of our favorite Disney shows. As more and more childhood actors and entertainers are coming out to discuss the harmful side effects of the industry for young professionals, this book did an amazing job of elevating those voices and shedding light on what so many of these kids had to endure during their rise to fame. As a 30 year old, the Disney Channel was such an integral part of my childhood and hearing about the good, bad, and ugly during that time of television and music was so valuable. 10/10 recommend the audiobook! Lalaine from Lizzie McGuire is the narrator which was the cherry on top 🤍
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Top reviews from the United States

  • shamzz
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you grew up watching the Disney Channel, this book is a MUST HAVE!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I do not write many reviews but I felt that I had to for this book. It is so well researched and thorough. I, like many, grew up watching the Disney Channel every single day. I had no idea all of the background that went into making these live actions shows a reality. The book is so eye-opening and I learned so much information about my favorite childhood shows. A 10/10 for me.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Joanna
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nostalgic and entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2025
    Disney High is the story of Disney Channel, from its inception as a specialty cable channel (that I could only watch on the free weekends, yes, I’m still sad about it) to the huge conglomerate that started pumping out multi-faceted stars through their huge hits. I will say that this book focused a little more on the business side of things than I was expecting - it’s a little light on celebrity gossip.

    I was completely engrossed for the first three-quarters of the book. However, my interest waned slightly after the High School Musical chapters. The focus on corporate strategy in these sections also made me long for more behind-the-scenes stories and juicy tidbits.

    Read if: you knew every Hillary Duff song on Metamorphosis, you dressed up for a Cheetah girl for Halloween (no shame if you were in college when you did it), you still know every word to every song on the High School Musical soundtrack
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Greg Gory
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Very talented writer. I sped through this in a day because I was so hooked. The extent of the research and her ability to source quotes and tell stories is compelling.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • wiiildcattt
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024
    To start my review, I will state that I loathe celebrity worship culture and have zero interest in celebrities, but I’ma sucker for some juicy gossip. This provided that juicy gossip and insight into the drama that has at times plagued the Disney Channel stars throughout the years. The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars was due to the fact the author wrote it through the modern day woke lens using the vernacular and buzz words we’ve all become so overexposed to. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it, especially to those who grew up watching Disney Channel and their lineup of shows and movies in its heyday.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Courtney | c.raes.read
    3.0 out of 5 stars Disney High - Ashley Spencer
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a very interesting &nostalgic read! If you grew up watching Disney Channel then I think you’d definitely feel the same reading this.

    * It talked about a lot of the beginnings of Disney Channel shows like Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, The Lizzie McGuire movie, That’s So Raven, The Cheetah Girls movie, &the High School Musical movies. These were all so nostalgic for me.

    * Then it moved on to more recent shows like The Suite Life Of Zach &Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, &Camp Rock. I unfortunately didn’t watch these much since I was older when they came out.

    * They talked about the disagreements between cast members, cast selections, ratings, &more. The narration was well done. The narrator was Miranda from Lizzie McGuire so it was intriguing hearing her talk about the issues on that show. I’d recommend if you’re looking for a stroll down memory lane.

    Themes:
    * Hollywood
    * Child stars
    * Disney channel
    * Television production
    Customer image
    Courtney | c.raes.read
    3.0 out of 5 stars
    Disney High - Ashley Spencer

    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was a very interesting &nostalgic read! If you grew up watching Disney Channel then I think you’d definitely feel the same reading this.

    * It talked about a lot of the beginnings of Disney Channel shows like Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, The Lizzie McGuire movie, That’s So Raven, The Cheetah Girls movie, &the High School Musical movies. These were all so nostalgic for me.

    * Then it moved on to more recent shows like The Suite Life Of Zach &Cody, Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, The Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, &Camp Rock. I unfortunately didn’t watch these much since I was older when they came out.

    * They talked about the disagreements between cast members, cast selections, ratings, &more. The narration was well done. The narrator was Miranda from Lizzie McGuire so it was intriguing hearing her talk about the issues on that show. I’d recommend if you’re looking for a stroll down memory lane.

    Themes:
    * Hollywood
    * Child stars
    * Disney channel
    * Television production
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    3 people found this helpful
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  • Marsha Tisdale
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is a page turner. So well written with many stories of what went on behind the scenes at Disney Channel. Fascinating!
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Ellie Schaben
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great behind the scenes view into Disney!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2024
    I was such a Disney kid, and this was such a good behind the scenes look. Definitely recommend if you want a taste of Disney gossip or child actors!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Kate K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Beautifully written book, telling a compelling true story about this era of the Disney channel and the shows, stars and staff who built it. Highly recommend.
    4 people found this helpful
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