That's So Raven Spin-Off "Cory in the House"

[MouseHouse55]

Hey everyone, I haven't seen it posted here, but sorry if I missed it. Yahoo News reports that That's So Raven has a new spin-off involving only Cory and the dad as a chef at the White House. Sounds unnecessary, but no reason to judge before seeing it I guess. Here's the link for those interested.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060518/ap_ ... _spinoff_2

[JiminyCrick91]

How is the Mom not in it? Did they break-up or did they just forget her in the news story?

Anyway this DOES sound unnecessary but it's not like Raven was in the frist place.

[magicalwands]

No Raven? Corey isn't as funny as Raven. He has a few rare lines every 5 episodes, but that's it.

[MickeyMousePal]

I wonder if the spin-off will be called That's so Corey!

[Robin Hood]

Did That's So Raven end or something?

[Kram Nebuer]

How is the Mom not in it? Did they break-up or did they just forget her in the news story?

Anyway this DOES sound unnecessary but it's not like Raven was in the frist place.

The mom mysteriously disappeared in the most recent season. She's not in any reccent episodes and she is not in the opening credits. One episode, Victor mentions how when he and the mom started dating she thought his back hair was cute (I know, totally freaky out of context of the episode), but he wasn't talking as if she had died and he was remembering the past. I don't know how she got off the show and if they explained her not there in earlier episodes. My guess is she's in TV family member limbo with the older brother from Happy Days and the little sister from Family Matters, both who disappeared from the show without explanation or awknowledgement.

Yes, this spin-off sounds quite ridiculous and the premise sounds like it would work better as a DCOM rather than a series.

[Timon/Pumbaa fan]

Oh this spin-off will flop.

The only reason Raven is a hit is because of Raven herself(I don't how, but some girls look at Raven as their role model).

Without Raven, there will be very little reason people who watch the show will see it.

But, who couldn't see it coming? People act as if a couple DTV's are terrible, yet, you can escape a DTV easily by not buying it. It's really hard to escape a t.v. that'll probably be advertised on DC almost every day. Too bad the original show itself sucks.

[magicalwands]

The only reason Raven is a hit is because of Raven herself(I don't how, but some girls look at Raven as their role model).

I hope you're taking that as a good thing! Better Raven than Hilary or Lindsay.


As for the mom...I don't know why she left, but the show covers it up by saying "She's off to college." Which does not make sense because she came home everyday from college in the previous episodes.

[N-Tony]

Tanya left because she has a scholarship to study international law in England, according to Victor during the episode of the fourth season called "Pin Pals".

[Lazario]

Put my vote in with the bunch of people who think Cory will flop without Raven. But That's So Raven is a very good show, I think. I mean, when compared to Even Stevens and Lizzie McGuire... Raven has so much more personality than the characters on either of those shows, and in the case of Lizzie, more than all the shows' characters combined. First of all, it's so excellent to see such a successful black family on tv again. Second of all, Raven is actually kind of a big girl. In most of the show's episodes, she's technically a few pounds overweight, and it shows. Which is another reason the show is quite revolutionary for it's time. I don't remember ever seeing an episode where people picked on Raven's weight or even hinted that she should lose a few pounds. She's still portrayed as an incredibly warm, giving, eccentric, and popular girl who generally has no trouble getting a date or making new friends. Which is much like the life of real-life teens who are overweight. Her family dynamic is also very healthy and even more pleasently involved than both Stevens and McGuire were. The comedy is often a little too focused on embarassing Raven, but that's the only serious drawback.

[Escapay]

Second of all, Raven is actually kind of a big girl. In most of the show's episodes, she's technically a few pounds overweight, and it shows. Which is another reason the show is quite revolutionary for it's time. I don't remember ever seeing an episode where people picked on Raven's weight or even hinted that she should lose a few pounds. She's still portrayed as an incredibly warm, giving, eccentric, and popular girl who generally has no trouble getting a date or making new friends. Which is much like the life of real-life teens who are overweight.

There was an episode where some fashion designer photoshopped a picture of Raven to make her skinny, and I don't remember what the whole thing was about, but it had a very good message about body image, in that Raven was offended that her body was...mutilated in the photo and wasn't true to a normal teenager's body. It was one of the better episodes I've seen of the show, as it addressed the fact that not every girl is or needs to be a stick figure.

Escapay

[sealightbreeze]

so know one knows what happened to the mom? That new show does sound a bit like a flop. I don't think a lot of people even like the cory character.

[joplin4]

I've been hoping someone would put an end to Raven. Frankly, the show stinks. It represents everything Walt hated. He despised shows that only focused on one age group. And Raven is most certainly that. She only appeals to 13 to 15 year old girls. I'm not saying others will not like it. But usually, that is the case. This show is not a "family" show. Compare it to something like some of the old Disney Channel shows and you'll see what I mean. It used to be that you could watch the Disney Channel together as a family. But Raven is just one example of how Disney is trying to say that only those under 20 should enjoy Disney. It's shameful.

And also, Raven is no longer that great of an actress. She was really good on "The Cosby Show" and "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper". But in Raven, she stinks as an actress. The show has bad writing and bad acting and I'm glad that it's ending. I just dread this spin-off because if it's got the same writers, it's guaranteed to be a flop. Corey and Mr. Baxter don't annoy me quite as much, but I still don't think they have much talent either.

[AwallaceUNC]

Excuse me while I

This isn't a show that strengthens any of the supporting characters enough to stand on their own. Raven is the talent that counters so many of "That's So Raven"'s weaknesses. Take her out of the picture (and the entire psychic premise that goes with her) and you're left with a pretty boring character stuck in the White House as the son of a chef? Come on- let "Raven" go.

-Aaron

[Lazario]

Frankly, the show stinks.

No it doesn't.

It represents everything Walt hated. He despised shows that only focused on one age group.

This show may focus primarily upon Raven and her friends, but it doesn't only show 1 age group. It's a show that equally fast-tracks through deep character development of it's main characters as well as their parents, teachers, and so forth. Don't tell me all you people trying to take this show down are responding to the fact that it doesn't try to be meaningful! A lot of shows are like that, and you need to get over it if you expect your opinions to be taken seriously.

Now, with that in mind, this show is still very entertaining. And it's one of the better shows on tv today featuring a mostly black cast.

Raven only appeals to 13 to 15 year old girls. I'm not saying others will not like it.

Good, because if you were, you'd be wrong. There are many parents that like this show, maybe more for their children but that doesn't matter. The viewing audience for a show doesn't necessarily determine it's quality. And if you're saying otherwise, than you're saying 13-15 year old girls are usually, basically stupid or less smart than 16+y-o girls, or boys.

This show is not a "family" show.

Than why do a lot of families watch it? I know, I talk around. It's very popular with families (those who actually still watch tv together).

Compare it to something like some of the old Disney Channel shows...

Which is one of the most pointless excuses to look down upon something. It's been done before, many times, and it doesn't mean a thing.

It used to be that you could watch the Disney Channel together as a family. But Raven is just one example of how Disney is trying to say that only those under 20 should enjoy Disney.

Okay, that is the most ridiculous thing I've heard all WEEK. Raven remains one of the more appealing shows on the channel to audiences older than teenage/tween. Are you trying to say series like Phil of the Future or The Suite Life of Zack and Cody have wider fanbases? Or more potential to be remembered in 10-20 years? Are better programming for the family? Excuse the hell out of Raven for being hip!

Raven is no longer that great of an actress.

Again- ridiculous! Her job description on this show forces her to have to be skilled at physical comedy and at that she has more than proven herself!

The show has bad writing and bad acting

No more than any of Disney's other shows. In fact - less!

[BATBfan1]

Lazario, I agree with you.

[funnykiddy]

While I respect everyone's opinions on That's So Raven, I think it is a cookie-cutter run-of-the-mill show that is often not very entertaining. I also think Raven's acting is over dramatized. But that's me, and I'm sure there are good qualities about the show people love.

[joplin4]

Raven may be popular with families that watch TV together...but if you ask a great number of parents, I bet a majority of them would say that they really don't like the show. It's like a parent sitting through something like Barney for their kids.

And, I know there are outliers, but for the most part, only the age group I mentioned love this show. I think it is foolish to show something that only a certain group will appreciate. And if you asked the parents that do not watch television with their children why they don't, you might hear Raven's name mentioned in the list of shows that parents find too juvenile for them.

Zack and Cody and Phil of the Future are a tad bit better. Still, they also represent the idea that, unless you are a tween, you will not enjoy Disney. Whereas, if you go back to Walt, everything he put out could be enjoyed by kids from 2 to 102. Even the Disney Channel of the 1980s was enjoyed by all ages. It had shows for young children in the mornings, older kids after school, and adults at night. But all ages could sit down together and watch The Disney Channel without a certain age group saying, "This is stupid." Where did you see this study that parents love Raven so much? I'd like to see these results. If you talk to any true Disney fan that can remember Walt, you will more than likely find someone that thinks Raven has almost no talent. At best, they think she's annoying. This is Disney at it's worst.

[Lazario]

It's like a parent sitting through something like Barney for their kids.

Hey. I've seen Barney and these two shows are nothing alike.

I think it is foolish to show something that only a certain group will appreciate.

I disagree, politely. First of all, it's the nature of business if there's money to be made. We as critics of art in even it's more shameful form, have to realize that family programming sells. As long as we are recognizing what's appropriate and what's not, these people can shove whatever they want to down families throats (and they buy it), and still be successful. I still don't get why you're here taking Raven to task when what you're saying about the show can be completely disregarded simply because you're not saying it about The Wiggles or Rolie Polie Olie (forgiving the cool computer animation style). Those shows are made for only 1 audience - why aren't you barking up their tree? I'll say it again, Raven is not made in the style of most of their other shows, but that does not mean it's limiting it's audience in any way. Okay, already the show has one of the bigger audiences for a Disney sitcom or else it wouldn't have lasted this much longer than Lizzie McGuire or Even Stevens, which it has. Face facts, enough boys like the show (if they don't and I'm wrong, I mean this is the one area I haven't asked around, what does it matter? If you don't believe in girl power, you have issues anyway, nothing wrong with a more dominant female audience), and black and white people have come together to make this show one of Disney's bigger hits. Look at this post, even, the only show to have a spin-off seriously considered. Enough said, I trust.

Zack and Cody and Phil of the Future are a tad bit better.

They most certainly are not. All they are is whiter. That's it.

Still, they also represent the idea that, unless you are a tween, you will not enjoy Disney.

I think we all understand where you're coming from, but you are definitely reading way too much into this. Raven is a fun show. I watch it because it is a lot of fun. The characters aren't too serious and that's what kids respond to. And the majority of parents feel this show is as positive as a kids' show gets. It's hip and sometimes, smart. You just don't seem to get comedy traditions, because that's what this show is. It's very much like other sitcoms that weren't strictly Disney in decades or years before it. Even the style in which the show is shot is radically different than their other shows (though by now, Zack and Cody is shot the same way). But no measure of your distaste for the show will take away from what it is. A fun show about kids being kids - I mean, what do you expect- Gone with the Wind? This show is just itself, and that's all it should ever be. And you can keep talking but it's still a great black show. And it is fun. And I like it and there's enough to like about it for this 23 year old to keep watching when it's on. There's a lot of crap I encounter when channel-surfing and when I see this on when all that's on on the other channels is Everybody Loves Raymond or C.S.I. or other shows that are completely overrated, I see this on and say, "thank God."

...all ages could sit down together and watch The Disney Channel without a certain age group saying, "this is stupid."

First of all: That's kind of stereotyping, don't you think? Second of all: I don't think you understand what you're saying. You're blaming Disney for the way kids are today? Disney's entertainment didn't make them this way. Kids are just like that. I've met plenty of them myself. What you're saying is a good point to make... about kids today, but not about Disney. It's not their fault kids are like that. Because I've seen tons more incidences where someone younger didn't like something older or vice versa. And, when the tables are turned and this is parents we're talking about... Parents have always been this way. Remember rock 'n roll? Parents said that was stupid. Point is - parents and kids are always on a different wavelength. This is the way of the world, everyone's different. Time has shown us just how many different fractions of groups of people, young and old, there are. Disney can't possibly change that. And yes, their programming has changed to meet this new group of viewers head on. While I agree there is very little variety period anymore, Raven just happens to provide the viewing public with more variety and unconventialism than almost any of their other shows, past or present.

If you talk to any true Disney fan that can remember Walt, you will more than likely find someone that thinks Raven has almost no talent. At best, they think she's annoying.

That is so completely beside the point, that it doesn't matter whatsoever. Are you talking about this show or what you see as the disintegration of the quality of Disney programming? If you're speaking of the latter, you're a little late. And if this is a matter of majority versus minority... sorry, but I don't care. Disney hasn't always tried to market shows to black people. But finally they have a really black show. That's all that matters here.

This is Disney at it's worst.

No, it's not.

[joplin4]

Alright. First, I think you kind of accused me of liking other shows merely because they appeal to white audiences. I am not now, nor have I ever been a racist. If you want a really good black show, watch "The Cosby Show". Raven is not a really good black show.

I do agree with you on that second point...I just think it's a shame Disney has sunk so low, they will try to make a quick buck over quality. Raven is low quality programming. If it was the best Disney could do, then I wouldn't be harping on this...but I have seen them do better and I know they can. But I completely agree with you about the other shows. And I will have to admit, Raven is better than those brainless shows such as "Jo-Jo's Circus" and "The Wiggles". What angers me is that Disney thinks kids are too stupid to talk to on a semi-adult level. Walt knew that kids were smarter than people think. But this thread is about the Raven spinoff, so that's why I've put forth my opinions about Raven.

I do not expect Gone With the Wind (good film, though). I do expect Disney to live up to its name and provide quality entertainment for families. I will agree that it is cleaner than most anything on television today...but as far as plot goes, it comes nowhere near Boy Meets World (and I'm not talking about race. I'm talking plot).

I understand exactly what I'm saying. I do think Disney deserves some responsibility for "the dumbing down of America". They used to provide educational shows that kids could enjoy. Now, it's a mindless sequel every time you turn around and a slew of mindless television programs that is at best a babysitter that teaches very little. I will say that Raven does teach some valuable lessons. That is a plus...but I know Disney can do better. Yes, parents and kids are on different wavelengths. But, Disney has always been able to find a wavelength where parents and kids merge...where the show/film is not too intellectual for the children...yet not too stupid for the parents. I know that Disney can do this...but they believe low quality shows will make a quicker buck.

I have been arguing over the "dumbing down" of Disney shows and films for years. When you go from "Cinderella" and "Beauty and the Beast" to "The Emperer's New Groove" and "The Incredibles", something's wrong. But my argument here is in the name. It is Walt Disney's name on these mindless shows and films. It would break his heart to see his name on something so juvenile and mindless today. And I know what others will say. "How do you know what Walt would and wouldn't like?" Well, I have studied Walter Elias Disney. I know almost everything about him. And I know what he considered quality and what he considered garbage. EVERYTHING on the Disney Channel today, Walt would consider garbage. Again, if it was the best they could do, then that's fine. But it's not. They are only putting out this mindless junk because they want to make a quick buck. Let me quote Walt Disney by saying:

"Do a good job. You don't have to worry about the money; it will take care of itself. Just do your best work - then try to trump it."

"You reach a point where you don't work for money."

That's the point. Disney is not doing it's best work in Raven and it shows.