The 65 Episode Rule is a guideline created by Michael Eisner and Frank Wells in 1984. The policy is that television series on the Disney Channel are limited to 65 episodes and are then cancelled even if they remain popular. The idea was that this would force the network to continuously create new series rather than develop too much reliance on existing ones. In addition, by taking the shows off their broadcast schedule the network creates more demand for the sale of past episodes and movies based on the series. The figure 65 has not been an exact one - series have actually been ended ranging from 62 to 66 episodes.

The first series to face cancellation under this policy was Gargoyles which was still popular when it was cancelled after 63 episodes. But fan complaints pressured the network into bringing the show back for an additional 13 episodes. Two other series, Darkwing Duck and Ducktales, also avoided the policy and ran for 91 and 100 episodes respectively. But generally, the policy has been carried out even in the face of fan disapproval. Aladdin, Goof Troop, Kim Possible and That's So Raven were all exception to the rule as well.

Some other networks have also adopted similar "65 Episode" rules, to some degree -- Nickelodeon being one of them. One example from Nick was the Rugrats television series -- that series was originally cancelled in 1994 after 65 episodes were in the can. But, after the show gained popularity through daily repeats and home video releases, Nick brought Rugrats back into production in 1996, and remained in production until 2003, when over 170 episodes were produced.

Question for you guys?
Do you think Disney has gone to far, by controlling the episode limits regardless of the popularity, we have already seen the rule break for Kim Possible and That's so Raven, besides Phil of the Future, what's another show you guys hope will go past rule?

They designed this rule because at the time.. 65 was the prime number... however they now learn that you can only repeat a show for so long... and some shows (kim possible) make them a lot of money in DVDs and murchandise.. they have extended contracts.. (another reason is they for one reason or another like the star.. and keeping the show keeps the star)

Can I just say what a silly rule! Some shows are so loved by fans and some silly mans rule ruins them! No one cares in UK is a show is cancelled it is not a big deal people will be like "No" but its never said on the actual channel!

Please excuse my ignorance as I am a UK Disney Channel Watcher!

I hope Naturally Sadie and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody can make it that far, they are both really good, especially Naturally Sadie. Is this why so weird got cancelled? (who doesn't like when her father appears and saves her from falling off the building)

I hope Naturally Sadie and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody can make it that far, they are both really good, especially Naturally Sadie. Is this why so weird got cancelled? (who doesn't like when her father appears and saves her from falling off the building)

Naturally Sadie has some hope of not getting cancled early.. mainlky because it is not a real disney channel original show... it is made by a canadian company and airs on the canadian family channel.. disney only got the rights to show it in the united states.. (not the first time this has happened)

So weird got cancled for this, and slightly lower raitings... Whats strange with this show is: "After 65 installments, Disney canceled the show as was standard practice at the time no matter how popular a series was. The show left syndication not long after its cancellation."

after it ended, they stopped re-runs shortly after..

The reason Ducktails went for 100 is because that show was one of lets say "Early classic shows"!

i have to say disney likes to break epesiode records i have seen some of their TV series almost go to 150

To answer your question, I'm hoping Life with Derek will surpass the 65 episode rule. Hannah Montana too!

i hope KP and American Dragon do to

The only way to get around the rule is through the board of directors. The only way to save a show is to early on develop a strong fan base and show Disney that the show's fans are buying stuff and want the show very much.

Kim Possible has a very strong and loud group of fans so it will probably last a couple more years. Probably ever show on now will be gone at or before the 65 show limit.

The rule limits shows to about 2 years and does not allow for the full evolution of the show. Just when people finally find the show and start loving the characters then the show is gone. Some shows should end sooner and others that have a heavy fan base should stay on for longer.

What about that's so raven? I think it already might of passed the episode limit!

That's so Raven will hit its 100th show in July 2006. It is the exception to the 65 show rule because, as state before, this show has a very large, active and dedicated fan base which has been able to influence the board of directors. As long as people are buying That's so Raven merchandise and watching the shows it will hang on but I think in the next year or two it will be history as Raven grows up and becomes an adult with adult issues. It is sort of like Sabrina the teenaged witch was cute until she graduated from school, went to college and got engaged.

I know this is kinda dorky but I really loved Darkwing Duck. They should bring back those old shows.. infact I'll write a letter to Disney Channel. Of course, how would I know if the producers of some of those shows are dead or not.

I do not post my sources as someone little might go to those sites and start looking at R-rated discussions and shows.

You cna find on the internet the shows and the cast and crew. You then would search for information on the person on the internet. The cast and crew being alive or dead does not matter in the descision making of what shows are to be aired or put in DVD and VHS.

i think that the 65 is a relatively good rule. it does allow for writers and producers to keep coming up with new ideas in television. however if a particular series is doing extremely well and ratings are good, the network should allow the series to be continuing their run. the same extact thing is happening over at the Nickelodeon because currently the cartoon Danny Phantom has been cancelled only after 53 shows (which is currently ending its 2nd season and fans are working to save it) but thats a totally different story. i believe that is why ppl are having a hard time realizing the fact that if a series is popular and the network is getting praise for it, why cancel it. if that is the case, many fan groups of that particular show whatever it may be, can always call up the Head-hanchos and request for them to reconsider their decision. this is possibably the only way that we the fans can save our shows.

i hope that the Suite life of Zack and Cody will pass the rule. that is an awesome show

I think the rule is a little silly. I mean, it's one thing if the actors don't want to do the show anymore but if it's really popular it should stay on as long as ppl want it to stay on. They should get rid of this really silly rule.

SUITE LIFE. I only watch Suite Life (and the occasional Phil of the Future) and game shows.

:l I guess it is good to have some rules, but still, this is silly even if they get SUPAH-popular they have to cancel it? Talk about sticking to the rules. :rolleyes:

Please dont cancel Suite Life, please dont cancel Suite Life, please dont cancel Suite Life...

Lol sorry but that show rocks! ;)

Disney should have sort of a call in one night after a show has gone through 65 episodes, like have a show and then have viewers vote for more episodes by calling and have viewers call to cancel as well. At the end of about maybe 2 or three hours, we see which one gets more votes. Sort of like an American Idol format, but it would help Disney to know which shows need to stay. Honestly, 65 episodes?!!

This is what I think shows should do:

Shows should create episodes constantly until there popularity goes down. Then, if it drops to low, they can cancel. So, thats what they should do instead of 65 Episodes.

This is what I think shows should do:

Shows should create episodes constantly until there popularity goes down. Then, if it drops to low, they can cancel. So, thats what they should do instead of 65 Episodes.
That is nice, but they should plan a show for 65, then plan beyond when they near it... Some shows benifit from the 65 rule, canceling a show got more demand for new episodes.. Making a show more popular...

:confused: That is what makes it so Confusing! :confused:

Oh, come on. Thats a bad rule. They even know its a bad rule, cause they dont stick with it. Its Disney. They should be smart enough to know when to cance a series or keep it going.

i miss the classics like gargoyles but 65 its a bad number .
what would happen if they cancilled 'sweet life of zack and cody'?

In my opinion i find this rule to be "Ridiculous" i mean come on! These shows are loved by so many people!! The shows i wouldnt mind not seeing again would have to be Naturally Sadie and alot of those lame cartoons. Like that Maggie bug (I dont know what its called) its not that great. And not too popular. I had found out a long time ago that Raven was leaving Disney CHannel && Thats so Raven because she said that she's already 20 and she wants to have her album as Raven Symone not as Raven Baxter. I saw her say this in a talk show i recently saw. Anyways i was on a Miley Cyrus Site i heard that they were gonna take out Hannah Montana after the first season but i still believe its a lie , because Hannah Montana is now 1 of the best children TV shows right now. It has a very very very very High rating. All i know is that im going to be super sad when it ends because im Miley's *#1 Fan!! Shes an incredibly singer and inspired me :) Well anyways back to topic i think the rule is Ridiculous

Anyways i was on a Miley Cyrus Site i heard that they were gonna take out Hannah Montana after the first season but i still believe its a lie , because Hannah Montana is now 1 of the best children TV shows right now. It has a very very very very High rating. All i know is that im going to be super sad when it ends because im Miley's *#1 Fan!! Shes an incredibly singer and inspired me :) Well anyways back to topic i think the rule is Ridiculous

Although "Hannah Montana" did stumble in its second week when it came to the TV ratings...

It has definitely picked itself up and is now one of the most popular shows on Disney Channel right now...

Over the past few weeks..., it has done very well in the nielson TV ratings and actually had 3 showings of the show in the "Top 15" shows on cable a couple of weeks ago...

(Last week a showing of "Hannah Montana" landed the 8th spot with 3 million viewers...)

You're right... The show is EXTREMELY successful and is not going anywhere fast...

Although "Hannah Montana" did stumble in its second week when it came to the TV ratings...

It has definitely picked itself up and is now one of the most popular shows on Disney Channel right now...

Over the past few weeks..., it has done very well in the nielson TV ratings and actually had 3 showings of the show in the "Top 15" shows on cable a couple of weeks ago...

(Last week a showing of "Hannah Montana" landed the 8th spot with 3 million viewers...)

You're right... The show is EXTREMELY successful and is not going anywhere fast...

Its incredible i was reading this story on TV Guide magazine and i dont remember the exact number but the first time Hannah Montana was aired on T.V apx. 5 million people watched it! So its not going anywhere for a couple of years at least im hoping on that. Theres also going to be a new show coming soon called Haversham Hall its main characters are Aly and Aj

. the same extact thing is happening over at the Nickelodeon because currently the cartoon Danny Phantom has been cancelled only after 53 shows (which is currently ending its 2nd season and fans are working to save it)


Danny Phantom has been canceled?! :eek:
Wow. I didn't think it would get canceled so soon. But the show wasn't very funny, but I thought it would at least get to 65 episodes or so.

I'm wondering what's going to happen to the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. It seems like a very good show, and I'd imagine it's nearing 65 episodes..it's got to be up to like 40 or so by now..

Also, I think Hannah Montana will follow the same path as That's So Raven and Kim Possible, which is you know, breaking the rule. I hope the show does, I love the show!

I think Hanna Montana should be cancelled. That little werid girl should be kicked off from Life with Derick. They should change Phil from Phil of the Future or or make it more about Pim being mean. And lastly more Thats so Raven. LOL !

I think Hanna Montana should be cancelled. That little werid girl should be kicked off from Life with Derick.

Hannah Montana got over 5 million viewers on it's premiere night ALONE. And I like that little girl Marti, she's awesome!!

And why are you so down on Hannah/Miley??

Hannah Montana got over 5 million viewers on it's premiere night ALONE. And I like that little girl Marti, she's awesome!!

And why are you so down on Hannah/Miley??
~Because~ :)

I hope disney creates more shows that include stuff that could really happen irl. i personally think that is why ppl like hannah montana and that's so raven and the suite life of Zack and cody, etc... (or ect i can't think of which one it is LOL) i hope Hannah Montana does like That's so raven!!!!

i think shows should be based competly on popularity because i personaly really don't like shows like THe Buzz on Maggie and The Emporors New School. So i don't think most people like those shows and they might continue to reach there limit while meanwhile The Suite life gets more veiwers(it's second most popular on disney after Thats So Raven) and it might stop at the limit. i think by popularity would make more veiwer happy

I like the Emperors New School. "_"

Kuzco Allegiance, Kuzco Allegiance, Kuzco Allegiance, Day Is Today!
He is: Red Eyed Tree Frog Man, Red Eyed Tree Frog Man, RED EYED TREE FROG MAN!

Oh and I hate Hannah Monatana, Life With Derek, and that weird Disney Channel games thing. '.' I hope they dont go over 65 episodes..

Oh and I hate Hannah Monatana, I hope they dont go over 65 episodes..


:eek: what do you have against Miley? Besides, most girls who watch the show like it.

Anyways, I watch the show because it's fun. But the show is quite popular, so it just might go in the same path of That's so Raven, hopefully anyways...

I think they everybody can say if they like Hannah Montana or not if they want to.. Not trying to be mean, just saying.

Hmmm, I kind of agree with this rule, actors and actresses sometimes need a break from the same thing they are doing everyday. But then again, the viewers grow bigger and bigger, so they need more shows.

I have two sides on this...

Ru Ru :mickeymo:

Oh and I hate Hannah Monatana, Life With Derek, and that weird Disney Channel games thing. '.' I hope they dont go over 65 episodes..


i think shows should be based competly on popularity because i personaly really don't like shows like THe Buzz on Maggie and The Emporors New School. So i don't think most people like those shows and they might continue to reach there limit while meanwhile The Suite life gets more veiwers(it's second most popular on disney after Thats So Raven) and it might stop at the limit. i think by popularity would make more veiwer happy!




Oh and I hate Hannah Monatana, I hope they dont go over 65 episodes..

:eek: what do you have against Miley? Besides, most girls who watch the show like it.

Anyways, I watch the show because it's fun. But the show is quite popular, so it just might go in the same path of That's so Raven, hopefully anyways... but you guys are kinda right Hanana Montana is getting kinda Lame :(

I totally agree with everyone! :D

My Favorite shows are Suite Life, Kuzco, and Hannah Montana. Life with Derek is actually good in my opinion, I hated it at first.

I think there should be a 50 episode rule. All Disney shows are required to have 50 episodes. If the popularity rating is high enough they should continue with the show. If not they should finish the current season and end it at that.

I hope Suite Life continues on, but I doubt it.

Disney has recently been steering away from the boys market. Siding more with girl stuff. It is a well known fact that girls are more willing to bug their parents for things, and Disney knows this.

If you haven't noticed, most shows that primarily feature boys, or are aimed at boys, are getting canceled or radically changing. A good example is Suite Life with Zack and Codie. In all the new episodes we are seeing more Paris and Maddie, with Zack and Codie beingin the background and being less of a center of attention. Another example is Phil of the Future, which got completely canceled.

I totally agree with everyone! :D


I didn't write that it was lame!! :mad:

I wish Lilo and Stitch could have stayed longer it only lasted a year and a half :(

Oh my gosh I am so with you on Emerors New School (sp.) because it is the same thing every time.
"Pull the lever Kronk.. Wrong Lever!!"
"I am going to make Kuzco into something totally stupid"
Then kronk says here is your drink and Kuzco falls for it
It was fun only for the first three seconds of the show..

I think it be smarter for them to break the rule first off it's not fair to do to the actors I mean it is a TV show NOT a movie soo really once the cast becomes like a family......BAM! Say goodbye! Adios amigos! It's really not fair unless the show is a total bomb. Plus children do have the right to vote if they want the series to stay on right? I mean they ARE the ones who are really watching your show. So........thumbs down on that 65 episode rule such a mistake in my opinion.


Much luv xoxo jd.