Wizards of Waverly Place

Alex Russo and her brothers Justin and Max grow up in a New York City deli that's also the family front for a secret: the three siblings are training to become full wizards. The series follows their everyday mix of school, friendships and family obligations while they learn spells, deal with magical mishaps and test the limits of their powers. Alex is witty and irreverent, Justin is earnest and studious, and Max is goofy and unpredictable, so their different approaches to magic create constant conflict and comedy. Episodes usually start with a domestic problem that gets amplified by a spell, and the kids must fix the fallout without turning their world upside down.

The show premiered on Disney Channel in 2007, created by Todd J. Greenwald, and ran with a core cast including Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin, Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise. It mixed sitcom conventions with fantasy elements and spawned specials and crossovers during its run.

Across its life the series received recognition from youth-focused award organizations and picked up several nominations and wins at ceremonies aimed at younger audiences and television. It also drew attention within the industry for launching young performers into wider visibility.

Wizards of Waverly Place had a noticeable cultural footprint on late 2000s teen media, helping make Selena Gomez a household name and influencing Disney Channel's approach to supernatural sitcoms. Characters, outfits and memorable episode ideas circulated in fan communities, and the show remained a frequent reference point for audiences who grew up with Disney's tween lineup.

Critics and viewers generally reacted positively, reflected in a solid vote average on fan sites and steady ratings during key seasons. The series balances family dynamics, sibling rivalry, responsibility and coming-of-age themes with lighthearted humor. It keeps stakes low enough for a young audience while giving characters room to mature over time, which helped it maintain appeal across different age groups.