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Allison McClain Merrill is a writer and reporter focusing on TV history, music, and faith and culture. She has written for Vanity Fair, Glamour, Insider, Today, SFGATE, Paste Magazine, and more. She earned a Master of Arts in Religion from Yale University.

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My Nostalgic, Chaotic Weekend at a Disney Channel Convention

A DREAM IS A WISH

It was a millennial’s dream: Stars from “Johnny Tsunami,” “Phil of the Future,” and “Freaky Friday” gathered to meet their now-grown fans. We were among them. Here’s what we saw.

Allison McClain Merrill | Published Feb 04, 2025

Disney Series Favorite ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ Is Back

MAGIC!

The creative team and cast members, including David Henrie, dish about Disney Channel’s charming new follow-up to “Wizards of Waverly Place.”

Allison McClain Merrill | Published Oct 29, 2024

Kelly Bishop Reveals the Secrets Behind ‘Gilmore Girls’

WHERE YOU LEAD…

Our favorite Gilmore gives Obsessed an inside look at her new career-spanning memoir, “The Third Gilmore Girl.”

Allison McClain Merrill | Published Sep 17, 2024

Even Disney Channel Stars Are Nostalgic for Disney Channel

MAGIC

The Cheetah Girl and the “Boy Meets World” star are revisiting all the Disney TV movies we grew up with—and that we’re still obsessed with.

Allison McClain Merrill | Published Feb 16, 2024

‘Halloweentown’: Why Fans Are Still Obsessed After 25 Years

NOSTALGIA

“Being normal is vastly overrated.” How one of the earliest Disney Channel Original Movies came to be—and birthed a devoted fan base who cherish it still today more than ever.

Allison McClain Merrill | Published Oct 17, 2023

The Story of the Long-Lost, First-Ever Disney Channel Movie

TIGER TOWN

Premiering in October 1983, the sports drama started a brand-defining trend for the House of Mouse. But good luck finding it today.

Allison McClain Merrill | Published Sep 25, 2023

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