How has it already been 20 years since we met Hannah Montana?
For anyone who grew up on iconic Disney Channel shows like That’s So Raven, Hannah Montana, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and Wizards of Waverly Place or Disney Channel Original Movies like High School Musical, Lemonade Mouth, and The Cheetah Girls, the nostalgia hits instantly.
This March marks 20 years since Hannah Montana first premiered on Disney Channel back on March 24, 2006. To celebrate, Miley Cyrus released a one-hour anniversary special on Disney+, affectionately calling it the “Hannahversary.”
A look back at the show that started it all
The special takes a more intimate, reflective approach. Rather than a reboot episode or reunion tour, it leans into a sit-down, documentary-style format. Returning to the Disney lot where the show was filmed, Miley begins the special by stepping back into the Stewart home set, an unexpectedly emotional moment. What could have just been a walk through old props instead feels like stepping into a time capsule. Every piece of furniture was exactly as it was left from the final episode back in 2011.
As Miley describes it, it’s like being transported back to when she was younger, filming all of the episodes. For fans, it is the same feeling. As soon as I saw the set, it felt like being taken back to my childhood. I have not rewatched the show in a while and did not expect how emotional it would make me just to see the Stewart kitchen!
Guest appearances
The special includes appearances from both of Miley’s parents, Tish Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus, who reflect on their time filming the show. Tish shares that she played a major role in shaping Hannah Montana’s iconic style, while Billy Ray recalls nearly giving up his role as Miley’s on-screen father to another actor. In one of the more emotional moments, Miley and her dad revisit the series finale with a script read, remembering the storyline where Hannah grapples with fame and the decision to reveal her true identity.
Selena Gomez also makes an appearance, having once played a minor character on the show and understanding the unique pressure of growing up as a Disney star. It was especially meaningful to just see two stars that Gen Z grew up watching reflect on their Disney experiences together and realize just how far back their friendship goes.
Chappell Roan also appears to praise Miley, thanking her for paving the way for artists to embrace their true selves, especially after facing intense public scrutiny while simply growing up in the spotlight.
The Hannah Montana performances
The special opens with the iconic theme song, “Best of Both Worlds,” as Miley Cyrus fully embraces her Hannah Montana era, complete with the long blonde hair, signature outfit, and high-energy performance. She also performs fan favorites like “This Is the Life” and even brings back the “Hoedown Throwdown,” a routine many fans also still have locked in as pure muscle memory. Alongside those upbeat moments, Miley slows things down with “The Climb,” which, I don’t know about anyone else, but that song makes me teary every time I listen to it.
One of the most powerful moments comes at the end, when Miley performs a new original song, “Younger You”. Paired with childhood photos and clips from her early years, it serves as a tribute not just to the show, but to the girl behind it. And it feels like she is not only talking about herself but to the fans, too. It’s emotional and for many viewers, undeniably tear-inducing.
What was missing?
Some viewers were initially disappointed by the “podcast-style” feel, hoping for a reboot episode where Miley and the whole cast are reunited as adults. Some were even ready to spend their whole bank account for a ticket to a Hannah Montana Anniversary Concert Tour.
Something else felt missing, though. While several cast members appeared at the premiere, many fans noticed the absence of core co-stars like Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Jason Earles, and Moisés Arias in the special itself. While the “Hannahversary” could have been an intimate reflection just for Miley and her family, it would have been so special to hear their stories and perspectives of other cast members about being a part of such an influential show. Despite some disappointment over the format and the lack of co-star testimonials, the anniversary still felt incredibly special and meaningful. Fans were grateful to get anything at all. And knowing Miley, there may still be surprises ahead.
The nostalgia
There’s always something special about the shows you loved as a kid. They stick with you in a way that’s hard to explain. But with Gen Z, it feels like something deeper. There’s an undeniable connection to this era of Disney and Nickelodeon that doesn’t quite show up the same way with older generations. It’s not just nostalgia. It’s something more personal.
Part of that comes from the fact that we didn’t just grow up watching these stars; we watched them grow up, and we grew alongside them. Even now, some of the biggest moments in music, film, and television still feature the same faces we’ve known and loved for years. Cole Sprouse in the chaotic yet iconic Riverdale, the Jonas Brothers headlining massive tours, Ariana Grande stepping into a major film role with Wicked, and Leon Thomas winning Grammys. They weren’t just the stars of our childhood that raised us; they’re still shaping entertainment today.
With Miley Cyrus, we watched her discover herself as she created songs that defined countless memories from elementary school to college. These stars have stayed with us throughout our entire lives and have shaped our entire understanding of pop culture.
Reflecting on the 20th anniversary special, one Letterboxd user wrote, “Truly, I fear the younger generations will never know that kind of pure and wholesome fandom.” Another wrote, “This era of kids’ shows will never be replicated; we had it so good.”
Watching this special is a reminder of just how lucky we were to grow up with these entertainers. It was a unique moment in time, one that might not fully work the same way today. It was genuine and fun, yet we still had access to the internet and behind-the-scenes moments that made us feel even more connected. This era of Disney and Nickelodeon feels like more than just nostalgia. It’s a shared cultural experience that continues to shape who we are.
Future anniversary specials?
But Hannah Montana isn’t the only Disney Channel touchstone turning 20. The year 2006 alone gave us High School Musical, The Cheetah Girls 2, Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, The Emperor’s New School, and the launch of the Disney Channel Games, a lineup that defined a generation’s after-school routine and shaped early Gen Z pop culture. Hopefully something special is in store for these fan-favorites, too!
If you’ve ever loved Hannah Montana, this is a can’t-miss special. It’s deeply emotional and is a reminder of how lucky we were to grow up with shows like Hannah Montana. What makes it even more meaningful is how much Miley Cyrus embraces her roots. Childhood stardom isn’t easy, but she doesn’t shy away from it. Instead, she acknowledges it fully, understanding just how much Hannah Montana, the show, and its music still mean to her fans, and to her, too.
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special is available to stream on Disney+.
