Think You Know Everything About Disney Channel? Think Again With New Book Disney High

As the Cheetah Girls’ song sings, “Dig a little deeper.” Well, you’re about to fall deep into Disney Channel’s empire with the new book, Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire.

To be clear, this isn’t just any domain we’re talking about; be prepared to go down the company’s “tween empire,” which bred massive stars from Britney Spears and Ryan Gosling to Miley Cyrus and Zendaya. 

In what appears to be the network’s “golden years,” Disney Channel built a massive domain, established in 1983. What was once known as the “forgotten stepchild” of the Walt Disney machine soon turned out to be one of the most iconic brands, still thriving with no signs of slowing down 40 years later.

After the reboot of The Mickey Mouse Club, which introduced us to the likes of Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez, the network realized where their true success was—in the tween demographic.

For those who aren’t aware, the tween category is the pre-pre-awkward stage from the ages of 9 and 12. So, old enough to scream, they’re no longer babies but not old enough to do, well, everything else. 

Thrilled to announce my book DISNEY HIGH: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire will be out from @StMartinsPress on 9/24/24! And you can preorder your copy right now! https://t.co/pLnI7of84I pic.twitter.com/USvhSleomK

— Ashley Spencer (@AshleySpencer) February 12, 2024

Nonetheless, this new book written by culture journalist Ashley Spencer delves deep into what went on when the cameras went down. From “feuds” to stars whose lives were controlled entirely by the corporation (any guesses?), the book is set to address the inner workings of the giant. The author has garnered hundreds of interviews with former Disney executives and celebrities, granting readers first-hand accord.

Now, with most books, comes an audio version that enlists a familiar face to help tell the story. This time, it’s staying in the Disney family. Lizzie McGuire’s Lalaine will serve as the voice for the audiobook. 

Two books on TV that I can't wait to read:@emilynussbaum's "Cue the Sun!: The Invention of Reality TV" which comes out next week.@AshleySpencer's "Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel's Tween Empire" which comes out in September.

— Matt Marshall (@_Matt_Marshall) June 14, 2024

The actress calls this job an “honor,” stating, “It’s a pleasure to be a part of Disney High’s journey into the audiobook world…I’m honored to narrate this for Ashley and I’m looking forward to sharing these stories with fans in a whole new way.”

Disney High: The Untold Story of the Rise and Fall of Disney Channel’s Tween Empire hits shelves on September 24 and is available for pre-order now.