Wingin' It (2010–2013)

Living in Ontario, Canada, where we have the "Family Channel" instead of Disney Channel, I'm used to watching Family try to create its own original programming. Usually Family original shows are quite dull due to their smaller budgets and lack of resources and experience, so i was surprised to find myself really enjoying this one! The basic plot line is not terribly original- an angle in training, Porter Jackson(Demetrius Joyette), is sent to earth on a training mission to help highschooler Carl (Dylan Everett)become the most popular guy in school, as well as teach him some life lessons along the way. The episodes follow your typical Disney sitcom story lines, yet somehow this show manages to give everything a fresh appeal. I'm going to give credit for that to 3 things; the type of sets that they use, the clever script, and the excellent acting. The show is not filmed on a sound stage, it's filmed in mostly actual buildings, and often outside, and that is really refreshing to see, as most comedies these days are filmed on these claustrophobic sound stages with over saturated lighting and annoying laugh tracks. Wingin' It takes a more natural approach to filming, and it's therefore more pleasing to watch. The vibe and atmosphere of it is light, and fun. The script is also quite good. It's not absolutely stellar or anything, but they use the right kind of humour. The script is fairly intelligent and witty, and does not rely on much corny slapstick humour to get the laughs. But most importantly, this show is excellently acted, and several members of the cast are potential breakout stars. They do not over-act in this show, like they do in shows like Hannah Montana. Just the way they deliver their lines is funny enough to have me laughing my head off without them having to rely on using loud voices and obnoxious hand gestures to show that they are funny. I love the level of comfort and assurance Demetrius shows on screen as Porter, Brian White pulls of naivety and lovable cluelessness to a T as Alex, and Hannah Lochner, as beautiful, popular cheerleader Britney, is the first cheerleader character I've actually ever liked, and thought was as cool as the character thinks she is. And finally, there's Mr. Dylan Everett, as the lead character Carl. Dylan is the main reason I really enjoy this show. He's cute, funny, and extremely likable as Carl. He's very comfortable on screen, and extremely enjoyable to watch. He's one of those actors who just makes you smile whenever you watch him. Dylan pulls off 'relatable everyday kid' very well, while still seeming like a genuinely cool guy. The only character i really dislike is the raccoon puppet. I realize that it's there to appeal to a younger audience, but the writing and acting in Wingin' It will appeal to a lot of tweens and teens, therefore making the puppet seem childish and out of place. Overall, Wingin' It is and fresh new comedy that can be enjoyed by both young and old, and male or female. It ranks right up there in terms of enjoyment (and MORE enjoyable in my opinion) with the more popular shows like Hannah Montana and Wizards. Not bad for a home-grown show.