Disney Channel Renews "Even Stevens" and "Lizzie McGuire" for Additional Seasons

Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, has given the green light for 22 episodes each of its two highest-rated original comedies "Even Stevens" and "Lizzie McGuire," announced Gary Marsh, executive vice president, original programming, Disney Channel.

"Even Stevens" has been renewed for a third season, and "Lizzie McGuire" has been picked-up for a second. Both series will begin production in September, and new episodes will begin airing in second quarter 2002. "Even Stevens" airs Friday-Sunday, 7 p.m. ET/PT; Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET/PT. "Lizzie McGuire" airs Friday-Sunday, 6 p.m. ET/PT; Saturday-Sunday, 1:30 p.m. ET/PT; Sundays at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

"Our audience loves 'Even Stevens' and 'Lizzie McGuire' because the actors, writers and producers have found a way to peek into the window of adolescence and tell funny, unique stories that all kids can relate to," said Marsh.

"The most gratifying part for us is that 'Even Stevens' has been so well received and has generated such a loyal following," said David Brookwell, executive producer. "We're eager to begin working on the third season and are delighted to continue our relationship with the Disney Channel."

"We are thrilled with Disney Channel's commitment to pick up a second season and the display of great faith and confidence that it represents. The fact that 'Lizzie McGuire' has captured the hearts and minds of so many so quickly is a source of great joy and excitement," said Stan Rogow, executive producer.

"Even Stevens" follows the misadventures of Louis Stevens (Shia LaBeouf), a typical 14-year-old middle school kid and his over-achieving older sister Ren (Christy Carlson Romano). How does an ordinary kid live in the shadow of his super-successful sibling? And how does the older sister of the junior-high class clown live down the embarrassment of a younger brother who will do absolutely anything to get a laugh? Louis turns to comedy in his never-ending mission to be unique. For Ren, nothing is harder than having to live down the embarrassment of a younger brother, and sibling rivalry ensues. The series also stars Donna Pescow, Tom Virtue and Nick Spano.

The show is executive produced by David Brookwell and Sean McNamara ("The Secret World of Alex Mack"), and produced by their production company Brookwell McNamara Entertainment Inc. in association with Disney Channel.

Matt Dearborn created "Even Stevens," and the series is also executive produced by Marc Warren and Dennis Rinsler.

Disney Channel's original series, "Lizzie McGuire" (Hillary Duff) follows the adventures of Lizzie McGuire, a normal 13-year-old surviving adolescence with the help of (and sometimes inspired by) her animated alter ego. On the exterior, Lizzie is a young teenager navigating the turbulent years of junior high. That means coping with the ever-changing cliques at school, keeping up with what's in and what's out, as well as dealing with a well-meaning mom who is anxious to make her transition into womanhood as smooth as possible. Sassy, sarcastic and sensible, Lizzie's animated self is one part guardian angel and one part mischief-maker. Animated Lizzie does things most of us only dream of, which includes swooning over the cutest boy in school and blowing up (literally) when her mom decides she must miss the party of the year.

The show also touts crossover success online with ZoogDisney.com's "Lizzie McGuire" subsite. In fact, the site has received an overwhelming 3 million e-mails from fans (averaging 200,000 e-mails per week) since the series premiered in January 2001.

"Lizzie McGuire" stars Hillary Duff (Fine Line's "Soul Collector" debuts this fall starring Tim Robbins and Patricia Arquette, "Casper Meets Wendy"), Jake Thomas (Spielberg's "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," "The Cell"), Robert Carradine (Disney Channel's "Mom's Got a Date With a Vampire," "Revenge of the Nerds"), Hallie Todd (Disney Channel's "The Ultimate Christmas Present"), Lalaine ("Annie") and Adam Lamberg ("I'm Not Rappaport").

Stan Rogow Productions Inc. produces the original series in conjunction with Disney Channel. Terri Minsky, executive producer of ABC's "The Geena Davis Show" created the series. Stan Rogow ("Shannon's Deal," "Clan of the Cave Bear") and Susan Jansen ("Home Improvement," "Boy Meets World") are executive producers.

-- Posted July 10, 2001
Source: Company Press Release