# Wizards of Waverly Place

> American fantasy teen sitcom (2007–2012)

**Wikidata**: [Q184342](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q184342)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizards_of_Waverly_Place)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wizards-of-waverly-place

## Summary
Wizards of Waverly Place is an American fantasy teen sitcom that aired from 2007 to 2012. Created by Todd J. Greenwald, the show revolves around a family of wizards and their comedic magical adventures. It launched the career of lead actress Selena Gomez and became a flagship series for Disney Channel.

## Key Facts
- **Premiere Date**: October 12, 2007
- **Final Episode**: January 6, 2012
- **Genre**: Fantasy teen sitcom
- **Network**: Disney Channel
- **Creator**: Todd J. Greenwald
- **Production Companies**: It's a Laugh Productions, ABC Signature
- **Lead Actress**: Selena Gomez as Alex Russo
- **Episodes**: 106 across 4 seasons
- **Spin-offs**: *Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie* (2009), *The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex* (2013)
- **Followed By**: *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* (2024)
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Awards**: Multiple Teen Choice Awards, ALMA Awards, and a Primetime Emmy nomination
- **Themes**: Family, magic, adolescence, sibling rivalry
- **Notable Cast**: David DeLuise, Maria Canals-Barrera, David Henrie, Gregg Sulkin

## FAQs
**What is the main plot of Wizards of Waverly Place?**  
The series follows the Russo family, wizards competing to become the "Family Wizard," while navigating everyday teenage life in New York City.

**Who created the show and who stars in it?**  
Todd J. Greenwald created the show, starring Selena Gomez as Alex Russo alongside David Henrie, David DeLuise, and Maria Canals-Barrera.

**How many seasons and episodes were produced?**  
The show ran for 4 seasons with 106 episodes, plus a feature film and a TV movie.

**What awards and recognition did the show receive?**  
It won multiple Teen Choice Awards, ALMA Awards, and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program.

**What is the show's connection to Disney Channel?**  
It was a flagship series for Disney Channel, produced by Disney-affiliated companies It's a Laugh Productions and ABC Signature.

**Is there a revival or spin-off series?**  
A revival series titled *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place* premiered in 2024, continuing the story with a new cast.

## Why It Matters
Wizards of Waverly Place is a cornerstone of Disney Channel's 2000s programming, blending magic with relatable teen issues. It launched Selena Gomez's career, establishing her as a Disney star and influencing a generation of young viewers. The show's success demonstrated the appeal of fantasy-comedy hybrids, paving the way for similar series. Its portrayal of a Latino family in a leading role also contributed to representation in children's television. The franchise's longevity, including films and a revival, underscores its enduring popularity and cultural impact.

## Notable For
- **Launched Selena Gomez's Career**: Propelled Gomez to stardom, leading to her music career and further acting roles.
- **Diverse Representation**: Featured a Latino family as the main characters, rare for Disney Channel at the time.
- **Awards and Nominations**: Won 18 Teen Choice Awards and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy.
- **Long-Running Series**: Aired 106 episodes over 4 seasons, a significant run for a Disney Channel show.
- **Successful Spin-offs**: Generated a feature film, TV movie, and a 2024 revival series.
- **Cultural Impact**: Memorable catchphrases ("You can't have magic without a little mischief") and iconic fashion (Alex's bohemian style).
- **Fantasy-Comedy Blend**: Helped popularize the genre, influencing later Disney shows like *Shake It Up* and *Bunk'd*.

## Body
### Creation and Production
Wizards of Waverly Place was created by Todd J. Greenwald, known for his work on *Hannah Montana*. Produced by It's a Laugh Productions and ABC Signature, the show premiered on October 12, 2007, on Disney Channel. The series finale aired on January 6, 2012, concluding a 4-season run with 106 episodes.

### Cast and Characters
- **Selena Gomez** starred as Alex Russo, the rebellious teenage wizard.
- **David Henrie** played Justin Russo, Alex's responsible older brother and rival.
- **David DeLuise** portrayed Jerry Russo, the patriarch and former wizard.
- **Maria Canals-Barrera** played Theresa Russo, the matriarch and non-magical "muggle."
- **Gregg Sulkin** joined later as Mason Greyback, a werewolf and love interest.

### Themes and Storylines
The show balanced magical adventures with typical teenage experiences, emphasizing family dynamics and sibling rivalry. Each season featured the Russo siblings competing to retain their magical powers, with the final season determining the "Family Wizard." Episodes often included moral lessons on responsibility, friendship, and self-acceptance.

### Awards and Legacy
The series won 18 Teen Choice Awards, including Choice TV Show: Comedy, and multiple ALMA Awards for its portrayal of Latino characters. It was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program in 2009. The show's success led to a feature film (*Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie*, 2009) and a TV movie (*The Wizards Return: Alex vs. Alex*, 2013).

### Revival and Spin-offs
In 2024, Disney Channel released *Wizards Beyond Waverly Place*, a sequel series focusing on the next generation of wizards. The revival features a new cast while maintaining connections to the original storyline.

### Cultural Impact
The show's influence extended beyond television, with Selena Gomez's character inspiring young fans through her confidence and individuality. The series' blend of magic and humor became a template for subsequent Disney Channel comedies, and its diverse casting set a precedent for representation in children's media.

### Technical Specifications
- **Runtime**: 22 minutes per episode (without commercials)
- **Filming Locations**: Primarily at Hollywood Center Studios in Los Angeles.
- **Music**: Original score by John Adair and Steve Hampton, with a theme song performed by Selena Gomez.
- **Budget**: Estimated $1.5 million per episode, typical for Disney Channel productions at the time.

### Related Entities
- **Disney Channel**: The primary network, targeting youth audiences with family-friendly content.
- **It's a Laugh Productions**: Produced the show alongside ABC Signature, both subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company.
- **Selena Gomez & the Scene**: Gomez's musical group, formed during the show's run and promoted through Disney's media channels.
- **UNICEF**: Gomez's post-show philanthropic work, reflecting the show's positive messaging.

## References

1. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
2. [fernsehserien.de](https://www.fernsehserien.de/die-zauberer-vom-waverly-place)
3. MusicBrainz
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Franchise/DisneyChannelLiveActionUniverse)
6. [Source](https://www.mundoplus.tv/noticias/?seccion=series&id=2599)
7. Kinopoisk
8. Online-Filmdatenbank
9. The Movie Database
10. [Source](https://norske-dubber.fandom.com/no/wiki/Magikerne_på_Waverly_Place_(TV-serie)?oldid=147136)
11. FilmVandaag.nl