That's So Raven facts for kids

Quick facts for kids That's So Raven
Genre	Sitcom
Created by	Michael Poryes Susan Sherman
Starring	Raven Orlando Brown Kyle Massey Anneliese van der Pol T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Rondell Sheridan
Theme music composer	John Coda
Opening theme	"That's So Raven" by Raven-Symoné, Orlando Brown, and Anneliese van der Pol
Ending theme	"That's So Raven (Instrumental)" (except episode 89)
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	4
No. of episodes	100 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Marvin Harris Michael Poryes (season 1) Sean McNamara (season 1–3) David Brookwell (season 1–3) Dennis Rinsler Marc Warren (season 3–4) Raven-Symoné (season 4)
Producer(s)	Walter Barnett (season 1) Patty Gary Cox (seasons 2–3)
Production location(s)	Sunset Gower Studios Hollywood Center Studios Los Angeles, California
Camera setup	Videotape; multi-camera
Running time	23 minutes
Production company(s)	Brookwell McNamara Entertainment (2003–06) That So Productions (2006–07) Warren & Rinsler Productions (2006–07)
Distributor	Buena Vista Television
Release
Original network	Disney Channel
Picture format	480i
Original release	January 17, 2003 (2003-01-17) – November 10, 2007 (2007-11-10)
Chronology
Related shows	Cory in the House (2007–2008) Palak Pe Jhalak (2015) Raven's Home (2017−present)

That's So Raven is a fun American TV show that aired on Disney Channel from January 17, 2003, to November 10, 2007. It's about a teenager named Raven Baxter, played by Raven-Symoné, who lives in San Francisco. Raven has a special secret: she can see quick glimpses of the future! This often leads her and her friends into hilarious and tricky situations.

The show also stars Orlando Brown as her best friend Eddie, and Anneliese van der Pol as her other best friend Chelsea. Kyle Massey plays her mischievous younger brother Cory, while T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh and Rondell Sheridan play her parents, Tanya and Victor Baxter.

That's So Raven was very popular on Disney Channel. It was the first show on the network to reach 100 episodes! It even got nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards. After the show ended, it inspired two spin-off series: Cory in the House and Raven's Home. You can now watch That's So Raven on the Disney+ streaming service.

What Is That's So Raven About?

Raven Baxter is a normal teenage girl, but she has a unique ability: she gets psychic visions of future events. These visions usually happen when she's in a tricky situation. She often tries to change what she sees, but her attempts usually lead to even more funny and complicated problems for her, her family, and her friends.

How the Show Was Made

The idea for the main character changed a few times before the show started. Raven-Symoné originally tried out for the role of Chelsea, Raven's best friend. But she ended up getting the main role, and the show was named That's So Raven.

The show filmed a special first episode on April 12, 2001. The first season was filmed from November 2001 to June 2002.

That's So Raven was a groundbreaking show for Disney Channel in many ways:

• It was the highest-rated series in Disney Channel's history at the time.
• It was the first Disney Channel show to have more than three million viewers.
• It was the first Disney Channel series to reach 100 episodes.
• It was the first Disney Channel series to create a spin-off show (Cory in the House).
• It was one of the first live-action Disney Channel shows where the main characters were mostly minorities.

The show also set new standards for Disney Channel comedies. It was the first to be filmed on videotape, use multiple cameras, and be filmed in front of a live studio audience (or use a laugh track).

The first three seasons were produced by Brookwell McNamara Entertainment. For the fourth and final season, Raven-Symoné became a producer for the show.

In the fourth season, Raven's mom, Tanya, is said to be in England studying to become a lawyer. The show filmed its last episodes in January 2006, but they aired throughout 2007.

Opening Song and Credits

The catchy theme song for That's So Raven was written by John Coda. It was performed by Raven-Symoné, Anneliese van der Pol, and Orlando Brown.

Each season had its own opening credits, showing clips from that season's episodes. Sometimes, they would also include clips from earlier seasons if needed. At the end of the opening, Raven would stand next to the show's title and say, "Yep, that's me." In season four, her famous catchphrase "Oh, Snap!" was added right before that.

Raven-Symoné sings most of the song, while Orlando Brown performs a rap part. Anneliese van der Pol sings the show's title in the chorus. A longer version of the song was released on the show's first soundtrack in 2004.

Episodes and Crossovers

That's So Raven was so popular that its contract was extended from 65 to 100 episodes. The very last episode filmed was "Checkin' Out," but the episode "Where There's Smoke" was the last one to air.

Special Crossover Episodes

The episode "Checkin' Out" was part of a special three-part crossover event with two other popular Disney Channel shows: The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Hannah Montana. In this episode, Raven Baxter visits the Tipton Hotel for a photo shoot. She meets Zack and Cody, and later, Hannah Montana shows interest in one of Raven's fashion designs.

Meet the Characters

The cast of That's So Raven (seasons 1-3), (From left to right, above): Kyle Massey (Cory Baxter), T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh (Tanya Baxter), Rondell Sheridan (Victor Baxter), (From left to right, below): Orlando Brown (Eddie Thomas), Raven-Symoné (Raven Baxter) and Anneliese van der Pol (Chelsea Daniels).

Here are the main characters who make the show so much fun:

Main Characters

• Raven Lydia Baxter (played by Raven-Symoné, credited as Raven) is the main character. She's a sassy and stylish teenager who loves fashion and designs her own clothes. Her special power is seeing short visions of the future. However, her attempts to change these visions often make things more complicated or even cause the vision to come true! Her famous sayings include "Oh snap!", "Ya nasty!", and "How y'all doin'?". Raven is also great at disguises. She is very allergic to mushrooms and loves orange juice. In the spin-off Raven's Home, Raven is grown up with two children, and her son Booker also has psychic abilities.

• Edward "Eddie" Thomas (played by Orlando Brown) is Raven's male best friend. He's an aspiring rapper and plays guard on the school basketball team. He's playful, loyal, and sometimes quick to make assumptions. He often says, "Holla!" after talking to his friends. Eddie's parents are divorced, and he has a younger brother.

• Cory Baxter (played by Kyle Massey) is Raven's younger brother. He and Raven often argue, but they truly care about each other. Cory loves playing pranks on Raven. He has two best friends, William and Larry, and together they form a band called "Cory and the Boys." Cory is the drummer and lead singer. He's very interested in making money and often tries "get-rich-quick" schemes that get him into trouble. Cory also has a pet rat named Lionel. His catchphrases are "Cha-ching" and "You know how I do." Cory and his dad, Victor, are the main characters in the spin-off series Cory in the House.

• Chelsea Daniels (played by Anneliese van der Pol) is Raven's female best friend. She's an environmentalist and a vegetarian, and she's also a talented artist. Chelsea is known for being a bit ditzy, especially in later seasons, but she's also very caring. She often says, "That makes more sense!" and "This is awkward!". Raven and Chelsea have been friends since preschool. Chelsea is passionate about saving the environment and animals. In the spin-off Raven's Home, Chelsea is a single mom and moves in with Raven and her kids.

• Tanya Baxter (played by T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, seasons 1-3) is Raven and Cory's mom and Victor's wife. She's a strong, loving, and fun mother who always supports her children. She decided to go back to school to study law after her children got older. Her catchphrase is "Momma like!". Tanya is not in season 4 because her character is in England studying law.

• Victor Baxter (played by Rondell Sheridan) is Raven and Cory's dad and Tanya's husband. He starts as a chef in a restaurant and later opens his own restaurant called "The Chill Grill." In the spin-off Cory in the House, he becomes the head chef for the President of the United States. His catchphrases are "Here comes the pain!" and "I'll go pack!"

Other Important Characters

• Señorita Rodriguez (played by Rose Abdoo) is the Spanish teacher at Raven's school. She also helps with the school newspaper and other clubs. She's known for getting students' hopes up, then saying "NO!" with a sly laugh.

• Devon Carter (played by Lil' J) is Raven's steady boyfriend from seasons 2-4. He moves to Seattle, Washington, but they still see each other when his dad visits San Francisco. In Raven's Home, it's revealed that Devon and Raven got married and had two children, Nia and Booker, but later divorced.

• Alana Rivera (played by Adrienne Bailon) is Raven's former best friend and later her rival. She enjoys teasing Raven. Alana was replaced in season 3 by Bianca.

• Bianca (played by Erica Rivera) is Raven's enemy in season 3, taking Alana's place. She's very similar to Alana, but even tougher.

• Muffy (played by Ashley Drane) is part of Alana's and later Bianca's group. She often explains what Alana or Bianca mean.

• Loca (played by Andrea Edwards) is another member of Alana's and Bianca's group. She's tough and strong. She's a big fan of the boy band Boyz 'N Motion. Later in the series, she shows a kinder side to Raven.

• William (played by Frankie Ryan Manriquez) is one of Cory's best friends. He's very smart and loves ducks. He's known for inventing gadgets.

• Larry (played by David Henrie) is Cory's other best friend. He's Jewish and plays the guitar in "Cory and the Boys." He can be a bit worried and quirky sometimes.

• Ben Sturky (played by Joshua Harto) is a student known for his strong odor. Raven once worked with him on a science project.

• Chantel (played by Drew Sidora) is Eddie's girlfriend in season 3. She loves to eat and enjoys expensive things.

• Stanley (played by Bobb'e J. Thompson) is Eddie's neighbor who is obsessed with Raven. He often tries to trick Cory and Eddie with his sales schemes. Stanley is usually rude and sarcastic. He loves cheese sandwiches.

• Sydney (played by Sydney Park) is a foster child whom Raven mentors. They become close friends, and Sydney is an aspiring comedian.

• Donna Cabonna (played by Anne-Marie Johnson) is a famous fashion designer and Raven's boss. She can be arrogant, but she believes in Raven's talent.

• Tiffany (played by Jodi Shilling) is Donna Cabonna's personal assistant and Raven's rival in season 4. They often compete to be Donna's favorite.

• Cindy (played by Jordyn Colemon) is Cory's girlfriend. They start dating in season 3.

• The Juicer (played by Dan Mott) is the school bully. He's known for "juicing" (squeezing) kids' heads. He later shows a caring side and appears in Cory in the House.

Show Merchandise

That's So Raven was so popular that it had a lot of merchandise, similar to the show Lizzie McGuire. This included:

• A clothing line
• DVD releases
• Novels
• Bedroom sets
• A perfume
• A Girl Talk board game
• Three video games
• Two soundtrack albums: That's So Raven and That's So Raven Too!

In 2005, That's So Raven toys were even featured in McDonald's Happy Meals, and a Raven Baxter doll was released. By 2006, the merchandise had earned $400 million!

Video Games

That's So Raven inspired three video games:

• That's So Raven for Game Boy Advance
• That's So Raven 2 for Game Boy Advance
• That's So Raven: Psychic on the Scene for Nintendo DS

Spin-off Shows

That's So Raven led to two spin-off series.

Cory in the House

Cory in the House was the first Disney Channel spin-off and started airing on January 12, 2007. The show follows Cory and his dad, Victor, as they move to Washington, D.C.. Victor gets a new job as the Head Chef for the President. Raven is away at fashion college, and Tanya is still in London.

In this show, Cory has two best friends, Newton (Jason Dolley) and Meena (Maiara Walsh), similar to Raven having Eddie and Chelsea. The President's daughter, Sophie (Madison Pettis), often bothers Cory, just like Cory used to bother Raven. Cory still gets into funny situations and learns lessons.

Raven even made a guest appearance in an episode of Cory in the House called "That's So in the House."

Raven's Home

On October 27, 2016, it was announced that Raven-Symoné would star in and help create a second spin-off series. Anneliese van der Pol also returned as Chelsea Daniels. The show premiered on July 21, 2017. In Raven's Home, Raven Baxter is a divorced mother with two pre-teen children, Nia and Booker. Her son, Booker, inherits her psychic abilities! Chelsea Daniels is also a divorced mother with a son, Levi, and she moves in with Raven and her kids.

Indian Version of the Show

Palak Pe Jhalak is an Indian version of That's So Raven that was adapted into Hindi. It premiered on September 27, 2015. Ayesha Kaduskar plays the main character, Nysha Kapoor, who is similar to Raven Baxter. The original That's So Raven also aired in India from 2004 to 2010.

Awards and Nominations

That's So Raven and its cast won and were nominated for many awards during its run. Here are some of them:

See also

In Spanish: That's So Raven para niños