Derek

The United States is famously suspicious of its quiet neighbors to the north. So I'm particularly pleased that Disney is distributing "Life With Derek" in the U.S. The show is well-written, well-acted, and clever (in other words, expect a speedy cancellation). Step-siblings Casey and Derek are excellently portrayed as well-rounded teenagers capable of doing both good and evil (while still remaining consistent and in character). While it would be impossible to expect a family program to capture the savageness that characterizes real adolescent life, the show goes a good deal further than most, displaying welcome flashes of mean-spirited fun in its portrayal of siblings maneuvering for the upper hand against one another. If we're going to blame Canada, it's only fair to also give them credit when credit is due.

don't get me wrong i absolutely love this show! 10/10 for me. But the one thing that creeps me out is that ashley leggot is almost 20 years old playing a teenager! I was watching confessions of a teenage drama queen last night and decided to do some research...i never would have guessed she was 20! but...i guess thats y they put her on this show isn't it( i still love her!) seriously i know I'm a little old for this show....but its kinda my guilty pleasure! my recommendation: keep on making more episode and then make a DVD! seriously though....w/o Casey in this TV show i would not have liked it at all. thats how i can relate because i had the same situation thrust upon me last year. its hard and annoying...i think this is an awesome show for anyone going through a family merge...its just so relatable!

Two Disney Channel shows break the mold of typical Disney fare--that is it does not look canned, packaged, and wrapped in the same box (with many of the same actors (duh) and scripts).

Life With Derek breaks the Disney mold (as does Phil of the Future). The show has plausible situations, like step-siblings involved in sneaky plots, or real relationship troubles.

Life With Derek does not have the stars always winning, having fabulous careers at the age of 12, or moving into the White House. The stars aren't always in new clothes, the house isn't in perfect order (or in the best neighborhood) and the kids cry and complain like people in real life.

What bothers me about the Disney Channel is personified by such candy trash as High School Musical (or anything with Cordon Bleu). What I like about Disney is Derek and Phil.

Life with Derek is a GREAT show I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michael Seater is ADORABLE!!!! And the chemistry between him and the younger part of the cast is GREAT!!!! The whole cast is great! Ariel Waller plays the youngest child a little girl named Marti and she is soooo cute!!!! Ashley Leggat is not my favorite but she does do really well in the role of Casey so it works. Jordan Todosey (Lizzie) and Daniel Magder (Edwin) are really cute as the middle children and work really great together! Everyone on this show is great and I love it definitely one of my favorite Disney Channel shows by far!!!!!! I would Definitely recommend this show to anyone!!!!

This is an awesome show. When i get home super tired, i make sure i stay awake to watch it. Derek is sooooo funny (and not to mention a very attractive guy). Casey is an awesome character as well. Edwin and Lizzie are good characters, and i think they should be put in more often. Marti is adorable and love how she says things without thinking them through (but then again little kids do speak the truth). I love how Casey got her parents room and the parents moved into the basement. Personally, if i were Casey i would have preferred the basement. I cant wait for new episodes!! This shoe really is awesome and everyone on it is very fortunate to be on. Ill keep watching, so long as the show continues to do the great job that it is doing so far!!