The hit Disney Channel original show Wizards of Waverly Place was a staple in many childhoods throughout the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. Starring actors such as Selena Gomez and David Henrie, the magical show now brings a wave of nostalgia to its audience. On October 29th, 2024, over a decade after the show’s premiere in 2007, the beloved wizards from all those years ago are back on Disney’s TV screens. The sequel Wizards Beyond Waverly Place provides viewers with a sense of refreshing continuity to the original series.

The show opens with the first episode titled “Everything is Not What It Seems”, which is paying homage to the opening theme song of the sequel’s predecessor. The show revolves around the wizard Justin Russo, who is played by David Henrie, and how his family has no knowledge of him being a wizard.

In the finale episode of Wizards of Waverly Place, the show leaves off with Justin Russo becoming the headmaster at “WizTech”, the wizarding school that the Russo family attended through the length of the show. However, in the sequel it is revealed that Justin Russo got fired from his position, and has since married Giada Russo, (Mimi Gianopolus), and had two children named Roman Russo, (Alkaio Thiele), and Milo Russo, (Max Matenko).

In the first episode of the sequel, Alex Russo, the main character of Wizards of Waverly Place played by Selena Gomez, arrives at Justin’s doorstep with a young wizard named Billie, played by Janice LeAnn Brown, who is very eager to have Justin as a wizarding tutor.

Billie got kicked out of “WizTech” due to her antics, and claimed that her teachers abandoned her. Despite this, Alex Russo saw immense potential in Billie and decided to leave her in the care of Justin Russo. Alex even goes as far as to tell Justin that there is a prophecy saying that Billie is powerful enough to save the world. Billie quickly moves in with Justin’s family, and then becomes his apprentice. Justin vows to be her teacher and help her hone her powers.

Along the way, Billie befriends Justin’s children Roman and Milo and introduces them to magic. The siblings are under the impression that their father does not know about wizards, so they try their best to keep magic and spells a secret from the wizard right under their noses.

Throughout the first few episodes, Justin Russo’s wife Giada remains the only person in the family not privy to the wizards around her. This leaves her very confused and it is very entertaining for the viewer.

The sequel remains lighthearted while still entertaining the nostalgia of Wizards of Waverly Place. With new characters, new plotlines, and a new feel, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place helps to fulfill the craving for more content that Disney Channel lovers have had since the ending of the show in 2011.

The sequel features various cameos from adored characters, and adds onto the world building of the franchise. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place spans a wide variety of ages, appealing to those who watched the original series over a decade ago and the new generation of young kids searching for something to watch on TV.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is very comical and heartwarming. If you are a fan of Wizards of Waverly Place, or just looking for a laugh, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is well worth the watch.