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Entertainment • TV Series

Wizards of Waverly Place

Wizards of Waverly Place is an American fantasy teen sitcom created by Todd J.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wizards of Waverly Place is an American fantasy teen sitcom created by Todd J. Greenwald that aired on Disney Channel from 2007 to 2012. It follows Alex Russo and her brothers Justin and Max as they train as wizards while living a normal family life in New York City.

Premise

The series centers on the Russo family, whose children—Alex, Justin, and Max—are wizards in training under their father’s guidance. The family’s wizard training and sibling competition to become the family wizard drive most of the plot.

Production and broadcast

Created by Todd J. Greenwald, the show aired on Disney Channel for four seasons from October 12, 2007 to January 6, 2012. It became one of the network’s best-known live-action sitcoms.

Reception and awards

The series received major recognition in children’s television, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program in 2009. D23 also reports additional wins in 2010 and 2012.

The franchise includes the 2009 television film Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie and later continuation material featuring the Russo family.

Key facts

  • The series centers on the Russo family, whose children are wizards in training.
  • Alex, Justin, and Max Russo compete to become the family wizard and keep their powers.
  • The show aired on Disney Channel from October 12, 2007 to January 6, 2012, for four seasons and 106 episodes.
  • The series won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program in 2009.
  • A television movie, Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie, aired in 2009.
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Canadian context

The series aired in Canada through Disney Channel distribution, and its family-friendly fantasy format made it part of the broader Disney Channel audience familiar to Canadian viewers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Wizards of Waverly Place about?
It is about three wizard siblings—Alex, Justin, and Max Russo—who train in magic while living as a normal family in New York City.
Who created the series?
Todd J. Greenwald created Wizards of Waverly Place.
When did it air?
It premiered on October 12, 2007, and ended on January 6, 2012.
How many seasons and episodes are there?
The series ran for four seasons and 106 episodes.
Did it win any awards?
Yes. It won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program in 2009, and D23 reports additional wins in 2010 and 2012.
Was there a movie?
Yes. Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie was released in 2009.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizards_of_Waverly_Place
    Supports: Created by Todd J. Greenwald; American fantasy teen sitcom; original run dates; main premise and characters.
  2. D23 — https://d23.com/a-to-z/wizards-of-waverly-place-television/
    Supports: Premiere and finale dates; principal cast; Emmy wins in 2009, 2010, and 2012.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Wizards_of_Waverly_Place_episodes
    Supports: Episode count; four-season run; 2009 Emmy win; 2013 return episode.
  4. Disney+ — https://disneyplus.com/browse/entity-f9cd33a5-678b-45c6-a7b9-607c327962e6
    Supports: Genre; creator; starring cast; series description and season count.
  5. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/wizards_of_waverly_place
    Supports: Series genre and plot description involving wizard siblings.