What Is Hannah Montana? Know About Miley Cyrus’ Iconic Kids Show
Explore the enduring impact of Disney Channel’s 'Hannah Montana'," the series that launched Miley Cyrus to global superstardom. From the secret life of Miley Stewart to chart-topping hits like 'The Best of Both Worlds' and 'The Climb', we break down the show’s cultural phenomenon, its record-breaking music, and its 20-year legacy in 2026.
Disney+ has officially confirmed that Miley Cyrus will return to her roots this spring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. The groundbreaking series, which premiered on March 24, 2006, is set to be honoured with a "Hannahversary" special featuring an in-depth conversation between Cyrus and host Alex Cooper. The event marks a significant milestone for the franchise that transformed Cyrus into a global phenomenon and defined a generation of youth entertainment. “Hannah Montana will always be a part of who I am,” Cyrus said in a statement. “What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection.” Hannaversary: What Is the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary?
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What Is Hannah Montana?
The series followed the life of Miley Stewart, a typical teenager who moved from Tennessee to Malibu to pursue her musical dreams. To maintain a sense of normalcy, she adopted the secret alter ego of pop superstar Hannah Montana, using a signature blonde wig to conceal her identity from the public. Supported by her father and manager, Robby Ray Stewart (played by real-life father Billy Ray Cyrus), Miley navigated the complexities of adolescence alongside her best friends Lilly Truscott (Emily Osment) and Oliver Oken (Mitchel Musso). The show was praised for its balance of slapstick comedy and heartfelt explorations of family, friendship and the price of fame.
Hannah Montana’s Cross-Platform Success Explained
During its four-season run from 2006 to 2011, Hannah Montana became one of the most successful franchises in Disney Channel history. The series spawned two feature films Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert and Hannah Montana: The Movie and solidified Cyrus as a "multi-hyphenate" star capable of dominating both television and the music charts. Industry analysts credit the show with pioneering the modern model of cross-platform stardom. By blending fictional narratives with real-world concert tours and chart-topping soundtracks, Disney created a blueprint for future teen idols. Miley Cyrus Brings Back Hannah Montana-style Bangs Ahead of 20-year Anniversary.
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Hannah Montana Hits
Central to the show's success was its discography, which featured a mix of high-energy pop-rock and emotional ballads. Many of these tracks transitioned from the small screen to the Billboard Hot 100, becoming staples of 2000s pop culture. Some of the most recognisable songs from the series and films include:
- The Best of Both Worlds: The iconic theme song that summarised the show's premise.
- Nobody's Perfect: A fan-favourite anthem about self-acceptance.
- The Climb: A power ballad from the 2009 movie that remains one of Cyrus's most successful career singles.
- Rock Star: A high-energy track celebrating the thrills of her double life.
- He Could Be the One: A romantic pop hit that reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts.
- Hoedown Throwdown: A viral dance track that blended country and hip-hop from the movie.
Watch the Hannah Montana Song 'Nobody's Perfect':
Miley Cyrus Reflects in Hannah Montana 20th Special
The upcoming 20th-anniversary special, scheduled for release on March 24, 2026, will feature recreated sets and never-before-seen archival footage. For fans, it represents a full-circle moment for Cyrus, who has recently embraced the character's legacy after years of distancing herself to pursue more mature musical directions. "The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of," Cyrus added. The special is expected to provide an intimate look at the pressures of early stardom and the enduring impact of a girl who truly had the best of both worlds.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2026 11:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).