Twelve years after the end of “Wizards of Waverly Place,” the legendary Disney Channel show is launching a sequel. “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” is about Justin Russo (David Henrie in his role), an assistant director who lives on Staten with his investigative reporter wife Giada (Mimi Gianopulos) and their sons Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko). Iceland is alive. . Although Justin has retained his magical abilities, he has put his days as a magician behind him. Neither Giada nor his boys know anything about his powers. This changes on the morning of Justin's 34th birthday, when rebellious and courageous 12-year-old sorceress Billie (a phenomenal Janice LeAnn Brown) arrives at the Russos' house. Hilarious, funny and charming, Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is a worthy sequel to the legendary original that will undoubtedly delight newcomers and long-time fans alike.

The series begins on a seemingly ordinary day at the Russo house. Milo and Roman fight over their shared room and Justin is excited to celebrate his special day. But when his sister Alex (Selena Gomez, reprising her role) unexpectedly visits and desperately asks Justin for help, the Russos' lives are turned upside down. While Justin has shunned magic, it is the only way of life Billie has ever known. Billie is funny, quick-thinking and independent and doesn't accept rules and regulations. But the audience soon realizes that this is about much more than just the appropriate care of Billie.

This new show begins 17 years after the premiere of Wizards of Waverly Place, and special effects technology for television has evolved rapidly. This gives the magic portrayed a clear and fantastic appeal that could not have been captured before. While Wizards Beyond Waverly Place still leans toward slapstick and over-the-top acting, these “kiddie” elements don't detract from the fun of the series. In the pilot, Milo accidentally froze. As Billie and Roman try to hide his body in the garage until they can figure out how to reverse the spell, it becomes clear that the teens are arguing with a large stuffed doll, adding to the humor of the moment.

Wizards Beyond Waverly Place had a solid foundation to build on, but its cast makes it a huge success. Henrie and Gomez (who also serve as executive producers) slip seamlessly back into their beloved roles, and Gianopulos adds the perfect quirkiness to the show. But the child actors are phenomenal. Brown, Thiele and Matenko are quick-witted. They have mastered comedic timing and the ability to add punch to jokes. Determined and confident, Brown is a star, and the boys are on her heels. In Episode 2, “Mortal Vibes Only”, the lower half of Roman's body and Milo's upper half disappear due to a potion mishap. The brothers decide to move in together to keep their parents in the dark. Unfortunately (and hilariously), Milo's inability to tell his left from his right immediately thwarts their plans.

There are many similarities between this new series and the original. Once Billie is firmly rooted in the Russo family, the children recreate the sibling dynamic of Justin, Alex and Max (Jake T. Austin) from Wizards of Waverly Place. But with Billie being the only one with supernatural abilities and her lack of knowledge of the mortal world, viewers witness the trio learn, grow and adapt together. In Episode 3, “Saved By the Spell,” Billie struggles to make friends on her first day of middle school. Justin has asked never to use magic outside the family's hideout, but out of desperation she waves her wand to get people to like her. Although she eventually becomes friends with Roman's best friend Winter (Taylor Cora), her deception is not without consequences. In Episode 4, “Something Wizard This Way Comes,” Billie aims to educate Milo and Roman about some of the wizarding world's most exciting Halloween traditions, including cartilage and the menacing pumpkin belly. What follows is a truly unique Halloween episode.

Reboots and sequels rarely live up to the hype. Wizards Beyond Waverly Place has its own flavor; Still, the comedy pays homage to the previous series and offers new and unique storylines for a new generation. While the themes of family, responsibility and the power of magic remain central, the new cast led by Brown also underscores the importance of staying true to yourself. Lively, entertaining and full of truly endearing magical moments, the new Disney series has the potential to stand out just as much as its predecessor.

The first two episodes of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” premieres October 29 on Disney Channel and airs the following day on Disney+. New episodes appear weekly on Tuesdays.