It has been a tradition in television that when a series is successful the studio naturally wants to clone it. The reason is typically two fold; the audiences want more of their favorite characters and the studio executives want another hit. In most cases the spin uses a subset of the original series characters frequently popular break out Characters originally in supporting roles. Then there is a lesser use for the spin-off; breathing new life in an established series or perhaps to accommodate necessary changes in the cast or story direction. In the case of family programming this phenomena is observed less frequently but it has been known to happen. One such case in point is under consideration here; the Disney network’s ‘Suite Life on Deck’. For those out there without a connection to the strange world of tween television this new series was begotten by a highly successful member of the Disney line up targeted at tweens; ‘The Suit Life of Zack and Cody’. Give it a couple of minutes thought; it is only natural for a series geared towards this age group to undergo a fairly major overhaul even though it is still garnering respectable ratings. Well, for one thing there is the biological reality of aging. Both the fan base and the cast grow up. Such a revision is also a boon for the writers providing a fresh approach to the characters. Generally the placing the same characters in new situations or settings provide just the right boost avoiding any potential to go stale. Although I admit I’m a long way from the target demographic I have reviewed the original series and was impressed enough so that I was looking forward to this new incarnation. In typical Disney fashion for a TV show like this the DVD release is a selection of four episodes perfect for an introduction of fans to the new format.

Like the original series this centers on the mischievous high jinks of identical Zack and Cody Martin (Dylan and Cole Sprouse). They started out living with their mother Carey (Kim Rhodes) in a suite in the luxurious Tipton Hotel. They normally would not be able to afford such accommodations but Mom sings in the hotel’s lounge in return for the room. The major change here is the relocation of the boys to a luxury cruise liner ‘The S.S. Tipton which conveniently has on board a high school ‘Seven Seas High School’. Since the Sprouse twins were getting up to high school age anyway they might as well do it in a way that greatly opens up the potential story lines. The series now can visit remote locations exploring various cultures which keeping with the Disney channel’s global commitment. It also is highly conducive to the inclusion of musical numbers.

Some of the characters were able to make the transition from a hotel in Boston to a ship on the high seas. One of the most popular is the stern Mr. Mosby (Phill Lewis). He was the much belabored general manager in the hotel who is now the chaperone for the twins and London Tipton (Brenda Song), the ultra rich owner’s daughter. London is basically a sweet girl devoid of any maliciousness but growing up in the lap of luxury attended to by employees of her perpetually absent father. In many ways Mosby is the closest thing to a father figure the girl has known. London comes across as dumb mostly because she rarely had to deal with ‘regular’ people.

One of the additions to the cast is Debby Ryan as Bailey Pickett. Originally she snuck on board because all the female student spots where filled, at first she was assigned to room with Zack creating an odd couple dynamic between the ultra neat Bailey and the messy Zack. Once her true gender is disclosed she gets to bunk with London. The new setting works out well and the addition of Bailey affords a puppy love for Zack, just right for the tween girls tuning in. There are ample opportunities for cross promoting other popular Disney series through the occasional guest appearance by a young star in there familiar persona. One thing that parents should appreciate is the subtle way a bit of educational programming is inserted in such an enjoyable fashion they won’t even realize they are learning anything.