In 2006, the impact of the Disney Channel show “Hannah Montana” was fierce. It tore through the media and pop culture, making Miley Cyrus an overnight sensation and Disney star at just 13 years old. After decades of fame, Cyrus has finally embraced “Hannah Montana” again in her 20th “Hanniversary” special airing exclusively on Disney+.
To Cyrus’ fans, this special isn’t just a nostalgic flashback to childhood, but also an understanding and appreciation of Cyrus’ journey to accept her role as Hannah Montana. The show ended in 2011 as Cyrus began adulthood and, determined to break out of her innocence, rejected the show entirely following its finale.
The 2000s were, in almost every sense, an era of extremes. Even seemingly minor changes, like dramatic haircuts or revealing fashion choices, could’ve resulted in social exile. In the 2010s, Cyrus was a social pariah for shaving her head and releasing a music video where she rode a wrecking ball following her Disney career.
As a way to thank the fans who stuck by her side over the last 20 years, Cyrus chose to create a special for the 20th anniversary as opposed to a concert or event that would be too exclusive. The special was released on March 24, after a few months of promotion fashioned mainly by Cyrus herself. As she admits at the beginning of her special, “…if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th anniversary special that literally did not exist.”
The hour-long special was hosted by podcaster Alex Cooper, known for her podcast “Call Her Daddy,” in which she mainly engages in casual chats with celebrities. In the special, Cyrus calls Cooper “Hannah’s biggest fan,” claiming she probably remembers more about Hannah Montana than Cyrus does herself. However, there was a lot of backlash online from “Hannah Montana” fans about the choice to have Cooper interview on the special. Some fans called Cooper’s questions “shallow” and “underwhelming” as they rarely delved deeper than the surface about the show. Others simply found her annoying and unnecessary.
The special began with a performance of “Best of Both Worlds,” sung by Cyrus in front of a live audience. Shortly following was a recreation of the original intro to the show, then moving into Cooper and Cyrus’ interview in the original living room set. In accordance with Cooper’s questions, the special shifted into various previously recorded moments on sets, with guests or Cyrus singing. In one moment, Cyrus goes back into the original “Hannah Montana” closet with her mom and recounts iconic moments from the series along with the fashion choices that went into Cyrus’ characters. A couple of special guests made appearances in the special, including Selena Gomez, who played an enemy of Hannah’s on the series, and Chappell Roan, who discussed their shared experiences with fame.
Other than Gomez and Billy Ray Cyrus, no additional original cast members appeared on the special. Many fans speculated the possible reasons why actors like Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso or Jason Earles, who played supporting roles in the show, weren’t present. The original cast quickly dispelled any circulating rumors of drama with public statements on social media, expressing warmth, gratitude and excitement for Cyrus’ special. Almost the entire original cast was present at the premiere supporting Cyrus, giving fans some of the reunion moments they were hoping for.
Whether it’s what the fans wanted or not, the special was more about Cyrus’ experience and relationship with “Hannah Montana” and less of a reunion with the cast. It’s wonderful to watch someone accept and appreciate their past self, and the 20th “Hanniversary” special is a celebration of exactly that.
