Series

The show is about the Russo family, which includes Alex (Selena Gomez), Justin (David Henrie), and their younger brother Max (Jake T. Austin), Alex's best friend Harper (Jennifer Stone) is also part of the storyline. The three are wizards and live with their Italian-American father Jerry, and their Mexican-American mother, Theresa. The children aren't allowed to use magic without supervision, and according to the premise, only one of the three will keep their magic abilities once they are adults, and this will be determined by a magic competition. Jerry (their father) once did this competition and won, but gave his powers up to marry their mortal mother (Theresa) as a wizard is not allowed to marry a mortal. Alex often gets into trouble by using magic unsupervised, and learns lessons and morals relating to friends, family, and school. The show's theme song, "Everything is Not What It Seems", was written by John Adair and Steve Hampton and performed by Selena Gomez. The song is featured on Disney Channel Playlist.

[edit] Main settings

The show is primarily set on Waverly Place, a street in Manhattan.

  • Waverly Sub Station is the Russo Family's sandwich shop. All three kids work and hang out there.
  • The Magic Lair is where the Russo kids have magic class with their father. Often, the freezer is used as a portal between the Waverly Sub Station, and the Russo home.
  • The Loft is where the Russo family lives. It is also connected to the magic lair and the Waverly Sub Station.
  • Waverly Place is outside of the Waverly Sub Station. Mainly, the pedestrian-only alleyway is shot and Waverly Place is only shot on certain occasions like in the episode First Kiss, prior to the crystal ball scene.
  • Tribeca Prep is the school that Justin, Alex, Max, and their friends attend.
  • WizTech is the magic school where Alex and Justin attend in "Wizard School" and that Max also attends in "Saving WizTech".

[edit] Characters

Main article: List of Wizards of Waverly Place characters
  • Alex Russo (Selena Gomez), a wizard in training, is the middle child and only daughter in the Russo family.
  • Justin Russo (David Henrie), a wizard in training, is the oldest child in the Russo family.
  • Max Russo (Jake T. Austin), a wizard in training, is the youngest child in the Russo family.
  • Jerry Russo (David DeLuise), a former wizard, is Justin, Alex, and Max's father. Jerry runs the family's sandwich shop and trains the Russo children in magic.
  • Theresa Russo (Maria Canals Barrera) is Jerry's wife and Justin, Alex, and Max's mother. Although she isn't a wizard, Theresa knows about the magical world.
  • Harper Finkle (Jennifer Stone) is Alex's best friend. While she was originally unaware of the Russos' magical secret, in the episode Harper Knows Alex told her.

[edit] Episodes

Main article: List of Wizards of Waverly Place episodes
Season Ep # First Airdate Last Airdate
Season 1 21 October 12, 2007 August 31, 2008
Season 2 30 September 12, 2008 Still Airing

[edit] Film

Main article: Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie

A Disney Channel Original Movie based on the series has been announced and is currently in post production. Most of the movie was filmed in Puerto Rico and New York City.

[edit] Merchandise

After announcing a 3rd season, Gary Marsh, president of Disney Channel Worldwide said, "We knew we wanted her (Selena Gomez) as a star in the Disney Channel universe."[2] Disney will release merchandise based on the series in the fall of 2009.[3] A Nintendo DS game based on the series has been announced.[4] A soundtrack based on the series will be released by Walt Disney Records on August 4, 2009.[5]

[edit] DVD releases

Name Included Episodes US Release Date DVD Extras
Wizards of Waverly Place: Wizard School Wizard School Part 1, Wizard School Part 2, Curb Your Dragon, Disenchanted Evening July 29, 2008[6] Work it like a wizard - Selena, Jake, and David's favorite things to do. A Typical day on the set- Selena, Jake, and David's life on set
Wizards of Waverly Place: Supernaturally Stylin Credit Check, Smarty Pants, Beware Wolf, Graphic Novel February 10, 2009[7] Fashionista Presto Chango! Go Behind The Scenes With The Stars For Some Wardrobe Magic!