The 65 Episode Policy is a guideline created by Michael Eisner and Frank Wells in 1984. The policy is that television series on the Disney Channel are limited to 65 episodes and are then cancelled even if they remain popular. The idea was that this would force the network to continuously create new series rather than develop too much reliance on existing ones. In addition, by taking the shows off their broadcast schedule the network creates more demand for the sale of past episodes and movies based on the series. The figure 65 has not been an exact one - series have actually been ended ranging from 62 to 66 episodes.

The first series to face cancellation under this policy was Gargoyles which was still popular when it was cancelled after 63 episodes. But fan complaints pressured the network into bringing the show back for an additional 13 episodes. Two other series, Darkwing Duck and Ducktales, also avoided the policy and ran for 91 and 100 episodes respectively. Kim Possible was originally announced as being cancelled after three seasons and 64 episodes, but fan protests persuaded the studio to renew the show for a fourth season of 22 additional episodes. Aladdin, Goof Troop, and That's So Raven have also been more recent exceptions to the rule. But generally, the policy has been carried out even in the face of fan disapproval.

Some other networks have also adopted similar "65 Episode" rules, to some degree -- Nickelodeon being one of them. One example from Nick was the Rugrats television series -- that series was originally cancelled in 1994 after 65 episodes were in the can. But, after the show gained popularity through daily repeats and home video releases, Nick brought Rugrats back into production in 1996, and remained in production until 2003, when over 170 episodes were produced.

Some Disney shows which have been cancelled:

Adventures of the Gummi Bears - 65 episodes

Bonkers - 64 episodes

Buzz Lightyear of Star Command - 65 episodes

Dinosaurs - 65 episodes (series produced by Disney and broadcast by ABC)

Disney's Doug - 65 episodes

Even Stevens - 65 episodes

The Jersey - 65 episodes

The Famous Jett Jackson - 65 episodes

Hercules: The Animated Series - 65 episodes

Lilo & Stitch: The Series - 65 episodes

Lizzie McGuire - 65 episodes

101 Dalmatians: The Series - 65 episodes

PB&J Otter - 65 episodes

Pepper Ann - 65 episodes

Recess - 66 episodes

Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers - 65 episodes

So Weird - 65 episodes

Tale Spin - 65 episodes