BTSCelebs was given the golden opportunity to review the first 4 episodes of Disney‘s “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place.” This spin-off/sequel is executive produced by Selena Gomez and David Henrie. (The original stars of “Wizards of Waverly Place.”) The premiere blends comedy and mild horror together right in time for Halloween. Read BTSCelebs’ recap and review now.

Episode one introduces us to Justin Russo’s (David Henrie) family, who are living a happy, magic-free life. His wife, Giada Russo (Mimi Gianopulos), and their two sons, Roman (Alkaio Thiele) and Milo (Max Matenko), have their world turned upside down by a surprise visit from Justin’s sister, Alex Russo (Selena Gomez), and her wizard student Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown).

While Justin is set on spending a regular mortal birthday at home, the comedic magic of Billie unleashes a monster in the house. Through her monster prank on the boys, we learn why Justin gave up on magic. And that he’s hiding his family history from his new family. He and Billie are more alike than he thinks. Alex tasks him with being Billie’s wizard teacher, and we discover his expelled student holds the fate of the world in her hands. For all the fans of the original series, Alex Russo is present throughout the entire first episode.

Episode two is all about Billie trying to fit in with the Russo family, so she doesn’t get relocated somewhere else. She does her best to not break Justin’s rule of exposing his wizard history with his family, but it only ends up with disastrous results. Billie erases half of his children’s bodies, while his investigative reporter wife questions him about Billie’s background. In anger, Justin demands Billie leave, and she runs into the wizard lair and away from their home.

The truth about Billie being a wizard and Justin’s magical past are finally disclosed to his entire family. Surprisedly, they welcome the news with open arms. Even though Giada is initially in shock. Justin locates Billie before she leaves for good. They have a heart to heart about making mistakes, learning from them, and the importance of family.

Episode three follows Billie during her first day of “mortal” middle school. She promises Justin that she won’t use magic and will adapt to life as a regular kid. Justin is the vice principal at the middle school, while his son Roman is her first friend/classmate. Determined to make a new friend on her first day, Billie starts using magic and impresses Roman’s best friend, Winter (Taylor Cora). Little does she know, an evil spirit is trying to hunt down a wizard in the area, especially in the school.

Giada is instructed by a talking reptile to deliver the warning to her husband (and probably their new house guest Billie) that evil is lurking. Billie’s magic backfires when she tells Winter she’s a wizard, only to have her distance herself from Billie. However, they eventually joins forces to fight the evil spirit trying to possess Billie or any potential wizard. Justin and Giada also come to her aid to trap the evil spirit.

Episode four has the Russo household celebrating their first Halloween with a new wizard in their home. Everyone but Justin is in costume for the day. While she claims that mortal Christmas stole all the best things about wizard Halloween (songs and traditions), Justin is ready to take on his duties as fill in principal.

Billie tells Roman and Winter all about her Halloween tradition of decorating the house to ward off Pumpkin Belly. He is supposed to eat candy and children if someone’s house isn’t decorated “scary enough.” Winter believes in her magical fun and rushes home to decorate, while Roman is anti-sweets.

Giada, Justin, and Milo brace for wicked kids pulling pranks on the principal’s home. And Billie has to ward off Pumpkin Belly after someone steals all the Russo’s Halloween decorations. The family assures her that Pumpkin Belly isn’t real. However, the monster shows up at their door and eats Billie and Roman. Winter was also eaten, and she explains the detailed reason behind it. Of course, Winter luring Pumpkin Belly to lessen Billie’s homesickness warms her heart. They find a clever way to get out of Pumpkin Belly only to return and search for Winter’s smartphone. And they have to escape all over again.

“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” mirrors the fun of the long-running “Bunk’d” with the magic of sitcoms like “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” and its predecessor, “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Like I stated in my “Descendants: The Rise of Red” review, I’m not a big fan of spells. I would love for Disney to reinvent their magical world for a new generation. Possibly no magic at all to embrace viewers from all religious backgrounds. Nonetheless, the diverse cast and upbeat atmosphere keep the show family-friendly for magic fans looking for a classic meets modern sitcom entertainment.

“Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” premieres on October 29th, 2024, on Disney Channel and the next day on Disney Plus.

A Special Thanks to Disney.