Lizzie McGuire pop up format is hit for Disney
Disney has a new hit on its hands with Lizzie McGuire according to this New York Times story (registration required) that delivers parody in an irreverent, fun format:
In 2000, Disney decided to develop "Lizzie McGuire." To give Ms. McGuire's character tween authenticity, the creators devised the counterintuitive approach of using the cartoon alter ego to pop up from time to time to express Lizzie's inner thoughts.
...Ms. Sweeney, referring to the pop-up cartoon, added: "This generation of kids have grown up with instant messaging, so it doesn't bother them. It engages them. It reflects what they are thinking when they watch."