‘Girl Meets World,’ Danielle Fishel’s Maxim cover, and the Disney Channel debate

What happens when you mix a former teen star, an upcoming revival on the Disney Channel, and a racy cover in Maxim Magazine? You basically have a story that builds up a ton of steam, but really does not have much in the way of a fire on the other side.

The story that we are talking about her specifically is actress Danielle Fishel’s decision to pose for some racy photos in the aforementioned publication, mere days before “Girl Meets World” is set to be a fixture in the upcoming upfront presentation for the network next Tuesday. This continuation of “Boy Meets World,” which features Fishel’s character of Topanga now married and with two children, has taken the internet by storm, and while still in the early stages, it will be hard to imagine the show not getting up.

However, Fishel’s cover and accompanying story, while not R-rated by any means, still reportedly caused some anxiety within the House of Mouse. According to Deadline, there were concerns that programming had Gary Marsh and other top executives would reduce the role of the project in the presentation over fears that these photos would become the center of attention, which is hardly not the way that they want to launch a family-friendly franchise. However, a spokesperson for the network denied these concerns by insisting that “Girl Meets World” will have its place:

“While the project is a pilot, and hasn’t yet filmed, it will then be put through focus group testing so we won’t know if it will be a series for months to come — however, because we are excited about it, we are taking the unusual step of including it during Disney Media’s presentation to advertisers. Gary Marsh will make that presentation.”

What do you think: was Fishel’s photo spread bad timing, or should she be entitled to do what she wishes so long as she does not cross into R-rated territory? If you want to read more on the proposed new series, you can do so here.

Photo: Disney Channel