Allison McClain Merrill
Location
Detroit, Michigan
School
Jacksonville University, Yale University
Expertise
'90s Sitcoms, Television History, Disney Channel
- In 2022, Allison wrote a personal essay for TODAY about the lessons she learned from watching over 100 Disney Channel Original Movies in a year.
- Allison sees as many film and TV locations or exteriors as she can. On a favorite trip to California, she saw "The Brady Bunch" house, the "Boy Meets World" school, the "Mrs. Doubtfire" house, the "Full House" house, the "That's So Raven" house, "The Princess Diaries" school and Mia's house, and several others.
- Throughout the past decade, Allison has presented her work at conferences and symposiums in Florida, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Illinois, and Germany. Topics have included literature, music, religion, and, of course, television.
Experience
Allison's background in music, English, and religion led to her passion for writing about television and movies. She began working as a freelance entertainment writer in 2020 and has since written for outlets including People, /Film, Nicki Swift, and her own website, Past Foot Forward. Allison is a Disney Channel historian who regularly interviews the creators, writers, directors, composers, and actors of her favorite childhood programs. She is a member of the global Disney, Culture & Society Research Network.
Education
Allison earned two bachelor's degrees from Jacksonville University: a Bachelor of Science in English and a Bachelor of Music Education. She graduated from Yale Divinity School and Yale Institute of Sacred Music with a Master of Arts in Religion and Music. Her curriculum at Yale included an independent study course titled "Streaming Jesus: Religion and Music in Contemporary Television."
/Film is one of the most trusted entertainment sites on the web, catering to the particular interests of film buffs, binge watchers, and casual fans. We cover everything from big releases from Marvel, DC, and Disney to independent film and classic Hollywood, and we do so while maintaining a firm commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence.
Our team consists of veteran entertainment editors, subject-matter experts, writers, fact-checkers, graphic designers, and beat reporters dedicated to bringing you the kinds of fresh, accurate, and exclusive scoops only a credible and trusted outlet can provide. For more information on our editorial process, view our full policies page.
Stories By Allison McClain Merrill
-
2023 looks to be a blockbuster year for the MCU, DCEU, and the Rocky franchise, Creed. Take a look at the hard hits and upcoming action in these trailers.
-
Sometimes, there's nothing more charming in the world than a TGIF crossover episode special. We're here to remind you of why!
-
2003 had a boon of family-friendly cinema and we're here to explore some of our favorites, including "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" and more!
-
Even for fans who are no longer teens, the thrills and misunderstandings of youth are easy to remember. Once you've seen the big teen dramas, check these out.
-
There's much more to Christmas films than It's a Wonderful Life. If you're in the mood to laugh this holiday season, check out these underrated favorites.