If you grew up glued to the Disney Channel in the mid-2000s, you remember the collective gasp heard around the world when Devon Carter first walked into Bayside High. He wasn't just another guest star. He was the guy who finally made Raven Baxter—the girl who could literally see the future—completely lose her cool.
Honestly, it’s rare for a teen sitcom love interest to leave such a lasting mark. Most of them are just placeholders. But Devon Carter, played by the charismatic Jonathan McDaniel (also known as Lil J), was different. He was sweet, he was patient, and he somehow survived Raven’s wildest schemes without running for the hills.
The Bayside High Heartthrob
When we first met Devon in season 2 of That’s So Raven, he was the "new guy." You know the trope. But instead of being the typical arrogant jock, Devon was remarkably grounded. He liked blue, he had a younger sister named Adrienne, and he was one of the few people who genuinely appreciated Raven’s eccentricities.
Their relationship wasn't perfect, though. It was messy in that specific "early 2000s Disney" way. Remember when Raven tried to impress him by acting like a sophisticated "older woman" or when she accidentally ended up stuck in his closet? Classic.
The Seattle Move that Broke Our Hearts
The real drama hit when Devon’s father got a job in Seattle. Seeing them try to maintain a long-distance relationship was probably the first time many of us realized that love doesn’t always conquer geography.
- They tried the whole "webcam date" thing before it was actually cool.
- Raven flew to Seattle to see him, leading to the iconic "Country Cousin" disguise.
- They eventually drifted, which felt surprisingly realistic for a show about a psychic teenager.
What Happened in Raven’s Home?
Fast forward to 2017. Disney decides to bring the magic back with Raven’s Home. The biggest question on everyone's mind wasn't about the visions—it was "Who is the father of the twins?"
When it was revealed to be Devon Carter, the internet basically lost its mind. Nostalgia is a hell of a drug. Seeing Jonathan McDaniel back in the role felt right. He and Raven had actually gotten married! They had two kids, Nia and Booker.
The "Happy Divorce" Twist
But here’s where the writers took a risk: they didn't keep them together. Raven and Devon were divorced when the spinoff started.
Raven-Symoné has talked about this in interviews, specifically mentioning that they wanted to depict a healthy, amicable divorce. It wasn't about cheating or screaming matches. They were high school sweethearts who grew apart as adults. Honestly, that's a pretty mature lesson for a kids' show. Devon became a meteorologist (fitting, considering he used to date a girl who predicted the "weather" of the future) and moved to Dallas for work, but he remained a very present, loving dad.
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The Secret Life of Jonathan McDaniel
Outside of the Disney bubble, Jonathan McDaniel had a whole other career. Before he was Devon, he was Lil J, a rapper with hits like "It's the Weekend."
He wasn't just a "Disney kid." He went on to star in Hit the Floor as German Vega, showing a much darker, more dramatic side of his acting. He’s also a father of three in real life, which probably helped him nail those "dad vibes" when he returned for the reboot.
Why the Chemistry Worked
The reason fans still talk about Devon and Raven is the chemistry. It wasn't forced. There’s a long-standing rumor that the two actors actually dated in real life during the original series (roughly 2003 to 2007). While they’ve kept things relatively private, that spark definitely translated to the screen.
The Big Question: Does He Know She’s Psychic?
One of the longest-running debates in the fandom was whether Devon knew about Raven’s visions. In the original series, it was a secret she guarded fiercely.
We finally got an answer in Raven's Home (Season 3, Episode 15, "Sorry to Father You"). It turns out Raven did tell him at some point between the two shows. It’s a small detail, but for fans who had been wondering for fifteen years, it was a massive relief. It proved that their marriage was built on actual trust, even if it didn't last forever.
Why We Still Care About Devon Carter
Devon represents a specific era of television where the "dream boyfriend" was just a nice guy who didn't try to change you. He was the anchor to Raven’s chaotic energy.
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Whether he was dealing with Raven’s "Liz Anya" persona or trying to parent psychic twins, he remained the same lovable guy from the hallway at Bayside. He wasn't a villain, and he wasn't a hero—he was just Devon.
If you're looking to scratch that nostalgia itch, you can find the entire That's So Raven and Raven's Home catalogs on Disney+. Pay close attention to the season 2 episode "Clothes Minded"—it's arguably the peak of their early-relationship awkwardness. You can also follow Jonathan McDaniel on social media to see what he’s up to now; he’s still active in the industry and occasionally posts throwback content that makes every 90s kid smile.