If you grew up in the early 2000s, you definitely remember the collective gasp that echoed through living rooms when Devon Carter first walked onto the screen. He wasn't just another guest star. He was the guy. Before he was the "dreamy" Devon we all obsessed over, he was apparently "Bucktooth Carter," a kid Raven used to tease before he had a glow-up of legendary proportions over one summer.
Devon on That's So Raven represented the pinnacle of Disney Channel romance. Played by Jonathan McDaniel—often credited as Lil' J back then—Devon wasn't just a cardboard cutout of a boyfriend. He was charming, slightly nerdy in a cool way, and somehow handled Raven Baxter’s chaotic energy without immediately running for the hills.
The "Bucktooth Carter" Transformation
Honestly, the backstory is kinda hilarious. Most people forget that Raven and Devon didn't start off as a power couple. In the show's lore, Devon spent years being the target of Raven and Alana’s jokes. Then, the braces came off, the skin cleared up, and suddenly the two biggest rivals at Bayside High were physically fighting over him in the hallway.
It's a classic trope, sure. But McDaniel played it with this sincere, "I'm just happy to be here" energy that made him incredibly likable. He wasn't arrogant about his new looks. He was just a guy who liked blue jeans and, eventually, a girl who could see the future.
Their relationship officially kicked off in Season 2. Episodes like "Clothes Minded" and "Out of Control" cemented them as the show’s primary couple. Unlike many Disney romances that felt forced, Devon and Raven had genuine chemistry. He was the calm to her storm. When Raven would have a vision and start wearing a giant inflatable suit or pretending to be a plumber, Devon would just sort of blink and go along with it. That’s true love.
The Heartbreak of the Seattle Move
Disney Channel writers really knew how to pull at our heartstrings. Just as we got comfortable with the idea of Raven and Devon being "endgame," the show dropped a bombshell: Devon’s dad got a job in Seattle.
The episode "Shake, Rattle and Rae" is still a tough watch for fans of a certain age. Seeing Raven try to use her visions to stop the move, only to realize that some things are just out of her control, was a surprisingly deep moment for a sitcom. It felt real. Who hasn't dealt with a friend or a crush moving away when they were fifteen?
They tried the long-distance thing, which was pretty progressive for a kids' show in 2004. We saw him pop up in video chats and occasional visits, but the "main character" energy he brought to the Baxter living room was definitely missed.
The Shocking Reveal in Raven’s Home
Fast forward about fifteen years. When Disney announced the sequel series Raven’s Home, the first question everyone had was: "Who is the father of the twins?"
When it was confirmed that Devon on That's So Raven had actually married Raven in the intervening years, the internet basically broke. We finally got our "happily ever after"—sorta. The twist? By the time the new show starts, they are already divorced.
Why the Divorce Actually Made Sense
It sounds cynical, but the writers made a bold choice that actually reflects real life. Raven-Symoné herself has mentioned in interviews that they wanted to portray a "happy divorce." You don't see that often on TV, especially not for kids.
Devon is now a meteorologist (a fun nod to the "visions" theme, since he predicts the future in a scientific way) living in Dallas. He’s a great dad to Nia and Booker. He and Raven don't scream at each other; they're actually still friends. It’s a nuanced take on adulthood that you wouldn't expect from the network that gave us Hannah Montana.
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- The Actor: Jonathan McDaniel stayed busy between the two shows. You might have seen him as German Vega on VH1’s Hit the Floor, which was a massive departure from his Disney days.
- The Music: Don't forget he was a rapper first. His singles like "It's the Weekend" were staples of the Radio Disney era.
- The Impact: Devon was one of the few recurring Black male love interests on the network who wasn't a "bad boy" or a total clown. He was just a solid, kind-hearted guy.
What Jonathan McDaniel is Doing Now
As of 2026, Jonathan McDaniel has transitioned into a bit of a multi-hyphenate mogul. He’s still acting, but he’s leaned heavily into producing and his music label, Geniuschild. He often posts throwback content that makes millennial fans lose their minds, clearly embracing the legacy of Devon Carter.
There’s something comforting about the fact that he didn't distance himself from the role. Some actors get "too big" for their Disney roots, but McDaniel seems to genuinely appreciate the "Devon" love. He’s appeared in over ten episodes of the revival, proving that even if the marriage didn't last, the character's presence is essential to the Baxter family DNA.
Actionable Takeaways for the Nostalgic Fan
If you’re looking to relive the Devon Carter era, you don't have to just rely on blurry memory.
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- Re-watch the "Big Three" Episodes: If you want the essential Devon arc, watch "Out of Control" (his introduction), "Don't Have a Cow" (the iconic Halloween episode), and "Shake, Rattle and Rae" (the move).
- Check out the Raven's Home Pilot: The chemistry between Raven and Jonathan is still there, even in their "exes" phase. It’s worth it just for the nostalgia.
- Follow the Music: Look up Lil' J's early 2000s tracks. They are a time capsule of an era where baggy jeans and oversized jerseys ruled the world.
Devon Carter wasn't just a boyfriend; he was a symbol of that specific, chaotic, colorful era of 2000s television. Whether he was being chased by Alana or trying to navigate a long-distance relationship from Seattle, he remained the grounded heart of a show that was often literally flying off the rails. It’s rare for a character to stay this relevant for two decades, but Devon—and Jonathan McDaniel—managed to do it with a smile and a weather report.