There’s no shortage of choice among the best TV shows on Disney+. Disney+ comes with over 7,000 television episodes, and the House of Mouse’s streaming platform gives subscribers access to a wide range of TV shows from the Disney Vault. Many of its shows are based on beloved Disney classics like The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, but Disney+’s content isn’t limited to its own in-house properties. While its library is full of shows from the Disney Channel, it’s also packed with shows from the worlds of Marvel, Star Wars, and many other household names like The Simpsons.
On top of all the Marvel and Star Wars shows that are included, Disney+ regularly adds its own original series, making it a great source of entertainment no matter the genre. Disney+ boasts an impressive list of shows, augmenting its emphasis on Marvel and Star Wars, and this includes both new content and network favorites from the past. Subscribers can watch a number of both new and classic live-action shows, 1990s Saturday morning cartoons, and more, as the range of TV shows available on Disney+ right now is incredibly extensive even outside its flagship franchises.
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Disney+ is home to some great movies including animated classics, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and so much more. Here are the best available.
Best Animated Series On Disney+
The Simpsons (1989 – Present)
The Simpsons is a long-running animated TV series created by Matt Groening that satirically follows a working-class family in the misfit city of Springfield. Homer, a bit of a schmoe who works at a nuclear power plant, is the provider for his family, while his wife, Marge, tries to keep sanity and reason in the house to the best of her ability. Bart is a born troublemaker, and Lisa is his super-intelligent sister who finds herself surrounded by people who can’t understand her. Finally, Maggie is the mysterious baby who acts as a deus ex machina when the series calls for it. The show puts the family in several wild situations while constantly tackling socio-political and pop-culture topics set within their world, providing an often sharp critique of the subjects covered in each episode. This series first premiered in 1989 and has been a staple of Fox’s programming schedule ever since!
- Release Date
- December 17, 1989
- Seasons
- 35
Thanks to the widely publicized Fox-Disney deal, Disney+ has access to the longest-running American sitcom ever: The Simpsons, which has over 30 seasons available to stream on the platform. The legendary series got its start as part of The Tracey Ullman Show in 1987, and it has since become one of the longest-running primetime scripted shows in television history.
It is perhaps the most well-known of the best Disney+ TV shows, with over 700 Simpsons episodes streaming for fans to watch from the beginning, or simply to revisit the show’s many highlights. The Simpsons season 34 arrived on the platform in 2023, making 2024 the perfect time and Disney+ the perfect streaming service for returning fans of the show to catch up on what’s been happening most recently in Springfield.
Gravity Falls (2012–2016)
When Dipper and Mabel Pines are dropped off to spend the summer with their uncle in Gravity Falls, they discover that all is not as it seems in this small town. When Dipper discovers a strange journal in the forest, the twins team up to solve the town’s mysteries.
- Release Date
- June 15, 2012
- Seasons
- 2
Premiering on Disney Channel in 2012, Gravity Falls told the story of twins dropped off in the titular Oregonian town for summer vacation. Once there with their great uncle, Stan, they realize there is more to Gravity Falls, and plenty of nightmare fuel, than anyone could have expected.
Both seasons of the show have a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its quality.
Expertly blending mystery and comedy, Gravity Falls lasted for two seasons and 40 episodes, finishing up its run on Disney XD before getting added to Disney+ for new fans to discover. Both seasons of the show have a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its quality. While Gravity Falls ending after season 2 caused chagrin among some viewers, the dual chapters of this charming animated show wrapping up neatly also make it perfect for binge-watching.
Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug & Cat Noir (2015-Present)
Set in Paris, Miraculous follows teenagers Marinette and Adrien, who are chosen to wield magical jewels that transform them into the superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir. Unaware of each other’s true identities, they battle villains controlled by the sinister Hawk Moth, who seeks their powers.
- Cast
- Marinette Dupain-Cheng , Adrien Agreste
- Release Date
- October 19, 2015
- Seasons
- 5
- Franchise(s)
- Miraculous
While it debuted almost a decade ago, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is an animated French superhero show that’s slowly but surely gained a dedicated following. Among the shows on Disney+ it especially stands out, as it’s one of the few superhero adventures that isn’t tied in any way to Marvel or the MCU — though this isn’t to its detriment. Miraculous features an endearing ensemble range of unique superheroes, though mostly focuses on its two central heroes (the titular Ladybug and Cat Noir). However, what Miraculous does especially well is weave comedy and romance into its intense family-friendly action.
The pair have no idea about each other’s secret identities or that they’re both superheroes protecting Paris, leading to many hilarious moments throughout
Miraculous.
Ladybug and Cat Noir are star-crossed lovers. Marionette (Lady-Bug’s alter ego) is head-over-heels for Adrien (the secret identity of Cat Noir) and the two go to high school together. The twist is that, in their superhero identities, Cat Noir is infatuated with Ladybug, who has no romantic interest in her heroic companion. The pair have no idea about each other’s secret identities or that they’re both superheroes protecting Paris, leading to many hilarious moments throughout Miraculous.
There are several spin-off movies in the
Miraculous
franchise that are also available to stream on Disney+.
Best Marvel Series On Disney+
Agatha All Along (2024)
One of the biggest success stories when it comes to Marvel TV shows on Disney+ was 2021’s WandaVision, and so popular was the villian of the series, Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), that she got her own sequel spinoff – 2024’s Agatha All Along. The show focuses on Agatha as she attempts to regain her former power after finally escaping Westview. Helped by a mysterious teen (played by Joe Locke), Agatha gathers a new coven to travel to the legendary Witches Road.
Agatha All Along feels truly unique among the various Marvel shows on Disney+. Rather than being focused on superheroes, the miniseries instead explores witchcraft and magic in the MCU, and at times feels more like Charmed or The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina than WandaVision or other MCU TV shows like Miss Marvel. Kathryn Hahn’s performance is as spellbinding as ever, and Agatha All Along is sure to entertain even those Disney+ subscribers who aren’t overly keen on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Marvel Studio’s What If…? (2021-Present)
Though MCU fatigue may have set in, What If…? is always a fun show for any Marvel fan. The animated anthology series centers on the Watcher (Jeffrey Wright), an omnipotent being who sees everything that happens across Marvel’s multiverse. He narrates the show, which explores how major events in the MCU played out differently through various universes.
What If…?
is a fun diversion where fans can still spend time with their favorite superheroes.
Each episode poses fun questions like, “What If… Doctor Strange Lost His Heart Instead of His Hands?” and “What If… Thor Were An Only Child?”. As the cinematic franchise gets more and more confusing, What If…? is a fun diversion where fans can still spend time with their favorite superheroes. Season 2 of What It…? arrived in stages throughout December 2023, making 2024 the perfect time to catch up with one of the best Marvel TV shows on Disney+.
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Loki (2021-)
Having escaped from a different timeline, Loki stars in his own titular series, where he learns about the life of his predecessor and discovers the truth of time and space. In the show, Loki reluctantly becomes a part of the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an interdimensional governing body that keeps time in order. On the chopping block, Loki is given a chance to save himself by helping the TVA hunt down someone more dangerous than himself – another Loki.
- Release Date
- June 11, 2021
- Seasons
- 2
It’s telling that, despite being predated by hits like WandaVision and The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, it was Loki that really kick-started the Disney+ post-Endgame MCU. Establishing the lore around the Multiverse, the series follows a variant of the original antihero, breaking off from the timeline when he stole an Infinity Stone.
The series went on to introduce the world to the man who ended up known as Kang — the next big bad of the entire MCU. While not as critically acclaimed as the 2022 series Ms. Marvel (98% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Loki’s 92%), it remains one of the most important shows to watch when following the franchise and one of the most enjoyable shows on Disney+ to date. Loki season 2 also arrived last year, so 2024 is one of the best times for Disney+ subscribers who haven’t yet seen the Marvel show to jump on board.
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Daredevil (2015-2018)
Daredevil is a Netflix original series starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock. The TV show ran for three seasons before being canceled by Netflix, despite being critically praised. Kingpin was the main antagonist in seasons 1 and 3 and also introduced Jon Benrthal’s Punisher in season 2. Daredevil was followed by Disney+’s Daredevil: Born Again.
- Release Date
- April 10, 2015
- Seasons
- 3
- Showrunner
- Steven S. DeKnight
Disney+ is the go-to streaming service for all things Marvel, and while there have been many MCU TV shows released on the platform, they weren’t the first attempts to bring the cinematic universe to the small screen. Between 2015 and 2018, Disney teamed up with Netflix for the much more mature Daredevil TV show, starring Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil. Every season of Daredevil has since moved over to Disney+, making it the perfect time to binge the dark and gritty take on the MCU prior to Daredevil: Born Again arriving in 2025.
Daredevil was a critical success, and resonated incredibly heavily with viewers. It also spawned multiple spinoffs such as The Punisher, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, all of which are also available on Disney+. Alongside Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock, Vincent D’Onofrio gave an astounding performance as the menacing antagonist Wilson Fisk, or as he’s also known, Kingpin. Both stars have since returned to their roles in other MCU projects, but Daredevil is where it all began, and it makes for perfect viewing for Disney+ subscribers seeking a darker and more grounded take on the superheroics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
X-Men ’97 (2024-Present)
X-Men ’97 is the direct continuation of the popular 1990s animated series X-Men: The Animated Series. Taking up where the third season left off, Marvel’s revival brings back famous mutants such as Wolverine, Storm, Rogue, Gambit, Cyclops, Beast, Magneto, and Nightcrawler, who fight villains like Mr. Sinister, the Sentinels, and the Hellfire Club.
- Cast
- Jennifer Hale , Chris Potter , Alison Sealy-Smith , Lenore Zann , Cal Dodd , Catherine Disher , Adrian Hough , Ray Chase , Chris Britton , George Buza
- Release Date
- March 20, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
- Writers
- Beau DeMayo
X-Men: The Animated Series was considered by many to be the definitive animated adaptation of a Marvel property — something Disney clearly recognized, as in 2024 the rebooted X-Men ’97 arrived on Disney+. Picking up directly where the original run left off, X-Men ’97 has been a celebrated return to form for one of Marvel’s most loved projects. Many of the original cast members have also returned, including Ray Chase as Cyclope, Jennifer Hal as Jean Grey, and Cal Dodd as Wolverine.
X-Men ’97 keeps the look and feel of X-Men: The Animated Series, but has already started to delve into storylines the original show didn’t or couldn’t cover, such as the Jean Grey clone Madelyne Pryor created by Mr Sinister. The show also introduces several new characters, such as Sunspot (Roberto da Costa), and gives several minor characters from the original show, like Morph and Bishop, an elevated presence.
Best Kids’ Series On Disney+
Monsters At Work (2021 – Present)
Monsters at Work is a computer-animated series and a part of Disney’s popular Monsters, Inc, franchise. The series stars Billy Crystal and John Goodman as Mike and Sulley respectively, both of whom are reprising their roles from the Monsters, Inc movies. The first season arrived on Disney+ in mid-2021 and was fairly well-received by both viewers and critics.
- Release Date
- July 7, 2021
- Seasons
- 1
2001’s Monsters, Inc. is one of the Pixar’s most celebrated releases, thanks in no small part to the unique setting and the performances of John Goodman as Sully and Billy Crystal as Mike Wazowski. Disney have created several TV show spinoffs for their properties for Disney+, and one of the best is Monsters At Work — the small-screen followup to the 2001 original that returns viewers to Monsters Incorporated to find out how Mike and Sully are getting along running the company after ousting Waternoose and discovering that laughs provide far more power than screams.
John Goodman and Billy Crystal returned to reprise their roles for Monsters At Work, though unlike the movies, Mike and Sully aren’t the main focus. Monsters At Work instead spends most of its time telling the story of Tylor Tuskamn (Ben Feldman), a Monsters University graduate who finds himself on the facilities team after his education as a scarer is — thanks to the events of the movie — no longer helpful. Feldman, Goodman, and Crystal are joined in the cast by the likes of Mindy Kaling, Henry Winkler, Alanna Ubach, and more.
Bluey (2018 – Present)
Bley is an Australian animated kids’ show centered on a family of talking dogs. Bluey is a female Australian Blue Heeler Cattle Dog, and together with her sister Bingo, Mum, and Dad, Bluey always finds herself in the middle of an adventure.
- Release Date
- September 30, 2018
- Cast
- David McCormack , Melanie Zanetti , Ninthe van Schie , Brad Elliott , Myf Warhurst , Meg Washington , Dan Brumm
The breakout star of recent pre-school programming, Bluey is a smash-hit Australian series beloved by parents and kids around the world. Following the titular puppy Bluey, the show delivers valuable life lessons about acceptance and curiosity in an energetic and heartwarming way.
Bluey has won a string of awards for its writing and accurate representation of family life — albeit through the lens of an anthropomorphic dog family. With three seasons available on Disney+, it’s a great introduction to the exciting and imaginative possibilities of TV.
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Wizards Of Waverly Place (2007–2012)
Released in 2007, Wizards of Waverly Place is a comedy fantasy series created by Todd J. Greenwald for the Disney Channel. The series follows a trio of teenage siblings living in a magical portion of New York City as they train to harness their family’s magical legacy while trying to blend in with everyday people.
- Release Date
- October 12, 2007
- Seasons
- 4
Wizards Of Waverly Place follows the somewhat typical Disney Channel blueprint of rebellious kids engaging in adventures away from the watchful eyes of their parents. The primary point of difference is that the three kids are training to be the family wizard. Not only did the series prove popular enough to get its own Disney Channel original movie, but it earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program.
Selena Gomez and the series were also consistently nominated for NAACP Awards during the run of the show for its highlighting of Latin American culture alongside the fictional wizard lore.
That’s So Raven (2003–2007)
Starring Raven-Symoné as the lead character, Raven, That’s So Raven was created by Michael Poryes and Susan Sherman and ran for four seasons. The series revolves around the titular character who is a high school student with the ability to see small glimpses into the future.
- Release Date
- January 17, 2003
- Cast
- Raven-Symone , Kyle Massey , Orlando Brown , Anneliese van der Pol , Rondell Sheridan , T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh , Frankie Ryan Manriquez , David Henrie
- Seasons
- 4
Family drama, teenage hijinks, and psychic phenomena combine to create the uniquely chaotic That’s So Raven. Protagonist Raven discovers she has psychic visions as a teenager, and though she tries to use them to her advantage, she almost always interprets them incorrectly.
The series was the first Disney Channel original show to make it to 100 episodes, and earned both a spinoff (Cory in the House) and a revival series (Raven’s Home). That’s So Raven was twice nominated for the Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Children’s Program and won several NAACP Image awards.
Best Star Wars Series On Disney+
Lego Star Wars: Rebuild The Galaxy (2024)
In a galaxy far, far away, familiar heroes and villains return in LEGO form to embark on a thrilling adventure to restore balance to the universe. As the remnants of the Empire threaten the fragile peace, a group of courageous rebels, including iconic characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo, join forces with new allies to rebuild what was lost. Utilizing their wit, bravery, and the unique humor of the LEGO universe, they face off against formidable foes, uncover hidden secrets, and forge unexpected alliances.
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Disney+
The 2024 miniseries Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy may be predominantly aimed at younger viewers, though this doesn’t prevent it being some of the most lighthearted and best Star Wars content on Disney+ right now. While, like all Lego Star Wars media, it’s not intended to be taken seriously, it’s still incredibly entertaining seeing intriguing fan-theory ideas like Jar Jar Binks being a Sith Lord being explored on the small screen.
The plot of Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy is relatively straightforward, but perfectly suits both Star Wars and Lego. In the 4-part Disney+ miniseries, young nerf-herder Sig Greebling (Gaten Matarazzo) finds an artifact that allows him to rewrite reality. Unfortunately, his alterations lead to a serious unbalancing of the force, and he must seek the help of the likes of Luke Skywalker (voiced once again by the legendary Mark Hamill) to “rebuild” the timeline and galaxy to the peaceful state it once was in (or, at the very least, the mildly-more-peaceful state it was in prior to, for example, Darth Jar Jar being an existing character).
Ahsoka (2023 – Present)
Ahsoka is a Sci-Fi television series based in the Star Wars universe developed by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. Starring Rosario Dawson, this series follows Ahsoka Tano as she works with Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), her trusty droid Huyang (David Tennant), and Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) to prevent the return of the villanious Grand Admiral Thrawn. Ahsoka acts as a live-action continuation of the animated series Star Wars: Rebels.
- Release Date
- August 23, 2023
- Seasons
- 1
Serving as a continuation of the acclaimed animated series Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka finally brings one of the franchise’s most popular small-screen characters to the fore.Set after Ezra Bridger’s heroic sacrifice in the Rebels finale, Ahsoka sees the titular Jedi fighting against a new threat to the galaxy in the aftermath of the Empire’s defeat.
With several characters reprising their Rebels roles, audiences could be forgiven for assuming that Ahsoka is a misguided attempt to recapture the earlier series’ magic. However, with a gripping story of its own and fascinating additions to Star Wars lore, Ahsoka is already a worthy addition to the franchise early in its first season.
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The Mandalorian (2019 – Present)
The Mandalorian is set after the Empire’s fall and before the First Order’s emergence in the ever-growing Star Wars universe. The series follows the travails of a lone gunfighter named Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) in the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. Acting as the first live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian has become incredibly popular on Disney+, partly due to Mando’s relationship with Grogu, which the internet dubbed “Baby Yoda” upon his introduction in season 1.
- Release Date
- November 12, 2019
- Seasons
- 3
For a long time seen as one of the best Disney+ TV shows in any genre, The Mandalorian represents a radical and welcome addition to Star Wars canon. Starring Pedro Pascal as an armored bounty hunter, the ongoing series cleverly expanded Star Wars‘ famously fraught universe, expertly blending new and existing characters in an understated and celebrated narrative.
Tonally closer to a Western than some of the saga’s more bombastic entries, The Mandalorian is a perfect blend between spectacle and story, with iconic moments like Luke Skywalker’s return and Grogu’s infinitely memeable “Baby Yoda” persona cementing it in franchise folklore.
Andor (2022 – Present)
Diego Luna stars as Cassian Andor in Andor, a Disney+ exclusive series set five years before Rogue One. The series follows the titular character as he transitions from a humble thief to a revolutionary icon of the rebellion against the empire. Cassian, a man who tries to keep himself out of confrontations post the destruction of his world, is shoved into the central conflict as he naturally slots into the role of leader. Andor will explore the rebellion’s burgeoning days and highlight pivotal events in the Star Wars Franchise before the construction of the Death Star.
- Release Date
- September 21, 2022
- Seasons
- 1
Unlike anything else in the wider franchise, Andor is living proof that all the lightsaber duels and pod races are no substitute for exceptional storytelling.Starring Diego Luna, reprising his role from the much-lauded Rogue One, Andor is a tense, deliberately-paced political thriller that explores the consequences and course of rebellion from the upper echelons of politics to violent insurrection on the street.
After years of sub-par, seemingly unnecessary additions to the larger Star Wars story, Andor served as a welcome reminder that it’s still more than worthwhile exploring a galaxy far, far away.
The Acolyte (2024)
Disney’s steady conveyor belt of new Star Wars content on Disney+ shows no sign of slowing down, and the latest live-action story from a galaxy far, far away, 2024’s The Acolyte, is one of the most ambitious projects yet. Unlike shows such as Andor, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka, which take place during or between the nine movies in the Skywalker Saga, The Acolyte is set centuries before the events of Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace. Seeing the Jedi during the High Republic era is both novel and fresh, and The Acolyte has already shown the potential this relatively unexplored (in terms of movies and TV shows) period of Star Wars lore is.
The setting isn’t the only reason The Acolyte already stands out among the Star Wars shows on Disney+ though. The show has been critically acclaimed for a variety of reasons. While the special effects and visuals are, as is to be expected, of an exceptionally high quality, new characters like Amandla Stenberg’s twins Osha and Mae, alongside Lee Jung-jae’s Sol, are some of the most intriguing new Star Wars characters Disney has introduced to audiences. With several episodes still due for release, The Acolyte is more than recommended for the Star Wars fans among the Disney+ subscriber base.
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Best Comedy Series On Disney+
Dinosaurs (1991-1994)
Earl Sinclair, a Megalosaurus, works as a tree pusher for the WESAYSO Corporation, trying to provide for his family while dealing with his boss, B.P. Richfield. His wife, Fran, manages their home and raises their three children: teenage son Robbie, fashion-obsessed daughter Charlene, and the mischievous Baby Sinclair, known for his catchphrases “Not the Mama!” and “I’m the Baby, Gotta Love Me!” The series humorously explores contemporary social issues through the lens of a prehistoric suburban family living in a modern world.
- Cast
- Stuart Pankin , Allan Trautman , Jessica Walter , Leif Tilden , Jason Willinger , Bruce Lanoil , John Kennedy , Kevin Clash
- Release Date
- April 26, 1991
- Seasons
- 4
Of all the classic sitcoms on Disney+, few can claim to be as innovative as Dinosaurs. Spiritually, Dinosaurs is more-or-less The Flintstones if it was created by Jim Henson. While Henson had died prior to the show, it was conceived based on an idea he shared with artist and illustrator William Stout. Henson, the creative mind behind The Muppets, was reportedly working on the concept in the months leading up to his death, and from just how funny Dinosaurs was, it’s clear he was onto a great idea (even if it took studios a while to accept the concept).
Dinosaurs focuses on the Sinclairs, a family of Dinosaurs living in the year 60,000,000 BC. Every character is a Henson-like costume or puppet, and the humor (which blends modern sitcoms with plenty of jokes about prehistoric life) channels everything that made The Flintstones such a success. Smart and incredibly funny throughout, with a heartbreaking finale to boot, Dinosaurs is a show sitcom fans among the Disney+ subscriber base won’t want to miss.
Home Improvement (1991-1999)
Tim Allen stars as Tim “The Toolman” Taylor in Home Improvement. This sitcom follows the Taylor family and their neighbors as they navigate the everyday situations in life in Detroit, Michigan. The Taylor family, consisting of Tim, his wife Jill, and their three sons, are prone to comedic incidents due to their quirky traits. Each episode features a particular meta-joke segment emulating a tool-focused television program.
- Cast
- Tim Allen
- Release Date
- September 17, 1991
- Seasons
- 8
- Showrunner
- Tim Allen
While being the voice of Buzz Lightyear may be the reason most Disney+ subscribers are familiar with Tim Allen, the sitcom that defined his career is also available to stream in its entirety on the platform. Home Improvement ran from 1991 to 1999 and was a career-defining role for Tim Allen, and remained one of the highest rated sitcoms during the time it was on the air. Allen stars as Tim Taylor, a tool-loving father of three from Detroit who runs his own home improvement show, Tool Time.
Home Improvement was a critical hit during the time it was on the air, and received multiple awards nominations and wins. This included a slew of Golden Globe nominations and a win in 1995 for Tim Allen, who received the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. Co-star Patricia Richardson was also nominated for multiple Emmy’s during the shows later years. Disney+ subscribers looking for a solid feel-good sitcom that brings plenty of nostalgia for the 1990s will find Home Improvement more than fills the need.
Goosebumps (2023)
R. L. Stine’s horror book series receives its second television adaptation with the 2023 Disney+ series Goosebumps. The new series brings in the creative minds behind the first two Goosebumps films and centers on five teenagers who haphazardly unleash evil supernatural forces on their town. As they attempt to send them back to where they came from, they learn that their parents harbor similar secrets from their younger days.
- Release Date
- October 13, 2023
- Cast
- Justin Long , Ana Yi Puig , Miles McKenna , Will Price , Zack Morris , Isa Briones , Rachael Harris , Rob Huebel , Ana Ortiz
- Seasons
- 2
R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps was a popular series of horror novels for children, and it’s proven to be a bountiful well for movie and TV adaptations, with a Goosebumps TV series in the ’90s and two Hollywood films starring Jack Black in the 2010s. Now, Goosebumps has returned to streaming with another TV series.
Unlike the original 1995 show, the rebooted Goosebumps for Disney+ is not an anthology. It’s a serialized story that follows five high school students who investigate a 30-year-old murder of a local teen while uncovering secrets about their own parents along the way. Though it’s billed as a comedy, the 2023 Goosebumps series leaned into the horror a little more than the movies. However, there are plenty of Gen-Z quips to be had, so Goosebumps may be the perfect show for younger viewers to watch with their older siblings, or even parents, who have already read the books.
Disney have confirmed that
Goosebumps
season 2 is in development, though it will follow completely new characters and have an anthology approach to its storytelling, more in line with the popular show from the 1990s.
The Orville (2017 – Present)
Created by Seth McFarlane and set in the 25th century, The Orville follows the crew of the titular ship and its captain, Ed Mercer (McFarlane) as they explore the galaxy. Inspired by Star Trek, it also spoofs the sci-fi classic, taking a comedic approach to its serialized story and science-fiction premise. Adrianne Palicki, Penny Johnson Jerald, and Scott Grimes star alongside McFarlane as part of an ensemble cast.
- Release Date
- September 10, 2017
- Cast
- Halston Sage , Adrianne Palicki , J. Lee , Seth MacFarlane , Chad L. Coleman , Peter Macon , Penny Johnson Jerald , Larry Joe Campbell , Scott Grimes , Mark Jackson
- Seasons
- 3
Sci-fi parody is always a risky gamble, as unless it’s handled well it risks coming off as cheap or gimmicky. Thankfully for The Orville, if there’s anyone who knows how to pull off almost any kind of pop-culture-lambasting humor, it’s creator Seth Macfarlane. The Orville stars Macfarlane as Captain Ed Mercer of the USS Orville, and is — at its core — a parody of popular franchises like Star Trek. While The Orville never shies away from its roots, it also has more than enough to keep viewers hooked on its own merits, be it the storylines or the many well-rounded characters.
The Orville season 4 has been stuck in limbo for a while, but demand for it hasn’t waned. The Orville is a comedy, but it never veers into outright silliness, and knows when to bring heartfelt dramatic moments too. While Macfarlane is primarily known for Family Guy and the Ted movies, with The Orville he shows that he’s also more than adept at subtler humor too — which, considering that The Orville is also heavily rooted in sci-fi, is incredibly impressive.
The Orville
won the Saturn award for Best Science Fiction Television Series in 2018.
Boy Meets World (1993–2000)
In this coming-of-age sitcom, Cory Matthews navigates middle and eventually high school, exploring his relationships with his friends and family and learning life lessons along the way.
- Release Date
- September 24, 1993
- Cast
- Ben Savage , William Daniels , Will Friedle , Rider Strong , Lee Norris , Lindsay Ridgeway , Danielle Fishel , Alex Désert , Maitland Ward
- Seasons
- 7
Originally a cornerstone of ABC’s successful TGIF programming block,Boy Meets World remains a highly influential and affecting comedy. The show follows main character Cory and his family as he navigates the transition from his teenage years to adulthood. The series was a ratings success through all seven seasons, and the move to Disney+ is welcome news both for old fans and new audiences.
Boy Meets World was also a contemporary critical success, with the cast receiving several Young Artist Awards. There was even a spin-off that arrived 14 years after the show ended called Girl Meets World, which had Cory and Topanga as parents.
The Muppet Show (1976–1981)
The Muppet Show, created by Jim Henson, features Kermit the Frog and his quirky ensemble of muppet friends as they attempt to stage a weekly variety show. The series showcases comedic sketches, musical performances, and the backstage antics of its diverse, often chaotic cast of characters.
- Release Date
- September 5, 1976
- Cast
- Jim Henson , Frank Oz , Jerry Nelson , Dave Goelz , Richard Hunt , Eren Ozker , Louise Gold , Kathryn Mullen , Steve Whitmire , Karen Prell , Brian Muehl , Bob Payne
- Seasons
- 5
Created by visionary Jim Henson, The Muppet Show is an endlessly inventive musical extravaganza. Led by the iconic Kermit the Frog, Henson’s hilarious and heartfelt show saw a wealth of human celebrities like Mark Hamill and Steve Martin interact with the eccentric puppets. With memorable members like Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy, the show was a success and led to several movies. Not only did Disney+ provide a home for the original The Muppets, but it also rebooted the franchise with Muppets Now in 2020.
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Best Drama Series On Disney+
Glee (2019-2015)
In order to escape the stressful reality of high school, a group of misfits decides to join William McKinley’s glee club. Fox’s Glee was created by Ian Brennan, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy, with Leah Michele, Jane Lynch, and Matthew Morrison leading the cast. The series ran for six seasons between 2009 and 2015 and won six Primetime Emmys.
- Cast
- Dianna Agron , Chris Colfer , Jessalyn Gilsig , Jane Lynch , Jayma Mays , Kevin McHale , Lea Michele , Cory Monteith , Matthew Morrison , Amber Riley
- Release Date
- May 19, 2009
- Seasons
- 6
If there’s one area where Disney has always shined as a studio, it’s musicals and singalongs. Not only does their extensive library of animated classics contain some of the best songs to be created for motion pictures, but franchises like High School Musical and movies like Hamilton prove that the House of Mouse takes its musical entertainment incredibly seriously. Musicals are rarely a genre that does well on the small screen, but there are exceptions, and Disney+ subscribers can now view the most well-known exception in its entirety — Glee.
Glee was acquired by Disney during their merger with Fox, and it fits in with the Disney+ offerings incredibly well. Based on a highschool competitive a cappella singing group, Glee features multiple memorable musical numbers in every episode. The show is particularly well-known for its mashups, combining two hit songs into something unique (and, despite the group being a cappella, the songs in the show have full instrumental backing). Funny, dramatic, and incredibly easy to sing along to, Glee is perhaps the most bingeworthy form of musical entertainment currently on Disney+.
Alias (2001-2006)
Created by J. J. Abrams, Alias is a Science Fiction, Thriller, and Action television series that ran for five seasons between 2001 and 2006. Starring Jennifer Garner in the lead role, the plot revolves around a young woman who must disguise her identity as a CIA agent.
- Release Date
- September 30, 2001
- Seasons
- 5
The action thriller Alias was among the first small-screen hits for the now-acclaimed director J.J. Abrams, and despite concluding almost two decades ago, it remains one of the most captivating shows currently on Disney. Alias originally aired on ABC and focuses on Sydney Bristow, played by Jennifer Garner. Sydney is an agent of the CIA leading a double-life, presenting herself as having a normal career to her friends and family while, in reality, she’s working with the intelligence service to bring down the sinister terrorist organization SD-6.
Alias is filled with dozens of shocking twists and turns throughout, and in many ways laid the blueprint for many modern mystery-filled thrillers that came afterward. The show won multiple awards, including several Emmys and a Golden Globe for Best Actress awarded to Jennifer Garner. Critics almost universally praised Alias when it was on the air, especially highlighting its action sequences and fleshed-out characters.
Once Upon A Time (2011-2018)
Once Upon a Time is an adventure fantasy-drama series created for ABC that features fairy tale characters and their Disney incarnations in a modern setting. When Emma Swan and her son Henry accidentally drive into the town of Storybrooke, they soon discover the inhabitants are those from fairy tales, and they have no knowledge of the modern world inhabited by Emma and Henry. Robbed of their pasts and given new identities by the Evil Queen known as Regina, the hope of the town’s residents lie solely in the hands of Emma, who has stronger connections to the town than she knows.
- Cast
- Ginnifer Goodwin , josh dallas , Lana Parrilla , Robert Carlyle , Jennifer Morrison , Jared Gilmore
- Release Date
- October 3, 2011
- Seasons
- 7
- Showrunner
- Adam Horowitz
Created by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, the creators of Lost, the ABC series Once Upon A Time originally ran between 2011 and 2018. With seven seasons and 155 episodes, Once Upon A Time is one of the best dramas to binge on Disney+. What makes it so appropriate for the platform, however, is that the story revolves around fairytale characters and their real-world counterparts, many heavily inspired by the versions of them created by Disney over the years.
Snow White, Prince Charming, Pinocchio, Belle, and even the Wicked Witch of the West from
The Wizard of Oz
all crop up at various points throughout the seven seasons of
Once Upon A Time.
The story is mainly told from the perspective of 10-year-old Henry Mills who, upon moving to a new town with his mother Emma Swan, realizes that the inhabitants are all in fact famous figures from various fairytales. Snow White, Prince Charming, Pinocchio, Belle, and even the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz all crop up at various points throughout the seven seasons of Once Upon A Time. Disney+ subscribers seeking a more grown-up take on many of the characters that crop up in Disney’s animated movies will be sure to find Once Upon A Time delightful.
Renegade Nell (2024)
Renagade Nell is a Disney+ original series created by Sally Wainwright. The series follows a young woman named Nell Jackson who becomes a wanted outlaw after she is framed for murder. During her journey, she encounters a magical spirit named Billy, who reveals her true destiny.
- Cast
- Louisa Harland , Frank Dillane , Alice Kremelberg , Enyi Okoronkwo , Jake Dunn , Bo Bragason , Florence Keen , Pip Torrens , Nick Mohammed , Joely Richardson , Adrian Lester
- Release Date
- March 29, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
- Creator(s)
- Sally Wainwright
Renegade Nell is one of several British TV shows to make a splash after arriving on Disney+, and this particular historical drama is helped in now small part thanks to Louisa Harland — best known for playing Orla in the hit comedy Derry Girls — in the lead role as the titular Nell. The show is set in the 18th century in England, although it’s a whimsical adventure story at heart that never trades trying to adhere to historical accuracy for a good story.
For example, Nell is assisted by a magical sprite named Billy Blind, so from the off it’s clear that Renegade Nell isn’t as grounded as many other period dramas. The story focuses on Nelly “Nell” Jackson, who is framed for a murder she didn’t commit. After being branded as a criminal, Nell makes the reasonable decision to actually become one, and Renegade Nell documents her journey to becoming the most feared Highwaywoman in England.
Doctor Who
The latest season of Doctor Who introduces the Fifteenth Doctor, joined by new companion Ruby Sunday. Their first adventure begins with “The Church on Ruby Road,” where they face powerful new foes and unravel the mystery surrounding Ruby’s origins. The Doctor grapples with the aftermath of a unique regeneration event and battles enemies more formidable than ever before.
- Release Date
- December 25, 2023
- Cast
- Ncuti Gatwa , Millie Gibson , Susan Twist , Michelle Greenidge , Angela Wynter , Jemma Redgrave , Yasmin Finney , Anita Dobson
- Seasons
- 2
Doctor Who first premiered on November 23, 1963, and in 2023, the iconic BBC sci-fi show celebrates its 60th anniversary with three specials — The Star Beast, Wild Blue Yonder, and The Giggle — available to watch internationally on Disney+. The specials see Tenth Doctor actor David Tennant making his debut as the Fourteenth Doctor, and in The Star Beast, he’s reunited with Catherine Tate, who reprises her role as companion Donna Noble.
With its whimsical yet thrilling sense of adventure, there’s a reason why
Doctor Who
holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running sci-fi series in the world.
Wild Blue Yonder sees the Fourteenth Doctor and Donna adventuring in the TARDIS to try to save the universe, while The Giggle finds the Doctor facing off against the villainous Toymaker, played by Neil Patrick Harris in his Doctor Who debut. With its whimsical yet thrilling sense of adventure, there’s a reason why Doctor Who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running sci-fi series in the world. While it keeps things fresh by casting different doctors, Doctor Who struck gold with Tennant, and it’s a delight seeing him back.
On Christmas Day, Disney+ hosted the first official Doctor Who holiday special since 2017, The Church on Ruby Road. The Christmas special stars Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor in his first full-length episode, and he stars opposite Millie Gibson as his companion, Ruby Sunday.
Percy Jackson And The Olympians (2023)
Based on the novel series by Rick Riordan Percy Jackson & the Olympians is an action-adventure fantasy television series created for Disney+. When Percy Jackson is framed for the theft of Zeus’ almighty thunderbolt, Percy must clear his name, all while harnessing the powers inherited by his father, Poseidon, at a camp created for demi-gods.
- Release Date
- December 20, 2023
- Cast
- Walker Scobell , Leah Sava Jeffries , Aryan Simhadri , Jason Mantzoukas , Megan Mullally , Glynn Turman , Adam Copeland , Virginia Kull , Lance Reddick
One of the best series available on Disney+ right now began in December 2023 — Disney’s second adaptation of the acclaimed Percy Jackson novels by Rick Riordan. After a less-than-stellar attempt at bringing the characters to life in a series of movies in 2010 and 2013, Disney has rebooted Percy Jackson & The Olympians again in 2023 but this time as a TV show.
The series arrived January 2023 and has almost instantly received solidly positive reviews, with the adaptation’s faithfulness to the source material compared to the movies being especially noteworthy.
American Born Chinese (2023)
American Born Chinese is a Disney+ original series that is based on graphic novels from author and illustrator Gene Leun Yang. The show follows Jin Wang, a typical teenager trying to juggle school and home life, who is thrown into the middle of a battle with Chinese mythological gods.
- Release Date
- May 24, 2023
- Seasons
- 1
Based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinesebrings Chinese gods into the modern day, exploring often-ignored aspects of Chinese mythology in the process. The story follows Jin Wang as he seeks to improve his social status in high school, but finds his attempts halted by a new student. The new student is actually the son of someone Jin believed was only a myth – the Monkey King.
American Born Chinese
has been hailed by critics as one of the best new TV shows on Disney+
When the two team up, Jin has to suddenly deal with ancient gods in his life as well as the trials of high school. American Born Chinese has been hailed by critics as one of the best new TV shows on Disney+, exploring themes of identity and acceptance alongside some great martial arts sequences.
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