Disney+ Content: A Diverse Array of Shows Beyond the Usual Suspects
Disney+ is not merely a platform for children's entertainment. Leveraging its ownership of Lucasfilm and Marvel, this streaming service offers a substantial amount of adult - oriented content in its competition with Netflix and Amazon. It's not just about movies; since its launch, Disney has capitalized on the brand recognition of Star Wars and Marvel to introduce numerous TV shows, such as The Mandalorian and Loki. Below is a curated list of what we consider to be the best shows on Disney+, spanning various franchises.
Note: In 2024, Disney+ merged its content with Hulu. Consequently, many of the shows you might enjoy on Hulu (see our Hulu picks [here]) are also available on Disney+.
For those seeking more options, our list of the best movies on Disney+ is at your disposal. Additionally, our guides on the best shows on Netflix and best shows on Apple TV+ can provide insights into what Disney's competitors offer. If you disagree with our selections or wish to suggest your own, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
1. Limitless
Longevity is a current topic of interest, and even on - screen icons like Chris Hemsworth feel the impetus to explore ways to live the longest and healthiest life possible. In this National Geographic series, co - created by Darren Aronofsky, the Thor star collaborates with a diverse group of scientists, doctors, and adventurers. He pushes his body to its limits to uncover its full potential. Hemsworth's trademark sense of humor, coupled with the stunning global locations as a backdrop, make the series both entertaining and inspiring.
2. Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time
The adage “In order to prevent something, you’ve got to understand why it happened in the first place” was learned by a New Orleans resident who survived Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the city 20 years ago. This Nat Geo documentary features survivors of the storm, along with scientists and authorities involved in rescue efforts. They recount the destruction wrought by the hurricane. The documentary laments the inadequate government response to a struggling American city while paying tribute to the heroic actions of ordinary citizens who united to save New Orleans and the resilience of its current inhabitants.
3. Eyes of Wakanda
Disney is investing significantly in the Black Panther universe. Just one month after the premiere of the live - action series Ironheart (discussed below), this new animated anthology series delves deeper into the Wakanda mythology. Developed by two - time Oscar nominee Ryan Coogler, the mastermind behind both Black Panther movies, this four - episode prequel follows the Hatut Zaraze, or Wakanda’s “War Dogs,” as they embark on adventurous missions to retrieve long - lost Vibranium artifacts.
4. Ironheart
Ryan Coogler, responsible for what is arguably the best movie in the MCU (2018’s Black Panther), is now executive - producing one of its most compelling small - screen projects. Created by playwright Chinaka Hodge, the series picks up immediately after the events of 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Starring Dominique Thorne as Riri Williams, aka Ironheart, a brilliant MIT student who has successfully created a Tony Stark - like suit of armor. This newfound invincibility alters her worldview, leading her down a challenging path that could potentially transform her heroic character into an anti - hero, similar to the character arcs of Tony Soprano in The Sopranos and Walter White in Breaking Bad, as noted by critics.
5. Doctor Who
Spring 2024 marked a new era for Doctor Who fans when Ncuti Gatwa was officially handed the sonic screwdriver to lead the legendary sci - fi series in new directions as the Fifteenth Doctor. He continued this journey with a second season, which concluded with a game - changing finale on May 31, leaving viewers eager to see where the Doctor's adventures will take him next. Russell T. Davies has returned to oversee the time - traveling escapades as the latest incarnation of the Time Lord journeys through space and time with companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and new addition Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu). While the series remains a BBC staple in the UK and Ireland, American audiences can now experience it on Disney+.
6. Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld
There are two camps of people regarding Star Wars: those who think there are too many movies and TV shows, and those eagerly awaiting the arrival of The Mandalorian & Grogu in theaters next year. If you belong to the latter group, you're in good company, and there are numerous series to choose from, including this six - part anthology. It follows in the footsteps of 2022’s Tales of the Jedi and last year’s Tales of the Empire (discussed below). In true Star Wars fashion, it tells the story of two villains, former assassin/bounty hunter Asajj Ventress and outlaw Cad Bane, who form an unlikely alliance to build new lives. However, Bane's encounter with an old colleague, who has become a law - abiding marshal, reignites the age - old battle between dark and light.
7. Andor
Andor, which has been nominated for 14 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Drama Series, is a remarkable achievement. Created by Tony Gilroy, a two - time Oscar nominee known for Michael Clayton and a writer on the Bourne movies, it serves as the origin story of Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), one of Rogue One's most beloved characters. Set in the early years of the Rebellion, the series charts Andor's transformation into a key figure in the Rebel Alliance. With a supporting cast featuring Fiona Shaw and Stellan Skarsgård, and a fantastic score by Nicholas Britell (Moonlight, Succession), it offers a refreshing break from the usual Star Wars fare, and is perhaps the closest the franchise has come to prestige TV.
8. Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America
Thirty years after the Oklahoma City Bombing, Nat Geo revisits the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in US history. This three - part docuseries features rarely seen archival footage and interviews with survivors who are sharing their harrowing stories for the first time. While the story is undeniably tragic, the series also highlights the inspiring way it united Americans.
9. Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil fans were deeply disappointed when the original Netflix series was canceled in 2018. However, Charlie Cox didn't stray far from his role as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, making appearances in MCU movies (Spider - Man: No Way Home) and TV shows (She - Hulk: Attorney at Law, Echo, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider - Man). After seven years and a significant overhaul, the series Daredevil: Born Again has returned. In this series, Cox once again faces off against crime lord - turned - mayoral candidate Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio). The series adopts a darker tone, seemingly inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight approach, though its execution may not be as refined. Nevertheless, it stands out as a solid crime drama within the MCU, with a more mature tone. Whether you were a fan of the Netflix series or not, it might be worth giving this revival a try.
10. Win or Lose
Pixar's first original animated series features an ensemble cast of actors and comedians, including Will Forte, Rhea Seehorn, Ian Chen, Melissa Villaseñor, and Izaac Wang, who lend their voices to the show. Over eight episodes, this charming series presents the events leading up to a middle - school softball team's championship game from the perspectives of various characters, including a wise bead of sweat named Sweaty (voiced by comedian Jo Firestone). The series generated some controversy in December when it was revealed that a transgender character's storyline had been cut. Disney justified this decision, stating that “When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”
11. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider - Man
Four years after its initial announcement, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider - Man arrived in early 2024. This animated series imagines the chaos that would ensue if Peter Parker (Hudson Thames) had been mentored by the villain Norman Osborn/Green Goblin (Colman Domingo) instead of Tony Stark/Iron Man. A second season has been confirmed, though it likely won't premiere until 2026.
12. Goosebumps: The Vanishing
For over 30 years, R. L. Stine’s Goosebumps books have delighted young readers with their terrifying tales. Now, Disney is inspiring a new generation of horror enthusiasts with this engaging series. It follows a group of high - schoolers as they uncover the terrifying truth about a decades - old murder and the possible involvement of their loved ones in their seemingly idyllic hometown. Justin Long starred as a possibly possessed teacher in the first season of this anthology series. The second and final season, Goosebumps: The Vanishing, brought a new cast, including David Schwimmer from Friends, and a fresh set of nightmares.
13. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
If you love Star Wars but wish it had more elements reminiscent of Warriors, The Wizard of Oz, or The Brave Little Toaster, Lucasfilm has answered your call with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. The series assembles a group of four youths who become lost in the Star Wars universe and seek to find their way home with the help of Jude Law, who plays an “enigmatic scoundrel” named Jod. While the Star Wars universe may already have its fair share of such characters, the real charm lies in the friendships formed along the way.
14. Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy
Sig Greebling (played by Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things) discovers an ancient relic that rewrites the history of the universe, transforming Jar Jar Binks into a lightsaber - wielding Sith and Luke Skywalker into an ordinary person. With the guidance of a wise old Jedi, Sig must restore the universe to its original state. While the plot follows a typical Star Wars formula, the involvement of Mark Hamill and Ahmed Best, lending their voices to the minifig versions of their iconic characters, adds a humorous twist to the canon.
15. Agatha All Along
After Kathryn Hahn became the breakout star of the 2021 WandaVision miniseries, MCU fans were thrilled when she was given her own series, Agatha All Along. This long - awaited spinoff is set three years after the events of WandaVision. Witch Agatha, now stripped of her magical powers, enlists a teenager (Joe Locke) and a new coven to help her regain her status as the “Head Witch in Charge” (HWIC). The series features an outstanding cast, including Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, and Debra Jo Rupp.
16. Bluey
Technically a children's show, Bluey from Australia is enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The series centers around an inquisitive blue heeler pup named Bluey and her family (mom, dad, and little sister). With each episode lasting around eight minutes (and mini - episodes half that length), it offers a quick and enjoyable watch. Its exploration of everyday emotions, which are relatable to humans as well, has made it a cultural phenomenon. Stars like Rose Byrne, Natalie Portman, and Eva Mendes have lent their voices to the show.
17. Arctic Ascent With Alex Honnold
In Free Solo (also available on Disney+), climber Alex Honnold achieved the unthinkable by becoming the first person to free - solo climb the 3,000 - foot rock wall of Yosemite’s El Capitan. For most, this would be a lifetime's worth of adventure. However, as this three - part National Geographic docuseries shows, Alex Honnold is not like most people. Here, he travels to Greenland with fellow climbers to conquer unclimbed areas in one of the world's most remote corners, providing viewers with a thrilling sense of vicarious anxiety.
18. Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
If you aim to introduce a new generation to the Star Wars universe, this animated series, similar to Muppet Babies but with a Star Wars twist, is an excellent starting point. Set during the High Republic era, approximately 200 years before The Phantom Menace, it follows a group of young Jedi, or “Jedi Lites,” as they navigate their learning of the Force. Like any good children's series, it also imparts important life lessons and the value of making a positive impact on the world.
19. The Acolyte
The concept of a Jedi turning to the Dark Side is as old as the Star Wars franchise, but this Disney+ series dares to explore the “why” behind it. Playing out like a true - crime procedural in a sci - fi setting, the series stars Carrie - Anne Moss as a Jedi Master. Her character, Indara, is inspired by Trinity from The Matrix series, as creator Leslye Headland told Empire. In August, Disney announced that The Acolyte will have only one season, so be sure to savor all eight episodes.
20. Star Wars: Tales of the Empire
It's been over five years since Disney released the last Star Wars movie, and The Mandalorian & Grogu won't arrive until May 22, 2026. Thankfully, Disney+ has series like this animated anthology to fill the gap. It adds new stories about the Galactic Empire during the same period as the original trilogy. The series follows two characters on different journeys: Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), a Force - sensitive human and Nightsister coven member seeking revenge after surviving the Clone Wars, and Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger), a former Jedi questioning her disillusionment with the Jedi Order. Both characters are forced to make decisions that will alter their destinies and the galaxy.
21. X - Men '97
Despite the numerous big - budget X - Men movies and TV shows over the years, a cartoon series from the ’90s remains one of the most beloved entries, as evidenced by its near - perfect Rotten Tomatoes score. When the revival arrived in 2024, many of the original voice actors returned. The series picks up one year after the end of the original show, with the characters having to navigate a world without Professor Xavier's guidance.
22. Renegade Nell
Louisa Harland shines as Nell Jackson, the eponymous renegade, who is framed for murder and accidentally becomes one of the most feared highwaywomen in 18th - century England. As expected from a Disney series, there's a touch of magic in the form of Billy Blind, a magical sprite who helps Nell realize her true destiny. What's surprising is that this series, suitable for teens and families, was created by Sally Wainwright, known for adult - themed series like Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack.
23. Dinosaurs
Nineties kids will surely remember this sitcom about a dinosaur family. Earl Sinclair, a forty - something megalosaurus, lives with his family in Pangaea around 60,000,000 BC. His job as a tree - pusher provides for his family, consisting of wife Fran and kids Robbie, Charlene, and Baby Sinclair. Baby Sinclair's running gag of hitting his dad with a frying pan and shouting “Gotta love me!” remains entertaining even after three decades.
24. Echo
This Marvel series continues the studio's trend of highlighting its complex and fearless female characters. In this case, it's Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), aka Echo, known to audiences as a villain from Hawkeye. Over its five - episode run, we learn why Maya, one of the MCU's few deaf characters, must come to terms with her past and reconnect with her Native American roots to face the future she's created. Cox, a relative newcomer to Hollywood, ably shoulders the weight of the entire MCU series.
25. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Nearly 20 years after the release of the first book in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, this small - screen adaptation of the first title is lauded for its faithfulness to Riordan's words. Being a tween is challenging enough, but for 12 - year - old Perseus “Percy” Jackson (Walker Scobell), it gets more complicated when he discovers he's the son of Poseidon and has angered his uncle Zeus, who believes Percy has stolen his thunderbolt. Fortunately, there's Camp Half - Blood, where demigods like Percy can learn to control their powers. Percy learns the “with great power comes great responsibility” lesson, even if he'd rather play video games with his friends. A second season is set to arrive in December, with Season 3 already in development.
26. Behind the Attraction
Walt Disney's first theme park, Disneyland, opened in Anaheim, California, in 1955. Since then, Disney parks have become a global phenomenon, attracting dedicated fans who make regular pilgrimages. This docuseries takes a behind - the - scenes look at the world's most famous amusement parks, from the creation of major attractions like the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean to the bustling food scene (Dole Whip, anyone?).
27. Loki
The MCU is vast, but Loki can function as a stand - alone series, adding to its charm and surprise. With numerous plot twists, witty one - liners, and time - travel antics, it keeps audiences entertained, even featuring a wisecracking alligator. Its visual effects budget rivals that of most Hollywood blockbusters. While not the most intellectually stimulating show, Tom Hiddleston出色地portrays Loki as a complex and interesting character. As of yet, there's no word on a third season, and even Hiddleston is unsure. In 2024, he told Variety, “I truly don’t know... There have been other times when I thought that it was the end and I have been mistaken. But if this is the end, I'm so proud of where we ended up.”
28. Daredevil
Before Disney+ became the home for Marvel's TV content
