The 55 Best TV Shows On Disney+ (August 2023)

Available Seasons: 33 | Episode Runtime: 21-24 minutes

Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer (All Various)

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.

Available Seasons: 5 | Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Cast: Cristina Valenzuela (Ladybug), Bryce Papenbrook (Adrien Agreste), Keith Silverstein (Hawk Moth)

Originally produced in France, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir has become famous around the world. Its superhero story draws inspiration from Magical Girl anime while creating its own fascinating mythology revolving around magical creatures called kwamis. The kwamis allow the title characters to don disguises and save Paris on a regular basis. It’s a fun series for kids as well as adults, with several animated specials in addition to the regular season episodes, providing plenty of stories to enjoy.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Cast: Brenda Song (Anne Boonchuy), Justin Felbinger (Sprig Plantar), Bill Farmer (Hop Pop Plantar), Amanda Leighton (Polly Plantar)

A somewhat surreal animated fantasy, Amphibia sees a young girl named Anne transported to a world populated by frog-people. She and her two best friends are separated when they initially end up in Amphibia, and Anne is taken in by the Plantar family as she gets to know the new world. The series highlights common childhood issues like peer pressure and bullying against the backdrop of a science fiction story about the takeover of the multiverse, making for a very entertaining show for audiences of all ages. Over the course of its run, Amphibia has been nominated for several Annie Awards, celebrating the best in animation.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 22 Minutes

Cast: Jim Cummings (Drake Mallard), Dan Castellaneta (Megavolt)

One of the most memorable cartoons from the early 1990s is Disney Channel’s animated superhero series, Darkwing Duck. The show explored the adventures of the titular hero who had to balance his life as the crime-fighting Darkwing Duck and his civilian alter-ego, Drake Mallard, a suburban single father. Darkwing Duck was a fun satirical series that parodied a wide range of comic book and pulp novel heroes. While it seemed this show existed in the same world as DuckTales, the show’s creator admitted that he feels the two shows are in different universes, despite the similarities (via Nerdist). Nevertheless, it remains a hilarious riff on classic superhero storytelling.

Number of Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 22-23 minutes

Cast: Tress Macneille (Chip & Various), Corey Burton (Dale & Various), Peter Cullen (Monterey Jack), Jim Cummings (Fat Cat)

Despite its enduring legacy, Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers only lasted for three seasons over two years on The Disney Channel before going into syndication. Originally, the cartoon aired on afternoon television along with DuckTales and TaleSpin, and it led to a feature Rescue Rangers movie in 2022, full of great cameos. The Rescue Rangers stars were longtime Disney characters, Chip and Dale, two chipmunks trying to protect their nuts. However, with Rescue Rangers, the two became detectives and joined forces with a genius mouse named Gadget and a muscular mouse named Monterey Jack to help those in need.

Number of Seasons: 4 | Episode Runtime: 11 minutes

Cast: Vincent Martella (Phineas Flyn), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Ferb Fletcher), Dee Bradley Baker (Perry The Platypus)

Phineas and Ferb first arrived on the Disney Channel and Disney XD in 2007, when it aired as a one-episode special after High School Musical 2. By the time the first season launched in 2008, it was a huge success and ran until 2015 with 129 episodes. The show was a quick-paced comedy, with stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb trying to find things to do during summer vacation. The show shares similarities with hits like Family Guy, thanks to rapid-fire jokes and running gags, yet it is decidedly child-friendly without any of the raunchy humor of Seth MacFarlane’s juggernaut. Disney is bringing Phineas and Ferb’s chaotic inventions back for two more seasons, marking it as one of the best animated TV shows on Disney+.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 20-24 minutes

Cast: Jason Ritter (Dipper Pines), Kristen Schaal (Mabel Pines), Alex Hirsch (Grunkle Stan)

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. Expertly blending mystery and comedy, the show 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.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Keith David (Goliath), Jonathan Frakes (David Xanatos), Ed Asner (Hudson)

Gargoyles, an animated series on Disney+ about stone creatures that come to life at night, is loaded with nostalgic appeal for viewers who grew up in the 1990s. Darker than many Disney+ offerings, it has an A-list voice cast that included names like Keith David, Michael Dorn, John Rhys-Davies, and Ed Asner. Its gothic atmosphere and unusually sinister tone are part of what makes it stand out among garishly colorful competitors. The cartoon remains iconic, with comic books and merchandise still sold over two decades later.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 30 minutes

Cast: Kyla Pratt (Penny Proud), Soleil Moon Frye (Zoey Howzer), Jo Marie Payton (Suga Muma), Paula Jai Parker (Trudy Proud)

Earning 12 NAACP Image award nominations over its two-season run on the Disney Channel, The Proud Family provided much-needed Black American representation to the network. The series follows a young Penny Proud as she deals with conflicts in her family and friend groups. The original show remains so beloved that it got a sequel series in 2022, The Proud Family: Louder And Prouder. Like its forerunner, the follow-up strives to make sure most of its voice talent, and characters, are people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, again carrying the torch for representation in children’s programming.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes (seasons 1-2), 46-55 minutes (season 3)

Cast: Sarah-Nicole Robles (Luz Noceda), Wendie Malick (Edalyn Lawthorne), Alex Hirsch (King), Mae Whitman (Amity)

Such was the sense of anticipation around The Owl House when it debuted on The Disney Channel in 2020 that it was renewed for a second season before the first even arrived. While only lasted for three seasons before ending, the show remains a great example of what the best Disney+ animated shows can accomplish. Promoting inclusivity, The Owl House features a cast full of strong characters, including an LGBTQ+ couple in the lead roles. The show focuses on a teenage girl who finds a portal to the Demon Realm, where she befriends the Owl Lady and sets out to become a witch in her own right. It won the Peabody Award for Children’s & Youth Programming, emphasizing its quality storytelling as well as positive message.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 7 minutes

Cast: David McCormack (Bandit Heeler), Melanie Zanetti (Chilli Heeler)

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.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Cast: Diamond White (Moon Girl), Fred Tatasciore (Devil Dinosaur), Alfre Woodard (Mimi), Libe Barer (Casey)

Devil Dinosaur was one of the last comic book characters to be created by the legendary Jack Kirby for Marvel Comics, though Lunella (Moon Girl) wouldn’t make her comic book debut until years later. Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur expertly brings the two together in a series that combines storylines about growing up, Black American identity, and comic book science fiction in one inventive and satisfying package. When Lunella accidentally opens a vortex that brings a dinosaur into the modern day, she has to deal with the consequences, learning what it takes to become a hero in the process. With a 100% Rotten Tomato rating, the series is one of the best-reviewed TV shows on Disney+, and with good reason.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 35 minutes

Cast: Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk), Ginger Gonzaga (Nikki Ramos), Jameela Jamil (Titania), Tim Roth (Abomination)

Pushing boundaries in terms of both form and content, She-Hulk brings something refreshingly new to the slate of MCU offerings on Disney+. For one thing, it has a significantly more comedic tone and demonstrates what happens to a character who doesn’t necessarily want to live the Avenger life. Tatiana Maslany stars as the titular character, whose desire to do her job is in direct conflict with the condition passed to her by her cousin Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). The show’s regular fourth-wall breaks, colorful cast of characters, and infectious humor all help it stand apart from some of its more straight-laced superhero peers.

Number of Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 42 minutes

Cast: Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter), James D’Arcy (Edwin Jarvis), Enver Gjokaj (Daniel Sousa), Chad Michael Murray (Jack Thompson)

Hayley Atwell’s portrayal of Peggy Carter in the MCU proved so popular that it was unsurprising when she earned her own spinoff. The result was this critically acclaimed, criminally short-lived series. Agent Carter follows the titular spy after the events of Captain America: The First Avenger as she readjusts to life in a Strategic Scientific Reserve office populated by men who don’t appreciate her work in the field. The series was a creative step for Marvel, which set most of its projects at the time in the modern-day, and the change of pace suits the material perfectly. It also allowed the MCU’s history to be fleshed out without conflicting with anything going on in the movies at the time – an impressive feat, given the MCU’s notoriously convoluted timeline.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 41-52 minutes

Cast: Iman Vellani (Kamala Khan), Matt Lintz (Bruno Carrelli), Yasmeen Fletcher (Nakia Behadir)

Ms. Marvel was one of the most anticipated new series on Disney+ before it premiered in 2022. The series, adapted from the comic book series of the same name, follows Kamala Khan, a huge superhero fan and young Pakistani woman growing up in New Jersey, as she discovers she has superpowers. Ms. Marvel blends a somewhat typical superhero origin story with often-ignored storylines about growing up as a child of immigrants in modern America. The series is the winner of a 2022 Golden Tomato from Rotten Tomatoes for Best Superhero Series, beating out many more-established shows that were eligible.

Available Seasons: 5 | Episode Runtime: 21 minutes

Cast: Christopher Daniel Barnes (Spider-Man), Sara Ballentine (Mary Jane Watson), Linda Grey (Aunt May)

Marvel’s most recognizable hero has featured in a number of cartoons over the years, yet the best remains Fox’s 1994 animated series. Spider-Man: The Animated Series, which featured a traditional depiction of the wall-crawler, perfectly captured the spirit of the comic book hero and is loved by fans for its interpretations of Spider-Man’s most important comic storylines. While there are arguments that Spectacular Spider-Man improved on the stories, the original still remains one of the best Disney+ shows based on critical and fan reviews, beating it 8.4 to 8.3 in IMDb fan voting.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 30-50 minutes

Cast: Elizabeth Olsen (Wanda Maximoff), Paul Bettany (Vision), Kathryn Hahn (Agatha Harkness)

After a decade of dominance at the box office, the MCU could have easily played it safe with its Disney+ shows. However, it created the template for a more daring and innovative televisual offering with WandaVision, and the approach has paid off in spades. The first episodes paid homage to a different era of sitcoms while telling the Scarlet Witch’s story after she resurrected her husband Vision and became a mother. It was quirky, cryptic, and set the stage for the next era of the MCU. This bold storytelling continued in shows like Werewolf by Night and She-Hulk, two of the best MCU releases of 2022, yet it wouldn’t have been possible without WandaVision‘s success.

Available Seasons: 7 | Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Cast: Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson), Ming-Na Wen (Melinda May), Chloe Bennet (Daisy Johnson), Elizabeth Henstridge (Jemma Simmons)

Until the release of Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Agents Of SHIELD was the highest-rated Marvel television series by critics, made clear by its near-universal approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Agents Of SHIELD began as the first MCU series to spin out of the movies. Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson provided some connective tissue, but the series eventually branched out into its own very different stories involving time travel, effectively placing it in an alternate timeline compared to the MCU proper. Agents Of SHIELD provides an origin story for Chloe Bennet’s character Quake, but it also introduces fans to many characters adapted from decades of Marvel Comic books that didn’t make it into the movies, endearing it to many long-term Marvel fans.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 40-50 minutes.

Cast: Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Jonathan Majors (He Who Remains), Owen Wilson (Morbius), Sophia Di Martino (Sylvie)

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.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 20-23 minutes

Cast: Brian Bloom (Steve Rogers), Chris Cox (Clint Barton), Jennifer Hale (Carol Danvers)

Before Avengers Assemble, there was Disney’s Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, a series that took a few cues from the MCU, but for the most part, remained true to the fan-favorite characters from the comics. The show started out with the original team from Avengers #1 in 1963 and allowed it to grow from there. Each episode of Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes provided a fun new adventure for Marvel’s flagship superhero team, many pulled straight from the comics. This relatively faithful storytelling instantly endeared viewers and offered a refreshing alternative to Marvel’s world away from the labyrinthine MCU-proper.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 56 minutes

Cast: Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones), Rachael Taylor (Trish Walker), David Tennant (Killgrave)

Originally produced as part of Netflix’s Marvel slate, Jessica Jones moved over to Disney+ after Marvel’s contracts with Netflix expired. The series examines exactly what happens to someone with superpowers when trauma and circumstance prevent them from being the superhero others might expect them to be. Jessica is rough around the edges, a hard drinker, and someone who doesn’t have time for the petty squabbles of other people. Haunted by her history with David Tennant’s ghoulish Killgrave, Jones is one of Marvel’s most compelling heroes, and the show as a whole one of its most emotionally engaging and complex offerings.

Available Seasons: 5 | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Norm Spencer (Scott Summers), Cedric Smith (Professor X), Lenore Zann (Rogue), Catherine Disher (Jean Grey)

X-Men: The Animated Series is easily one of the most influential superhero cartoons ever made and easily ranks among the best Disney+ shows in any genre. Lauded to this day, the series is largely what drove the popularity of Marvel’s Merry Mutants in the 1990s, and its take on characters like Cyclops, Rogue, Gambit, Rogue, and Wolverine had a huge impact on how these comic book heroes are remembered today. X-Men had everything that a show of its kind needed: likable characters, tension, humor, and a heavy dose of action. The show maintains a massive fanbase and the MCU is rebooting it on Disney+ with the new title, X-Men ’97.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 46-61 minutes.

Cast: Charlie Cox (Daredevil), Vincent D’Onofrio (Kingpin)

Before Disney+ started airing shows within the MCU, Netflix created its own world of interconnected street-level heroes, starting with the gothic and often brutal Daredevil. While Jessica Jones helped the franchise generate massive critical buzz, Daredevil remained Netflix’s Northstar – an example of how smaller storytelling could still thrive in a universe defined by intergalactic conflict. Such was Daredevil‘s success that fans demanded its central lineup of Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio returned to their original roles – a decision that has subsequently been confirmed.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 30 minutes

Cast: Cara DiLizia (Fiona Phillips), Mackenzie Phillips (Molly Phillips), Patrick Levis (Jack Phillips)

Heavily influenced by the more adult-orientated The X-Files, So Weird satisfies kids’ perennial curiosity about the paranormal and the unexplained. The series explores a bountiful mix of mythology, legends, and science fiction as Fi investigates mysteries on her laptop while traveling across the country with her musician mother. When she eventually leaves life on the road behind, she passes on all of her notes on everything that is “so weird” to her friend Annie, who happens to be a musician as well. In an era where The Disney Channel produced a lot of quality content for younger viewers, the series remains a standout.

Available Seasons: 4 | Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Cast: Miley Cyrus (Hannah Montana), Emily Osment (Lilly Truscott), Mitchell Musso (Oliver Oken), Jason Earles (Jackson Stewart)

A family sitcom and a musical series about growing up, Hannah Montana gives the audience the “best of both worlds”, as its theme song suggests. The series became part of the cultural zeitgeist and catapulted star Miley Cyrus to international fame. Hannah Montana manages to combine the typical family sitcom storylines about growing up with the very real pressures of growing up in front of the entire world as a pop star. Every season of its run received an Outstanding Children’s Program nomination from the Primetime Emmy Awards, and Disney released a theatrical movie for the series before its final season aired.

Available Seasons: | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Selena Gomez (Alex Russo), David Henrie (Justin Russo), Jake T. Austin (Max Russo), Jennifer Stone (Harper Finkle)

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 also earned two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Children’s Program for two of its seasons. 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.

Available Seasons: 3 (+1 Movie) | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Shia LeBeouf (Louis Stevens), Christy Carlson Romano (Ren Stevens), Nick Spano (Donnie Stevens)

Originally airing on the Disney Channel from 2000 to 2003, Even Stevens ran for 65 episodes and followed the Stevens family, with an emphasis on the personality clashes between its two youngest children, Louis (Shia LeBeouf) and Ren (Christy Carlson Romano). The series, which was made popular by the beloved characters and their humorous interactions, was responsible for launching Shia LeBeouf’s career. In 2003, LeBeouf won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series. There was also a feature-length The Even Stevens Movie that hit in 2003, which served itself as the series finale.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 25 minutes

Cast: Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Andi Mack), Sofia Wylie (Buffy Driscoll), Joshua Rush (Cyrus Goodman), Asher Angel (Jonah Beck)

Historic both for its main focus and wider story, Andi Mack was the first Disney Channel original series to focus on an Asian-American family and pushed boundaries concerning diversity and inclusion. It was the first Disney Channel original series to feature a main character coming out to their friends and to acknowledge a teen pregnancy storyline, highlighting the show’s commitment to representation and challenging discourse. While Andi Mack has a similar tone to series like Lizzie McGuire, it broke even more ground for the network and demonstrated that they wanted to have more inclusive programming for their audience.

Available Seasons: 4 | Episode Runtime: 30 minutes

Starring: Raven-Symone (Raven Baxter), Anneliese van der Pol (Chelsea Daniels), Orlando Brown (Eddie Thomas), Kyle Massey (Cory Baxter)

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.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 31 minutes

Cast: Olivia Rodrigo (Nini), Sofia Wylie (Gina Porter), Joshua Basset (Richard Bowen)

High School Musical was a hugely successful movie franchise for the Disney Channel, so much so that it made the jump to theaters for its third movie. This meta-series’ slightly convoluted premise follows from that cinematic release. Following a group of high school theater kids who go to the same school where the movie was filmed, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series sees a new cast decide to stage their own stage version of the movie. Subsequent seasons have seen the show branch out from that concept to feature more Disney musicals (Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Camp Rock to name a few) in its coming-of-age story. While the lengthy title and headache-inducing premise may seem needlessly complex, this GLAAD Media award-winning show is actually a welcome update to the original High School Musical formula.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 30 minutes

Cast: Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire), Adam Lamberg (David Gordon), Lalaine (Miranda Sanchez), Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire)

The family sitcom that made Hilary Duff a star, Lizzie McGuire broke ground for the Disney Channel in a number of small but significant ways. Storylines like Lizzie wanting her mom to help her buy her first bra provided a realistic depiction of teenage girlhood in the early 2000s, while the use of a cartoon Lizzie proved the show wasn’t beyond using innovative storytelling devices. The show got a big-screen movie release and almost took the cast to high school before contract negotiations fell through. A revival series was planned for Hulu as well before creative differences saw streaming executives put the project on hold – much to the disappointment of fans.

Available Seasons: 1 | Epidoes Runtime: 44-57 minutes

Cast: Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Ray Stevenson (Baylan Skoll), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Hera Syndulla), Lars Mikkelsen (Grand Admiral Thrawn)

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.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 31-52 minutes

Cast: Pedro Pascal (Din Djarin), Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan Kryze)

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.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 14-25 minutes

Cast: Michael Sinterniklaas (Hen Jin), Neil Kaplan (Narrator), Adam Sietz (Hanbei), Eva Kaminsky (Niizo)

Many of the most successful Star Wars projects (movies, TV, or otherwise) follow the Skywalker family and the characters related to them. This franchise fixation helps Star Wars: Visions to really stand out. The animated anthology series offers up a unique look into the world of Star Wars, presenting unconnected, disparate storylines, and combining work from different animation studios all over the world all united under the Star Wars banner. The series challenges fans to explore Star Wars without having to be familiar with every piece of media connected to it, and it allows the series to spotlight the work of many different artists.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 23-75 minutes

Cast: Dee Bradley Baker (All members of the Bad Batch), Michelle Ang (Omega), Stephen Stanton (Admiral Tarkon)

Unsurprisingly given the reported cost of the acquisition, Disney+ has fully committed to Star Wars content since launch. Although some series are of varying quality, The Bad Batch has been consistently well-received since its debut. Following the titular band after their introduction in The Clone Wars, the show explores the post-Jedi galaxy, as well as the inexorable spread of Imperial forces. Popular for its colorful main characters and the new locales it explores, The Bad Batch is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding Star Wars roster.

Available Seasons: 7 | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Dee Bradley Baker (Clones)

Originally designed to fill in the gap between Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Cartoon Network’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars is now regarded as one of the best arcs in the entire Star Wars story. The series, which used a unique 3D animation style, allowed viewers to get to know the various members of the Jedi Order, including characters who didn’t receive much screen time in the prequels. Through five seasons on Cartoon Network, The Clone Wars featured top-notch storytelling, and its additions to the Star Wars lore are still recognized today in other installments. In 2020, Disney+ became the exclusive home of a brand-new season of The Clone Wars, which upped the budget and made for a suitably epic finale.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 38-50 minutes

Cast: Diego Luna (Cassian Andor), Faye Marsaye (Vel Sartha), Stellan Skarsgård (Luthen Rael), Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma)

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.

Available Seasons: 4 | Episode Runtime: 22

Cast: Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger), Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla), Freddie Prince Jr. (Kanun Jarrus), Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren)

Although somewhat overshadowed by the popularity of The Clone Wars upon release, Star Wars Rebels has cemented itself as one of the most important and most entertaining installments in the entire Star Wars canon. Following the rebellious crew of the Ghost, the show chronicles some of the first serious acts of resistance against the fascistic Empire. With a lovable cast, crucial additions to Star Wars lore, and one of the most dastardly villains in the whole franchise, Rebels proved more than a match for The Clone Wars – even surpassing the saga’s other animated property in the eyes of many viewers.

Available Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Elisha Williams (Dean Williams), Dulé Hill (Bill Williams), Saycon Sengbloh (Lillian Williams), Laura Kaiuki (Kim Williams)

An inventive and whimsical coming-of-age story, The Wonder Years has received critical acclaim since its 2021 debut. The show centers on the experiences of a middle-class Black family in Alabama in the 1960s, with their experiences reflected through the perspective of 12-year-old Dean. Taking inspiration from the 1980s comedy of the same name, The Wonder Years is comfortably nostalgic while still providing cutting social commentary when necessary – a combination that makes the show one of the best comedy series on Disney+.

Available Seasons: 4 | Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Cast: Stuart Pankin (Earl Sneed Sinclair), Jessica Walter (Fran Phillips-Sinclair), Jason Willinger (Robbie Sinclair)

One of the most original and innovative sitcoms ever committed to the small screen, Michael Jacobs and Bob Young’s Dinosaurs is rightly regarded as being ahead of its time. The subversive format followed the same basic template of many contemporary shows, turning a satirical lens on domestic concerns, the American Dream, and the family unit. The twist was that every character is a grotesquely caricatured dinosaur living in a fictitious alternative cretaceous period. Touching on everything from LGBTQ+ rights, to sexual harassment and racism, Dinosaurs was never afraid to tackle some serious topics. While its devastating finale divided audiences, the show remains a landmark series for alternative situational comedy.

Available Seasons: 8 | Episode Runtime: 22 minutes

Cast: Anthony Anderson (Andre Johnson Sr.), Tracee Ellis Ross (Rainbow Johnson), Marsai Martin (Diane Johnson), Yara Shahidi (Zoey Johnson)

Though it often follows a typical sitcom blueprint, Black-ish stands apart for showcasing storylines that are unique to the Black American experience. Anderson’s Dre starts off the series wanting his family to assimilate less into White suburban society and embrace their ethnic roots, and the series both maintains that narrative while highlighting representation throughout. It also explores dramatic subjects like deaths, postpartum depression, and more, expertly balancing comedy with drama. Over the course of its run, Black-ish earned more than two dozen Primetime Emmy nominations and more than 50 NAACP Award nominations, highlighting its importance.

Available Seasons: 7 | Episode Runtime: 21-23 minutes

Cast: Ben Savage (Cory Matthews), William Daniels (Mr. Feeny), Betsy Randle (Amy Matthews)

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.

Available Seasons: 5 | Episode Runtime: 22-26 minutes

Cast: Frank Oz, Jim Henson, Dave Goelz (The Muppets)

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.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Length: 43-86 minutes

Cast: Seth MacFarlane (Captain Edward Mercer), Adrianne Palicki (Commander Kelly Grayson), Scott Grimes (Gordon Malloy), Penny Johnson Jerald (Doctor Claire finn)

Part classic sitcom, part touching tribute to his beloved Star Trek, Seth MacFarlane’s The Orville is a great example of how to succeed in the notoriously difficult sci-fi comedy genre. Full of the Family Guy creator’s signature humor while retaining the sense of adventure that made its inspiration so successful, The Orville is set aboard a fictional exploratory spaceship 400 years in the future. Starting on Fox, The Orville moved to Hulu for its third season, where it has received critical acclaim. Created by and starring MacFarlane, the fact that The Orville is popular among Trekkies as well as comedy fans proves that it has expertly negotiated what could have been a difficult balance.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 40-55 minutes

Cast: Bel Powley (Miep Gies), Joe Cole (Jan Gies), Billie Boulet (Anne Frank), Liev Schrieber (Otto Frank)

An alternate take on one of the most well-known yet harrowing stories from the Second World War, A Small Light provides a different perspective on the tragedy of Anne Frank and her family. By instead focusing on Miep Gies – a Dutch citizen who helped conceal the Franks from Nazi authorities for over 25 months – the show sheds a light on the terrifying oppression inflicted on Western Europe by Nazi forces during the war. Bel Powley’s sensitive and considered performance won universal praise from critics, while the series as a whole holds a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 44 minutes

Cast: Park Hyung-sik (Han Seon-woo), Han So-hee (Lee Eun Soo)

Soundtrack #1 might only be four episodes long, but it has quickly established itself as a must-watch romantic story. Originally produced for South Korea, the series became incredibly popular when it was available internationally on Disney+, becoming the most-watched series in Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan after its release. The series follows two people who have been friends most of their lives, but when they begin living together and writing music together, their relationship begins to change. Eunsoo and Sunwoo have to figure out if their romantic feelings are real or a product of their closeness in the music. The show is heartfelt and genuinely moving, making its international popularity unsurprising.

Available Seasons: 5 | Episode Runtime: 42 minutes

Cast: Jennifer Garner (Sydney Bristow), Ron Rifkin (Arvin Sloan), Victor Garber (Jack Bristow), Carl Lumbly (Marcus Dixon)

Originally starting out as a complex tale of spies, deception, and changing loyalties, Alias also developed a fascinating mythology over its five-season run. As well as its central spy narrative, the show balances well-realized family drama as Garner’s Sidney is initially estranged from her father and discovers a sister she never knew about. Alias crafted a compelling story and launched Jennifer Garner’s career. The series won a handful of technical Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, including Outstanding Cinematography and Outstanding Makeup, but was nominated for 33 more over the five seasons.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 32-43 minutes

Cast: Ben Wang (Jin Wang), Michelle Yeoh (Guanyin), Ke Huy Kwan (Freddy Wong)

Based on the graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese brings 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. 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.

Available Seasons: 3 | Episode Runtime: 30 minutes

Cast: Michael Cimino (Victor Salazar), Nick Robinson (Simon Spier), Anthony Turpel (Felix)

Inspired by and set in the same universe as the hit movie Love, Simon, Love, Victor is another acclaimed Hulu series that has made its way to Disney+. Starring Michael Cimino as the titular character, the teen drama tackles the trials of tribulations of teenage love, mixing often hilarious comedy with the melodramatic tragedy that often defines early relationships. Also offering a nuanced discussion of sexuality, Love, Victor was a smash critical hit on release. The second season earned a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, giving Disney+ yet another can’t-miss show.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 2h 18 – 2h 53

Cast: George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr (Themselves)

An epic three-part miniseries courtesy of auteur Peter Jackson, The Beatles: Get Back offers perhaps the most comprehensive insight into the Fab Four’s creative process ever seen. Covering the making of the group’s album Let It Be, the series focuses on the differences and tensions within the group, exploring how conflict and individuality can ultimately lead to great art. Despite each episode’s intimidating length, the show flies by thanks to the intimacy and genuine love between the band members.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 23 minutes

Cast: Selected Disney animators

At only six episodes, this documentary series nevertheless provides a fascinating insight into what it takes to bring animation to life. Sketchbook also doubles as an art lesson, allowing animators to explain their craft and providing an in-depth look at the process behind some of Disney’s most iconic creations. Each episode features an artist teaching the audience how to draw a different character, including the likes of Frozen’s Olaf, Peter Pan’s Captain Hook, and The Lion King’s Simba. While Disney fans evidently love to rewatch the animated properties themselves, it’s just as fun and enlightening to see how they’re actually made.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Cast: Kristen Kish (Host)

After competing on the popular reality series Top Chef, Kristen Kish has found a novel way to use her talents and experience in the culinary world. In this series, she visits some of the most remote restaurants on the planet, learning about the challenges involved in making businesses succeed in incredibly isolated locations. She also offers up menu advice and helps with day-to-day operations while hosting the series, providing an insight into what it takes to succeed at the extreme end of the restaurant industry. Some of the restaurants are in the Arctic while others are out at sea, creating a unique viewing (and dining) experience.

Available Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: 47 minutes

Cast: Will Smith (Narrator)

Originally released on Netflix, One Strange Rock made its move to Disney+ with a lot of other National Geographic content, becoming one of the best documentary TV series on Disney+ in the process. Narrated by Will Smith, the series examines Earth in a novel way, looking in at the planet from outer space. The series focuses largely on interviews with astronauts and scientists about Earth’s formation and the survival of different species on the planet. This approach provides an interesting perspective on life on Planet Earth, being both educational and somewhat humbling in the process.

Number of Seasons: 2 | Episode Runtime: 45 minutes

Running Wild with Bear Grylls is a survivalist documentary series in which the ever-daring Grylls brings a different celebrity along on a variety of wild adventures. The show got its start on NBC but moved to Nat Geo in 2019, and Nat Geo’s partnership with Disney secured the show’s subsequent move to Disney+. Running Wild‘s celebrity guests include Brie Larson and Natalie Portman, as well as athletes like Deion Sanders and former U.S. President Barack Obama. It remains popular seven years into its run and recently received a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2021 as one of the best Disney+ TV shows.

Number of Seasons: 1 | Episode Runtime: around 45-60 minutes

Cast: Angela Bassett (Narrator)

An illuminating and evocative series chronicling the opening of Disney’s famous theme parks and attractions, The Imagineering Story is a must-pick on any best documentaries on Disney+ list. Added to the streaming service in 2019, the six-episode miniseries won critical acclaim for bringing the story to life. While some criticized Leslie Iwerks’ film for failing to tackle some of the Walt Disney Corporation’s more uncomfortable history, The Imagineering Story nevertheless remains one of the best documentaries about Disney, picking up a Primetime Emmy nomination for Angela Bassett’s expert narration.