What shows to watch on Disney+

Disney+ became a game-changer as soon as it hit the scene back in 2019, as it quickly started recalling popular Disney, Marvel and Star Wars movies and shows from other streaming services, such as Netflix. It also offers an impressive bundle, which includes ESPN+ and Hulu, for $12.99/mo. — one of the most competitive packages on the market. 

With many people curious about Disney+ and what it has to offer, we’ve created a guide that’ll take a closer look at the best shows in the streaming service’s library. 

The 7,500 episodes on Disney+ range from old favorites featuring classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Scrooge McDuck to some of the most popular franchises of our time — most notably Marvel and Star Wars. What’s more, all the series that appear on Disney+ are family-friendly. You won’t find shows or docuseries with dark or depressing subject matters on Disney+. So, if you prefer more adult content, Amazon Prime Video or Netflix might be a better fit. However, if you opt for the Disney+ bundle, you’ll get access to a wide range of content with Hulu and ESPN+.

Visit our Disney+ review to learn more about the service.

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Access titles from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, National Geographic, and classic Disney flicks for just $6.99/mo, or bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu for just $12.99/mo.

Shows that are original to Disney+

The Mandalorian 

Like a space spaghetti western, The Mandalorian follows the events of a lone bounty hunter as he travels to civilizations beyond the stars. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 93%
  • Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Featured actors: Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito and Emily Swallow

Diary of a Future President 

Structured around flash-forwards into the future, the series centers around a 12-year old Cuban-American girl’s diary entries. Follow the action as she grows up to become POTUS. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 55%
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Featured actors: Tess Romero, Gina Rodriguez, Michael Weaver, Charlie Bushnell and Selenis Leyva

High School Musical: The Musical – The Series

Old and new fans of the original High School Musical films will enjoy this series as it introduces a new generation of students and examines convention-challenging themes.

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 79%
  • Genre: Comedy, Musical 
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Featured actors: Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Matt Cornett, Kate Reinders and Julia Lester

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Expected to premiere August of 2020, the series picks up after the events of Avengers: Endgame, where Falcon assumes the mantle of Captain America. The Winter Soldier accompanies him as he brings evildoers to justice. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: N/A
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: N/A
  • Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Featured actors: Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Daniel Brühl and Emily VanCamp

Shows that are classics 

Boy Meets World 

The series follows Cory Matthews and friends from junior high school to college. Boy Meets World hits all the nostalgia buttons as it depicts the joys and pains of growing up. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: N/A
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 89% 
  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
  • Number of seasons: 7
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Featured actors: Ben Savage, William Daniels, Betsy Randle, Will Friedle, Rider Strong, William Russ and Danielle Fishel

So Weird 

This paranormal series follows a 14-year old girl, her brother and widowed rock-star mom as they tour the country by bus. As the family travels across the US, they encounter the unexplained and supernatural. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: N/A
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 100%
  • Genre: Adventure, Family, Mystery
  • Number of seasons: 3
  • Rating: TV-Y7
  • Featured actors: Cara DeLizia, Mackenzie Phillips and Patrick Levis

The Proud Family

 The Proud Family is all about the travails of growing up. Follow the adventures of 14-year old Penny Proud as she navigates adolescence with the help of her friends and lively family. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: N/A
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: N/A
  • Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
  • Number of seasons: 3
  • Rating: TV-Y
  • Featured actors: Kyla Pratt, Tommy Davidson, Paula Jai Parker, Jo Marie Payton, Tara Strong, Karen Malina White and Soleil Moon Frye

X-Men: The Animated Series

Marvel’s mutant superhero group — the X-Men — fight for peace and justice while pursuing acceptance from humankind in the quintessential 90s series. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 96%
  • Genre: Animation, Action, Family
  • Number of seasons: 5
  • Rating: TV-Y7
  • Featured actors: Cedric Smith, Cathal J. Dodd and Lenore Zann

Docuseries 

Encore! 

In this fun docuseries, grownups revisit roles they played in high school musicals. Kristen Bell hosts the series as Broadway experts coach former students to get them ready for their encore performances. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 68%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 88%
  • Genre: Musical, Reality-TV
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Featured actors: Kristen Bell, Matt Fowler and Adam Wachter

The Imagineering Story  

Lovers of Disney theme parks will gravitate to this series. The Imagineering Story is an enjoyable and educational experience that details the impressive work behind all things Disney. 

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 95%
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Featured actors: Angela Bassett, Tom Morris and Kevin Rafferty

Marvel’s Hero Project

Marvel’s Hero Project is a feelgood series that shines a light on young heroes making a difference in their communities.

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 85%
  • Genre: Documentary
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-G
  • Featured actors: Daniella Benitez, Elijah Lee and Camron Reeves

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

Jeff Goldblum deconstructs the world around him with science in this upbeat, educational series.

  • Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79%
  • Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 80%
  • Genre: Documentary, Comedy
  • Number of seasons: 1
  • Rating: TV-PG
  • Featured actors: Jeff Goldblum

The takeaway 

Disney+ is home to some of the most beloved shows and movies in the world. So, if you’re a huge Marvel, Pixar or Star Wars fan, then this service is right for you. If you’re on the fence, or not familiar with Disney’s programming, signing up for the free seven-day trial is a great way to get your bearings. As long as you cancel before the trial period ends, you won’t be charged. 

If you’re interested in more Disney+ content recommendations, visit our guide to the best movies on Disney+ and our best Disney+ originals guide.

Zack Kulm

Zack Kulm is a writer and contributor of soda.com. He covers a variety of topics from entertainment and gaming technologies to pop culture commentary. Kulm received a degree in English from Penn State University and Film Studies from Pittsburgh Filmmakers Institute. He also produces award-winning documentaries.