Disney Plus, if you were previously unaware, caters to a diverse audience. Leveraging its ownership of the Lucasfilm label and the Marvel properties, this streaming platform delivers a plethora of mature content in its competitive endeavors against Netflix and Amazon—not merely confined to films. Since its inception, Disney has capitalized on the popularity of Star Wars and Marvel to introduce numerous TV series, spanning from The Mandalorian to Loki. In the compilation below, we’ve assembled the cream of the crop, in our opinion, ranging from those iconic franchises and beyond.
Interested in more recommendations? Explore our top movie picks on Disney+ if you’re in the mood for films, or check out our guides on the premier shows on Netflix and leading shows on Apple TV+ to see what Disney’s competitors bring to the table. Disagree with our choices or eager to propose your own? Engage with us in the comments section below and voice your perspective.
Globe Savors Bread
The legacy of bread transcends mere culinary significance. This enthralling docu-series, spanning three parts, caters to enthusiasts of gastronomy, history aficionados, and cultural enthusiasts, delving into bread’s enduring role in reflecting the essence of a community’s people and heritage, from San Francisco’s sourdough to Turkey’s Ramadan pide. It’s more than just a delectable plate of carbohydrates, after all.
The Devotee
The narrative of a Jedi embracing the dark side is a time-honored concept within the Star Wars universe, yet the enigmatic reasoning behind such a transformation has seldom been explored by fans. This fresh Disney+ series delves into this enigma, unfolding akin to a fictional crime investigation in a futuristic setting. Carrie-Anne Moss assumes the role of a Jedi Master, drawing parallels to Trinity from the The Matrix series by design. Series creator Leslye Headland revealed to Empire that the character draws significant inspiration from the works of the Wachowskis, with Moss’ portrayal of Indara embodying “Trinity armed with a lightsaber.”
Galactic Chronicles: Narratives of the Empire
It has been half a decade since Disney last unveiled a Star Wars film, and the eagerly anticipated The Mandalorian & Grogu is still at a distance (at minimum a couple more years away). Fortunately, Disney+ has an array of television shows to occupy the interim, including this animated anthology presenting fresh tales from the Star Wars Galactic empire, set within the era of the original trilogy. The plot follows the divergent paths of two individuals: Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto), a human endowed with Force abilities and member of the Nightsister coven who, having survived the Clone Wars as one of the few of her kind, is driven by a thirst for vengeance. Simultaneously, Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) grapples with her disillusionment toward the Jedi order as a former member, contemplating the uncertain road ahead. Both characters face decisions that will irrevocably alter their destinies and the expansive universe far, far away.
The Physician Who
The dawn of a new chapter for devotees of The Physician Who transpired this spring with Ncuti Gatwa taking up the mantle of the sonic screwdriver as the fifteenth incarnation of the revered sci-fi series. Russell T. Davies resumes the helm to orchestrate the time-travel exploits as the latest rendition of the Time Lord embarks on interstellar escapades alongside companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson). The duo crafted their debut during the latest Yuletide specials, alongside the reprisal of beloved figures, with David Tennant (portraying the fourteenth Doctor) and Catherine Tate celebrating the show’s memorable 60th anniversary. While the series retains its status as a cornerstone of BBC programming in the UK and Ireland, American viewers will need to engage via Disney+ for an enriching experience.
X-Men ’97
Of all the elaborate X-Men films and shows through the years, it’s remarkable that a ’90s animated series stands among the most cherished entries. Doting fans of this acclaimed series, which captivated audiences for five years commencing in 1992, eagerly anticipated this revival unveiled in March. Many of the original voice actors reprise their roles to breathe life into their characters, navigating a world without Professor Xavier.to lead them. The occurrences of this sequence resume precisely one year subsequent to the juncture where the authentic show (which you can peruse further details about below) concluded.
Rogue Nell
Louisa Harland excels as Nell Jackson, the rebel of the title, who inadvertently transforms into one of the most dreaded highwaywomen in 18th-century England after she is set up for a crime. Naturally, since this is a Disney series, anticipate something a tad enchanting—which in Nell’s scenario is Billy Blind, a magical sprite dispatched to assist her in realizing her authentic fate. What is unexpected is that the sequence, tailored ideally for teenagers and their families, was contrived by Sally Wainwright, the ingenious intellect behind such mature-themed sequences as Happy Valley and Gentleman Jack.
Future
Tola Martins (Simisola Gbadamosi) is an intrepid 10-year-old who yearns to explore more about the past and traditions of her native Nigeria, depicted as a variant of Wakanda. Nevertheless, her father, a prosperous scientist and tech CEO, favors that his daughter sustains within the protective bubble of advantage he has constructed around her on their island abode. Once she opts to journey into the urban center to astonish her father, his own darkest fears materialize when she is abducted. The limited sci-fi series, set in a futuristic Lagos, unfolds somewhat akin to a graphic novel—which is an advantageous feature. With its impressive animation and topics of societal hierarchy and racial disparity and social morality, Future is the discerning family’s forthcoming binge-watch.
Monarchs
“We don’t refer to her as Mother Nature for naught,” remarks Angela Bassett in the preview for Monarchs, a Nat Geo sequence that chronicles six far-off locations worldwide where female beasts govern the realm, from the summits and jungles to the seas and plains. The ultimate episode of the series also grants a special homage to the women striving to safeguard these formidable female warriors.
Beasts
Eighties youngsters undoubtedly recall this humorous series concerning a kin of reptiles. Earl Sinclair is a middle-aged megalosaurus dwelling with his relatives in Pangaea circa 60,000,000 BC. Although he toils as a foliage shover during the daylight hours (yep, he pushes trees down), his existence revolves around his family: spouse Fran and youngsters Robbie, Charlene, and Baby Sinclair, whose repeated joke of striking his father on the cranium with a skillet and exclaiming “Must adore me!” perpetually remains amusing. Not even three decades afterward.
Prodigy: MLK/X
Ever since its debut in 2017, Nat Geo’s Genius sequence has provided audiences with a comprehensive portrayal of some of mankind’s most brilliant thinkers, commencing with Albert Einstein (played with brilliance by Geoffrey Rush). For its most recent season, the network is delving into the genuine histories of the existences of civil liberties luminaries Martin Luther King Jr. (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre). Instead of simply highlighting the noteworthy events, like the renowned speeches you are likely familiar with, Genius plunges into the past and far beneath the surface to demonstrate how their backgrounds and characteristics guided them to evolve into the luminaries we recognize presently.
Reverberation
This Marvel sequence prolongs the studio’s recent trend of showcasing its fearless—and intricate—female characters. In this instance, that character is Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), also known to viewers as Echo, who is recognized for her antagonistic role in Hawkeye. Yet over the duration of its rather brief five episodes, all of which are currently available for streaming, we unearth why Maya—one of the MCU’s rare deaf characters—must reconcile the occurrences of her history and reconnect with her Indigenous American ancestry to confront the destiny she has forged for herself. The series is already garnering commendable critiques, particularly for the performance by Hollywood neophyte Cox, who adeptly manages to bear the burden of an entire MCU series.
Percy Jackson and the Titans
Nearly 20 years following the publication of the initial book in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, this small-screenThe reimagining of the original title is earning acclaim for its loyalty to Riordan’s treasured prose. Enduring the trials of tweenhood is no easy feat, particularly for twelve-year-old Perseus “Percy” Jackson (Walker Scobell), whose life becomes even more challenging upon discovering that he is the offspring of Poseidon, the sea deity, and has infuriated his uncle, Zeus, by supposedly snatching his thunderbolt. (Just when you thought dealing with a pimple was tough!) Luckily for Percy, Camp Half-Blood provides refuge—a sanctuary where demigods like him can cultivate their abilities for noble purposes. It is within these walls that Percy internalizes the essence of “great power, great responsibility” and embraces it, despite his preference for gaming sessions with pals.
Revive the ’90s
As society ventures further from a specific era, that epoch tends to appear increasingly absurd. The 1990s are no exception, particularly when one recollects that even Furby elicited government apprehension. This Nat Geo limited series nostalgically revisits the decade that catalyzed our reliance on the internet, introduced us to the Spice Girls, and propelled Fabio to international heartthrob status. Unfamiliar with Fabio? Well, then you now have an additional reason to tune in. (Full disclosure: WIRED’s cultural curator, Angela Watercutter, contributes to this series as a featured expert.)
Behind the Fascination
Disneyland, Walt Disney’s inaugural theme park, unveiled itself in Anaheim, California, back in 1955. In the nearly seven decades since its inception, Disney parks have evolved into a global sensation, igniting fervent devotees who embark on annual (if not more frequent) pilgrimages to these acclaimed “Happiest Places on Earth.” But what occurs behind the curtain? This documentary series delves into the creation of iconic attractions such as the Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, along with the vibrant culinary landscape (calling all Dole Whip enthusiasts!), unveiling the backstage operations of the planet’s most renowned amusement parks.
Chills and Thrills
For over three decades, R. L. Stine’s spine-chilling Goosebumps literature has ignited the nightmares of young readers—much to their twisted delight (usually). Disney is now captivating a fresh generation of horror enthusiasts with this engaging series, unraveling a spine-tingling saga involving a crew of high schoolers unearthing the unsettling truths about a long-buried homicide—and the potential involvement of their closest comrades—in their seemingly idyllic hometown. While the perpetually amiable Justin Long leads as a possibly possessed educator in season 1 of this anthology, the forthcoming season 2—announced in February—ushers in a new ensemble, featuring Friends luminary David Schwimmer.
Deceiver
You might be pondering: Another Star Wars series? It’s a valid query. However, for traditional franchise enthusiasts, Ahsoka could offer unexpected delights. Rosario Dawson revisits the lead role as Ahsoka Tano, a former Jedi apprenticed to Anakin Skywalker, a character she initially portrayed in the second season of The Mandalorian. In this installment, Ahsoka embarks on a quest to locate Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen, brother of Mads)—a cunning strategist with aspirations of universal supremacy. A subsequent season is currently in the production pipeline.
The Wonder Years
In 2021, Saladin K. Patterson, the writer-producer behind Frasier and The Bernie Mac Show, breathed new life into the acclaimed and cherished series The Wonder Years for a contemporary audience. Don Cheadle voices over the experiences of Dean Williams (Elisha “EJ” Williams) as he matures in Montgomery, Alabama, during the closing years of the Civil Rights Movement. Both seasons of this meaningful series are presently available for streaming.
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire
Although Black Panther received an official sequel with the 2022 release of Wakanda Forever (now accessible for streaming on Disney+), this animated assortment is, in numerous aspects, a spiritual follow-up to that Academy Award-winning MCU film. Over a dozen emerging African storytellers were personally selected to craft these ten brief films, drawing inspiration from their cultures and histories to create a captivating, beautifully animated, and sometimes dystopian rendition of Afrofuturism.
Secret Invasion
The commencement of Secret Invasion prompted discussions, albeit not necessarily of the kind Marvel initially anticipated. Surprisingly, the studio employed artificial intelligence to design the show’s opening credits, a decision that polarized fans. Whether you are intrigued by the Midjourney-esque visuals or merely curious about Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson) recent endeavors, Secret Invasion warrants investigation. The series reunites Captain Marvel co-stars Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn (Talos), with the narrative following their joint efforts to unravel a covert incursion of Earth by the shape-shifting Skrull alien faction. If that fails to captivate you, the opportunity to witness Olivia Colman and Emilia Clarke’s inaugural—yet undoubtedly not final—immersions in the Marvel Cinematic Universe might entice you.
The Muppets Mayhem
Devotees of the Muppets would affirm that The Electric Mayhem Band is a focal point of any Muppet production. This time, Dr. Teeth and his companions take the lead, on a pursuit to produce their debut studio album with the backing of an ambitious music executive, portrayed by erstwhile YouTube luminary Lilly Singh. While limited to a single season, brace yourself for a rocking experience.
A Small Light
The narrative of Anne Frank is widely recognized, but the account of Hermine “Miep” Gies—Otto Frank’s secretary and one of the five Dutch citizens who contributed to harboring the Frank family—is less acknowledged. This impactful Nat Geo miniseries endeavors to rectify that by showcasing Bel Powley’s poignant portrayal of a young woman who takes a heroic stand, irrespective of the potential consequences.
American Born Chinese
Academy Award winners—and Everything Everywhere All at Once co-stars—Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan reunite for this original Disney+ series. Jin Wang (Ben Wang) is an ordinary teenager attempting to navigate through the complexities of high school social structures. However, his world is forever altered when he is called upon to serve as a mentor to Wei-Chen (Jimmy Liu), a foreign exchange student concealing significant secrets, such as his celestial mission from the heavens.
and has selected Jin to act as his mentor. With elements of a coming-of-age story and a touch of mythological fantasy, this limited-run series presents a strong adaptation of Gene Yang’s comic book.
Star Wars: Visions
Within the expansive and diverse Star Wars universe, the variety of content can sometimes feel repetitive. However, this is not the case with Visions. This anthology series aims to offer fresh and imaginative perspectives on the Star Wars galaxy. The initial series, introduced in 2021, showcased nine episodes created by top anime studios in Japan, such as Kamikaze Douga and Trigger. The subsequent anthology series, debuting in 2023, further expands its horizons by involving studios from various countries like India, Ireland, Spain, Chile, France, South Africa, the US, and the UK. For those seeking standout tales within the Star Wars realm, look no further.
The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian was, and continues to be, precisely what the Star Wars franchise required. Every aspect of this series by Jon Favreau embodies classic television, from its standalone adventures to the guest appearances. Set on the outskirts of the galaxy, it follows the enigmatic Mandalorian bounty hunter (WIRED cover star Pedro Pascal) and truly lives up to expectations with its retro-futuristic droids, gritty Space Western ambiance, absence of Skywalker legacy, and, naturally, Grogu (also known as Baby Yoda). The Mandalorian established the benchmark for an outstanding Star Wars series, and while not every subsequent show has replicated its success, others like Andor have upheld the standards it set—demonstrating that Star Wars narratives can translate into exceptional television. While a fourth season is yet to be confirmed, the prospect of an exciting new adventure looms: a film titled The Mandalorian & Grogu, rumored to commence production in June (with a slated 2026 release).
Andor
Andor stands out as a remarkable creation. Crafted by Tony Gilroy, the director brought in to rescue Rogue One, it serves as the origin tale of one of the film’s most cherished characters, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna). Taking place in the initial days of the Rebellion, it chronicles Andor’s journey to becoming a vital member of the Rebels. With an ensemble cast including Fiona Shaw and Stellan Skarsgård, the series boasts an exceptional soundtrack composed by Nicholas Britell (Moonlight, Succession). Amidst the abundance of Mandalorians and Jedi, this series offers a refreshing change and possibly represents the epitome of high-quality television within the Star Wars universe.
Ms. Marvel
In Ms. Marvel, Disney merges its talent for crafting adolescent coming-of-age stories with its new role as custodian of the MCU. Iman Vellani shines as Kamala Khan, a high school student from Jersey City obsessed with the Avengers, navigating a sense of alienation in various aspects of her life. When a golden bracelet arrives from her grandmother in Pakistan, Kamala starts to realize that her daydreams of possessing superpowers may have been preparing her for real-life challenges. Straddling the realms of teen drama and comic book lore, Ms. Marvel—featuring Marvel’s inaugural Muslim superhero—represents another laudable leap forward for the company in terms of innovation and inclusivity. In 2023, Vellani’s Ms. Marvel transitioned to the silver screen, starring alongside Brie Larson in The Marvels.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
If part of your motivation for having children was to nurture a new generation of Star Wars enthusiasts, this fresh animated series, akin to the Star Wars version of Muppet Babies, offers an excellent starting point for their indoctrination. Set during the High Republic era, roughly two centuries preceding the events of The Phantom Menace, it follows a group of young Jedis—referred to as Jedi Lites—as they occasionally stumble through their endeavors to comprehend the ways of the Force. Like any quality children’s series, it imparts valuable life lessons about making a positive impact on the world.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Tatiana Maslany is no stranger to intricate characters (see: Orphan Black) or to portraying multiple facets of a single character (see again: Orphan Black). In She-Hulk, she extends her adept capabilities while amplifying the comedic aspects. Maslanystars Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters, the relative of Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), who shares the same angry gene. This trait proves beneficial for Walters and the viewers as she is appointed to lead a new department at her law firm specializing in legal matters related to “enhanced individuals” like herself. Despite Maslany’s capability to lead the series independently (as seen in Orphan Black), a talented ensemble cast, including Ruffalo, Jameela Jamil, Tim Roth, and Benedict Wong, adds entertainment value and solidifies the show’s spot within the MCU.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Ewan McGregor has not been consistently complimentary towards the Star Wars prequels that introduced his portrayal of Obi-Wan Kenobi—a character formerly portrayed by Alec Guinness, who also had numerous critical remarks about the franchise. Hence, it was somewhat unexpected when Lucasfilm revealed McGregor’s return as Obi-Wan for a standalone Star Wars series on Disney+. (Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy has confirmed there will not be a subsequent season.) This opportunity allowed McGregor and former co-star Hayden Christensen to rectify some aspects of their past performances, depicting a despondent Obi-Wan coping with personal and occupational disillusionment post losing Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) to the Dark Side.
The Beatles: Get Back
In January 1969, slightly over a year before their breakup announcement, the Beatles permitted a film crew unparalleled access to document the creative process and recording sessions for Let It Be, their final studio album. Five decades later, Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson inherited nearly 60 hours of film footage and more than 150 hours of audio from this project, which he then refurbished into a three-part documentary series. Regardless of being a Beatles enthusiast or not, the documentary presents an intriguing insight into the creative journey of one of music’s most prominent bands as they race against time to finalize their album recording, opt for an impromptu rooftop concert at their label’s headquarters, and occasionally clash. The awareness of the future events, unbeknownst to the subjects—being their final live performance and album recording—intensifies the project’s closeness. The miniseries successfully clinched all five Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series.
Moon Knight
Oscar Isaac brings another notable name to Marvel’s esteemed lineup of talents with Moon Night. In this series, Isaac portrays a man coping with dissociative identity disorder, embodying three distinct personalities: the mercenary Mark Spector, British sales clerk Steven Grant, and the enigmatic—and somewhat foreboding—Jake Lockley. Ultimately, he must confront himself to unearth the truths he seeks. In Moon Knight, Isaac expressed to Empire his excitement for the opportunity to showcase something “truly insane on a grand scale”—a promise he fulfills.
The Book of Boba Fett
Under the direction of Jon Favreau, this Disney series spotlights the underappreciated bounty hunter from the Star Wars universe in The Mandalorian. Considered a spinoff of the aforementioned series, The Book of Boba Fett unfolds in the same time frame post Return of the Jedi, portraying Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and his accomplice Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) aiming to seize control of the underworld previously dominated by Jabba the Hutt.
The Muppet Show
During its five-season run, The Muppet Showwithin the range from 1976 to 1981. It is esteemed as a quintessential piece of TV nowadays, but the journey was not always smooth for the creator, Jim Henson. Henson crafted a pair of one-time Muppet specials with the intention of transitioning the show to prime time, but both plans fell through. Luckily, the Muppets found a recurring spot in “The Land of Gorch” segments on the maiden season of Saturday Night Live, and when the show gained popularity, Henson saw the potential for a large viewership for an adult-themed Muppet show (along with the added benefit of attracting A-list hosts). The subsequent Muppet legacy speaks for itself.
The Punisher
The Punisher is another Marvel series that transitioned from Netflix to Disney+, also arising as a derivative of Daredevil. Similar to Daredevil, the Punisher (birth name: Frank Castle, portrayed by Jon Bernthal) is a vigilante who relishes revenge, irrespective of the consequences. While the Punisher somewhat admires Daredevil’s pursuit of authentic justice, Daredevil abhors the Punisher’s willingness to achieve his goals by any means. Bernthal injects intensity into the role that, while undeniably brutal, also has a touch of levity.
Boy Meets World
If your evenings as a youngster didn’t involve ABC’s TGIF lineup, then you likely didn’t experience the ’90s nostalgia. Fortunately, Disney+ rectifies this by including all seven seasons of the teenage sitcom. Corey Matthews (Ben Savage) navigates the complexities of maturing and evolving relationships with peers and relatives—aided by the insightful Mr. Feeny (William Daniels)—who always seems to have the right solution for your dilemmas, whether you appreciate it or not. As the series progressed and the characters matured, weighty subjects like substance abuse and intimacy were introduced, occasionally unsettling the network. When the show aired on the original Disney Channel, a few episodes were omitted due to their mature content. Upon completion, you can explore all three seasons of Girl Meets World, the series revival (featuring Corey as a parent and Mr. Feeny).
Jessica Jones
Approximately half a year following the debut of Daredevil, Netflix delved into another Marvel property with Jessica Jones. In this somber exploration of the superhero universe, Krysten Ritter takes on the role of a private detective who relinquished her superhero days following a catastrophic event. However, one cannot escape their true identity, a fact Jessica is confronted with when each case forces her to confront her past—including the supervillain Kilgrave (David Tennant), who drastically altered her nature.
Hawkeye
Yet another addition to an expanding roster of Marvel Cinematic Universe spinoff TV series, Hawkeye finally brings Jeremy Renner’s Clint Barton to the forefront, a character who has often felt overlooked among the Avengers. The exceedingly skilled archer appears in numerous ensemble Avengers movies, yet this Disney+ series marks his inaugural solo venture. Set during the holiday season, Hawkeye teams up with Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), a young and talented archer who shares his prowess but lacks his keen sense of danger. The storyline echoes elements of Die Hard as the central character strives to save the day and return home before Christmas. Let the debates on whether it qualifies as a Christmas TV program commence.
Monsters at Work
Monsters at Work offers an unexpected but delightful extension of the Monsters, Inc. narrative. It picks up the storyline half a year post the conclusion of the beloved Pixar movie, following the adjustments Sully and his companion Mike made to the Monstropolis energy system, now powered by laughter instead of children’s screams. The series, featuring workplace comedy elements, commenced in the summer of 2021; its eagerly anticipated second season premiered in April.
The Bad Batch
Yes, Disney is certainly making the most of its Star Wars properties. The Bad Batch serves as an animated spinoff seriesestablished in the wake of the Clone Wars, occurring between the prequel trilogy and the initial trilogy within the grand timetable. It tracks a unit of replica warriors with hereditary abnormalities that grant them distinct characteristics and temperaments, rendering them well-matched for engaging in audacious mercenary assignments. The complete trilogy is accessible for streaming.
WandaVision
This gradually simmering sitcom spoof is strangely gripping. In the initial couple of episodes, even toughened Marvel aficionados will possess minimal insight into the proceedings, as Avengers Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) enact an idealized family existence in monochrome 1950s suburban life. Speedily, it becomes evident that something is amiss in the tranquil town of Westview, as the program’s universe intertwines with the broader MCU. Olsen reenacts her character in Sam Raimi’s Doctor Strange continuation, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, which picks up right following the occurrences of WandaVision. While there won’t be a subsequent season, beloved character Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) is receiving a spinoff titled Agatha All Along, scheduled for release on September 18.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Following the surreal sitcom stylings of WandaVision, the second Marvel program to arrive on Disney+ covers more recognizable terrain. It’s a fast-paced thriller that tracks Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as they endeavor to fill the void left behind by Captain America in the interim subsequent to the events of Avengers: Endgame.
Star Wars Rebels
Accessible for both children and grown-ups—and indubitably one of the finest Star Wars television programs on Disney+—this animated series traces a band of rebels led by the former Jedi Kanan Jarrus (Freddie Prinze Jr.) and highlights his force-sensitive Padawan, Ezra Bridger (Ezra Gray). The esteemed fan-favorite Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) is another recurring figure throughout its four seasons, which adeptly flesh out the period between the conclusion of the prequel trilogy and the inception of the initial one.
The Simpsons
If you have some leisure time on your hands, the 34 seasons of The Simpsons presently accessible for streaming on Disney+ should keep you occupied. What can be articulated about one of the lengthiest-operating—and conceivably most renowned—animated television programs ever made? While the inaugural season is somewhat inconsistent by today’s standards, and there are continuous disputes about when the series transformed from indispensable viewing to neglected commercial enterprise, irrespective of your standpoint, there are literally weeks worth of amusement available here.
X-Men: The Animated Series
If you fancy indulging in deep dives, this lauded animated X-Men series from the ’90s is deserving of a viewing. In truth, the initial two movies in the live-action film series drew heavily from this animated show, which acts as a pleasant reminder of the potential inherent in rich source content.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
This seven-season series, tailored for dedicated Marvel enthusiasts, orbits around S.H.I.E.L.D.’s less superhuman operatives, helmed by Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg). The debut season requires time to gain momentum, but it truly finds its rhythm in the subsequent seasons, particularly the third, eventually intensifying with a sophisticated storyline that interweaves with the movies.
Agent Carter
Agent Carter surpasses Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in terms of quality, but it grappled with garnering an audience during its two seasons. Hayley Atwell reemerges as Peggy Carter from various MCU films in this 1940s-set series, where she serves as a government agency operative while aiding Howard Stark (Tony’s father) out of multiple predicaments. The two seasons conclude after just 18 episodes, making it a swift watch yet one that warrants dedicating time to.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
This is another Star Wars animated program worth exploring, although it should not be mistaken for the equally commendable 2003 animated series Star Wars: Clone Wars by the renowned Samurai Jack creator Genndy Tartakovsky. Both shows focus on the timeframe between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, depicting the journey of Anakin Skywalker from a conceited Padawan to a formidable Jedi Master.
Inside Pixar
Disney+ offers a plethora of backstage material. These are brief snippets that, in a different era, might have been restricted to the DVD bonus features. However, this series of 20-minute documentaries about various Pixar films provides a captivating peek into the renowned animated studio.
What If …?
This is an animated series centered around a fundamental query: What if? The Watcher, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, is an extraterrestrial entity who observes the multiverse, occasionally making minor alterations to steer events. The show explores how scenarios in the Marvel films might have unfolded differently if they encountered a pivotal moment akin to Sliding Doors. The initial episode delves into an alternate timeline where Steve Rogers remains a frail companion while Agent Carter transforms into a flag-draped super-powered fighter. Cast members from the movies reprise their roles, with Josh Brolin as Thanos, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and Karen Gillan as Nebula. The second season premiered in late 2023.
