8 Best Disney+ Original Shows Anyone Can Watch

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Since launching in 2019, Disney+ has been consistently adding new original shows, building on popular franchises and introducing completely new stories. Shows spanning multiple seasons, like Star Wars: The Bad Batch and Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again, have allowed these brands to explore deeper narratives and give characters and storylines the attention they might not have received without Disney’s entry into the streaming market.

A lot of original shows on Disney+ (excluding those on Hulu) primarily appeal to dedicated fans of Star Wars and Marvel. Many of these shows, as illustrated above, require viewers to already be familiar with the Star Wars story or the Marvel movies. While these shows are often very popular – thanks to the large and passionate fan bases – they don’t easily attract a broader audience. Fortunately, Disney+ also offers a few excellent shows that either tell complete stories within the Star Wars and Marvel universes, or present entirely new and original content.

Moon Knight

Number of Seasons: 1 (2022)

The Disney+ series Moon Knight features Oscar Isaac playing Marc Spector, a former mercenary who struggles with a mental health condition causing him to have different identities. One of these identities is Steven Grant, a polite, British gift shop worker fascinated by ancient Egypt. Both Marc and Steven become the physical form, or avatar, for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu, taking on the identities of Moon Knight and Mr. Knight. They find themselves caught up in a dangerous and violent plot led by the fanatic Arthur Harrow (played by Ethan Hawke).

With Moon Knight, audiences officially met Marc Spector and his other identity within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The series tells a complete story over six episodes, and while Oscar Isaac could potentially reprise his role—his character did appear in the animated series What If…?—Moon Knight delves into a fresh and distinct part of Marvel lore. It’s a darker, more intricate, and captivating mythological mystery that should appeal to both longtime MCU fans and those new to superhero stories.

Andor

Number of Seasons: 2 (2022-2025)

Many consider Tony Gilroy’s Emmy-winning series, Andor, to be the best Star Wars show Disney and Lucasfilm have made—and possibly the best Star Wars story ever told. The show tells the difficult and dangerous story of how the Rebellion began, focusing on key characters like Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), and Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgård). While Andor serves as a prequel to the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (which then leads into the original 1977 Star Wars movie), it’s a complete and compelling story on its own.

One of the best things about Andor is that it doesn’t worry too much about fitting perfectly into the Star Wars timeline or constantly bringing back familiar characters. Instead, it focuses entirely on telling its own compelling story, only using established Star Wars elements when they genuinely enhance the plot. Andor is a powerful, five-year story about hope and suffering under a brutal regime, and it’s something everyone can enjoy.

Percy Jackson And The Olympians

Number of Seasons: 2 (2023-Present)

Unlike most Disney+ shows, which focus on Star Wars or Marvel, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is based on the popular fantasy books inspired by Greek mythology. The series centers on Percy Jackson (Walker Scobell), a young boy who learns his father is the Greek god Poseidon. After a dangerous experience with mythical creatures on a school trip, Percy is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods, where he gets caught up in a series of exciting and dangerous adventures.

The first season of the show is based on the first Percy Jackson book, The Lightning Thief, making it enjoyable for both fans of the books and those new to the series. Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, and Aryan Simhadri shine as the main trio, and they’re supported by a fantastic cast of adult actors like Adam Copeland, Jason Mantzoukas, and Toby Stephens. It’s a fun show for the whole family, and a much better adaptation than the previous movies!

Wonder Man

Number of Seasons: 1 (2026-Present)

Wonder Man is a surprisingly fresh and original addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While it features the returning character Trevor Slattery played by Sir Ben Kingsley, the show stands completely on its own, offering a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at the everyday world of Marvel heroes and villains. Instead of focusing on universe-ending stakes, it tells the story of Simon Williams, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, a struggling actor with superpowers trying to navigate a Hollywood where superpowered performers are no longer allowed.

One of the best parts of the show is the connection between Simon and his acting teacher, Trevor – they have great chemistry. Even when Simon uses his impressive powers, it never distracts from the show’s main story or its heartfelt moments. Originally planned as a short series, Wonder Man has been renewed for a second season. This show is a refreshing change of pace for viewers tired of typical superhero blockbusters, focusing instead on compelling characters and stories.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

Number of Seasons: 1 (2024-2025)

Though it takes place in the same timeframe as other recent Star Wars shows like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew feels like a completely different adventure. It’s a fun, treasure-hunting story inspired by ’80s classics such as E.T. and The Goonies. The show follows a group of kids who stumble upon an old spaceship on a faraway planet and unexpectedly launch into space. Lost and unable to find their way back home, they must depend on the help of others – but not everyone in the galaxy is friendly.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted space adventure, check out Skeleton Crew. This eight-episode series follows a charming group of kids – including an adorable alien – as they travel across the galaxy. Jude Law plays a captivating and enigmatic character, and the story takes them to beautiful planets, peaceful spas, and dangerous pirate hideouts. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy a *Star Warsstyle story without diving into the entire complex universe.

Renegade Nell

Number of Seasons: 1 (2024)

If you enjoy historical adventures with a touch of magic, mystery, and fun, check out Renegade Nell on Disney+. Created by acclaimed British writer Sally Wainwright (known for Happy Valley and Riot Women), the series stars Louisa Harland as Nell, who becomes a notorious highwaywoman after being falsely accused of murder. She’s aided by Nick Mohammed, playing a magical spirit named Billy Blind, as Nell discovers her fate is bigger than she ever imagined.

Even though it only lasted one season, the show is packed with clever dialogue, exciting action, political twists, magical secrets, and a lot of historical charm. If you liked My Lady Jane, The Artful Dodger, or Merlin, you’ll probably love this new fantasy series from Wainwright and Harland. Hopefully, this won’t be their last collaboration!

Ms. Marvel

Number of Seasons: 1 (2022)

Similar to shows like Moon Knight and Wonder Man, Ms. Marvel brings a brand-new superhero into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What makes Kamala Khan, played by Iman Vellani, so unique is that she’s a young fan of the Avengers – she even writes fanfiction about them – and has no prior connection to the established heroes. She’s a refreshing addition, discovering powers related to light (and resembling mutant abilities) and becoming the hero Jersey City didn’t know it was waiting for.

With the support of her close-knit and caring family and a great best friend, Ms. Marvel offers a fresh take on the typical superhero origin story. The series beautifully connects Kamala’s family roots in Pakistan with Islamic traditions and the mystical side of the Marvel universe. Ms. Marvel is a witty, clever, and energetic coming-of-age story that explores what it’s like to discover your powers and become a hero while still navigating the challenges of high school and self-discovery.

Star Wars: Visions

Number of Seasons: 3 (2021-Present)

Star Wars: Visions offers a fresh take on the galaxy far, far away. This animated series brings together talented studios from around the world, giving them the freedom to create their own unique Star Wars stories. They’ve reimagined familiar ideas like the Force, Jedi, and Sith without being tied to the existing timeline. The result is a collection of 18 stunning and well-crafted shorts that anyone can enjoy, whether they’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise.

Several stories from Star Wars: Visions have been so popular that they’ve gone beyond their initial short film format. For example, the first season’s “The Ninth Jedi,” created by Production I.G, received a follow-up in season 3 called “The Ninth Jedi: Child of Hope,” and will now be its own separate miniseries, Star Wars: Visions Presents: The Ninth Jedi. Even with these expanded stories, Visions remains outside the official Star Wars timeline, which makes it a great way for both new and dedicated fans to experience the wonder of the Star Wars galaxy.

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2026-05-08 18:07