exclusive to the platform. However, due to multiple acquisitions by the company (including those as big as 20th Century Fox and it’s streaming service Hulu), even more properties now fall under the Disney-moniker.
This puts Disney into a tough spot in of the content it is and isn’t willing to have directly associated with its name. While many programs currently available are understandable, the omission and inclusion of certain shows equally don’t make sense.
Should- Firefly
In spite of its premature cancellation, Firefly is a cult classic that has entertained many for nearly two decades. Fans’ appetite for more of the world was only briefly satiated with the release of 2005’s Serenity before the franchise seemed to have finally been put to rest. However, with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, they now own the rights to the show.
Not only could they provide a new home for the show, but could even outright restart it. Many of the show’s cast still have very active careers and show lead Nathan Fillion is even currently on Disney’s payroll as the star of ABC’s The Rookie.
Shouldn't- Encore!
An original Disney+ show, High School Musical films and its new series.
Yet the relevance of this show is exceptionally questionable, as indicated by lukewarm reviews and a 68% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This is the sort of program that relies on viewers with a very particular interest in the subject.
Should- Home Improvement
Toy Story and Santa Claus franchises, yet his career starting role has so far been absent from Disney+. As an ABC show, it too has been a Disney property since it’s inception, but the streaming rights currently lie with DirectTV.
Given the company’s larger ambitions, it is unknown if this will be reversed. In the event Disney is able to reacquire license to the show, Home Improvement would undoubtedly draw many new subscribers.
Shouldn't- The Simpsons
The Simpsons is arguably one of the most discussed acquisitions made by Disney in its purchase of 20th century Fox, rivaled by properties such as X-Men and the Alien franchise. Many shows now in Disney’s legal possession like Family Guy, are set to remain on or be moved to streaming services like Hulu (which is incidentally another Fox asset).
The Simpsons however, was moved off of Hulu and on to Disney+. Censorship concerns remain abundant, as episodes are missing and the platform's aspect ratio, unintentionally or not, has now infamously ruined many of the show's sight gags.
Should- The Muppet Show
Despite nominally now being a Disney brand, The Muppets are in a unique position relative to Disney’s other properties. As The Jim Henson Company still in fact holds the rights to many characters and works, only a few films and shows featuring the characters are available on the streaming service.
This coupled with it already being available through DVD makes The Muppet Show something that Disney has shown very little interest in pursuing. However, were it more practical to do so, The Muppet Show would defiantly be a worthwhile addition to Disney+.
Shouldn't- Wicked Tuna
The National Geographic branch of Disney Plus is now home to many educational programs filmed over the course of the brand's existence. Yet a peculiar franchise that it includes is Wicked Tuna, and it’s sequel series Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks.
Both shows are relatively straightforward in of plot; following fishing crews in their pursuit of tuna. On Disney+, these shows are incredibly niche relative to others in the same category, and some may find a show specifically centered on hunting to be out of place with Disney’s brand.
Should- Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003)
Not to be confused with 2008’s Star Wars, Clone Wars is a 2D cartoon series similarly set between Episode II and III. The series depicts the events of the Clone Wars, showing both original characters as well as those to be introduced in Episode 3 (such as General Grievous).
While overshadowed by later media, this was the first major look at the Clone Wars conflict, an event referenced as early as A New Hope. Though not featured on Disney+, it’s inclusion would be a welcome addition to the platform’s Star Wars catalog.
Shouldn't- Inhumans
2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2) and enthusiasm from fans of the characters, the show was widely panned. Everything from bad story pacing to sub-par costume design was attacked and left Inhumans with an abysmal 11% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The show was canceled after just one season, yet has been corralled into the Marvel section on Disney+. With its poor reputation and low appeal, it might behoove Disney to brush it under the rug.
Should- According to Jim
One of the most recognizable works featuring Jim Belushi (brother of SNL’s John Belushi), According to Jim ran for eight seasons during its nine-year run. As with Home Improvement, According to Jim is also an ABC property, thus owned by Disney.
Yet it too has yet to see any release on the new streaming service. While the show can be found on other services such as Amazon Prime and Google Play, it hasn’t even seen a release on Hulu (where Disney has placed many programs deemed less suited to Disney+).
Shouldn't: Bizaardvark
With an IMDb rating of just 3.5/10, Bizaardvark is among Disney’s worst-rated programs. Centered on two students as they pursue internet fame, the show had initial success and drew comparisons to other shows such as iCarly. However, after that initial praise, the show rapidly declined in popularity.
It is of little note today and has since blended in with the rest of Disney’s recent sitcoms. Bizaardvark is available on Disney+, but its poor reputation, coupled with now-scandalous cast member Jake Paul, would make it one absence that may benefit the platform.