Disney+ has taken the streaming world by storm since its launch in November 2019. With its vast library of classic content and exclusive original series, the platform has quickly become a top contender in the digital entertainment market. As a Digital Technology Expert, I‘ve closely followed the evolution of Disney+ and its impact on the industry. In this article, I‘ll dive deep into the 10 best shows available on the platform, providing insights, analysis, and interesting facts that showcase the technological advancements and storytelling prowess behind these incredible productions.
1. The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian, a Star Wars spin-off series, has become the flagship original show for Disney+. Created by Jon Favreau, this space western follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin, and his adorable companion, Grogu (popularly known as Baby Yoda). The show‘s success can be attributed to its stunning visuals, achieved through cutting-edge technology like the Unreal Engine and a 360-degree LED background called "The Volume."
According to Nielsen ratings, The Mandalorian was the most-watched streaming series in the U.S. in 2020, with an average of 1.3 billion minutes viewed per week [^1^]. The show‘s popularity has also led to a significant increase in Disney+ subscriptions, with the platform reaching 94.9 million subscribers as of January 2021 [^2^].
2. WandaVision
WandaVision, Marvel‘s first foray into Disney+ original content, has taken a unique approach to storytelling by blending classic sitcom tropes with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The show follows Wanda Maximoff and Vision as they navigate a seemingly perfect suburban life that slowly unravels to reveal a deeper mystery.
The series has received critical acclaim for its innovative storytelling, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 91% approval rating from critics and an 80% audience score [^3^]. WandaVision‘s success has also paved the way for more MCU content on Disney+, with shows like The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki following in its footsteps.
3. The Simpsons
The Simpsons, one of the longest-running and most iconic animated sitcoms of all time, has found a new home on Disney+. With over 30 seasons available, fans can enjoy the satirical adventures of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie in the quirky town of Springfield.
The show‘s transition to Disney+ has not been without its challenges. Initially, older episodes were cropped to fit a 16:9 aspect ratio, which led to visual gags being cut off. However, Disney+ quickly addressed the issue and now offers the option to view episodes in their original 4:3 aspect ratio [^4^].
4. The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show, a beloved classic that originally aired from 1976 to 1981, has been given new life on Disney+. The variety show features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the Muppet gang as they entertain audiences with sketches, musical numbers, and celebrity guest stars.
Bringing The Muppet Show to Disney+ required a significant restoration effort, as the original film negatives had to be scanned and digitized to create high-definition masters [^5^]. The result is a stunning revival of a timeless classic that can now be enjoyed by a whole new generation of viewers.
5. DuckTales (2017)
The 2017 reboot of DuckTales has successfully captured the spirit of the beloved 1980s animated series while updating it for modern audiences. The show follows the adventures of Scrooge McDuck and his mischievous grandnephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, as they embark on thrilling treasure hunts and face off against dastardly villains.
The series has been praised for its stunning animation, clever writing, and heartfelt storytelling. DuckTales has also embraced modern technology, with the show‘s animators using Toon Boom Harmony software to create the series‘ vibrant and expressive characters [^6^].
6. Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World, a classic coming-of-age sitcom from the 1990s, has found a new home on Disney+. The series follows Cory Matthews as he navigates the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood alongside his best friend Shawn, girlfriend Topanga, and wise teacher Mr. Feeny.
While the show may not boast the cutting-edge technology of more recent productions, its heartwarming stories and relatable characters have made it a timeless favorite. Boy Meets World‘s enduring popularity is evident in its spin-off series, Girl Meets World, which aired from 2014 to 2017 and is also available on Disney+.
7. The Imagineering Story
The Imagineering Story is a captivating documentary series that takes viewers behind the scenes of Disney‘s iconic theme parks. The show chronicles the history and evolution of Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force responsible for designing and building Disney‘s incredible attractions and experiences.
The series offers a fascinating look at the cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking that goes into creating Disney‘s immersive worlds. From the early days of Disneyland to the development of ground-breaking rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, The Imagineering Story showcases the passion and dedication of the talented individuals who bring Disney‘s magic to life.
8. The World According to Jeff Goldblum
The World According to Jeff Goldblum is a unique and entertaining documentary series that explores the surprising connections and fascinating science behind everyday objects and experiences. Hosted by the always curious and charismatic Jeff Goldblum, the show takes viewers on a delightful journey of discovery.
Each episode focuses on a specific topic, such as sneakers, ice cream, or bicycles, and features Goldblum interacting with experts, enthusiasts, and industry professionals to uncover the hidden stories and scientific marvels behind these seemingly ordinary subjects. The series‘ engaging blend of humor, informative content, and Goldblum‘s infectious enthusiasm makes it a standout among Disney+‘s original offerings.
9. Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls is a quirky and mysterious animated series that follows the adventures of twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend the summer with their great-uncle Stan in the enigmatic town of Gravity Falls, Oregon. Created by Alex Hirsch, the show has garnered a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim for its clever humor, intricate plotting, and memorable characters.
The series‘ animation style, which combines traditional hand-drawn elements with digital techniques, gives Gravity Falls a distinct and captivating visual appeal. The show‘s serialized storytelling and intricate mystery elements have also contributed to its popularity, with fans eagerly dissecting clues and theories online.
10. The Imagineering Story
The Imagineering Story, not to be confused with the similarly-titled documentary series, is a nostalgic teen drama that originally aired from 1998 to 2003. Set in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts, the series follows the lives of aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery, his best friend Joey Potter, and their close-knit group of friends as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.
While the show may not feature the cutting-edge technology of more recent productions, its emotionally resonant storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic pop culture references have cemented its status as a beloved classic. The Imagineering Story‘s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of well-crafted, character-driven narratives that speak to the universal experiences of growing up and self-discovery.
Conclusion
Disney+‘s diverse array of top-quality shows, ranging from groundbreaking originals to beloved classics, demonstrates the platform‘s commitment to delivering exceptional content to its growing subscriber base. As a Digital Technology Expert, I am continually impressed by the innovative ways in which these shows leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance storytelling and create immersive viewing experiences.
From the stunning visuals of The Mandalorian to the nostalgic charm of Boy Meets World, Disney+ offers something for every viewer. As the platform continues to expand its library and invest in original content, I am excited to see how Disney+ will shape the future of streaming and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of digital entertainment.
[^1^]: Nielsen. (2020). The Mandalorian Is Most-Watched Streaming Series in U.S. in 2020. https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2020/the-mandalorian-is-most-watched-streaming-series-in-us-in-2020/ [^2^]: Disney. (2021). The Walt Disney Company Reports First Quarter Earnings for Fiscal 2021. https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/the-walt-disney-company-reports-first-quarter-earnings-for-fiscal-2021/ [^3^]: Rotten Tomatoes. (2021). WandaVision: Season 1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/wandavision/s01 [^4^]: Scott, K. (2020). Disney Plus Has Restored The Simpsons‘ Original Aspect Ratio for Older Episodes. Cartoon Brew. https://www.cartoonbrew.com/streaming/disney-plus-has-restored-the-simpsons-original-aspect-ratio-for-older-episodes-193603.html [^5^]: Trumbore, D. (2021). How Disney+ Brought ‘The Muppet Show‘ Back to Life in HD. Collider. https://collider.com/the-muppet-show-hd-disney-plus-restoration-explained/ [^6^]: Zahed, R. (2018). Toon Boom Harmony Helps Animate Disney‘s ‘DuckTales‘ Reboot. Animation Magazine. https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/toon-boom-harmony-helps-animate-disneys-ducktales-reboot/