Disney Plus isn’t just a streaming platform for kids. While it does have classic childhood movies such as Cinderella, Toy Story, The Lion King, etc, it’s very much a streaming platform for adults too. In fact, it’s one of the best streaming services in Australia.
Ever since Disney acquired Pixar, Marvel, Fox & Lucasfilm, Disney Plus offers exclusive access to the MCU films and TV shows, the Star Wars films and TV shows, and all of Fox’s awesome content. Therefore, it’s clear that Disney Plus is worth getting but with such a rich catalogue, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you’re looking for a new TV show to watch, never fear. Actually, you can sit back and relax because we’ve gone through and rounded up the best shows on Disney Plus to start watching right now.
RELATED: Find something great to watch via the DMARGE streaming guide.
24
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Elisha Cuthbert, Dennis Haysbert
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2001
Seasons: 8
An incredible concept, each season of 24 takes place over one twenty-four hour period; meaning throughout the course of 8 seasons, you only see eight days on screen. The series follows Jack Bauer, a counterterrorism agent, who is played to perfection by Sutherland.
Overall, 24 is thrilling and fast-paced; perfect for thriller and crime-drama lovers.
Arrested Development
Starring: Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Will Arnett
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2003
Seasons: 5
In Arrested Development, the rich but severely spoiled and dysfunctional Bluth family suddenly finds themselves penniless – the patriarch of the family is imprisoned and all assets are frozen. And so, the only level-headed Bluth, Michael – played by Bateman – is forced to try and keep his family’s business from collapsing.
Arrested Development is hands down one of the best comedy series of all time. It’s hilarious, intelligent and features some stellar performances.
The Bear
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Abby Elliott
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2022
Seasons: 1
The Bear stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmen, a young chef from the fine dining world who returns to his hometown of Chicago to run his family’s sandwich shop after the tragic death of his brother. Every day in the kitchen is a battle for Carmen due to the combative kitchen staff and the strained relationship with his remaining family members.
One of the most acclaimed shows of 2022, The Bear is an intense watch that puts viewers into the organised madness of a working kitchen overcome by ego and haunted by the ghosts of the past. White is excellent in his portrayal of a man dealing with grief in a pressure cooker environment.
Bob’s Burgers
Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Released: 2011
Seasons: 12
This delightful animated series follows the many misadventures of the Belcher family – Bob and Linda, and their kids, Tina, Gene and Louise – as they run their restaurant that sells burgers. While you may think an animated series that focuses on an American family may pale in comparison when The Simpsons exists, the humour and characters that Bob’s Burgers features makes the show feel original and fresh.
Bob’s Burgers has many great, witty one-liners that may take you a moment to get as well as awesome musical numbers. Sure, it’s weird but give this show a go; you won’t regret it.
Daredevil
Starring: Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2015
Seasons: 3
A suitably dark and violent action series to match the comic book character, Daredevil stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdoch, a blind lawyer-by-day who fights crime at night as the masked vigilante Daredevil. While doing so he uncovers a conspiracy involving powerful businessman and crime boss Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin (Vincent D’Onofrio.)
Set in within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Daredevil differentiates itself from the usual Marvel movie fare with its gritty, intense action thrills and engrossing character dramatics. Charlie Cox delivers a terrific turn as the title character, while Vincent D’Onofrio is suitably intimidating as the series’ main villain.
Dopesick
Starring: Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Rosario Dawson
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: 2021
Seasons: 1
The award-winning miniseries Dopesick is a multi-narrative drama that delves into the opioid epidemic in America, and how the pharmaceutical industry profited on the suffering of those hooked on a prescribed painkiller drug that was marketed as “non-addictive.”
Based on true events, Dopesick is a heartbreaking and engrossing miniseries that features fantastic performances from its stacked cast, in particular Michael Keaton as a smalltown doctor consumed by guilt, Kaitlyn Dever as a young coal miner stick in the throes of addiction, and Michael Stuhlbarg as a slimy pharmaceutical CEO. It is rare to watch a series that can make you sad, mad, and educated on an important issue.
The Dropout
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Michaela Watkins, Naveen Andrews
Genre: Biography, Drama
Released: 2022
Seasons: 1
The Dropout is a mini-series that chronicles the true story behind Theranos founder, Elizabeth Holmes, and how she put millions of patients at risk due to the healthcare technology she developed. Seyfried’s performance truly carries this series as overall The Dropout is just good – nothing more, nothing less.
If you’re after a show that you can quickly devour and will give you a few hours of light entertainment, The Dropout’s for you.
Firefly
Starring: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Released: 2002
Seasons: 1
Firefly just wasn’t appreciated in its time which is why it was cancelled after only one season. Flash forward to today and Firefly has a cult-like following and is regarded as one of the best sci-fi series ever made. Firefly is compelling with wonderfully complex storylines and Fillion’s charming performance.
If you’re a fan of the sci-fi genre or of Whedon, you’ve probably already seen Firefly; if not, you must watch it immediately!
How I Met Your Mother
Starring: Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Released: 2005
Seasons: 9
How I Met Your Mother is set in both 2030 and 2005-onwards and is told with a series of flashbacks; Ted is telling his kids in 2030 how he met their mother back when he was in his 20s and lived above a bar in 2005. The series is hilarious, smart and original, and the five lead characters are all incredibly interesting and lovable.
Considered one of the best sitcoms of all time, if you’re after a good laugh, make sure you watch How I Met Your Mother (and NOT its spinoff How I Met Your Father).
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Starring: Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Rob McElhenney
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2005
Seasons: 15
The long enduring comedy series that flipped the sitcom genre on its head, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia chronicles the exploits of a group of narcissistic and sociopathic friends who run the Irish bar Paddy’s Pub when they are not involved in varied mischievous schemes.
A sitcom that is as entertaining as it is ambitious, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has never been afraid to delve into taboo issues during its still ongoing run, often resulting in eyebrow raising, at times shocking, and consistently hilarious moments that have become legendary in TV comedy lore. Never a show to rest on its laurels, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia continues to challenge and entertain with its intelligent writing and the strong camaraderie between its cast.
Legion
Starring: Dan Stevens, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart
Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
Released: 2017
Seasons: 3
Legion stars Dan Stevens as David Heller, a young man diagnosed as schizophrenic who comes to discover that he has superpowers, which makes him the target of numerous nefarious forces.
Although associated with the X-Men film franchise, Legion stands apart from the usual superhero fare with its blend of intelligent storytelling and surreal visuals creating a trip-tastic sci-fi mystery that engrosses and perplexes with each episode. At the centre is Dan Steven’s commanding performance as David Heller aka Legion (the brother of Charles Xavier in the Marvel comics) who undergoes an existential journey as his standing as a god amongst men is revealed.
Lost
Starring: Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O’Quinn
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Released: 2004
Seasons: 6
Lost follows the survivors of flight Oceanic 815 – a plane that crashes on a mysterious island. The series is incredibly compelling and features some stellar acting performances as well as perfectly-executed poignant scenes.
Yes, the quality dips slightly in the last two seasons but Lost is still worth your time – the first few seasons are flawless – and the series should be given a second chance; so, go watch it.
The Mandalorian
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2019
Seasons: 3
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard of Baby Yoda. Well, The Mandalorian is the show that introduced Baby Yoda to the world. If you’re a Star Wars fan, The Mandalorian is a must-watch; action-packed and with smart story-telling.
Even if you’re not a Star Wars fan you’ll enjoy The Mandalorian, just not to the same degree as someone who understands all the lore.
The Old Man
Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, Amy Brenneman
Genre: Action, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2022
Seasons: 1
When an assassin attempts to kill former CIA officer, Dan Chase, who’s been off the grid for years, Chase is forced out into the open. This sets off FBI agent Harold Harper into motion and he begins to hunt Chase down.
Thrilling, action-packed and with fantastic performances, especially from Bridges and Lithgow, The Old Man is simply a must-watch.
Only Murders In The Building
Starring: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Released: 2021
Seasons: 2
Three true-crime podcast lovers team up and create their own when a murder takes place in their building. Extremely fresh, slightly quirky and with the excellent combination of Martin, Short & Gomez, Only Murders In The Building is phenomenal and a must-watch.
If you’re a fan of Martin, Short, Gomez or crime-comedies (like Brooklyn Nine-Nine), you’ll love Only Murders In The Building.
The Punisher
Starring: Jon Bernthal, Deborah Ann Woll, Ben Barnes
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2017
Seasons: 2
A spin-off from the Daredevil series, The Punisher see’s Jon Bernthal reprising his acclaimed role of Frank Castle aka The Punisher, a former Marine turned one-man-army who wages war against the criminal and government forces who murdered his family.
Bernthal brings his patented muscular intensity to the famed comic-book movie character who, although previously portrayed in numerous underwhelming film adaptations, has finally found the right actor and project to fulfil its on-screen potential. Suitably brutal in its violence and gripping in its storytelling, The Punisher will especially appeal to those who are looking for a ‘80s action-man throwback complete with a snarling anti-hero as the lead character.
Scrubs
Starring: Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2001
Seasons: 9
Scrubs follows JD, an intern doctor at Sacred Heart Hospital, as he learns about medicine, friendship and life. Extremely funny and very relatable – despite the fact that most of the main characters are doctors – Scrubs is considered one of the best comedies of all time for a reason.
If you’re after a good chuckle, add Scrubs to your watch list; although don’t watch the last season – most fans agree the show ended with Season 8.
The Simpsons
Starring: Dan Castellaneta, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Released: 1989
Seasons: 34
The longest-running American scripted primetime TV series, The Simpsons is still going strong with its adventures of a working-class family in the fictional city of Springfield continuing to take aim at American pop-culture and society with a satirical brilliance that has rarely been matched.
With its excellent ensemble of voice talent giving life to now iconic characters such as dullard family man Homer Simpson, greedy nuclear power plant owner Mr. Burns, and grouchy bartender Moe Szyslak, along with a crack team of writers that have shaped pop-culture through their exceptional scripts, The Simpsons still stands tall as a highly influential and entertaining TV series.
Sons Of Anarchy
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2008
Seasons: 7
Sons Of Anarchy focuses on the SAMCRO motorcycle gang and its VP, Jax. When Jax discovers that his late father had different plans for the gang – less criminally involved and violent – he struggles with wanting to make the gang better and his loyalty to his gang members; who like the SAMCRO gang the way it is.
Sons Of Anarchy has an extremely well-written plot and storyline, and features one of the best ensemble casts to ever grace the silver screen; if you’re after a solid but manly drama, this is the show for you.
WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn
Genre: Action, Drama, Science Fiction
Released: 2021
Seasons: 1
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) branched out into the world of television for the first time in 2021 and oh boy, did it start with a bang. WandaVision is the most interesting and original thing the MCU has done in years and the show is clever, funny and extremely compelling as you try to figure out what the hell is going on. Plus Olsen’s acting is next-level good.
If you’re not an MCU fan, you definitely need to watch MCU films Avengers: Age of Ultron, Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame (which you can do so on Disney+) to understand elements of WandaVision but trust me, WandaVision is so worth it.
Welcome to Wrexham
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney
Genre: Documentary, Sport
Released: 2022
Seasons: 1
When Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over as owners of the little-known English National League football team, Wrexham AFC, it sent shockwaves through the entire football community. This documentary follows the two stars from their initial negotiations, all the way through to taking the team to their first Wembley final.
You also hear from Wrexham fans and those heavily involved with the club, and you finish the series unable to not have a soft spot for them. A funny, heartwarming and wholesome documentary that is a joy to watch from start to finish.
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