Cancelled Disney+ TV Series that Are Still Worth Checking Out
Disney+ has launched a surprising number of originals across scripted dramas, comedies, documentaries, and unscripted formats—some of which ended sooner than expected. Many of these series built passionate followings, showcased top-tier talent, and explored corners of beloved franchises and books in ways that still feel fresh.
Below are fifteen cancelled Disney+ series that made a mark in a short run. For each one, you’ll find clear details on what it’s about, who made or starred in it, how it connects to existing material where relevant, and the core facts around its cancellation and release history.
‘Willow’ (2022)

A continuation of the classic Lucasfilm fantasy, ‘Willow’ follows a new fellowship led by Warwick Davis’s returning sorcerer as they venture across Tir Asleen and beyond. The series was developed by Jonathan Kasdan, with standout roles for Ellie Bamber, Ruby Cruz, Erin Kellyman, and Amar Chadha-Patel, and it blends quest-driven storytelling with creature effects and modern ensemble dynamics rooted in the original movie’s mythology.
The show was cancelled after one season, with a single arc that introduces fresh lore while revisiting iconic elements like Nelwyn magic and Daikini politics. Episodes were initially released weekly on Disney+, and the production involved on-location shooting and practical setpieces that expanded the world introduced in Ron Howard’s film.
‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ (2021–2022)

Based on Trenton Lee Stewart’s bestselling novels, ‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ centers on four gifted children recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to infiltrate a sinister institute. Tony Hale plays dual roles, joined by Kristen Schaal, MaameYaa Boafo, and Ryan Hurst, with the show emphasizing puzzles, found family, and ethical problem-solving drawn directly from the books.
The series ran for two seasons before cancellation, completing major storylines from the early novels and crafting a distinct visual identity with bright production design and period-tinged costuming. It was produced for Disney+ with episodic mysteries and ongoing conspiracies that wrapped key character arcs while leaving room for later books that never made it to screen.
‘Big Shot’ (2021–2022)

Created by David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey, and Brad Garrett, ‘Big Shot’ stars John Stamos as a fired college coach rebuilding his career at an elite all-girls high school. The cast includes Jessalyn Gilsig, Yvette Nicole Brown, and a roster of young performers, with on-court action balanced by team culture, academics, and school governance plotlines.
The show concluded after two seasons, charting the team’s evolution across multiple tournaments and administrative shakeups. It was produced as a Disney+ original with sports choreography, practice montages, and character-driven subplots for players and faculty that resolved core season arcs before the cancellation.
‘Turner & Hooch’ (2021)

A series adaptation of the buddy-cop comedy, ‘Turner & Hooch’ introduces Josh Peck as U.S. Marshal Scott Turner and a very slobbery K-9 partner linked to his family. Created by Matt Nix, the show weaves case-of-the-week investigations with an overarching mystery tied to Turner’s father, while leaning on stunt work and canine training setpieces.
It was cancelled after one season, delivering a full sequence of interconnected cases and a climactic resolution to its central conspiracy. The production shot on a mix of urban and coastal locations, with multiple trained dogs portraying Hooch and episodes structured around procedural beats familiar to fans of the original film.
‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ (2021–2022)

Reviving the hockey franchise, ‘The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers’ follows a new underdog squad formed when the Ducks become a powerhouse program. Lauren Graham co-stars, with Emilio Estevez returning early on and Josh Duhamel stepping in later, while Steve Brill, Josh Goldsmith, and Cathy Yuspa steer the series’ creator and showrunner roles.
The show ran for two seasons before being cancelled, taking the team through training camps, regional tournaments, and a high-profile skills program storyline. On-ice sequences were coordinated with real hockey consultants, and the series integrated franchise callbacks, team management subplots, and evolving player rivalries across its run.
‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ (2022–2023)

Set in the ‘National Treasure’ universe, ‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ centers on Lisette Olivera’s Jess Valenzuela as she deciphers clues tied to her family’s past and a legendary trove. Catherine Zeta-Jones features prominently, with Jerry Bruckheimer Television producing and franchise writers Cormac and Marianne Wibberley involved in the series’ creation.
It was cancelled after one season, concluding a serialized treasure hunt that spanned museums, archives, and historical landmarks. The show relied on riddles, ciphers, and set-piece heists styled after the films, and it expanded the franchise by foregrounding a new lead team and a different slice of American and Mesoamerican history.
‘Just Beyond’ (2021)

An anthology inspired by R. L. Stine’s graphic novels, ‘Just Beyond’ presents self-contained episodes exploring witches, ghosts, aliens, and parallel realities. Created by Seth Grahame-Smith, the series brought in rotating casts and directors, using a flexible format to adapt multiple stories with a consistent tone and opening-credits motif.
The show was cancelled after one season, but its anthology structure allows each episode to stand alone with complete beginnings and endings. Production leaned on practical effects and stylized lighting, and the series employed a Twilight Zone-style cadence that made it easy to sample in any order.
‘Diary of a Future President’ (2020–2021)

From creator Ilana Peña, ‘Diary of a Future President’ follows Elena Cañero-Reed as she journals her way through middle school on a trajectory toward the White House. Tess Romero leads the cast, with Selenis Leyva and Charlie Bushnell, and executive producer Gina Rodriguez appearing as an older version of Elena in framing scenes.
The series was cancelled after two seasons, completing school-year arcs, family developments, and student-council campaigns that mapped to Elena’s growing responsibilities. Episodes combined classroom stories with home life and community volunteering, and the production highlighted bilingual dialogue and South Florida settings.
‘The Right Stuff’ (2020)

A scripted adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s nonfiction, ‘The Right Stuff’ dramatizes the formation of NASA’s Mercury Seven and the pressure-cooker environment of test pilots entering the space race. Patrick J. Adams and Jake McDorman lead the ensemble, with National Geographic branding reflected in behind-the-scenes research and archival-informed design.
The series was cancelled after one season, covering astronaut selection, media scrutiny, and early mission prep with attention to period hardware and flight sequences. It was produced with aircraft photography, mission-control set builds, and costuming aligned to real-world documentation to recreate the program’s early milestones.
‘American Born Chinese’ (2023)

Adapted from Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, ‘American Born Chinese’ blends high-school comedy with Chinese myth, following Jin Wang as he befriends a new student tied to the Heavenly Realm. The ensemble includes Ben Wang, Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Daniel Wu, and Jimmy Liu, with Kelvin Yu as showrunner and choreography integrating wire-fu and modern VFX.
It was cancelled after one season, presenting a complete school-year arc alongside mythic confrontations drawn from Journey to the West characters. The production staged corridor fights, rooftop stunts, and deity costuming, and wove in cultural festivals and family-dinner scenes that mirror the source material’s themes.
‘Encore!’ (2019–2020)

Hosted by Kristen Bell, ‘Encore!’ reunites former high-school theater casts to restage their musicals with professional help. Episodes document vocal coaching, choreography, set design, and the emotional logistics of bringing adult schedules together for a curtain call.
The series was not renewed after its initial run, but each installment functions as a self-contained production diary from first rehearsal to final performance. Disney Theatrical and Broadway veterans appear across episodes, with behind-the-scenes glimpses at costuming, pit bands, and technical cues that culminate in a show-night recording.
‘The Quest’ (2022)

A hybrid competition set in the fantasy world of Everealm, ‘The Quest’ places real contestants inside a scripted storyline with actors, practical sets, and creature makeup. From creators behind large-scale reality and fantasy projects, the series uses in-world challenges, artifacts, and narrative twists judged by characters rather than traditional hosts.
It was cancelled after one season, delivering a full narrative with a chosen hero crowned through progressive trials. The production shot on immersive sets with diegetic rules and puzzles, and featured costumed performers who maintained the fiction while contestants advanced through chambers, citadels, and forest locations.
‘Prop Culture’ (2020)

Hosted by film prop collector Dan Lanigan, ‘Prop Culture’ explores iconic Disney movie artifacts—tracking down items like hero costumes, matte paintings, and animatronic pieces. Each episode focuses on a single film and includes interviews with craftspeople, actors, and archivists to verify provenance and restoration details.
The show did not return for additional seasons, but its episodes stand as case studies in conservation and studio history. The series partners with the Walt Disney Archives and private collections, often reuniting artists with their work and documenting proper storage, scanning, and repair techniques.
‘Be Our Chef’ (2020)

‘Be Our Chef’ is a family cooking competition set at Walt Disney World, hosted by Angela Kinsey. Teams tackle challenges themed to Disney stories and characters, with culinary mentors guiding recipe development, plating, and time management under pressure.
The series was not renewed beyond its debut run, but it presents a full bracket of challenges culminating in a final cook-off and prize reveal. Filming took place at resort locations and test kitchens, and episodes highlight pantry planning, allergen considerations, and presentation skills for home cooks.
‘Marvel’s Hero Project’ (2019–2020)

A documentary series from Marvel, ‘Marvel’s Hero Project’ profiles real kids doing extraordinary community work, from inclusive design to environmental advocacy. Each subject is honored with a custom comic issue, created by Marvel artists and writers to celebrate their achievements.
The series wrapped after its initial slate of episodes, and the comics produced for each honoree were released digitally for readers. Production features interviews with families, on-location footage of projects in action, and segments inside Marvel’s offices tracing script, pencils, inks, and coloring as the commemorative issues come together.
Share your picks—and any overlooked favorites—in the comments!


