Lesser-Known Disney+ TV Shows That Are Totally Worth Watching

From inventive docuseries to offbeat comedies and global originals, Disney+ hides plenty of gems beyond its mega-franchises. Below are lower-profile series spanning behind-the-scenes filmmaking, family drama, competition formats, and even a talk show hosted by a blue alien. Each entry includes a quick snapshot of what it is, who made it, and what you’ll find inside—so you can decide what to queue up next without digging through menus.

‘Big Shot’ (2021–2022)

Created by David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey, and Brad Garrett, ‘Big Shot’ follows a temperamental NCAA coach who ends up leading a private school girls’ basketball team. John Stamos stars alongside Yvette Nicole Brown and Jessalyn Gilsig, with storylines balancing team dynamics and academic life. The series was filmed around Southern California, using real gyms and campus settings for authenticity. It blends sports strategy, practice sequences, and tournament play with mentorship themes and school policies.

‘Diary of a Future President’ (2020–2021)

‘Diary of a Future President’ charts the middle-school years of Elena Cañero-Reed, who narrates her formative experiences via diary entries. Created by Ilana Peña and produced by Gina Rodriguez, the show features a Cuban American family navigating school, friendships, and leadership ambitions. The structure alternates between present-day episodes and brief future glimpses to frame Elena’s growth. It highlights student government, family traditions, and guidance from teachers and mentors.

‘Earth to Ned’ (2020)

From The Jim Henson Company, ‘Earth to Ned’ is a talk show hosted by a curious alien and his lieutenant Cornelius after their planned invasion gets derailed by celebrity culture. The practical puppetry uses full-body animatronics and an elaborate set built to look like a starship hidden beneath Earth’s surface. Each episode brings in real guests for interviews, sketches, and running gags about human customs. The format mixes late-night conventions with puppetry showcases and recurring segments.

‘Pick of the Litter’ (2019)

Based on the feature documentary of the same name, ‘Pick of the Litter’ tracks puppies training to become guide dogs. The series follows volunteer raisers, professional trainers, and eventual client placements, showing assessments at every milestone. Viewers see temperament testing, obstacle work, and the matching process that pairs dogs with people who have low vision or blindness. Episodes emphasize training criteria, handler communication, and the decision points that determine career paths.

‘Shop Class’ (2020)

‘Shop Class’ revives hands-on building for a new generation, teaming students with adult mentors to design and fabricate creative solutions. Challenges range from functional vehicles to themed structures, with judging on engineering, craftsmanship, and design. The show spotlights safety practices, tool literacy, and iterative prototyping on camera. Final evaluations break down performance, aesthetic choices, and how well teams meet the stated brief.

‘Be Our Chef’ (2020)

‘Be Our Chef’ is a family cooking competition hosted by Angela Kinsey, with challenges inspired by Disney stories and characters. Teams cook in a bright, test-kitchen-style space and present to rotating guest judges. Each episode outlines the culinary brief, pantry items, and time limits before revealing criteria like flavor, presentation, and theme integration. The format closes with tastings, feedback, and a winner advancing toward a final showcase.

‘Prop Culture’ (2020)

Hosted by collector Dan Lanigan, ‘Prop Culture’ hunts down original costumes, models, and set pieces from classic films kept in archives and private collections. Episodes center on a single production, tracing how key props were made and used on set. The host interviews craftspeople, actors, and archivists, often reuniting artifacts with creators. Restoration techniques, cataloging, and conservation practices are highlighted to show how film history is preserved.

‘Encore!’ (2019–2020)

Produced by Kristen Bell, ‘Encore!’ reunites former high-school castmates to restage a musical with professional help. Each episode documents rehearsals, vocal coaching, choreography refreshers, and the technical build that brings the show back to life. The series details how community theaters coordinate costumes, lighting cues, and orchestration under tight timelines. It concludes with a performance for local audiences, capturing the full production cycle.

‘Just Beyond’ (2021)

Inspired by R. L. Stine’s work, ‘Just Beyond’ is an anthology where each episode tells a self-contained, supernatural story. The series blends ghostly encounters, sci-fi twists, and moral dilemmas suited for family audiences. Episodes feature different casts and directors, keeping the tone flexible while maintaining genre conventions. Practical effects and stylized production design support eerie atmospheres without graphic content.

‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ (2021–2022)

Based on Trenton Lee Stewart’s novels, ‘The Mysterious Benedict Society’ follows four gifted kids recruited by Mr. Benedict for covert problem-solving missions. The show emphasizes puzzles, code-breaking, and teamwork, with whimsical visuals and carefully designed sets. Tony Hale plays dual roles central to the story’s conflict, supported by a large ensemble of child and adult actors. Production design leans into retro-futurist gadgets, school-for-the-gifted settings, and elaborate lairs.

‘Parallels’ (2022)

A French-language sci-fi drama, ‘Parallels’ centers on four friends whose lives are disrupted by a mysterious event splitting timelines. The series explores cause-and-effect across alternate realities and the choices that reshape relationships. Filming locations in the Alps lend a distinct visual identity to the story. The narrative uses parallel scenes and cross-cutting to show differing outcomes for the same characters.

‘Weekend Family’ (2022–2024)

‘Weekend Family’ is a French family comedy about a devoted dad who spends weekends with his three daughters and navigates co-parenting with multiple exes. The show balances lighthearted household chaos with school projects, birthdays, and new-partner dynamics. It introduces a psychologist-in-training character whose studies intersect with family situations. Episodes focus on practical parenting logistics, communication, and shared traditions.

‘Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts’ (2021–2022)

Hosted by Robin Roberts, this interview series brings together notable women for candid conversations around resilience, identity, and career. Episodes are structured as roundtables intercut with one-on-one moments and archival material. The production emphasizes conversational pacing, minimal sets, and direct-to-camera reflections. Guest lineups vary by theme, giving each installment a distinct focus.

‘Light & Magic’ (2022)

‘Light & Magic’ is a behind-the-scenes chronicle of Industrial Light & Magic, covering the evolution of visual effects from practical models to digital pipelines. Filmmakers, artists, and technicians walk through breakthroughs in motion control, compositing, and CGI. The series uses archival footage, new interviews, and shot breakdowns to detail specific innovations. It also traces how departments like model-making, animation, and R&D collaborate across productions.

‘Behind the Attraction’ (2021– )

Narrated by Paget Brewster and produced in partnership with Seven Bucks Productions, ‘Behind the Attraction’ explores how iconic theme-park experiences are conceived and engineered. Each episode focuses on one attraction or category, unpacking concept art, ride systems, and storytelling choices. Imagineers and historians explain queue design, throughput strategies, and set decoration techniques. Archival materials and global park footage place attractions within broader company history.

‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ (2020– )

Narrated by Josh Gad in early episodes, ‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’ documents animal care at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT’s aquarium. The series follows veterinarians, keepers, and aquarists through wellness checks, enrichment planning, and habitat maintenance. Viewers see procedures like imaging, transport, and introductions for new arrivals. It highlights conservation partnerships and species-specific care routines across exhibits.

‘The Right Stuff’ (2020)

Adapted from Tom Wolfe’s nonfiction book, ‘The Right Stuff’ dramatizes NASA’s Project Mercury and the formation of the original Mercury Seven astronaut team. Produced with National Geographic and Appian Way, the series focuses on astronaut training protocols, test flights, and the geopolitical context of the early space race. Patrick J. Adams and Jake McDorman lead an ensemble portraying pilots, engineers, and families. Production used period-accurate aircraft, archival-inspired set design, and locations that evoke Cape Canaveral and Edwards Air Force Base.

‘Turner & Hooch’ (2021)

‘Turner & Hooch’ continues the buddy–cop premise with a new U.S. Marshal who inherits a boisterous dog that becomes a working canine partner. Created by Matt Nix, the show blends case-of-the-week investigations with training routines for K9 work. Josh Peck stars, supported by trainers working with multiple Dogue de Bordeaux performers to portray Hooch. The series details obedience drills, scent work, and how handlers integrate dogs into law enforcement procedures.

‘Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.’ (2021–2023)

Set in Honolulu, ‘Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.’ follows a teen prodigy balancing hospital responsibilities with high school life. Created by Kourtney Kang, it updates a classic premise with a multicultural Hawaiian setting and a focus on family dynamics. Peyton Elizabeth Lee stars alongside Jason Scott Lee and Kathleen Rose Perkins, with episodes covering rotations across departments and mentorship from senior physicians. Medical scenarios emphasize diagnostics, bedside communication, and ethical decision-making.

‘The World According to Jeff Goldblum’ (2019–2022)

This National Geographic series sends Jeff Goldblum on curiosity-driven dives into everyday subjects like sneakers, coffee, and gaming. Each episode combines visits to factories, labs, and conventions with interviews from designers and experts. The production uses playful graphics and on-site demonstrations to break down how things are made and why subcultures form around them. Field segments highlight manufacturing processes, material science, and consumer trends.

‘Marvel’s 616’ (2020)

‘Marvel’s 616’ is an anthology docuseries examining the company’s history and fan culture from different creative angles. Episodes are directed by filmmakers including Gillian Jacobs and Alison Brie, exploring topics such as cosplay communities and the Japanese ‘Spider-Man’ adaptation. The series incorporates behind-the-scenes access, creator interviews, and archival materials. Each installment stands alone with its own reporting style and subject focus.

‘Among the Stars’ (2021)

‘Among the Stars’ follows NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy through mission prep, spacewalk planning, and operations aboard the International Space Station. With unprecedented access to NASA facilities, the series shows engineering briefings, equipment testing, and crew coordination. Cameras capture orbital maintenance tasks and communications between Mission Control and astronauts. It also documents the logistics of launch campaigns and the collaboration among international partners.

‘The Imagineering Story’ (2019)

Directed by Leslie Iwerks, ‘The Imagineering Story’ charts the creation and evolution of Disney theme parks worldwide. The series uses interviews with Imagineers, archival film, and design documents to trace ride development, show systems, and large-scale expansions. It covers organizational changes, global projects, and breakthroughs in animatronics and visual effects. Episodes unpack how concept art moves through prototyping to full attraction builds.

‘Zenimation’ (2020–2022)

‘Zenimation’ curates dialogue-free sequences from Walt Disney Animation Studios films, paired with newly mixed natural soundscapes. Episodes group scenes by themes such as water, flight, or cityscapes to create ambient visual experiences. The project emphasizes Foley artistry and environmental audio to highlight animation detail. It’s designed as a calming, sensory-forward anthology that spotlights craft elements often overshadowed by dialogue and music.

‘Muppets Now’ (2020)

‘Muppets Now’ presents an unscripted, sketch-style format where Scooter assembles each episode from segments submitted by the Muppet crew. Regular bits feature cooking demos, talk-show interviews, and science experiments with guest stars. The production leans on improvisation within planned segment frameworks. Puppetry teams coordinate multi-character setups with on-set monitors, practical sets, and live-performance timing.

‘It’s a Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer’ (2020)

Voice actor Bill Farmer, known for Goofy and Pluto, travels to meet working dogs performing specialized jobs across the United States. Episodes feature detection, conservation, and service roles, with handlers explaining training methods and daily routines. The show integrates brief animated interludes that nod to classic characters. Field segments document certification standards, task drills, and how dogs’ instincts are channeled into professional work.

‘The Big Fib’ (2020)

Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown, ‘The Big Fib’ is a game show where kids interview two “experts” to figure out who is lying. The format adapts a popular podcast concept into on-camera interrogations, demonstrations, and quick-fire challenges. Rhys Darby appears as a robot assistant named C.L.I.V.E., adding fact-check gags and rule explanations. Episodes outline subject matter basics before contestants test claims with hands-on experiments.

‘Rennervations’ (2023)

‘Rennervations’ follows Jeremy Renner and a build crew as they acquire decommissioned vehicles and transform them for community organizations. Projects include mobile music studios, water treatment rigs, and classrooms, executed with local partners. Fabrication segments show CAD planning, welding, and custom interiors tailored to each nonprofit’s goals. The series documents delivery events and training so recipients can operate the repurposed machines safely.

‘Welcome to Earth’ (2021)

Guided by explorers and scientists, ‘Welcome to Earth’ sends Will Smith to extreme environments to examine natural phenomena. Produced with National Geographic, episodes use specialized cameras, drones, and sensor rigs to capture hard-to-access locations. The team profiles subjects like bioluminescence, volcanic acoustics, and desert navigation techniques. On-site experts provide field methodology and risk management insights for each expedition.

‘The Quest’ (2022)

‘The Quest’ blends competition and scripted fantasy by placing real contestants in a narrative set within the kingdom of Everealm. Teens called Paladins undertake challenges tied to worldbuilding elements like relics, guilds, and prophecies. Practical creatures, prosthetics, and large-scale sets support in-universe tasks judged by story characters. Filming integrates cinematic staging with reality-style confessionals to document progress through the adventure.

‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ (2022–2023)

Set in the same universe as the adventure films, ‘National Treasure: Edge of History’ follows a young codebreaker who gets pulled into a sprawling hunt for historical artifacts. The series weaves riddles, ciphers, and museum research into episodic clues that build a larger conspiracy. Locations include archives, archaeological sites, and urban landmarks across the Americas. Returning cast members from earlier entries appear alongside a new ensemble tied to competing treasure-seeking groups.

‘On Pointe’ (2020)

‘On Pointe’ goes inside New York City Ballet’s School of American Ballet, following students through auditions, classes, and stage rehearsals. The series details technique drills, casting boards, costume fittings, and stagecraft as young dancers prepare for major productions. Faculty and répétiteurs are shown correcting form and coaching performance quality across daily schedules. It also covers family logistics, academic balance, and the institutional pathways that move students from school studios to professional companies.

‘Inside Pixar’ (2020–2023)

‘Inside Pixar’ is a collection of short documentaries that profile artists, technologists, and leadership at Pixar Animation Studios. Episodes explore story development, character rigging, shading, lighting, and studio culture through first-person interviews. The show highlights workflows from pitch to final render, including dailies, brain trust reviews, and iterative notes. It also traces how research trips and reference photography inform design choices on upcoming projects.

‘Forky Asks a Question’ (2019)

In ‘Forky Asks a Question’, the curious utensil from ‘Toy Story 4’ poses everyday questions to characters who explain basic concepts. Each micro-episode uses simple setups, concise dialogue, and visual gags to break down ideas like money, art, and friendship. Pixar’s shorts pipeline supports fast-turnaround animation with stylized staging. The format emphasizes teachable definitions while keeping continuity with established character personalities.

‘Pixar In Real Life’ (2019–2020)

‘Pixar In Real Life’ brings costumed characters and interactive props into public spaces for candid reactions. Episodes stage controlled scenarios—like a ‘Monsters, Inc.’ console or ‘WALL•E’—with hidden cameras capturing unscripted responses. The production coordinates puppetry, remote controls, and practical effects for on-the-street setups. Short runtimes focus on a single gag, followed by quick reveals of how the stunt was executed.

‘Into the Unknown: Making Frozen II’ (2020)

‘Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2’ documents the full production cycle of the animated sequel from story rooms to scoring sessions. Crews are filmed during milestone screenings, rewrite deadlines, and animation sprints, showing decision-making under time pressure. The series includes recording-booth work with cast, orchestral scoring, and final mix stages. It provides granular views of sequence breakdowns, VFX simulations, and editorial changes through late-stage notes.

‘Becoming’ (2020)

Produced by SpringHill, ‘Becoming’ profiles entertainers and athletes by returning to formative hometown locations. Each episode combines interviews with family, coaches, and teachers, plus archival footage and keepsakes. The structure follows a guided tour format that connects childhood spaces to later career milestones. Community voices and local institutions contextualize early opportunities and obstacles.

‘Growing Up’ (2022)

Created by Brie Larson and Culture House, ‘Growing Up’ presents hybrid documentary portraits of young adults sharing personal coming-of-age stories. Episodes incorporate interviews, stylized reenactments, and observational footage. Directors collaborate with subjects to shape visual metaphors and staging that match the themes discussed. The series addresses identity, family dynamics, and school environments with a consistent, episode-specific production approach.

‘Secrets of Sulphur Springs’ (2021– )

‘Secrets of Sulphur Springs’ is a mystery drama about a family that moves into a hotel connected to a decades-old disappearance. The show layers time-travel mechanics onto an ongoing investigation with clues hidden in recurring locations. Production uses grounded sets, diary pages, and period details to track evidence across timelines. Episode arcs advance character alliances while introducing new artifacts and revelations tied to the central case.

‘The Villains of Valley View’ (2022– )

‘The Villains of Valley View’ follows a superpowered family hiding in suburbia after crossing a villain league leader. Episodes balance secret-identity maintenance with school life, neighbor interactions, and power-related complications. The series uses practical gags, VFX augmentation, and stunt coordination for power demonstrations. Storylines rotate through family members’ abilities and the protocols they develop to avoid exposure.

‘Baymax!’ (2022)

‘Baymax!’ returns to the healthcare mission of the inflatable robot, with each short focusing on a different resident of San Fransokyo. Stories center on identifying a problem, running diagnostics, and implementing care plans with community support. The shorts feature location-specific details like neighborhood shops and transit lines to ground interventions. Animation emphasizes medical checklists, consent, and follow-up visits as part of routine care.

‘I Am Groot’ (2022–2023)

‘I Am Groot’ offers bite-size adventures featuring the sapling version of the character in self-contained scenarios. The shorts showcase environmental interactions, nonverbal humor, and minimal dialogue. Production focuses on high-fidelity materials and micro-scale environmental storytelling. Each entry uses simple setups and payoffs, with credits that often include brief mid- or post-episode tags.

‘Marvel’s Hero Project’ (2019–2020)

‘Marvel’s Hero Project’ spotlights real kids who create community solutions to local challenges. Episodes document projects through interviews, field footage, and collaborations with organizations. Each honoree is celebrated with an original comic that adapts their story into a superhero narrative. The production outlines practical steps taken by participants, from fundraising to prototype building.

‘Disney Insider’ (2020–2021)

‘Disney Insider’ is a magazine-style series with segments that go behind the scenes of films, parks, music, and consumer products. Each episode strings together multiple stories that profile craftspeople, performers, and designers. Crews film in workshops, recording studios, and ride facilities to show workflows and tools. Segment formats include sit-down interviews, on-site walkthroughs, and brief archival inserts.

‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’ (2022)

‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth’ teams the actor with scientists and coaches to test protocols related to endurance, strength, memory, and stress adaptation. Challenges are designed with safety teams, medical oversight, and measurable goals. The series breaks down physiological concepts using lab tests, wearables, and controlled environments. Field sequences apply research-backed methods in real-world scenarios with expert debriefs.

Share the lesser-known series you’ve discovered on Disney+ in the comments!