If you still think the Disney+ library is just for kids or superheroes, you’re missing out on some of the most technically ambitious television of 2026. Ever since the platform integrated the full Hulu and Star catalogs, it’s become a powerhouse for “High-Engine” drama—shows that use massive budgets to actually push the boundaries of what a series can look and sound like. We’re talking about series with surgical blocking and production value that makes most movies look cheap.
Finding the best TV shows on Disney+ means sifting through the noise to find the series that actually respect your time. These aren’t just “content” fillers; they are masterclasses in mood, visual subtext, and pacing. We’ve skipped the obvious giants like The Bear, Shōgun, and The Mandalorian that we’ve already covered to give you ten fresh, elite series that justify your subscription today. If you want a binge that feels like high-level cinema, start here.
Best for: Cinephiles who want prestige drama, high-craft procedurals, and sharp character writing with elite production values.
Common cinephile pain points this list solves: Wasting time on “toy-commercial” TV / Low-quality digital looks / Shows that feel like they have no stakes / Missing out on the best character-driven craft.
Related Lists: Disney+ Movies That Are Fun and Well Made / Shows That Hook You From Episode One / Perfect Shows for a Weekend Binge / Hidden TV Gems Worth Your Time
What to watch for
When you jump into the best TV shows on Disney+, keep an eye on Visual Subtext. A top-tier show doesn’t just use dialogue to explain stakes; it uses the camera. Watch for editing rhythms—especially in the thrillers—where a quick cut or a long, static shot tells you more about a character’s state of mind than a monologue. Pay attention to how the sound design builds the environment rather than just relying on a loud score.
10 best TV shows on Disney+
1. Under the Banner of Heaven (2022) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Dustin Lance Black (Directed by David Mackenzie / Isabel Sandoval)
Plot: A devout detective’s faith is tested as he investigates a brutal murder that seems to be connected to an esteemed family’s spiral into Fundamentalism.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: It’s a masterclass in procedural atmosphere. The show uses naturalistic lighting and a patient, observant camera to make the small-town setting feel heavy with secrets. The surgical blocking in the interrogation scenes builds a psychological tension that is standard-setting for the genre.
2. Dopesick (2021) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Danny Strong (Directed by Barry Levinson)
Plot: The story of how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history is told through the eyes of doctors, patients, and federal investigators.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: This is pro-level narrative economy. It manages three different timelines and dozens of characters with a surgical edit that keeps the momentum high and the stakes clear. The production design—moving from corporate boardrooms to grimy mining towns—is visually authored and incredibly effective.
3. What We Do in the Shadows (2019–2024) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Jemaine Clement
Plot: A documentary crew follows four vampires who have been roommates for hundreds of years on Staten Island, struggling to adapt to the modern world.
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: It is the best comedy engine for fans of mockumentary craft. The show relies on visual information and “look-to-camera” blocking to tell half the jokes. The use of practical effects and theatrical lighting turns a silly premise into a visually stunning series.
4. The Dropout (2022) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Elizabeth Meriwether
Plot: The rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos, as ambition and the “fake it till you make it” tech culture lead to a massive fraud.
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: It features absolute tonal control. The show moves from awkward character study to high-stakes thriller through blocking and performance alone. The clinical, white-walled production design of the labs mirrors the protagonist’s cold obsession, creating a persistent sense of unease.
5. Snowfall (2017–2023) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: John Singleton / Eric Amadio / Dave Andron
Plot: A look at the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles, focusing on a young entrepreneur, a CIA operative, and a Mexican wrestler.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu / BBC iPlayer
Why it’s a must-watch: It is visually authored realism at its peak. The cinematography uses a sun-drenched, saturated palette that captures the energy of 80s L.A. before the decay sets in. The surgical sound design and ensemble blocking make the gangland transitions feel heavy and dangerous.
6. Fleishman Is in Trouble (2022) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Plot: A recently divorced doctor dives into the world of app-based dating, only for his ex-wife to disappear, leaving him with the kids and a lot of unanswered questions.
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: This is structural filmmaking at its most clever. The show uses perspective shifts and voiceover with a surgical pacing that recontextualizes the story every few episodes. The blocking in the cramped NYC apartments perfectly illustrates the internal pressure of the characters.
7. Extraordinary (2023– ) 🇬🇧
Director/Creator: Emma Moran
Plot: In a world where everyone gets a superpower on their 18th birthday, 25-year-old Jen is still waiting for hers, navigating a confusing world as a “normie.”
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: It’s a stylized visual comedy with a unique, vibrant energy. The show uses creative framing and fast-paced editing to land its jokes, avoiding the flat look of many modern sitcoms. It’s a handpicked gem that uses its sci-fi premise to tell a very grounded, human story.
8. Tiny Beautiful Things (2023) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Liz Tigelaar (based on Cheryl Strayed)
Plot: A woman whose own life is falling apart becomes a revered anonymous advice columnist, using her own past trauma to help others find their way.
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: This is intimate filmmaking with real emotional weight. The direction relies on close-ups and naturalistic lighting to make the audience feel like they are part of a private conversation. The pacing and scene economy ensure that the emotional payoffs land without feeling manipulative.
9. Dave (2020–2023) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Dave Burd / Jeff Schaffer
Plot: A neurotic man in his late twenties has convinced himself that he’s destined to be one of the best rappers of all time, setting out to convince the world.
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: It features visually stunning surrealism. While it starts as a comedy, it evolves into an auteur-driven study of ego and creativity. The blocking in the music video sequences and the bold use of color make it one of the most visually interesting comedies in the Disney+ library.
10. Pam & Tommy (2022) 🇺🇸
Director/Creator: Robert Siegel (Directed by Craig Gillespie)
Plot: The true story of the theft and release of the sex tape involving Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, following the fallout for everyone involved.
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Where to Watch: Disney+ / Hulu
Why it’s a must-watch: It is production design as time travel. The show uses a grimy, 90s-inspired aesthetic and kinetic directing to capture the chaos of the early internet era. The surgical sound design and needle drops create a rhythmic pacing that makes the limited series fly by.
What to watch next
Next category: TV Shows You’ll Finish Faster Than You Expect (because once you’ve cleared the best on Disney+, you’ll want some high-momentum seasons that you can destroy in a single weekend).