Disney’s TV shows are legendary, butsome titles deserved more than a single season. There are severalgreat modern Disney TV shows based on movies, but sadly, some of the franchise’s more original titles didn’t survive past season 1.
The Disney Channel’s best original TV showstypically run for years, and their overall appeal and charm keep viewers of all ages engaged. These Disney TV shows only have one season for various reasons, but they deserve more installments, either based on how their narratives were left off or the public’s in need of continued interest in them.
8Dave The Barbarian
Aired 21 Episodes From 2004-2005
Dave the Barbarianis aforgotten fantasy TV show that deserves a second chance. The animated Disney series centers on the titular character, a powerful barbarian who also struggles with cowardice, and those who surround him in his daily life. While a children’s show set in the Middle Ages isn’t a new concept,Dave the Barbarian’s characters make it unique. Dave’s sister’s, Candy and Fang, are brilliantly entertaining for younger viewers, and the contrast in their personalities provide some rather comical moments.
Dave the Barbarian
Cast
Dave the Barbarian is an animated comedy series set in the Middle Ages, following Dave and his family, including sisters Candy and Fang, as they navigate comedic adventures. The show blends medieval themes with humor, showcasing Dave’s unique mix of strength and appreciation for refined activities like origami and gourmet cooking.
The ongoing theme of good vs. evil inDave the Barbarianis great for a kids’ show, too. Unfortunately, there are so many parodies in the fantasy genre, especially animated titles, andDave the Barbariansimply couldn’t keep up, hence the show’s cancelation after only 21 episodes in 2005. However, 20 years afterDave the Barbarian’s end, perhaps now is a good time for Disney to revisit this project.
7Hailey’s On It!
Aired 30 Episodes From 2023-2024
BecauseHailey’s On It!originally aired across an 11-month period, it feels like the show is longer than it is, but there are only 30 episodes.Hailey’s On It!focuses on 14-year-old Hailey Banks, who, after a strange run-in with a scientist during a New Year’s celebration, is forced to face her fears to save the world from global warming. WhileHailey’s On It!delves into the importance of looking after the planet, it also provides viewers with messages about the struggles of growing up and finding oneself.
Hailey’s On It!
Created by Devin Bunje and Nick Stanton, Hailey’s On It! is an animated comedy series starring Auli’i Cravalho as the titular character, Hailey Banks. Hailey’s world is thrown into adventurous chaos when a robot and a scientist from the future visit her, informing her that she’s the key to saving the world. But, with no accurate guidance, Hailey will face the impossible while trying to live the life of a teenager in love with her best friend.
Hailey’s friendship with her best friend, Scott, is so wholesome. What I appreciate about their relationship is that the show doesn’t try to force the romance storyline between the mixed-gender friends, and everything that happens between them feels natural. In fact,Hailey’s On It!’s ending touches on this topic when Hailey has to kiss Scott to prevent Earth’s destruction, but she chooses to leave it to the very last moment so as to protect their friendship.
6Pretty Freekin Scary
Aired 20 Episodes In 2023
Pretty Freekin Scaryis a relatively new title, and while it isn’t exactly one ofthe best Disney Channel sitcoms ever made,it still has a lot of potential.Pretty Freekin Scaryfollows 14-year-old Frankie Ripp, who dies in a shocking accident and, after an argument with the Grim Reaper, returns to reality.
However, Frankie is stuck with the companionship of Pretty and Scary, her Underworld guardians, while also having to complete a series of tasks given to her by the Grim Reaper in exchange for keeping her life. I think this is an incredible concept, but it’s also a little dark forPretty Freekin Scary’s target audience.
Pretty Freekin Scary
Pretty Freekin Scary follows fourteen-year-old Frankie Ripp, who must adjust to life with Underworld guardians after a life-altering incident. She faces the trials of middle school alongside supernatural companions Pretty and Scary, having previously enjoyed a seemingly perfect existence with her family, friends, and boyfriend.
Despite this,Pretty Freekin Scarystill teaches audiences some important things. Tackling the concept of death in such a comedic way is a little odd, but it works in this show, and Frankie’s escapades are so ridiculous that it takes the edge off the heavy topic.Pretty Freekin Scaryfeatures a diverse cast and offers a new take on overplayed sitcom tropes, but sadly, the show didn’t resonate with audiences enough to keep it on the air.
5In A Heartbeat
Aired 20 Episodes From 2000-2001
In a Heartbeat’s storyis ahead of its time for a TV show from the year 2000, and it’s a title that I really hope Disney will consider rebooting.In a Heartbeatis abouta group of high schoolers who also volunteer as part-time EMTs, who attempt to balance their academic and professional lives all at the same time. The ‘00s Disney drama’s cast includes big names likeX-Menstar Shawn Ashmore andDegrassi: The Next Generation’s Lauren Collins in the early days of their respective careers.
In a Heartbeat
In a Heartbeat is a Disney Channel Original Series released in 2000, exploring the dual lives of teenagers volunteering as part-time emergency medical technicians while balancing their high school commitments. Inspired by real EMT squads operated by students, the series aired on Disney Channel in the United States.
There are several popular children’s shows that feature characters with double lives, likeHannah Montana, butIn a Heartbeatoffers a sense of realism that other series don’t. Teaching kids about working as a healthcare professional, especially one who encounters drastic emergencies on a regular basis, is an amazing idea.In a Heartbeatisn’t just educational, though, and there are plenty of interesting character subplots to enjoy, too.
4Flash Forward
Aired 26 Episodes From 1995-1996
Even thoughFlash Forwardis aDisney Channel show no-one remembers, mostly,there is still a small fanbase who believe it deserved a better chance to thrive. Eighth-graders Becca and Tuck remain at one another’s side as they attempt to tackle the last year of middle school, a nerve-wracking experience. Unfortunately,Flash Forward’s concept is far from new, even at the time of airing, so it makes sense that very few remember the Canadian TV show.
Flash Forward
Flash Forward, released in 1995, follows the lives of best friends Tucker and Rebecca as they navigate the complexities and adventures of eighth grade. The series explores their enduring friendship and experiences as neighbors since birth, offering a glimpse into the challenges and discoveries of adolescence.
However, just because the idea is overplayed, doesn’t meanFlash Forwardisn’t worth watching. Becca’s attempts to balance her lengthy friendship with Tuck while also forming a new bond with Christine is particularly interesting. She learns that each friendship is different, and just because she finds it easier to talk to another girl about certain things, it doesn’t make her relationship with Tuck any less important.Flash Forwardwill probably never make a comeback, but it stilldeserved more than one installment back in the ‘90s.
3Renegade Nell
Aired 8 Episodes In 2024
ConsideringRenegade Nell’s star-studded castof incredible British names, I’m still shocked about the show’s cancelation after only 8 episodes last year.Renegade Nelltakes place in the 18th-century and follows the titular character — a greatly feared highwaywoman who is framed for murder.The show is a brilliant fantasy action-adventure, but it’s also historical fiction, too.
Derry Girl’s Louisa Harland provides a solid performance as Nell Jackson, and both viewers and critics praise her for the chaotic energy she brings to the character.
So, whileRenegade Nellis rife with imaginary creatures and magic, it also teaches viewers about this era and the actions of criminals who would rob traveling carriages.Derry Girl’s Louisa Harland provides a solid performance as Nell Jackson, and both viewers and critics praise her for the chaotic energy she brings to the character.
Renegade Nell
Renagade Nell is a Disney+ original series created by Sally Wainwright. The series follows a young woman named Nell Jackson who becomes a wanted outlaw after she is framed for murder. During her journey, she encounters a magical spirit named Billy, who reveals her true destiny.
Considering the rather positive reviews of the show upon release, I’m still baffled aboutRenegade Nell’s cancelation. I really hope Disney+ reconsiders this decision, because betweenRenegade Nell’sengaging story, action-packed sequences, and intriguing character development, I think this show could still be an even bigger hit.
2American Born Chinese
Aired 8 Episodes In 2023
American Born Chinesefocuses on tenth-grader Jin Wang, who finds it hard to fit in with his classmates until he meets exchange student Wei-Chen. However,American Born Chineseisn’t just a simple story about the struggles of high school life and being a teenager, as Ben’s sudden new friendship with Wei-Chen also throws him into a world of Chinese mythology and forces him to face various gods.
American Born Chineseamazingly combines fantasy and realityin a narrative that delves into topics of historical fact, immigration, and growing up. Trying to explain the immigration process toAmerican Born Chinese’s target audience, especially those who haven’t experienced it in their real lives, is complicated.
American Born Chinese
American Born Chinese is a Disney+ original series that is based on graphic novels from author and illustrator Gene Leun Yang. The show follows Jin Wang, a typical teenager trying to juggle school and home life, who is thrown into the middle of a battle with Chinese mythological gods.
But the show does a beautiful job of tackling the complex subject and translating it to children in a way that’s both informative and entertaining.American Born Chineseseason 2’s cancellationis gutting, and considering today’s current climate, I think it’san important show that deserves to still be on the air.
1The Muppets Mayhem
Aired 10 Episodes In 2023
Considering the lack ofThe Muppetsmoviesand TV shows in recent years, at least in comparison to the franchise’s heyday, I’m surprised aboutThe Muppets Mayhem’s short run.The Muppets Mayhemreintroduces Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the rock group fromThe Muppet Show,and follows their attempts to deal with the music industry and record their album. While the band aren’t the most prominent ofThe Muppets’ characters, older generations of viewers will remember them from the ‘70s.
The Muppets Mayhem
The Muppets Mayhem is a Disney+ original series starring Lilly Singh. The show follows the iconic Muppets band as they set out to record their first album. The Muppets Mayhem also features a ton of celebrity musicians, including Weird Al Yankovic, Tommy Lee, Deadmau5, Lil Nas X, Kesha, and Ziggy Marley.
Despitethe very positive reviews upon release,The Muppets Mayhemonly lasted 10 episodes. Perhaps the lack of familiar faces like Miss Piggy or Kemit damages the show, but Disney also doesn’t giveThe Muppets Mayhemenough time to naturally insert these cameos, either. I think there is aMuppetsgap in the market that needs to be filled, and considering the franchise is one of the most famous in the world, it’s strange thatDisneydidn’t deem it deserving enough to develop into something great.
