Disney+ Shouldn't Have Cancelled These Shows

Disney+ launched in 2019 with immense promise. But behind the Star Wars and Marvel blockbusters, an alarming number of originals have been quietly cancelled.

Disney+ has one of the deepest content libraries of any streamer. With the Star Wars universe, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and decades of animation and family content, the platform seemed untouchable. But for original series not attached to those mega-franchises — and sometimes even for those that are — cancellation has become routine.

Here are the Disney+ originals that should never have been cancelled.

Willow (2022)

A sequel series to the beloved 1988 fantasy film, picking up years later with a new generation of heroes. Warwick Davis returned as the titular sorcerer, and the show captured the original film's blend of adventure, humour, and heart. It was cancelled after one season — reportedly due to cost-cutting measures at Disney — despite a strong fan campaign for renewal.

The Mysterious Benedict Society (2021–2022)

A charming, intelligent adaptation of Trenton Lee Stewart's beloved book series. The show followed four gifted children recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict to infiltrate a mysterious institution. It was smart, warm, and beautifully produced. Cancelled after two seasons as part of Disney+'s content write-down strategy.

Big Shot (2021–2022)

John Stamos starred as a temperamental college basketball coach who takes a job at an all-girls private school after being fired from the NCAA. A heartfelt sports comedy with genuine emotional depth. Cancelled after two seasons despite solid reviews and a growing audience.

National Treasure: Edge of History (2022–2023)

An expansion of the National Treasure film franchise, following a young DREAMer on a treasure hunt across America. Despite the built-in brand recognition and a capable cast, it was cancelled after one season. Fans felt it never got a fair chance to find its footing.

The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers (2021–2022)

A continuation of the beloved Mighty Ducks franchise, bringing back Emilio Estevez as Coach Bombay alongside a new generation of players. Season 2 shifted focus in a promising direction, then Disney cancelled it. Three seasons of the original films, two seasons of the sequel — still unresolved.

American Born Chinese (2023)

One of the most critically acclaimed shows on Disney+. Based on Gene Luen Yang's groundbreaking graphic novel, blending coming-of-age storytelling with Chinese mythology. Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Stephanie Hsu starred. Despite rave reviews, it was cancelled after one season during the industry-wide content contraction.

Why Disney+ Cancels So Many Shows

Disney+'s cancellation strategy has been driven by two forces: the shift toward profitability mandated by Wall Street and the tax write-down strategy that allows the company to save billions by removing content from the platform entirely. Shows that might have survived on other platforms were cut to meet financial targets — not because they weren't good enough.

Browse our fan-written endings for shows that left too soon — from any platform.