When the Walt Disney Company launched its Disney Plus streaming service in 2019, Disney fans were blessed when Disney announced multiple original series that will be exclusive to the streaming platform. From the MCU to Star Wars to franchises that we thought were dead years ago, it’s all coming back to life in a modern light through this streaming service.
Unfortunately, the company has announced a purge to its catalog. This may mean shows and films that we know and love, and probably still have on our watchlist. While an official list on what’s going to be remove has been released, there are five shows that we think are worth keeping, and one we’ll happily see go.
5 Disney Plus originals that should stay
1. High School the Musical: The Musical: The Series
When this series was first announced, High School Musical fans were divided. Mostly because no one asked for a reboot or spin-off. Sure, a reunion sounded nice, but a brand new show that makes the original films look like it’s a piece of fiction in another piece of fiction? No thanks. However, regardless of these first impressions, it is a good show, filled with music from the original with new songs added to keep things fresh. Also, without this series, none of us would have fallen in love with Olivia Rodrigo who’s now a successful young pop star. Also, you have to admit, the series is pretty good. No wonder it lasted for 3 seasons.
2. Every MCU Original Series
Granted, we may be cheating with the numbering here – but do you know what sucks about the MCU originals in Disney Plus? The fact that we can’t buy any of them on DVD or any digital storefront like the Apple iTunes store or Google Play. This means that regardless of the reception that any Marvel original has received, it cannot leave the streaming service, especially if it plays some sort of role in whatever Phase in the MCU we’re in. So unless Marvel Studios and the powers that be decide to bring these shows onto the physical and digital market, they shouldn’t leave Disney Plus.
But not all series are perfect. And if there is a Disney Plus original made by Marvel Studios that gets pulled at some point in time, there is one series that I wouldn’t bat an eye towards.
3. The Mandalorian
Out of all the Star Wars originals that shouldn’t leave the platform, The Mandalorian is a must-stay staple. As mentioned earlier, if the powers that be at Disney or Lucasfilm decide to sell the series in the physical market, it shouldn’t leave the streaming platform. The amount of panic the removal of this Disney Plus original would cause fans, especially for those in love with Pedro Pascal – would be insurmountable.
4. American Born Chinese
American Born Chinese is filled with numerous Asian actors, as well as tells a relatable story that’s respectful to the culture. Not to mention, it’s the second time we see Ke Huy Quan during his comeback as an actor, as well see Michelle Yeoh once more in an action role. It’s a good show filled with relatable moments, as well as a good representation of those who have Asian backgrounds.
5. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
When The Proud Family aired on the Disney Channel back in 2001, it gave viewers, including me, a new taste of storytelling. At the time, most shows resonated with white audiences. So to see a series based on a different type of American family that’s hardly seen at the time in children’s media, it’s worth a watch. You could imagine the millennials’ delight to see this series rebooted with a modern scope in this Disney Plus show. Fingers crossed that Disney doesn’t have plans to pull this series off the platform.
As for what we’ll happily see leave, well…
We’re fine to part ways with Diary of a Wimpy Kid
According to The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary, an official book that talks about the making of live-action films, the way Greg drew people in his “journal” is based on how he views boys and girls. The girls look similar to each other since he doesn’t understand them yet. Meanwhile, all the boys look different to each other because he knows what they’re like. So you could imagine the shock when the 2021 animated reboot not only retells the books in a new form but also have the characters look the same as their drawing counterparts. Either Greg is a really good illustrator, or the remake dumbed down the films so it would attract a younger audience.
As someone who has read all the books, you’re better off reading them rather than watching this animated retelling. Or at least watch the old live-action films. They at least add something that the original text was unable to provide and improved on it. Or better yet, learn what Dreamworks and Netflix did with Captain Underpants and told a new story that has the same flavor as the original text.
