Disney has a reputation for being for kids, and some of its properties do skew toward a younger audience. Though, the people at Disney usually make their properties accessible to audiences of all age groups or try to do so anyway. This includes Disney TV series.
While Disney series typically air on channels directed at kids between six and twelve, some of their shows are also enjoyable for adults. These shows range from being fun and wholesome to being dark and kooky. Some are the kinds of shows that adults can watch with their kids without getting bored or losing their sanity. Others are shows that adults can watch on their own, whether revisiting a show from their childhood or discovering these shows for the first time.
10 The Owl House
Although The Owl House’s finale has yet to be released, the show has proven to be one of Disney’s most popular series of the day. It follows the adventures of a human girl whose quest to become a witch turns into a rebellion against a tyrannical ruler.
Dark, weird, and kooky, the show is famous for three things. First is the unique fantasy setting with creatures and a colorful cast of characters. Second is its emotional weight and ability to convey mature themes to younger audiences. Third is its representation of LGTB+ characters and for showing an official same-sex relationship onscreen, complete with a romantic kiss. The Owl House is a classic example of a studio not knowing what it had until it was too late.
9 Amphibia
The only show to rival The Owl House, Amphibia, is also about traveling to a fantasy world. However, rather than having one hero, Amphibia has three, and they all go on separate adventures in this strange country.
There is very little about Amphibia that isn’t good. The writing, characters, humor, and emotional maturity are nuanced and intelligent, and don’t condescend to the target audience. None of the characters feels underdeveloped or forgotten. The narrative structure is tight and rarely wastes a minute. In other words, Amphibia got the care and attention that its sister show, The Owl House, should’ve gotten but never did.
8 Gravity Falls
Gravity Falls is considered the mother of modern animated TV. Its influence can be seen in Steven Universe, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and Amphibia. The Owl House was especially affected, probably because Dana Terrace worked on Gravity Falls with Alex Hirsch.
Despite there being a few shows before Gravity Falls that had overarching story structures, like Avatar: The Last Airbender, Gravity Falls is credited with popularizing this type of structure. It also paved the way for better LGTB+ representation and darker content in children’s shows. To this day, it maintains a loyal fandom among kids and adults.
7 Legend Of The Three Caballeros
Based on the characters from Disney’s The Three Caballeros from 1944, Legend of the Three Caballeros chronicles the adventures of Donald Duck and his two comrades who must prevent the return of a dark sorcerer. They are guided by Xandra, the Goddess of Adventure, who is trapped in a magic book.
The show has a lot going for it, including great animation and a well-paced narrative. However, its strongest point is humor. It’s clever and funny and elevates the whole story. By extension, the dialogue is pretty good, also. Legend of the Three Caballeros might not be a 30-year-old’s first choice, but it ages well.
6 DuckTales (1987 & 2017)
It’s been debated whether the DuckTales series from 1987 is better than the reboot from 2017 or vice versa. Both shows feature Scrooge McDuck going on adventures with his family around the world, but they have several differences.
The series from 1987 is more episodic, and the quality of the animation isn’t as good. However, the adventures are a lot of fun, and the characters’ antics are funny. The reboot is a little darker and bears many narrative similarities to other current shows. On the other hand, it also has more character depth and development, and the animation is of higher quality. In the end, both shows are worth the watch at any age.
5 Secrets Of The Whales
Secrets of the Whales is a nature documentary that follows teams of scientists as they study different species of whales across the world. The series was produced by James Cameron and is narrated by Sigourney Weaver.
The show has received criticism for getting a couple of details wrong now and again. However, the cinematography is gorgeous. The scenes of the whales underwater are absolutely stunning. The series is well-structured, and Weaver’s narration is immersive and inviting. While the series doesn’t neglect the darker side of whales’ existence, it makes the audience fall in love with these animals.
4 Gargoyles
Gargoyles is an animated show from the 1990s that ran for three seasons. The story is about a race of gargoyles who turn to stone during the day and come to life at night. Their adventures primarily consist of adjusting to modern life and fighting against various enemies. It had reruns on different Disney channels and is now available for streaming on Disney+.
The show was notable at the time for its complex story arcs, in-depth characterization, and darker themes. This level of quality and maturity wouldn’t be seen again in a children’s show until Avatar: The Last Airbender. Unfortunately, the series doesn’t get as much attention nowadays despite some talk of making a live-action movie. It’s a criminally underrated series that appeals to adults and kids.
3 The Santa Clauses
The Santa Clause franchise has always been enjoyed by audiences of different age groups. The combination of magic and fun combined with adult problems like divorce, marriage, and parenthood allowed people to take different things from the movies.
The 2022 series, The Santa Clauses, had a divisive effect on audiences. Some fans liked it, and others didn’t. Nonetheless, the show keeps that balance of adult issues and Christmas wonder. Santa is getting old and having trouble keeping up with his Christmas and family duties. As he tries to figure things out, the Santa Clauses that came before him appear to help. Like the show or hate it, this is the biggest fan service moment in the franchise.
2 Just Beyond
Just Beyond is an anthology horror series adapted from R.L. Stine’s graphic novels of the same name. Each episode features young teens going on strange and scary adventures involving ghosts, witches, and aliens.
Some adults, especially parents, might find it difficult to enjoy the show. It sometimes gets a little preachy and sides with the protagonists on most things. On the other hand, other adults find the show entertaining. They may like it for the supernatural elements, or they might find the protagonists’ struggles relatable and remember their problems from when they were teens.
1 Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.
Based on the 90s show Doogie Howser, M.D., Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee as a teen prodigy who becomes a doctor at age 16. Throughout the series, she struggles to balance her job as a doctor with her identity as a teen girl. Things are even more complicated because her boss is also her mother.
Although the show is marketed to teens and young adults, its quality also allows older adults to enjoy it. The writing, the dialogue, and the actors’ performances all make for a solid show that charms cynical grown-ups with its positivity and comedy. After the recent glut of dark, angsty teen shows, Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. is a much-needed breath of fresh air.