5 live-action Disney+ shows you need to watch that aren't Star Wars or Marvel

Disney+ isn't all Marvel and Star Wars, despite what the internet might make you think. In fact, the Disney-focused streaming service has a wide range of live-action shows that you should know about.

Perhaps part of the problem is that if it isn't one of the aforementioned franchises, it just doesn't surface in the same way. That might be why some of our favorites, like Willow and The Mysterious Benedict Society have been taken off the service entirely. Which is a serious bummer to fans of either show. But it's also a great call to action to check out those non-Marvel and non-Star Wars shows while you still can.

With that in mind, here are five shows, some based on your favorite movies, and graphic novels, and original properties, that you can watch on Disney+ right now. No MCU or Star Wars U needed.

1. High School Musical: The Musical The Series

If you've seen every movie in the High School Musical franchise, we'd bet on it that you'll love this show, too. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series or HSMTMTS for short, is as metatextual as its title... It starts with the high school from the High School Musical movies putting on a production of High School Musical. From there, every season showcases a different musical and explores the lives of the characters as they navigate friendships, love, interests, identity, and family relationships. The cast includes Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, and more! The series has received awards such as five Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, and nominated for eleven Children's and Family Emmy Awards. HSMTMTS had won the Emmy for the original song "Finally Free" which was sung by Bassett in the show.

2. Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.

Based on the '80s medical sitcom, Doogie Howser M.D., Doogie Kameāloha M.D. follows Lahela "Doogie" Kameāloha, a recent graduate from the University of Hawaii Medical School, who has to deal with her overbearing boss... her own mother. This show has a ton of heart, and brings a unique perspective to what it means to be a child prodigy who's also just trying to be a child. Kids can see the value in positive reinforcement, how to time manage, being aspirational in their careers, and what it means to be a leader surrounded by your peers.

3. American Born Chinese

This fantasy-action comedy series is based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang. It tells the story of teenager Jin Wang (played by Ben Wang), a son of Chinese immigrants, who collects manga and is trying to figure out his own identity. He then meets Wei-Chen, the son of The Monkey King. Now Jin is a part of a bigger story about destiny and redemption, all while still being a high school student. Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh, who you may be familiar with as the leads of A24's critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All At Once, also appear in this show.

4. The Santa Clauses

If you're a fan of the Santa Clause franchise, then we have some good news for you. Disney+ made an original series aptly titled The Santa Clauses. Tim Allen reprises his role as Scott Calvin, the former businessman turned Santa Claus from the previous three films. The Santa Clauses takes place 30 years after Calvin became the successor to the previous Santa. Calvin now believes that, due to age, he is possibly losing his abilities. Tasked with choosing his own successor, get ready to ride along on his journey as he once again tackles the Santa Clause.

5. Goosebumps (2023)

Based on the books by R.L. Stine, this supernatural horror series is about a group of kids entangled in the mystery of the death of a teen named Harold Biddle. The new English teacher, Mr. Bratt, inherits the Biddle House and becomes possessed by Biddle's spirit. It's a darker show than the previous 1995 series but brings a much-needed refresh to the franchise. Goosebumps stars Zack Morris as Isaiah, Isa Briones as Margot, Isaiah's neighbor and friend, and Justin Long as Mr. Nathan Bratt.