Disney+ Original TV Shows with reviews and discussion questions
Written by the Ent, Unicorn and Elf on 5/18/20
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Disney+ Original TV Shows that we recommend
Although Disney+ has only been around for less than a year (at time of writing), there are several show worth checking out. The mammoth streaming services has done well at gathering and creating a cornucopia of Disney+ Original TV shows for you and your family. If you are looking for some older TV shows, you can find that with our Disney+ Nostlagia post.
Pick of the Litter
Know Before you Watch
Rating: Nothing official (probably PG)
Age Suggestion: 7+
Length: Six 30 minute episodes (Only 1 season)
Stars: 3.5 out of 5
Themes: Purpose, perseverance, work ethic, love
Warnings: Within this series, people send their dogs into guide dog training. Lots of emotions about having to leave a dog.
Pick of the Litter Quick summary:
How exactly do guide dogs for blind people get so good at what they do? That’s exactly what they want to show you with this series. From puppy training to graduation and every step in between. Not all dogs make it to guide dog, but it’s so fun to watch along the way.
Pick of the Litter Discussion Questions
- Which dog did you get most attached to the most throughout the series?
- Do you think you would ever be interested in training a guide dog? Which position do you think you would enjoy the most?
- If you have pets, do you think they would be able to be a guide dog? Why or why not?
- Which facet of the dog training were you most surprised by?
Pick of the Litter Review
Pick of the Litter walks through the journey of families who have been training puppies to become official guide dogs. This series is done in a simple documentary style. There are definitely some emotional moments as families have to send off their dogs for official training, but it is celebrated as an accomplishment.
Other suggestions: The World According to Jeff Goldblum
-We suggest this show for older elementary and older audiences. It’s another fun documentary style series about random educational topics. How do ice cream flavors get created and chosen? What are shoe unboxing videos and why are they so popular?
High School Musical: The Series
Know Before you Watch
Rating: TV-PG
Age Suggestion: 12+
Length: 10 episodes, about 35 minutes each
Stars: 4 out of 5
Themes: Drama, Divorce, Romance, High School
Warnings: Light language, divorce story-line, kissing
High School Musical the Series- Quick summary:
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is about East High, the school where High School Musical was filmed over 15 years prior, as they attempt to recreate history on stage by performing the stage adaptation of HSM. The story follows all the drama that ensues.
High School Musical the Series Discussion Questions
- Have you been involved in drama at school? How did you handle it?
- Do you enjoy theater? Have you ever been involved with the performing arts?
- Ricky and Nini struggle to find a balance between being friends and being ex’s. How do you think they could’ve gotten along better?
High School Musical: The Series Review
HSMTMTS is a fun take on a classic Disney channel movie. I was obsessed with the original trilogy, even though you don’t have to have watched the original to enjoy it. This show feels like Disney made Glee, but in a mock-documentary style. It perfectly encapsulates all the drama that comes with being a part of a high school drama production.
Although it can come across as cringy, ultimately it feels like many of the characters are real high schoolers with struggles that other teens can relate to. They did it extremely well, and have announced a 2nd season that is currently filming.
Other Suggestion: Diary of a Future President
-Diary of a Future President is a fun comedy drama that follows the journey of a middle school girl on her way to the presidency. Older age suggestion because of the very realistic middle school/ high school points discussed. (EG: getting your period, dance invitation drama, crushes/relationships/ same-sex attraction, educational pressure, etc…)
The Mandalorian
Know Before you Watch
Rating: TV-14
Age Suggestion: 14+
Length: 9 40-50 minute episodes
Stars: 4 out of 5
Themes: Purpose, independence, justice, gentleness, caring, judgment
Warnings: Jump scares, violence that tends more towards super hero movies than the typical safe Star Wars violence, death of parents/loved ones
The Mandalorian Quick summary:
After the fall of the empire, bounty hunters still ply their trade at the edges of the galaxy. We follow one of these bounty hunters as he takes on a new hunt, when a moral dilemma finds him starting off on a new journey. The Mandalorian must navigate this new world, while learning how to cope with these new challenges as well as some past demons.
The Mandalorian Discussion Questions
- Many people sacrificed themselves for the safety of The Child. Tell of a time when you have sacrificed something or seen someone else sacrifice something to help someone else?
- Tell of a time that you had to stand up to someone you knew was doing something wrong.
- What do you look forward to most in season 2?
The Mandalorian Review
Viewers should be aware that this show occurs in the Star Wars universe, but we do not see any of the characters from the movies. You should also be aware that prior knowledge of the Star Wars universe is NOT needed.
The season’s path felt a bit clunky at times, but ultimately the story told was interesting and always kept you one your toes. The show really starts to grip you around episode 4, but there are several good moments prior to this episode. Check out out full Mandalorian review for in depth thoughts and more discussion questions. Also Baby Yoda.
Other Suggestion: Clone Wars
In the same universe as The Mandalorian, Clone Wars’ last season has recently started being placed on Disney+. A cartoon series that takes place in between episode 1 and episode 2. The show is a really fun addition to the Star Wars universe. The newest season on Disney+ does feel slightly disjointed due to the time lapse in the real world, but is still very enjoyable! As the seasons of this show go on, it gets darker. Recommended for 10+ because of the intense story-lines, even though the violence is often less intense than in the movies.
We also really enjoyed watching Elephant and Be Our Chef this week!
What are your favorite Disney Plus Original Shows?!?
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