great modern Disney TV shows based on movies, but sadly, some of the franchise’s more original titles didn’t survive past season 1.

The Disney Channel’s best original TV shows typically run for years, and their overall appeal and charm keep viewers of all ages engaged. These Disney TV shows only have one season for various reasons, but they deserve more installments, either based on how their narratives were left off or the public's in need of continued interest in them.

8 Dave The Barbarian

Aired 21 Episodes From 2004-2005

Dave the Barbarian is a forgotten fantasy TV show that deserves a second chance. The animated Disney series centers on the titular character, a powerful barbarian who also struggles with cowardice, and those who surround him in his daily life. While a children’s show set in the Middle Ages isn’t a new concept, Dave the Barbarian’s characters make it unique. Dave’s sister’s, Candy and Fang, are brilliantly entertaining for younger viewers, and the contrast in their personalities provide some rather comical moments.

The ongoing theme of good vs. evil in Dave the Barbarian is great for a kids’ show, too. Unfortunately, there are so many parodies in the fantasy genre, especially animated titles, and Dave the Barbarian simply couldn’t keep up, hence the show’s cancelation after only 21 episodes in 2005. However, 20 years after Dave the Barbarian’s end, perhaps now is a good time for Disney to revisit this project.

7 Hailey's On It!

Aired 30 Episodes From 2023-2024

Because Hailey's On It! originally aired across an 11-month period, it feels like the show is longer than it is, but there are only 30 episodes. Hailey's On It! focuses on 14-year-old Hailey Banks, who, after a strange run-in with a scientist during a New Year’s celebration, is forced to face her fears in order to save the world from global warming. While Hailey's On It! delves into the importance of looking after the planet, it also provides viewers with messages about the struggles of growing up and finding oneself.

Hailey’s friendship with her best friend, Scott, is so wholesome. What I appreciate about their relationship is that the show doesn’t try to force the romance storyline between the mixed-gender friends, and everything that happens between them feels natural. In fact, Hailey's On It!’s ending touches on this topic when Hailey has to kiss Scott to prevent Earth’s destruction, but she chooses to leave it to the very last moment so as to protect their friendship.

6 Pretty Freekin Scary

Aired 20 Episodes In 2023

Pretty Freekin Scary is a relatively new title, and while it isn’t exactly one of the best Disney Channel sitcoms ever made, it still has a lot of potential. Pretty Freekin Scary follows 14-year-old Frankie Ripp, who dies in a shocking accident and, after an argument with the Grim Reaper, returns to reality.

However, Frankie is stuck with the companionship of Pretty and Scary, her Underworld guardians, while also having to complete a series of tasks given to her by the Grim Reaper in exchange for keeping her life. I think this is an incredible concept, but it’s also a little dark for Pretty Freekin Scary’s target audience.

Despite this, Pretty Freekin Scary still teaches audiences some important things. Tackling the concept of death in such a comedic way is a little odd, but it works in this show, and Frankie’s escapades are so ridiculous that it takes the edge off the heavy topic. Pretty Freekin Scary features a diverse cast and offers a new take on overplayed sitcom tropes, but sadly, the show didn’t resonate with audiences enough to keep it on the air.

5 In A Heartbeat

Aired 20 Episodes From 2000-2001

In a Heartbeat’s story is ahead of its time for a TV show from the year 2000, and it’s a title that I really hope Disney will consider rebooting. In a Heartbeat is about a group of high schoolers who also volunteer as part-time EMTs, who try to balance their academic and professional lives all at the same time. The ‘00s Disney drama’s cast includes big names like X-Men star Shawn Ashmore and Degrassi: The Next Generation’s Lauren Collins in the early days of their respective careers.

There are several popular children’s shows that feature characters with double lives, like Hannah Montana, but In a Heartbeat offers a sense of realism that other series don’t. Teaching kids about working as a healthcare professional, especially one who encounters drastic emergencies on a regular basis, is an amazing idea. In a Heartbeat isn’t just educational, though, and there are plenty of interesting character subplots to enjoy, too.

4 Flash Forward

Aired 26 Episodes From 1995-1996

Even though Flash Forward is a Disney Channel show no-one re, mostly, there is still a small fanbase who believe it deserved a better chance to thrive. Eighth-graders Becca and Tuck remain at one another’s side as they attempt to tackle the last year of middle school, a nerve-wracking experience. Unfortunately, Flash Forward’s concept is far from new, even at the time of airing, so it makes sense that very few the Canadian TV show.

However, just because the idea is overplayed, doesn’t mean Flash Forward isn’t worth watching. Becca’s attempts to balance her lengthy friendship with Tuck while also forming a new bond with Christine is particularly interesting. She learns that each friendship is different, and just because she finds it easier to talk to another girl about certain things, it doesn’t make her relationship with Tuck any less important. Flash Forward will probably never make a comeback, but it still deserved more than one installment back in the ‘90s.

3 Renegade Nell

Aired 8 Episodes In 2024

Considering Renegade Nell’s star-studded cast of incredible British names, I’m still shocked about the show’s cancelation after only 8 episodes last year. Renegade Nell takes place in the 18th-century and follows the titular character — a greatly feared highwaywoman who is framed for murder. The show is a brilliant fantasy action-adventure, but it’s also historical fiction, too.

Derry Girl’s Louisa Harland provides a solid performance as Nell Jackson, and both viewers and critics praise her for the chaotic energy she brings to the character.

So, while Renegade Nell is rife with imaginary creatures and magic, it also teaches viewers about this era and the actions of criminals who would rob traveling carriages. Derry Girl’s Louisa Harland provides a solid performance as Nell Jackson, and both viewers and critics praise her for the chaotic energy she brings to the character.

Considering the rather positive reviews of the show upon release, I’m still baffled about Renegade Nell’s cancelation. I really hope Disney+ reconsiders this decision, because between Renegade Nell’s engaging story, action-packed sequences, and intriguing character development, I think this show could still be an even bigger hit.

2 American Born Chinese

Aired 8 Episodes In 2023

American Born Chinese focuses on tenth-grader Jin Wang, who finds it hard to fit in with his classmates until he meets exchange student Wei-Chen. However, American Born Chinese isn’t just a simple story about the struggles of high school life and being a teenager, as Ben’s sudden new friendship with Wei-Chen also throws him into a world of Chinese mythology and forces him to face various gods.

American Born Chinese amazingly combines fantasy and reality in a narrative that delves into topics of historical fact, immigration, and growing up. Trying to explain the immigration process to American Born Chinese’s target audience, especially those who haven’t experienced it in their real lives, is complicated.

But the show does a beautiful job of tackling the complex subject and translating it to children in a way that’s both informative and entertaining. American Born Chinese season 2’s cancellation is gutting, and considering today’s current climate, I think it’s an important show that deserves to still be on the air.

1 The Muppets Mayhem

Aired 10 Episodes In 2023

Considering the lack of The Muppets movies and TV shows in recent years, at least in comparison to the franchise’s heyday, I’m surprised about The Muppets Mayhem’s short run. The Muppets Mayhem reintroduces Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, the rock group from The Muppet Show, and follows their attempts to deal with the music industry and record their album. While the band aren’t the most prominent of The Muppets’ characters, older generations of viewers will them from the ‘70s.

Despite the very positive reviews upon release, The Muppets Mayhem only lasted 10 episodes. Perhaps the lack of familiar faces like Miss Piggy or Kemit damages the show, but Disney also doesn’t give The Muppets Mayhem enough time to naturally insert these cameos, either. I think there is a Muppets gap in the market that needs to be filled, and considering the franchise is one of the most famous in the world, it’s strange that Disney didn’t deem it deserving enough to develop into something great.