As the 2025–2026 television season comes to a close, Variety has compiled Nielsen viewership data across streaming, broadcast, and cable television. While it is no surprise that Netflix’s Stranger Things claimed the number-one spot, more concerning for Disney is that none of its streaming shows made the top 10.
A screenshot from Marvel’s Wonder Man – Disney+
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For a company that built its streaming platform around powerhouse franchises like Marvel and Star Wars, the absence raises new questions about whether Disney’s original streaming content is still connecting with mainstream audiences.
Disney’s Streaming Shows Miss the Rankings
Disney released numerous streaming-exclusive originals during the 2025–26 season. These included projects such as:
- Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
- Daredevil: Born Again
- Ironheart
- Eyes of Wakanda
- Wonder Man
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians
- Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord
While some of these Disney streaming shows sparked strong debate online, none managed to crack Nielsen’s top ten. The data suggests that social media engagement does not necessarily translate into viewership.
By comparison, although the chart includes broadcast and cable programming in addition to streaming, Netflix series occupy five of the top ten spots. Taylor Sheridan’s shows also continue to perform strongly for Paramount+, though many are available on broadcast television through CBS as well.
Broadcast Successes Still Carry Disney
The only Disney-produced television series to make the top ten was High Potential at number eight. However, the series airs first on Disney-owned ABC before becoming available on Hulu. Looking at Nielsen’s top 25 list, Disney/ABC does not appear again until The Rookie at number 16, Will Trent at number 18, and Dancing with the Stars at number 24.
A screenshot from the trailer to Eyes of Wakanda – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
While these programs may have generated streaming viewership, the overall impression is that subscribers are not turning to Disney+ and Hulu for exclusive original content. Much of that content was extremely expensive to produce, yet the data suggests it is not serving as the primary driver of audience engagement compared to older and acquired programming.
Are Marvel and Star Wars Losing Their Pull?
So far, Disney’s streaming strategy has largely depended on established intellectual property. However, critics have argued that much of the company’s recent Marvel and Star Wars content has been driven by ideological messaging. As Star Wars: Skeleton Crew introduced non-traditional family dynamics and Daredevil: Born Again incorporated contemporary political themes, some viewers appear to have lost interest.
Daredevil in Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 – Disney+
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Now, even MCU projects such as Wonder Man, which was generally praised for its humor and smaller-scale storytelling, may be suffering from broader audience skepticism. In an entertainment landscape where viewers have nearly endless options, the Nielsen rankings suggest that the Marvel and Star Wars brands no longer automatically create must-watch television events.
Disney Shows No Signs of Adjusting Course
Despite those concerns, Disney appears committed to its current strategy. Both Wonder Man and Daredevil: Born Again have additional seasons in pre-production. This fall, VisionQuest, the third and final installment in the WandaVision television trilogy, is scheduled to debut on streaming ahead of Avengers: Doomsday’s arrival in theaters.
The absence of Disney+ originals from the 2025–26 Top 10 rankings does not mean Disney’s streaming business is failing. However, it does highlight a growing challenge. While competitors continue producing breakout television events, Disney’s biggest franchises increasingly appear to be generating headlines rather than dominating viewership.
Are you surprised that Disney streaming shows failed to hit the top 10? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
