Disney+ isn’t ringing in the new year with fireworks or a dramatic reveal. Instead, the platform is letting its upcoming lineup do the talking. There’s a calm confidence to the way things are unfolding, and it’s clear that something substantial is lining up just beneath the surface. If you’ve been wondering whether Disney+ has real plans for 2026, the early weeks of January suggest it absolutely does.
Rather than relying on a single headline-grabbing moment, Disney+ is carefully stacking its schedule. Familiar franchises return, ongoing series stay on track, and new additions arrive at a steady pace. Before breaking down what’s landing and when, it’s helpful to understand why Disney+ is positioned to maintain this momentum.
A Broader Streaming Ecosystem Is Doing the Heavy Lifting
Disney+ doesn’t carry the load alone anymore. Its deeper ties to Hulu and ESPN have reshaped how content reaches subscribers, creating a larger and more flexible streaming ecosystem. That connection allows Disney to expand its offerings without flooding viewers with too much of one thing.
This approach gives Disney+ room to breathe. One release might lean into a major franchise, while the next focuses on documentaries, international series, or family-friendly programming. That variety keeps the platform from feeling repetitive, and January shows just how effective that balance can be.
Instead of easing into the year, Disney+ hits the ground running. With frequent drops scheduled throughout the month, the platform effectively reaches nearly every audience without overwhelming any individual.
January 1 Opens With a Franchise-Fueled Kickoff
The year begins with a strong dose of nostalgia. On January 1, Disney+ adds four iconic adventure films: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
Together, these films tell the full cinematic story of one of the most recognizable characters in movie history. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or watching for the first time, the lineup makes New Year’s Day feel tailor-made for a marathon.
Early January Broadens the Tone
January 2 immediately shifts gears. The Big Year offers a lighter, character-driven comedy, while Cheetahs Up Close with Bertie Gregory brings breathtaking nature storytelling to the platform. That same day also includes Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, adding a darker, fantasy-driven option to the mix.
The schedule keeps moving on January 4 with the return of Incredible Northern Vets. The following day, I AM BOXER continues its rollout, maintaining a steady rhythm early in the month.
Mid-Month Keeps the Variety Coming
By January 7, Disney+ leans into international content and returning favorites. Made in Korea delivers a new episode, while Percy Jackson and the Olympians continues its second season, reinforcing its role as a weekly anchor.
January 9 adds The Tale of Silyan alongside the return of Theme Song Takeover. The next day builds on that momentum with The Artful Dodger and fresh episodes of Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends.
That family-friendly flow carries into January 12 with another episode of I AM BOXER. January 14 then stacks the lineup with Hey A.J.!, new episodes of Made in Korea and Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and the full release of Pole to Pole with Will Smith.
Familiar Faces Close Out the Month
The second half of January leans into comfort viewing. Agent P, Under C: Shorts arrives on January 16, followed by new seasons of America’s Funniest Home Videos and fresh episodes of Phineas and Ferb on January 17. January 18 adds Playdate with Winnie the Pooh: Shorts, keeping younger viewers engaged.
As the month winds down, Percy Jackson and the Olympians returns on January 21, Venom: Let There Be Carnage lands on January 22, and titles like Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Pet Hotel, Wonder Man, Disney Jr.’s Ariel – The Little Mermaid, and Pupstruction Construction round out the schedule. Disneyland Handcrafted is also expected later in the month.
A Strong Signal for What’s Ahead
Taken together, January paints a clear picture of Disney+’s direction in 2026. Rather than chasing trends, the platform is building a steady, intentional rhythm. With frequent drops and something new arriving every few days, Disney+ makes it clear that the year ahead is anything but quiet.
