Disney Plus rings in the new year with a tantalising amuse bouche of a line-up, adding several fresh titles and additions on the exclusive streaming platform. With plans to expand on the exciting worlds from the imaginative Disney franchises, streamers can expect many new story lines based in the Marvel and Star Wars universes soon.

Dubbed the ‘dump month’ for cinema, perhaps streaming platforms have also been cautious not to pull out all the stops in the first month of the year. Nevertheless, it’s clear that Disney+ wants to lay the groundwork and get us ready for the big hitters that will take the world over by a storm in 2023. Till then, The Beat Asia has handpicked our most highly anticipated, underrated watches so that you don’t have to!

Series

‘Chasing Waves’

In the wake of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics debuting surfing as an official sport, ‘Chasing Waves’ spotlights Japanese surfing culture through talented pro surfers Mahina Maeda, Yuma Takanuki, Sara Kohrogi, 2021 Olympic Silver Medalist Kanoa Igarashi, and Australian-Japanese surfer Connor O’Leary.

From the “Ocean Dome”, an indoor wave pool at the southernmost island of Japan in Kyushu, and the frigid waters of Hokkaido, the viewer is taken on a culturally rich journey to understand the threads that connect the sportsman with their passion, and what it takes to succeed.

When: Jan. 11

‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch (Season Two)’

First introduced as characters in “The Clone Wars”, “The Bad Batch” follows a group of elite clone troopers with unique genetic mutations that take on mercenary missions after the war. The new season sees the crew after the events on Kamino, as they continue to travel through the Empire after the fall of the Republic. Familiar faces, both friend and foe, join the batch as they get into trouble, constantly needing to test their luck with each encounter.

With a double episode premiere followed by weekly episodes until the end of March, fans can get their regular dose of a galaxy far, far, away.

When: Jan. 4

‘Extraordinary’

Disney spreads their proverbial ‘superhero domain’ to include more perspective and world-building through the UK Original Comedy series “Extraordinary”. In this innovative eight-part series, the world is made up of a super-abled population, except for Jen. Surrounded by super-strength, the power of flight, and transmutation, Jen is constantly reminded of how she compares to her peers.

In trying to navigate life in a world that is less than kind to people like her, she tries everything to bring out a potentially latent super power – anything will do. We can only hope Jen can finally be satisfied someday, somehow.

When: Jan. 25

‘Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Season Two)’

Season Two of “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” debuts in the beginning of the new year, bringing the audience a 10-episode season to journey through the Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, and Tri-Circle-D Ranch.

From Giraffes, to Sea Turtles, Moray Eels, Hyenas, Okapi, and Gorillas, the audience is privy to the behind-the-scenes care and attention to the parks’ remarkable tenants.

When: Jan. 1

‘Lost Treasures of Egypt (Season 4)’

Of the many secrets uncovered over the decades, the National Geographic 2019-2022 docuseries on Ancient Egypt gives the audience a taste of what these modern-day explorers must battle on their never-ending archaeological journey. Watch the four season tell-all documentary to follow frontline archaeologists from all over the world as they fight the scalding heat and hostile terrain to make the discoveries of a lifetime.

When: Jan. 4

‘Koala Man’

Move out of the way Spiderman! From the co-creator of “Rick and Morty” and “Solar Opposites” comes Australian defender of the neighbourhood, “Koala Man”. Middle-aged dad Kevin dons on his Koala mask, transforming into the titular ‘secret’ superhero alias Koala Man. His mission? Following rules and snuffing out petty crime in an average Australian suburb.

Despite the frustration Koala Man causes his indifferent family, Koala Man is always ready to fight off both cosmic and man-made threats to their little suburbia in the outback.

When: Jan. 9