While there’s no shortage of TV shows available on Disney+, some episodes remain conspicuously absent from its vast library.
Whether for reasons of cultural sensitivity, licensing conflicts, or behind-the-scenes controversies, Disney has made notable choices about what stays and what goes. While the company has made some efforts to address content sensitivity in its catalog, there are still several titles that are unavailable on the platform, often without a clear explanation.
Here’s a closer look at some of the notable missing episodes, plus why they’re most likely locked in the Disney vault forever.
Multiple Episodes of Bear in the Big Blue House
A beloved children’s show from the late ’90s and early 2000s, Bear in the Big Blue House captivated audiences with its warm-hearted lessons and endearing puppet characters, to the point that some have suggested that it should replace Country Bear Jamboree (unlikely, yes, but we can dream).
The series, which was part of Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney lineup, quickly became a cultural touchstone for a generation of millennials.
In 2022, fans of the show were thrilled to see it arrive on Disney+, giving a new generation the chance to experience Bear’s charm. But as welcoming as the Big Blue House was, some episodes are noticeably absent.
“A Berry Bear Christmas” and “And to All a Good Night” are among the missing episodes, with no official explanation from Disney regarding their removal. While some speculate that licensing issues tied to the songs featured in those episodes may have played a role, Disney has yet to comment.
Multiple Episodes of Andi Mack
When Andi Mack premiered on Disney Channel in 2017, it was a groundbreaking show that tackled real-world issues through the eyes of a 13-year-old girl navigating adolescence, family dynamics, and her own identity. Praised for its diverse characters and progressive storylines, the show was widely regarded as a step forward in terms of representation and inclusivity.
However, viewers hoping to rewatch the series on Disney+ will find that several episodes have disappeared. In particular, the first season suffers the most, with multiple episodes pulled from the platform.
The reason behind the removal was tied to the arrest and conviction of cast member Stoney Westmoreland, who portrayed Andi’s grandfather. After Westmoreland was charged with child sex offenses, Disney made the decision to remove any episodes featuring him, leading to the removal of several key moments in the series.
The “Satanic” Episode of Darkwing Duck
Darkwing Duck, a 1990s animated series set in the same universe as DuckTales, followed the adventures of the eponymous duck superhero. The show was known for its quirky humor, memorable characters, and the catchphrase “Let’s get dangerous!”
Yet, despite its charm, one episode of the show is not available on Disney+.
The controversial episode in question, “Hot Spells,” was deemed too sensitive for airing after parental groups raised concerns about its portrayal of religious themes and its inclusion of Satanic elements. The storyline, which saw Darkwing battling dark forces at a magic school, was enough to provoke protests, ultimately leading Disney to pull the episode from circulation altogether – hence its Disney+ absence.
The “Michael Jackson Episode” of The Simpsons
Celebrity cameos are a hallmark of The Simpsons, but one iconic guest star is notably absent from the Disney+ catalog.
In the 1991 episode “Stark Raving Dad,” Michael Jackson voiced a character who impersonated him. The episode proved to be a fan favorite—until 2019.
Following the release of Leaving Neverland, the documentary detailing accusations of child sexual abuse against Jackson, The Simpsons executive producer James L. Brooks made the decision to remove the episode from circulation. As Brooks explained, “I’m against book-burning of any kind. This is our book, and we’re allowed to take out a chapter,” signaling the show’s commitment to distancing itself from the controversy surrounding Jackson.
Two Culturally Insensitive Episodes of TaleSpin
In the early 1990s, TaleSpin reimagined characters from The Jungle Book in a new adventure-filled setting. While many of the show’s episodes remain on Disney+, two specific episodes are missing from the service. “Lost Horizons,” a World War II parody featuring offensive Asian stereotypes, and “Flying Dupes,” a politically sensitive story about a terrorist plot, have both been omitted from the platform.
“Lost Horizons” was pulled from circulation as early as 2002 due to its problematic content, and “Flying Dupes” has since been removed from syndication. As with other episodes that tackle sensitive issues, Disney has chosen to omit these episodes entirely, reflecting the company’s evolving stance on culturally sensitive material.
Brooke Shields and Chris Langham’s Episodes of The Muppet Show
The Muppet Show enjoyed immense success from 1976 to 1981, featuring comedic skits and musical performances with celebrity guest stars.
However, two episodes of the show are conspicuously absent from Disney+.
One of these features actress Brooke Shields, and the other features actor Chris Langham. Shields’ episode was reportedly removed due to licensing issues, while Langham’s episode was pulled following his conviction for downloading indecent images of children.
Have you spotted any other missing episodes on Disney+?
