Disney+ Bringing Back “Short Circuit Experimental Films”

Back in 202o, Disney launched Short Circuit, a new Walt Disney Animation Studios’ innovative and experimental short film program where anyone at the Studio could pitch an idea and potentially be selected to create their own short. 

The first season of “Short Circuit” was released on Disney+ in 2020, with 14 new original shows, including the fantastic “Fetch” and “Exchange Student”. 

The following year, Disney released five new shorts on Disney+, including the touching “Going Home” and “No. 2 to Kettering”.  This was followed up in 2022 with a single short release for “Reflect”.

It’s been over three years since the last new “Short Circuit” release, but Disney has announced that two shorts will be coming to Disney+ on Wednesday, 18th March 2026.

The two shorts include “Maddie & The Test” and “Life Drawings”.  

“Maddie & The Test” tells the story of what happens when 10-year-old Maddie sits down for a test at school. She calls upon her inner strength to confront her deepest fears and overcome her anxiety.

“Life Drawings” is told through a series of self-portraits. An artist’s passion and perseverance prepare him for the discovery of a greater joy in life.

Roger’s Take: I think it’s great that the “Short Circuit Experimental Films” program is returning. Hopefully, there will be more to come, and these two shorts weren’t just hanging around for years waiting for a release until someone in the office remembered that they hadn’t been released to the public.  “Short Circuit” is a great program for so many reasons. In a world full of AI-generated short slop, having something creative being put together has to be a winner.  It’s also a great way for Disney to generate new talent and to give people an outlet to experiment, without all the pressure of working on franchises or expensive shows/films.  Hopefully, we will see more of this in the future. 

The previous “Short Circuit” animated shorts are all available to stream on Disney+.

Are you looking forward to the return of “Short Circuit”?  Let me know on social media!