What’s Coming To Disney+ In January (Australia/New Zealand)
January will see Disney+ add a number of new Disney+ Originals including Marvel Studios first series, “WandaVision”, plus other new shows including “Marvel Studios: Legends” and “Pixar Popcorn”. Plus there will be new additions to the Disney+ library in New Zealand and Australia.
NOTE – This list isn’t complete and will be updated with new additions as they are announced. The list is also subject to change. Content may vary depending on your country and this list is based on the release schedule in Australia and New Zealand.
Here is the full rundown:
Friday 1st January 2021
Earth To Ned (New Episodes)
From the Jim Henson Company comes a late-night talk show hosted by alien commander Ned and his lieutenant Cornelius, who call off the invasion of Earth after they fall in love with human culture. Broadcasting from the bridge of their spaceship, hidden deep underground, Ned and Cornelius interview Earth’s greatest resource, celebrities. With the help of the ship’s artificial intelligence, BETI, and the destructive CLODs, Ned must keep his show a secret from his home planet or suffer the wrath of his father, the Admiral of the Galactic Fleet.
Episode 11: “Dream a little Dream of Ned”
After Ned dreams for the first time, Ginnifer Goodwin and Alan Tudyk help him separate dreams from reality. BETI’s brain scanner exposes the crew’s secret dreams. Cornelius sees a therapist.
Episode 12: “The Neddies”
Obsessed with winning an award, Ned hosts his own awards show, with D’Arcy Carden and Oliver Hudson. Cornelius is beamed to the surface to take an acting class. The CLODs make a Western.
Episode 13: “Trancendental Neditation”
When Ned gets stressed out, Yvette Nicole Brown and Jack McBrayer try to teach him how to relax. Cornelius is beamed to a “rage room.” Ned is troubled by a message from his home planet.
Episode 14: “Party Like It’s Nineteen Ninety Ned”
Actor/director Kevin Smith and actress Aisha Tyler help Ned indulge his 90’s obsession. Cornelius is sent to the future and discovers comedian Ben Schwartz is starring in a reboot of Ned’s talk show. The CLODs stage a 90’s-themed fashion show.
Episode 15: “Alien vs. Nedator”
When Ned hears aliens may have built the pyramids, he investigates human conspiracy theories with Sherri Shepherd and Penn & Teller. Cornelius goes undercover as a human to find out what Earthlings really think about aliens.
Episode 16: “Ned Over Heels”
Sitcom stars Alyson Hannigan & Ben Feldman help Ned cope with love. Cornelius tries speed dating. The CLODs create a fake dating profile.
Episode 17: “Ned vs. Food”
After Ned catches Cornelius snacking after bedtime, Chef Roy Choi and Brenda Song help him become a foodie. The CLODs open their own restaurant, with disgusting results.
Episode 18: “CyberNedics”
When BETI crashes, Ned’s interviews with Mayim Bialik and Margaret Cho are disrupted by glitches and blue ooze. Cornelius is trapped at the Intergalactic Whiz Desk.
Episode 19: “Growing Up Ned”
When one of Ned’s CLODs runs away, Molly Ringwald and Chris Colfer try to explain “growing up.” Cornelius goes in search of the missing CLOD, and unexpectedly meets Grace VanderWaal.
Episode 20: “Like Father Like Ned”
With Ned’s dad on his way to Earth, Jason Ritter and Tig Notaro try to help prove humanity should be saved, and teach Ned about the true meaning of family. Cornelius makes a decision that may change his life. The secret origin of the CLODs is revealed.
Beyond the Clouds: A Firm Handshake
Justin discusses integrating music from Zach and Sammy’s album, “A Firm Handshake,” into the film. The choice is made to record the singing live on set to capture the raw emotion of the film, but the decision comes with challenges for production. Justin invites Sammy to contribute a song of her own for the final track in the film, and she looks for inspiration in her relationship with Zach.
Great Shark Chow Down
The world’s leading scientists and cinematographers relive 5 extraordinary shark feeding events. From being surrounded at night by 700 grey reek sharks, a 300-strong gathering of blacktip, dusky and bronze sharks feeding on thousands of bait fish, to the spectacular sight of more than 200 blue sharks feeding on the carcass of a seven ton whale; the Great Shark Chow Down is an epic celebration of sharks from around the world. It ends with a cautionary reminder that these spectacular feasts may soon be a thing of the past as shark numbers crash worldwide.
Mega Hammerhead
The great hammerhead has evolved into a super-predator with more specialized hunting abilities than any other species of shark. Recently, hammerheads have been popping up in some unexpected places, spotted in waters further north than ever before. Marine biologist Dr. Neil Hammerschlag is diving in to take advantage of this epic opportunity to find and study these sharks.
700 Sharks
Once Upon a Time S1-7 (NZ premiere)
Emma Swan’s past disasters drag her into the small town of Maine. She is the long-lost daughter of a king, who must protect her town from the curse of an evil queen.
PJ Masks S4 – Episodes 14-16
During the day, Amaya, Connor and Greg lead totally normal lives, but they transform into superheroes during the night and use their powers to fight villains and solve mysteries.
Making Of Out
Friday 8th January
Marvel Studios: Legends
Marvel Studios: Legends is a new series that will showcase individual characters viewers have come to know and love over the years and revisit some of their most iconic moments. Marvel Studios: Legends kicks off by highlighting Wanda Maximoff and Vision, the two stars of WandaVision, and their interconnected path across the MCU that led them both here.
Beyond the Clouds: The Anatomy of Emotion
Justin discusses the process of navigating the emotion of the film and the challenge of ensuring the tone remains true to Zach’s story. Fin taps into a difficult personal struggle to reach Zach’s low point, and Justin shares how the classic film, That Thing You Do, mixed with the casting of Tom Everett Scott, inspired one of the most joyful moments in Clouds.
Star Wars Forces of Destiny (Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4)
A galaxy far, far away brings loyal viewers “Star Wars: Forces of Destiny” off of Disney’s YouTube channel. The main focus will be on some of “Star Wars”‘ most inspiring and beloved of characters. Join Princess Leia, Rey, Ahsoka Tano, Jyn Erso, and other strong female characters. The series explores different eras and will showcase how each character’s decisions affect her destiny. These are an all-new series of animated shorts and explores characters’ adventures. Choices, both big and small, will shape the destinies of these beloved characters.
T.O.T.S. S2 – Episode 12
“T.O.T.S.,” a heartfelt animated comedy series for kids age 2-7, explores the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.). As new members of the esteemed team, these junior flyers must take tender care in taking baby animals from the nursery to their forever families around the globe. Each episode features two 11-minute stories that highlight the use of creative thinking and problem solving to model for young viewers that there isn’t just one way to achieve a goal.
Friday 15th January
WandaVision – Episode 1 & 2
Marvel Studios presents “WandaVision,” a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) – two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives – begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer.
Disney Fancy Nancy Clancy Episode 1-19
Six-year-old Nancy is excited to experience what the world has to offer and to celebrate the differences that make everyone unique.
Disney Junior Mira, Royal Detective
Detective Mira has several adventures all over the kingdom while she tries to help the people by solving peculiar cases.
Disney Elena of Avalor (s3)
The Emmy® Award-winning “Elena of Avalor” is an animated series that follows the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who saves her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Set in Avalor, an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore, Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.
Disney Insider – Episode 7
DISNEY INSIDER is a docuseries taking fans behind the curtain of The Walt Disney Company. The series peels back the curtain of The Walt Disney Company like never before. Tune in each week as the series takes fans behind movies, theme parks, destinations, music, toys, and more.
Doctor Doolittle 3
Lisa Dolittle inherits her father’s uncanny ability to talk to animals and tries to save a ranch from closure.
Beyond the Clouds: The Concert of a Lifetime
As Justin and the crew prepare for Zach’s final performance, they have difficulty finding a venue. A miracle, however, comes from the most unlikely place – Justin’s daughter, Maiya. Jason Mraz, reflects on his connection with Zach’s music and its impact on him and his work. When filming the final scene, Justin invites Zach’s family and friends to be in the audience, and they all sing along in his honor
Friday 22nd January
WandaVision – Episode 3
“WandaVision” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany)—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer.
Pixar Popcorn
Grab a quick snack of Pixar! This collection of mini shorts stars your favorite characters in all-new, bite size stories. Created directly by Pixar animators as a quick pop of Pixar fun.
T.O.T.S. S2 – Episode 13
“T.O.T.S.,” a heartfelt animated comedy series for kids age 2-7, explores the hilarious adventures of best friends Pip and Freddy, a tenacious penguin and a kind-hearted flamingo, who are the only non-stork delivery birds in-training at Tiny Ones Transport Service (T.O.T.S.). As new members of the esteemed team, these junior flyers must take tender care in taking baby animals from the nursery to their forever families around the globe. Each episode features two 11-minute stories that highlight the use of creative thinking and problem solving to model for young viewers that there isn’t just one way to achieve a goal.
Disney Junior Puppy Dog Pals S3 – Episode 19-25
Fun-loving pug puppies, brothers Bingo and Rolly, have thrill-seeking appetites that take them on exhilarating adventures in their neighborhood and around the globe.
Wild Uganda
Uganda is still what travellers consider an ‘insider tip’. Off the tourist map, a place still in the shadows of its past. Visitors, including scientists and conservationists, had a difficult time in the civil war-stricken country. Poaching had endangered many of Uganda’s most iconic animals including Mountain gorillas, cave elephants, the chimpanzees and even the tree-dwelling lions. But now the national parks have been restored and Uganda’s wildlife is once again thriving. This is a celebration of their survival.
The Book of Life
Drumline
A talented street drummer enrols in a Southern university, hoping to lead its marching band to fame and victory. However, he must first defeat a rival in order to win the battle.
Flicka 2
Flicka: Country Pride
Toby and his horse Flicka find work at a stable owned by Kelly. Soon Kelly’s daughter bonds with Flicka and decides to train him for a competition. But, first they must deal with many adversities.
Beyond the Clouds: The Finishing Touches
Justin brings in composer Brian Tyler to score the film. Brian looks to Zach for inspiration as he creates a theme that he feels Zach himself would’ve written. Brian composes a beautiful suite of music for Zach, feeling as though Zach is with him every stop of the way. Stefan Sonnenfeld, the colorist, details the process of creating a uniquely grounded and raw look for Clouds. When Covid-19 closes theaters, Justin decides to meet the audience where they are – in their living rooms
Friday 29th January
WandaVision – Episode 4
“WandaVision” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany)—two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives—begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. The new series is directed by Matt Shakman; Jac Schaeffer is head writer.
Beyond The Clouds – Episode 9 – Finale
The cast and crew reunite at the annual Clouds Choir fundraiser, singing in unity to honor Zach and raise money for the Zach Sobiech osteosarcoma fund. In tearful confessionals, various cast members, crew, and important people in Zach’s life share how he inspired them to live more fully and thank him for his lasting impact. Lastly, Justin proudly reveals that after the release of Clouds, Zach’s song is again #1 on iTunes.
Dinosaurs (Seasons 1-4)
The show follows a family of dinosaurs residing in the modern world. They have TVs, fridges and various other objects. The only human beings around them are cavemen, who are considered pets and wild animals.
Ramona and Beezus
Life goes on in the usual, chaotic way for Ramona, her sister Beezus, her parents and aunt, Bea. Things change when her dad loses his job and the family may have to leave behind more than just a home.
NOTE – This list isn’t complete and will be updated with new additions as they are announced. Content may vary depending on your country and this list is based on the release schedule in Australia & New Zealand.
What are you looking forward to seeing on Disney+ in January?
Roger Palmer
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