Shared family time is sorted in September thanks to Disney+ bringing two of its biggest midyear movie blockbusters to the small screen.
But before we dive into the month’s highlights below, notable mentions must go to the return of Glen Powell’s football-player-in-disguise comedy Chad Powers, with Season 2 arriving on Thursday, 3 September. Meanwhile, reality TV favourite The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives (Season 5) returns on Thursday, 10 September.
As a side note, a new Disney+ app launches in South Africa this month. Starting its rollout on 9 September, subscribers will need to download the new software, which is the same used across Europe and the Americas. With it, you’ll find new features like smarter recommendations, an enhanced ESPN viewing experience, and an updated Junior Mode for kids. You’ll also be able to more effortlessly travel and stream. Previously, the Disney+ app used in South Africa was based on India’s Disney+ Hotstar, which was earmarked for the developing world. Access to the existing app ends on 12 October 2026.
At the same time, the Disney+ Mobile plan in South Africa will transition to a Basic subscription, keeping its monthly price of R49. While the ability to download content falls away, the Disney+ Basic plan lets subscribers stream in a resolution up to 720p HD video (previously 480p) and stream on more devices, including Smart TVs.
The Mandalorian and Grogu (Film)
From TV screens to IMAX, and back to TV. In Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian and Grogu, the title characters continue their found-father-and-son adventures following The Mandalorian Season 3. More specifically, Pedro Pascal’s helmeted bounty hunter accept a New Republic contract from Sigourney Weaver’s commander to locate crime lord Jabba the Hutt’s son (voiced by Jeremy Allen White). In our review, we noted that the movie is action-packed and cinematic, but kinda lacking in emotional stakes due to its consciously standalone nature.
Watch The Mandalorian and Grogu from Wednesday, 2 September.
LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Animated special)
Also dropping on 2 September is LEGO Star Wars: The Mandalorian, an animated special based on the Star Wars duo as they appear in LEGO form. Taking much the same comedic approach as the LEGO Star Wars games, this 45-minute short film revisits the events of all three seasons of The Mandalorian series with goofy humour that should be appreciated by Star Wars fans of all ages.
Toy Story 5 (Film)
It’s taken just three months for Pixar’s Toy Story 5 to make it from the big to the small screen. In this latest installment in the ground-breaking animated film franchise, toys Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the rest of the gang face a new threat to their playtime role when their kid Bonnie receives Lilypad (Greta Lee), a brand-new tablet device. It’s a topical case of analogue toys versus digital tech.
Watch Toy Story 5 on Disney+ from Friday, 25 September.
American Horror Story: 13 (Anthology series)
Finally, kicking off spooky season a week early is FX’s American Horror Story: 13, the thirteenth season in the long-running horror anthology series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Being touted as an American Horror Story Greatest Hits, or the AHS equivalent of The Avengers, 13 sees the return of regular stars like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Jessica Lange and many more familiar faces. Expect said stars to revisit multiple AHS characters they’ve played as the plot revolved around everyone coming together to defeat the ultimate evil.
American Horror Story: 13 premieres on Friday, 25 September with the first three of its 13 episodes.