It’s that time of the month – when we look forward to what’s ahead for the next 30 days. Disney+ is delivering an eclectic mix of new entertainment and returning faves. In terms of the latter, that means the likes of crowd-pleasing Welcome to Wrexham Season 3 (debuting 3 May), acclaimed Abbott Elementary S3 Part 1 (on 8 May), the evergreen Grey’s Anatomy S20 Part 2 (16 May) and Criminal Minds S17 (1 May). And, of course, May means Star Wars Day on the 4th.
Below are our standout picks for the month of May on Disney+.
Shardlake (Miniseries)
Shardlake combines 16th Century historical drama and murder mystery. Based on the first of the novels by C.J. Sansom, the four-part series follows lawyer Matthew Shardlake (Arthur Hughes) and companion Jack Barack (Anthony Boyle) as, under the instruction of royal advisor Thomas Cromwell (Sean Bean), they work to uncover the truth behind a murder at the remote monastery of Scarnsea. As they soon learn, though, deception, deceit, and corruption are rife.
Watch Shardlake in its entirety from 1 May.
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (Anthology Animated Series)
What is May the 4th without some new Star Wars content? This year, fans of that galaxy far, far away can watch Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, a collection of animated shorts in the same vein as 2022’s highly acclaimed Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi. Tales of the Empire is set within the fearsome Galactic Empire, and follows two warriors on divergent paths – young Morgan Elsbeth who is driven by vengeance, and former Jedi Barriss Offee who does what she must to survive.
All six episodes of Star Wars: Tales of the Empire are available 4 May.
Let It Be (Documentary Film)
Following Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour and last month‘s Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story, Disney+ is becoming thee place to check out concert films and music documentaries.
The latest to join the streamer is Let It Be. Let It Be has not been available on home video since the 1980s but now the 1970 documentary returns in remastered form. Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s candid film documents the group rehearsing and recording songs for what was to become their twelfth and final studio album Let It Be.
Let It Be starts streaming 8 May on Disney+.
Queen Rock Montreal (Concert Film)
The Beatles aren’t the only rock pioneers to take centre stage on Disney+ in May. Having enjoyed a week-long IMAX run at the start of this year, Queen Rock Montreal is a digitally re-mastered recording of the iconic live concert from 1981, which was packed with the British band’s greatest hits, including “We Will Rock You,” “Under Pressure,” Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are The Champions.”
Watch Queen Rock Montreal on Disney+ from 13 May.
Uncle Samsik (Series)
Need some more international entertainment in your life? Look no further than Korean period drama Uncle Samsik, which marks the K-drama debut of legendary Song Kangho. Set against the turbulent background of the 1960s, the series looks at the friendship between Kim San (Byun Yo-han), an elite graduate with a dream of turning Korea into an industrial powerhouse, and charming fixer Uncle Samsik (Song) who has many dubious connections.
Watch Uncle Samsik from 15 May.
The Beach Boys (Documentary Film)
Feature-length documentary The Beach Boys is a celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and their iconic, harmonious sound as they defined the California dream. The documentary traces the band from humble family beginnings and features never-before-seen footage and all-new interviews with Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, David Marks, Bruce Johnston, plus other music industry luminaries.
Watch The Beach Boys from 24 May.