Disney strikes original content deal with Dhar Mann, orders 20-episode series

Disney has struck an original content deal with Dhar Mann Studios and commissioned a family-focused, 20-episode project from the California-based creator studio.

Dhar Mann

Under the newly minted pact, Dhar Mann Studios will create kids, tween, teen and family programming for Disney platforms.

Specifics about the 20-episode project, as well as the wider deal, have not been revealed, though the companies said further information would be released in due course.

In recent years, Dhar Mann Studios, led by YouTube creator and producer Dhar Mann, has become known for independently financed scripted programming released on YouTube and other social media platforms.

The company says it garners more than one billion views across platforms each month, with more than 170 million followers and subscribers to its channels.

While remaining focused on its creator economy roots, the company has increasingly dabbled in traditional Hollywood production over the past couple of years.

Since 2024, it has been led by former MTV president Sean Atkins, who is CEO.

Disney is the latest major American company to go into business with Dhar Mann Studios, after Fox Entertainment struck a deal for Dhar Mann to create at least 40 microdramas for Holywater-owned app My Drama.

The company also produced the first-ever original scripted series for Samsung TV Plus, as well as brand-focused deals with the NFL and Gap, among others.

For Disney, the pact with Dhar Mann Studios comes as it continues to expand its focus on the creator economy, as well as vertical video. In February, Disney+ released its first microdrama, Locker Diaries, and earlier this month Disney revealed a content-sharing pact with social media giant TikTok.

“Dhar has built a distinctive voice and an enormous global following, with stories that are uniquely his own,” said Disney chief marketing and brand officer Asad Ayaz and Disney Entertainment Television chairman Debra OConnell in a joint statement.

“He and his team have forged an extraordinary connection with their audience, and we believe their optimistic, deeply relatable storytelling will connect in a meaningful way with Disney fans.”

Mann added: “We’ve spent years building a direct relationship with our audiences and learning what makes them laugh, cry, share and, most importantly, feel seen. Disney has spent generations creating stories and characters that become part of people’s lives. Bringing those two worlds together gives us an opportunity to dream much bigger about what these stories can become, where they can go and how many people they can impact.”