Where to Watch Just Beyond After Its Removal from Disney+: An Explanation

If you’re among the enthusiasts of Just Beyond and looking to stream this captivating anthology series, you may encounter disappointment. This show, inspired by the graphic novel series by R. L. Stine and created by Seth Grahame-Smith (notable for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter), offers a compelling mix of unique horror narratives tailored for a younger audience. Similar in essence to Stine’s Goosebumps series, each episode introduces a fresh storyline featuring different characters.

Originally launched in 2021, Just Beyond received acclaim, achieving a robust 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Star-studded performances from actors like Mckenna Grace and Gabriel Bateman, coupled with the directional expertise of Marc Webb (known for The Amazing Spider-Man), set high expectations. Unfortunately, after its first season, the show’s future became uncertain, leaving fans in a state of limbo. While any series can face cancellation, Just Beyond experienced an even more disheartening outcome.

Current Status of Just Beyond: Streaming Availability

Removal from Disney+

Despite its initial debut as a Disney+ exclusive, Just Beyond has vanished from the platform. The series was officially removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023, and has not since surfaced on any other streaming services. This situation is particularly disheartening because exclusive Disney+ content is typically not available elsewhere.

Such a withdrawal is a troubling indication of the challenges within the streaming landscape; programs designed solely for specific platforms often lack a safety net to ensure continued availability. If a show like Just Beyond does not perform strongly enough to justify its presence on one platform, the chances of it finding a home elsewhere are slim.

Ultimately, the fate of Just Beyond lies with Disney—there’s no obligation for the company to re-release the show in any form. With a significant gap since its removal and fan backlash appearing restrained, it’s uncertain whether Disney will reconsider its position.

Reasons Behind Disney’s Content Removals

Large-Scale Removals from Disney+

The outcry from fans of Just Beyond echoes the frustrations of many who have seen their beloved titles disappear from Disney+. Over 30 different shows and movies, many of which were original Disney+ content, exited the platform simultaneously with Just Beyond. This dramatic shift was a strategic decision by the Walt Disney Corporation linked to what they termed a “content impairment charge.”

A content impairment charge indicates that Disney has assessed these shows and films as no longer reflecting their original investment value. Instead of attempting to sell them, they opted to remove them as a loss write-off. Reports indicate that the removal of these titles led to a financial hit of approximately $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion.

During a pre-removal investor call, CFO Christine McCarthy hinted at this looming strategy, stating:

“We are in the process of reviewing the content on our DTC services to align with the strategic changes in our approach to content curation.”

The mention of “tax write-offs” has stirred sentiments among audiences, as this tactic has gained traction among various studios, often to controversial reception. One of the more notable examples was when Warner Bros. chose not to release the finished Batgirl project, opting instead to write it off.

While there has been no official comment from those involved with Just Beyond regarding its removal, numerous creators associated with eliminated projects have expressed their disappointment. Eliza Skinner, the head writer for Earth to Ned, articulated her disillusionment with the process, arguing for respect towards those who dedicate their efforts to creating art:

“It’s part of this overall mindset of the value of art and creativity that like, ‘Wow, you spent all this time on this, then you at least deserve a phone call. You at least deserve to understand a little bit what’s happening with your work. But it’s a whole climate of devaluing.”

Among the most notable titles affected was the Willow series, which only aired for a brief six months before being axed. Writer John Bickerstaff criticized the decision, suggesting that the official reasons provided may not have been the full truth:

Before you say tax write-off: these shows have already been released and so can’t be a write-off. In the case of Willow, they own the property outright. The only conclusion is that this is to get out of paying residuals. During a [WGA] strike.

Whether viewed as a calculated business decision or a betrayal of artistic integrity, the removal of Just Beyond is undoubtedly a loss for the devoted fans who cherished it. There remains an unsettling possibility that these works, once celebrated, may never be accessible again.

Complete List of Extensive Removals from Disney+

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