Despite the enduring popularity of the original 1989 film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and its subsequent expansions, a significant piece of the franchise remains conspicuously absent from Disney+. A 66-episode television series, a direct extension of the movie’s universe, is not available for streaming on the platform.

The Success of the Original Film

Directed by Joe Johnston and starring Rick Moranis as Wayne Szalinski, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was a massive success. Produced on an $18 million budget, the film grossed $222 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing live-action Disney film at the time. A sequel, Honey, I Blew Up the Kid, followed in 1992, earning $58 million domestically on a $22 million budget.

Expanding the Franchise

The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids brand extended beyond the films, notably with a 4-D attraction at Disney’s theme parks. In 2019, Disney even began developing a new film intended to feature Rick Moranis reprising his role after a long hiatus from acting, but the project was indefinitely shelved in 2023.

The Forgotten Television Series

However, throughout these expansions, the 1990s television series has been consistently overlooked. The show, which ran for three seasons, delivered 66 episodes of original content largely unseen by modern audiences. It represented the franchise’s most ambitious expansion at the time.

A New Take on the Szalinski Family

The series distinguished itself by casting Peter Scolari as Wayne Szalinski, rather than Rick Moranis, and introducing Barbara Alyn Woods, Hillary Tuck, and Thomas Dekker as the Szalinski family. The show relocated the family to the fictional town of Matheson, Colorado, and reimagined Wayne’s career within the research company GENTEK.

Unique Storylines and Format

This new setting allowed for diverse episode concepts, with Wayne deploying inventions ranging from a “neuron nudger” to a “time-hopper.” The series explored genres like spy thrillers, supernatural horror, and noir. The hour-long format provided ample space to develop these premises, a rarity for Saturday morning programming.

Why Is It Missing from Disney+?

The series was canceled after its third season due to declining ratings and Disney’s internal policy against renewing shows beyond 65 episodes. Reruns aired on the Disney Channel from 2001 to 2004 and on Discovery Family from 2010 to 2013, but it has been unavailable since. While the original film and related content are available on Disney+, the television series remains absent.

The omission is puzzling, given Disney+'s investment in its catalog. Licensing complications from original syndication deals may be a contributing factor, as these agreements often complicate digital re-releases. Currently, the series is only available for purchase or rent, limiting its accessibility and keeping it largely in obscurity.