Disney+'s Fantasy Series Is a Streaming Hit on Netflix 1 Month Before Its Return

4 days ago 23

Annabeth is wearing golden armor and looking off the side in fear.

Published Oct 25, 2026, 11:54 AM EDT

Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics.

Netflix has many titles, but not all of them are originals. In fact, one Disney+ show recently added to the catalog has found considerable success on its second streaming service. Percy Jackson and the Olympians premiered on Disney+ in 2023, adapting Rick Riordan's beloved novels. With its unique retelling of Greek mythology, surprising twists, and constant humor, the series stands out in the fantasy genre and promises to continue doing so. Anyone who's read the books knows the story is far from over, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians will continue the tale soon with Season 3's upcoming premiere.

Yet, the family-friendly fantasy is about to have more competition with HBO's Harry Potter. Both based on long-standing middle-grade novels, the two shows are easy to compare. However, Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Netflix release strengthens its position. After three years, the series first two seasons have become a hit on a second streamer, which few series can claim. This new attention not only proves how good Percy Jackson and the Olympians is, but it comes just in time to get fans excited for the next season.

'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Begins a Thrilling Story in Seasons 1 and 2

Even with only two seasons out, Percy Jackson and the Olympians contains a lot of adventure. The series follows Percy (Walker Scobell), a modern 12-year-old who discovers that his absent father is really the Greek god Poseidon (Toby Stephens). His demigod status makes him a target for mystical monsters, but worse, his connection to Poseidon makes him the focus of malicious gods and a terrifying prophecy. In Season 1, Percy must undertake a dangerous quest to locate Zeus' (Lance Reddick in Season 1 and, later, Courtney B. Vance) lightning bolt that his father is accused of stealing. Accompanying him is his unlikely friend, Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries), the daughter of Athena, and his satyr protector, Grover (Aryan Simhadri). Their dynamic, which isn't always harmonious despite Grover's efforts, is a large part of what makes the series so enjoyable. Percy's reckless bravery and Annabeth's unwavering intelligence make an incredible team, even as they bicker. This becomes even more prominent as Season 2 takes the characters on a journey inspired by The Odyssey.

Just two seasons in, Percy, Grover, and Annabeth go on multiple adventures and discover that the real enemy is never who they think. However, their mission isn't over yet. As the threat of the returning Titans grows, a mysterious prophecy puts Percy at the center of the conflict, leaving plenty of story to be told. The fantasy series returns to screens on November 20th with a third season following the next book in the series, Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse. As it introduces several gods, including Aphrodite (Kate McKinnon), Artemis (Dafne Keen), and Apollo (Hubert Smielecki), as well as major new characters like Bianca (Olive Abercrombie) and Nico Di Angelo (Levi Chrisopulos), Season 3 promises to be an eventful addition. With an even more dangerous quest, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is making a much-anticipated return, but its growing popularity on Netflix will only build on that.

'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Is Unlike Any Other Show

A lot sets Percy Jackson and the Olympians apart, but a major part of that is how it handles Greek mythology. By bringing these ancient stories into the modern era, the series delivers a unique, self-aware retelling of the myths in an easily understandable way. This sets it apart from the many other shows with similar inspiration. The result is sometimes an odd combination, like a Minotaur in underwear or Circe (Rosemarie DeWitt) turning men into guinea pigs. This rare approach is part of what makes the show so amusing, and paired with Percy's sarcasm, it makes for a lighthearted fantasy like no other.

The family-friendly fantasy series has been a long time coming. Though the books are popular, the first attempt to adapt them resulted in two controversial films that never reached the end of the story. As Percy Jackson and the Olympians moves forward on Disney+, Season 3 will reach the part of the saga that has never before reached screens. The adaptation takes big risks, altering elements from the books, even as it follows the general storyline. While book purists certainly have things to say, this allows the show freedom to create even more surprises. Whether you loved the books or are completely new to the world, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a thrilling series, full of monsters, heroes, and unexpected twists.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is streaming on Disney+ and Netflix in the U.S.