The live-action fantasy series The Remarried Empress has set a new global viewership record for Disney+ and Hulu just three days after its streaming debut. Disney confirmed on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, that the 10-part series has become the most-viewed “local original” premiere in the history of both platforms.
The series, which premiered globally on November 3, reached the No. 1 spot in more than 50 markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Australia. While Disney has not released specific view counts or total hours watched, the performance metrics from the first 72 hours established it as the top-performing international commission for the company to date.
Defining the “Local Original” Record
The record specifically applies to Disney’s “local original” category, which distinguishes international productions commissioned by the studio from its domestic global franchises like Star Wars or Marvel. This distinction highlights the growing demand for non-English content, as The Remarried Empress successfully bridged the gap between its Korean origins and a massive Western audience.
According to reporting from DIPE.CO.KR, the live-action series stars Shin Min-a as Empress Navier, Ju Ji-hoon as Emperor Sovieshu, and Lee Jong-suk as Prince Heinrey.
Upcoming Episode Release Schedule
Following the debut of the first four episodes, Disney+ will shift to a weekly release cadence for the remainder of the season. The series follows Empress Navier, a perfect ruler who decides to divorce her husband, the Emperor, to marry the ruler of a neighboring kingdom after a series of royal betrayals.
The remaining episodes of the 10-part series are scheduled to release in pairs every Wednesday leading up to the season finale:
- Episodes 1–4: Currently streaming (Released Nov. 3)
- Episodes 5–6: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Episodes 7–8: Wednesday, Nov. 18
- Episodes 9–10 (Finale): Wednesday, Nov. 25
The success of the premiere suggests that the adaptation has successfully captured the pre-existing webtoon fanbase while expanding its reach through Disney’s global distribution network. With two-thirds of the season yet to air, the series remains positioned as a significant growth driver for the platform’s international content library through the end of November.