Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV.
One of the most anticipated Disney releases of the year has finally landed, and the 10-part fantasy series has already broken a major record just days after its streaming debut.
With a slate of new international shows coming to Disney+, one of the streaming platform's most anticipated adaptations of 2026 has finally been released, and The Remarried Empress is defying the odds with its record-breaking debut. The 10-part K-drama, an adaptation of a popular webtoon of the same name, has officially become the most-viewed original premiere of all time on Disney+ and Hulu globally, according to the platform's recent announcement (via Variety). According to the announcement, the series is the biggest local premiere, as well as the number one Korean title in 50 global markets, including the US, UK, and Canada.
While the specific metrics behind The Remarried Empress' success weren't shared, Disney+'s record-breaking K-drama has amassed a massive amount of attention over the past few days since its November 3 release. The early performance of The Remarried Empress makes it clear that Disney+'s investment in international dramas, including its original K-drama, were well worth reaching for. With the series having released its first four episodes this past week, The Remarried Empress will continue with weekly releases every Wednesday through November 25.
Based on a beloved webtoon, The Remarried Empress tells the story of Empress Navier (Shin Mina), who believes she's in a secure marriage to Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Jihoon) until things begin to collapse when he falls for a runaway, Rashta (Lee Seyoung). Well-versed in the political landscape, Navier chooses to refuse to accept her husband's betrayal or surrender her position without backup in place. Agreeing to the divorce on the condition she's allowed to marry Crown Prince Heinrey (Lee Jongsuk) of the rival Western kingdom, Navier's decision creates a sweeping romance filled with political drama and power struggle.
With massive attention surrounding the adaptation throughout the global market, viewers were ready for The Remarried Empress to finally hit Disney+ well ahead of its premiere. The show's trailer saw over 13 million views after just two days on YouTube, and the buzz surrounding the adaptation has been heightened as the premiere date grew closer. Now, with its record-breaking performance, The Remarried Empress has finally arrived and appears to be everything audiences hoped for.
Establishing itself as a major hit for Disney+ globally, The Remarried Empress has assured the streamer that its investment in K-dramas has been well worth the effort.
