Disney says The Remarried Empress is the most-viewed local original premiere ever on Disney+ and Hulu, based on its first three days.
The Remarried Empress has a record, and it’s well deserved. So far, the show is fantastic.
Disney said Friday, Nov. 6, that the Korean fantasy drama is the most-viewed local original premiere of all time on Disney+ and Hulu globally. The yardstick: views in its first three days after the show launched Nov. 3.
It was also the No. 1 Korean title premiere in more than 50 markets, Disney said. That list includes the U.S., the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
What Disney didn't share: actual numbers. The announcement had no view count and no hours watched totals.
Disney uses "local original" for series it makes in markets outside the U.S., like Korea. The record is measured against those shows. It doesn't mean the K-drama beat every Disney+ premiere ever.
Earlier Friday, we wrote that the show had climbed to No. 2 on Disney+ even as viewers roasted its costumes. Now Disney has an official stat to wave back at the critics.
When do new episodes of The Remarried Empress come out?
Wednesdays. Episodes 1 through 4 are streaming now, and two new episodes arrive each week until the finale:
Nov. 11: Episodes 5 and 6
Nov. 18: Episodes 7 and 8
Nov. 25: Episodes 9 and 10, the finale
The finale lands the night before Thanksgiving, so plan your pie schedule accordingly.
Where can I watch The Remarried Empress?
On Disney+ and Hulu. Disney says the series streams exclusively on both services worldwide.
Why did The Remarried Empress come out a day early?
It was scheduled for Nov. 4, but Disney dropped the first four episodes on Nov. 3. What's On Disney Plus reported the early release was meant to build buzz on social media.
Why did Disney expect a hit?
It’s an incredibly popular Webtoon title with a global fanbase.
D23: The trailer debuted at D23 in Anaheim in August and drew "enthusiastic applause" from more than 200 media members and influencers, The Korea Times reported.
Busan: Preview screenings sold out at the Busan International Film Festival in October.
Trailer: The payoff trailer pulled 13 million views in its first 48 hours across YouTube and social media.
Webtoon: The original Naver Webtoon has nearly 3 billion views.
Disney's announcement also quoted The Chosun Daily calling the show a "global triumph." Collider called it "your next must-watch fantasy romance."
Pirates and Princesses says “It’s amazing and you need to watch it!”
Disney has been betting on Korean shows for a while. At D23 in August, Eric Schrier, who runs international original programming for Disney's streaming business, pointed to Moving and A Shop for Killers as local shows that found fans far beyond Korea, The Korea Times reported.
What is The Remarried Empress about?
Empress Navier's marriage to Emperor Sovieshu of the Eastern Kingdom is falling apart. The emperor falls for Rashta, an escaped slave, and goes after her. Navier agrees to his demands on one condition: she gets to remarry Crown Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom, Laughing Place reported.
It's based on a Naver Webtoon that started in 2019, which was adapted from a web novel that began in 2018.
Who is in The Remarried Empress?
Shin Min-a as Empress Navier
Ju Ji-hoon as Emperor Sovieshu
Lee Jong-suk as Crown Prince Heinrey
Lee Se-young as Rashta
Cho Suwon directed the series. Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol adapted it for the screen.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Laughing Place (Nov. 6, 2026), the record, the three-day window, the schedule, plot and source material
What's On Disney Plus (Nov. 6, 2026), the 50-plus markets, the early release reason and the finale date
BroadwayWorld (Nov. 6, 2026), Disney's announcement text, critic quotes, cast and crew
The Korea Times (Aug. 17, 2026), the D23 trailer debut and Eric Schrier's comments on Moving and A Shop for Killers
AI Disclosure: All articles are assigned, edited and reviewed by an experienced human editor before posting. Like most modern newsrooms, WebReef Media uses a variety of AI tools to help with accuracy and efficiency. Ways AI may be used in article creation include research, grammar, fact-checking and ideation, as well as occasional AI generated or enhanced thumbnails or graphics. No articles are generated or posted without human oversight or involvement.