What If...?: Season 1 (2021)
TV SeriesOptionalMultiverse
The Watcher observes alternate realities where key MCU moments unfolded differently. In story order it’s #39 of 81; by release date it was the 8th MCU series season, part of Phase Four. It’s Optional: a side story you can watch whenever you like. At 9 episodes, about 6h 45m in all, it streams on Disney+ in the US.
| Release date | August 11, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 9 × ~45 min |
| Phase | Phase Four |
| Saga | Multiverse Saga |
| Story position | #39 of 81 in chronological order |
Why it matters in the MCU
An animated anthology of alternate realities. Mostly optional, but it introduces Captain Carter and shows how the Watcher sees the multiverse.
What to watch before What If...?: Season 1
What If...?: Season 1 builds on these earlier titles, listed in release order:
- Marvel's The Avengers (2012)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Black Panther (2018)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Where to watch What If...?: Season 1 in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+ |
|---|
Where to watch What If...?: Season 1 outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Disney+ | None needed |
| Australia | Disney+ | None needed |
| India | JioHotstar | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
All streaming options for Marvel movies and shows, by service and country.
Related guides
What If...?: Season 1 FAQ
Can you skip What If...?: Season 1?
Yes. Nothing major later depends on it, so we grade it Optional.
How many episodes does What If...?: Season 1 have?
What If...?: Season 1 has 9 episodes, around 45 minutes each.
Where does What If...?: Season 1 fit in the MCU timeline?
It sits at #39 of 81 in our story order.
Does What If...?: Season 1 have a post-credit scene?
Yes, at least one episode has an extra scene after the credits. We don’t describe it here to avoid spoilers; see our post-credit scenes guide.