YouTube TV removed ABC from its channel lineup in December 2022
Yes, YouTube TV no longer carries ABC. The service dropped the network after a contract dispute with Disney, which owns ABC. The removal happened on December 31, 2022, and as of now, ABC remains unavailable on YouTube TV. If you were watching ABC through YouTube TV, you lost access to shows like Grey's Anatomy, The Bachelor, World News Tonight, and live sports events that air on the network.
The dispute centered on how much YouTube TV would pay Disney for the right to carry ABC, ESPN, and other Disney-owned channels. YouTube TV and Disney could not reach a new agreement, so Disney pulled its channels from the service. This is not unusual — streaming services and content owners negotiate contracts regularly, and sometimes those negotiations fail.
YouTube TV subscribers who want to watch ABC now have to use a different method. That might mean signing up for a separate service, using ABC's own app, or switching to a different live TV streaming service that still carries ABC.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV lost ABC in December 2022 due to a contract disagreement with Disney over carriage fees.
- ABC shows and live broadcasts are no longer available through YouTube TV, and there is no announced date for their return.
- You can watch ABC content through the ABC app, Hulu with Live TV, or other live TV streaming services that still carry the network.
- YouTube TV subscribers can contact the service to discuss their options or switch to a competitor if ABC access is important to them.
How to watch ABC if you had YouTube TV
The fastest option is the ABC app, which is free and available on phones, tablets, and streaming devices. You can watch most ABC shows the day after they air, and some live events stream on the app as well. You will need to sign in with a cable or streaming service login — the app accepts logins from Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, and some cable providers.
If you want to watch ABC live as it airs, Hulu with Live TV carries the network. This is a paid service that costs more than standard Hulu, but it includes live TV channels plus on-demand content. Hulu with Live TV also carries ESPN and other channels YouTube TV subscribers may have used.
Other live TV streaming services that carry ABC include Sling TV, FuboTV, and YouTube TV's competitors like Philo (though Philo does not carry all the same channels). Each service has different pricing and channel lineups, so comparing them depends on which other channels matter to you.
What shows and events you lost access to
ABC airs primetime dramas like Grey's Anatomy, The Good Doctor, and Station Eleven. It also carries reality shows including The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Dancing with the Stars. If you watched daytime television, you lost access to The View and General Hospital.
News coverage on ABC includes World News Tonight with David Muir and Good Morning America. Sports events on ABC vary by season — the network carries some college football games, NBA Finals games, and other live sports depending on the time of year.
The loss affected different households differently. If you primarily watched ABC for one or two shows, the ABC app might solve your problem. If you watched ABC for live sports or news throughout the day, switching to a service that carries ABC live may be necessary.
Whether YouTube TV and Disney might reach a deal again
Contract disputes between streaming services and content owners sometimes end in agreement, and sometimes they do not. YouTube TV and Disney have negotiated before, and they could negotiate again in the future. However, there is no announced timeline for talks or any indication that ABC will return to YouTube TV soon.
The longer a channel stays off a service, the less likely subscribers are to come back for it alone. YouTube TV has not publicly stated whether bringing ABC back is a priority, and Disney has not indicated it is willing to lower its asking price. Both sides would have to move toward each other for a deal to happen.
If you are waiting for ABC to return to YouTube TV, you can check the service's channel list periodically, but it is safer to assume ABC will not be available and plan accordingly. Streaming services change their lineups frequently, and waiting for a specific channel can leave you without access to content you want to watch.
Comparing your options for ABC access
| Option | Cost | ABC Live | On-Demand | Other Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABC App (free tier) | Free | Limited | Yes, next day | None |
| Hulu with Live TV | $76.99/month | Yes | Yes | 100+ channels including ESPN, Disney+ |
| Sling TV | $40/month (with ABC add-on) | Yes | Limited | 30–50 channels depending on plan |
| FuboTV | $79.99/month | Yes | Yes | 200+ channels, heavy on sports |
The ABC app is the cheapest option if you only care about watching ABC shows on demand. Hulu with Live TV is the most expensive but gives you live ABC plus a large library of on-demand content and other streaming services bundled in. Sling TV and FuboTV fall in the middle and are worth comparing if you want live ABC plus other specific channels.
What to do if you want to stay with YouTube TV
If you prefer YouTube TV for its interface, DVR storage, or other channels, you can keep your subscription and supplement it with the ABC app or another service for ABC content. Many households use multiple streaming services at once, so this is a practical approach if YouTube TV meets most of your needs.
You can also contact YouTube TV customer support to express that ABC access matters to you. Feedback from subscribers does not always change corporate decisions, but it does get counted. If enough people request a channel, it can influence future negotiations.
Another option is to switch to a different live TV streaming service entirely. If ABC is important and YouTube TV will not carry it, a service like Hulu with Live TV or FuboTV might be a better fit. Most services offer trial periods, so you can test them before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch ABC on YouTube TV at all right now?
No. ABC is not available on YouTube TV and has not been since December 2022. If you try to tune to an ABC channel on YouTube TV, you will see a message that the channel is unavailable.
Will ABC come back to YouTube TV?
There is no announced date for ABC's return. YouTube TV and Disney have not reached a new agreement, and neither company has publicly stated they are actively negotiating. It is possible they could reach a deal in the future, but there is no timeline.
Do I lose my YouTube TV subscription if I want to watch ABC?
No. You can keep YouTube TV and add the ABC app or another service separately. Many people use multiple streaming services at once. If you want to switch entirely to a service that carries ABC, you can cancel YouTube TV without penalty.
Is the ABC app free?
The ABC app is free, but you need a login from a cable or streaming service to watch most content. If you have Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, or a cable subscription, you can use that login. Without one, your viewing is limited.
Which live TV streaming service is cheapest and has ABC?
Sling TV is the least expensive option that carries ABC, starting at around $40 per month with the right add-ons. Hulu with Live TV costs more but includes more channels and on-demand content. FuboTV is more expensive but focuses on sports and entertainment.