ABC is no longer available on YouTube TV as of September 2024
Yes, ABC was removed from YouTube TV. The channel stopped being available on September 1, 2024, after YouTube TV and Disney (which owns ABC) failed to reach a new carriage agreement. This means YouTube TV subscribers can no longer watch ABC's live broadcasts or on-demand content through the service.
The removal affected not just ABC but also ESPN and Disney Channel on the same date. These channels had been part of YouTube TV's standard package, so the loss represented a significant change for viewers who relied on the service for those networks.
Key Takeaways
- ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel were removed from YouTube TV on September 1, 2024, when the carriage agreement between YouTube TV and Disney expired.
- YouTube TV subscribers lost access to ABC's live broadcasts, news programming, and on-demand shows without warning once the agreement ended.
- You can still watch ABC content through the ABC app or website if you have cable login credentials, or through Disney+ with a paid subscription.
- YouTube TV did not offer refunds or credits to subscribers after the removal, though some users reported being able to pause their subscriptions.
Why ABC disappeared from YouTube TV
YouTube TV and Disney could not agree on the price YouTube TV would pay to carry ABC, ESPN, and Disney Channel. These negotiations happen regularly between streaming services and content owners, and they sometimes break down. When they do, channels go dark until both sides reach a new deal or one side walks away permanently.
Disney owns a large portfolio of channels and uses its bargaining power to push for higher fees. YouTube TV, which competes with cable and other streaming services on price, resisted the increase. Neither side was willing to meet in the middle, so the channels were removed.
What YouTube TV subscribers lost
YouTube TV subscribers lost live access to ABC's primetime shows, daytime programming, and news broadcasts. This included shows like The Bachelor, Grey's Anatomy, and ABC News. The removal also meant losing the ability to record ABC programs to your YouTube TV library or watch them on-demand through the service.
ESPN and Disney Channel were removed at the same time, so subscribers also lost sports programming and children's content that had been part of their package. YouTube TV did not reduce the subscription price after the removal, and the company did not offer refunds or service credits to existing subscribers.
How to watch ABC without YouTube TV
You can watch ABC through the ABC app or ABC.com if you have cable login credentials from another provider. This means if you have cable through Comcast, Charter, AT&T, or another major provider, you can sign in with those credentials and stream ABC content for free through the app.
If you do not have cable, you can watch ABC through Disney+ with a paid subscription. Disney+ includes access to ABC content as part of its bundle offerings. Hulu with Live TV also carries ABC if you want a live TV streaming service that includes the channel, though it costs more than YouTube TV did.
Some ABC shows also appear on Hulu the day after they air, so you can watch them there with a standard Hulu subscription. The timing varies by show, so check Hulu's listings for the specific programs you want to watch.
Whether YouTube TV might get ABC back
It is possible ABC could return to YouTube TV if the two sides reach a new agreement, but there is no timeline for when that might happen. Carriage disputes can last weeks, months, or longer. In some cases, channels never return to a service if the financial gap between what the service will pay and what the content owner demands is too large.
YouTube TV has not announced any negotiations with Disney or given a date when ABC might return. If you want to know whether talks are happening, you can check YouTube TV's official announcements or contact their support team, though they typically do not share details about ongoing negotiations.
Other streaming services that still carry ABC
Hulu with Live TV includes ABC as part of its live TV package. Sling TV does not carry ABC, but YouTube TV's main competitors for live TV streaming are Hulu with Live TV and traditional cable. If you want to stay with a live TV streaming service that includes ABC, Hulu with Live TV is the most direct alternative, though it costs more than YouTube TV's base price.
FuboTV does not carry ABC either, so your options for live TV streaming with ABC are limited. This is why many people who lost ABC on YouTube TV have switched to either Hulu with Live TV, cable, or a combination of services like Disney+ and Hulu on-demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund from YouTube TV because ABC was removed?
YouTube TV did not offer refunds or service credits when ABC was removed. The company's position is that the removal was beyond their control due to the failed negotiation with Disney. Some subscribers reported being able to pause their subscriptions temporarily, but this was not an automatic option offered to all users.
Will ABC come back to YouTube TV?
It is possible but not certain. Carriage disputes can be resolved, but there is no announced timeline. YouTube TV has not made a public statement about whether negotiations with Disney are ongoing. Check YouTube TV's official announcements for updates.
Can I watch ABC shows on demand without cable?
Yes, through Disney+ or Hulu. Disney+ includes ABC content as part of its subscription. Many ABC shows also appear on Hulu the day after they air with a standard Hulu subscription, though timing varies by show.
Does YouTube TV offer any alternative for sports fans who lost ESPN?
YouTube TV does not carry ESPN anymore, so sports fans need to find another service. Hulu with Live TV includes ESPN, or you can watch ESPN through the ESPN app if you have cable login credentials from another provider.
What if I want to keep YouTube TV but also watch ABC?
You would need to add another service. The most common approach is to keep YouTube TV and add Disney+ or Hulu for ABC content. This combination costs more than YouTube TV alone but gives you access to both services.