Disney pulled its channels from YouTube TV in a contract dispute

Disney channels—including ESPN, FX, and the Disney Channel itself—are not available on YouTube TV because Disney and Google could not reach a carriage agreement. In December 2022, Disney removed its channels from the service over a disagreement about how much Google would pay to carry them. The two companies have not restored the channels since, and no public timeline exists for when or if they will return.

This type of dispute happens regularly in streaming television. Networks and streaming services negotiate contracts every few years, and when they disagree on price or terms, the network can pull its content. YouTube TV subscribers lost access to Disney's entire portfolio at once, which affected sports fans (ESPN), news watchers (ABC, which Disney owns), and families who relied on the Disney Channel and related networks.

YouTube TV did not lower its subscription price after losing Disney's channels, so subscribers pay the same amount for fewer networks. The service still carries other major networks like NBC, CBS, Fox, and CNN, but the Disney removal was significant enough that some subscribers chose to cancel.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney channels disappeared from YouTube TV in December 2022 after a contract negotiation broke down between Disney and Google.
  • The missing channels include ESPN, ABC, FX, Disney Channel, National Geographic, and Hulu (with ads), which affects sports, news, and family programming.
  • YouTube TV's price did not drop after the removal, so you are paying the same subscription cost for fewer networks.
  • If you need Disney content, you can subscribe to Disney+ for entertainment, ESPN+ for sports, or use a different live TV service that still carries Disney networks.

Which Disney networks disappeared from YouTube TV

The removal included ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FX, FXX, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, National Geographic, and Nat Geo Wild. Hulu with ads also became unavailable through YouTube TV, though YouTube TV subscribers can still purchase a separate Hulu subscription directly from Disney if they want it.

The loss of ESPN was the most disruptive for many households, since YouTube TV had marketed itself as a sports-friendly option. Losing ABC meant missing local news, primetime shows, and major events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl when ABC carries it. The Disney Channel removal affected families with young children who relied on that programming.

YouTube TV still carries other sports networks like Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and regional sports channels, so you can watch some live sports. But if you specifically need ESPN for college football, basketball, or other sports that air primarily on that network, YouTube TV no longer serves that need.

How to watch Disney content without YouTube TV

The most direct option is Disney+, which costs between $7.99 and $13.99 per month depending on whether you choose the ad-supported or ad-free version. Disney+ carries Disney Channel shows, movies, and original series, plus Marvel and Star Wars content. It does not carry live television or sports.

ESPN+ is a separate subscription ($10.99 per month or $109.99 per year) that carries live sports, original shows, and exclusive games. It is not the same as having ESPN on a live TV service—you cannot flip to ESPN and see what is on—but it does give you access to thousands of live sporting events.

Hulu with ads ($7.99 per month) or Hulu without ads ($14.99 per month) carries FX shows, ABC shows that air on Hulu the next day, and original series. If you want to watch ABC shows live as they air, Hulu does not solve that problem, but if you are willing to watch the next day, Hulu carries most ABC programming.

Disney also offers a bundle that combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for $14.99 per month (with ads on Hulu and Disney+) or $24.99 per month (ad-free). This bundle is cheaper than paying for all three separately and may be worth it if you want sports, entertainment, and family content.

Other live TV services that still carry Disney channels

Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 per month) carries ABC, ESPN, FX, and other Disney networks as part of its live television package. If you want live ESPN and ABC in one place, Hulu + Live TV is the closest replacement for what YouTube TV offered. It also includes on-demand Hulu content and a cloud DVR.

Sling TV offers ESPN and other channels through its Sling Orange package ($40 per month) or Sling Orange + Blue ($55 per month). Sling is cheaper than Hulu + Live TV but carries fewer total channels. It does not include ABC in most markets, so check your local availability before subscribing.

DirecTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) carries ABC, ESPN, FX, and most other major networks starting at $79.99 per month. It is more expensive than YouTube TV was, but it includes Disney's full portfolio. DirecTV Stream also offers a cloud DVR and the ability to stream on multiple devices.

Fubo ($79.99 per month) carries ESPN, FX, and other channels but does not include ABC in most markets. If your main need is sports and you do not need ABC, Fubo may work, but check whether ABC is available in your area before signing up.

Whether YouTube TV will get Disney channels back

Neither YouTube TV nor Disney has announced plans to restore the channels. Contract disputes in the streaming era can take months or years to resolve, and sometimes they never do. YouTube TV has not publicly stated what terms it would accept to bring Disney back, and Disney has not indicated it is willing to negotiate at lower rates.

The longer the channels stay off YouTube TV, the less likely a quick resolution becomes. Subscribers who left for other services may not return even if the channels come back, and YouTube TV may have adjusted its business model around the loss. This is different from temporary blackouts during negotiations—those usually last days or weeks. The Disney removal has now lasted over a year with no movement.

If you are waiting for Disney channels to return to YouTube TV, monitor the service's announcements or check tech news sites that cover streaming changes. But do not count on it happening soon, and consider switching services if you need ESPN, ABC, or other Disney content regularly.

What YouTube TV subscribers should do now

If you still have a YouTube TV subscription, you have three main options: keep it for the channels that remain and supplement with Disney+ or ESPN+ for the content you are missing, switch to a different live TV service that carries Disney networks, or cancel and use a combination of streaming services instead.

Keeping YouTube TV and adding Disney+ ($7.99 to $13.99 per month) and ESPN+ ($10.99 per month) would cost you roughly $95 to $105 per month total, depending on YouTube TV's current price and which Disney+ tier you choose. Switching to Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 per month) would give you live Disney channels in one place for less money, though Hulu + Live TV has a smaller channel lineup overall.

The best choice depends on which channels matter most to you. If you watch a lot of ESPN, ABC, and FX, a live TV service like Hulu + Live TV or DirecTV Stream makes sense. If you mainly want on-demand Disney content and do not need live television, the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle is cheaper and more flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still watch ABC on YouTube TV?

No. ABC is owned by Disney and was removed along with all other Disney networks in December 2022. If you need to watch ABC, you can use the ABC app (which requires a cable or live TV subscription to log in), watch shows the next day on Hulu, or switch to a live TV service that carries ABC.

Will ESPN come back to YouTube TV?

There is no announced timeline for ESPN's return. Contract disputes between streaming services and networks can take years to resolve or may never resolve. If you need ESPN now, subscribe to ESPN+ for on-demand sports or switch to a live TV service like Hulu + Live TV that still carries it.

Is YouTube TV cheaper now that Disney channels are gone?

No. YouTube TV did not lower its price after removing Disney's channels. You pay the same subscription cost for fewer networks than you did before the removal.

What is the cheapest way to get ESPN and ABC?

Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 per month) carries both in one subscription. If you only need ESPN and not live ABC, ESPN+ ($10.99 per month) is cheaper, but you would need to watch ABC shows on-demand through Hulu or the ABC app instead of live.

Can I use a VPN to access Disney channels on YouTube TV?

No. YouTube TV blocks access based on your account location and payment method, not just your IP address. Using a VPN will not restore Disney channels to your account.