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YouTube TV subscribers are once again facing channel disruptions, but this time, the threat became a reality. In the latest turn of events, as of 11:59 p.m. ET on October 30, viewers lost access to a host of Disney-owned networks.
This sudden blackout affects major channels, including ABC and ESPN, along with the entire ESPN network family. Other affected channels are the Disney Channel, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic, leaving a significant gap in YouTube TV’s offerings.
YouTube TV expressed their disappointment in a statement posted on X late on October 30, saying, “Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach a fair deal, and starting today, Disney programming will not be available on YouTube TV.” The company has not provided further updates on when or if these channels might return.
For those who rely on these channels, the absence will be noticeable, especially with upcoming programs and sporting events. If you’re considering alternatives to fill this void, there are several options available.
- College Football Saturdays
- Monday Night Football
- NBA on ESPN
- World News Tonight and your local ABC news
- Freeform’s 30 Days of Disney (all month long)
- Michelle Obama: The Style, The Power, The Look on ABC (Nov. 2)
- The Lowdown Season 1 finale on FX (Nov. 4)
- Dancing with the Stars Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night (Nov. 4)
- New episodes of Shifting Gears and Abbott Elementary (Nov. 5)
- The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale (Nov. 5)
- New episodes of 9-1-1, 9-1-1: Nashville, and Grey’s Anatomy (Nov. 6)
Missing out on your beloved shows as they air can be frustrating. However, there are other live TV streaming services to consider. DIRECTV, for instance, is enticing new subscribers with attractive offers and a five-day free trial on all plans.
How to Watch ABC and ESPN for Free
DIRECTV offers a number of flexible plan options that include the affected channels, plus all plans come with a five-day free trial.
Check out some of DIRECTV’s most popular plans, broken down by how much they cost after a five-day free trial and what channels they include.
| Streaming Package | Price | Channels Included |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $49.99/month for the first month ($89.99/month after) | ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, Freeform, FX, FXX, Nat Geo |
| Choice | $59.99/month for the first month ($94.99/month after) | ABC, ACC Network, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Freeform, FX, FXX, Nat Geo, SEC Network |
| Ultimate | $84.99/month for the first month ($124.99/month after) | ABC, ACC Network, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, SEC Network |
| MySports Genre Pack | $59.99/month for the first two months ($69.99/month after) | ACC Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, SEC Network |
| MyEntertainment Genre Pack | $29.99/month for the first two months ($34.99/month after) | Freeform, FX, FXM, FXX, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild |
| MyNews Genre Pack | $39.99/month | ABC |
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Decider, the New York Post, and Page Six. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, how to watch your favorite sports teams and movies on each streaming service and the very best in tech, like soundbars, to enhance your viewing experience. Not only does Angela test and compare the services, devices and merch she writes about, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and the New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
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