Disney-YouTube TV Blackout: What major prime-time series and sports are affected - How to still catch the action

The Disney Networks blackout on YouTube TV, due to a carriage fee dispute, has cut off access to ESPN, ABC, and FX, disrupting broadcasts of major sporting events and popular primetime shows of the United States. Fans risk missing key matchups and live coverage from Disney’s extensive sports lineup, as well as hit series airing on ABC and other networks. YouTube TV has said that if the blackout continues for an extended period, affected subscribers will receive a $20 monthly credit as compensation.

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MAJOR US SPORTS TO BE AFFECTED


The blackout will affect major sports broadcasts, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and college football, along with other key sporting events aired on ESPN and ABC. Fans may miss live games, highlight shows, and analysis programs that form the backbone of Disney’s sports coverage. From Sunday football and primetime NBA matchups to major college rivalries, the blackout threatens to leave millions of viewers without their favorite live sports content. However, fans can still stream games through alternatives such as ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or traditional cable providers carrying Disney channels, ensuring they don’t miss out on the season’s biggest sporting moments amid the ongoing dispute.

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PRIME-TIME SERIES IN US TO BE AFFECTED

Popular primetime series across ABC and FX - including Dancing with the Stars, Shark Tank, and The Lowdown - would also disappear from YouTube TV during the blackout. However, these shows remain accessible through streaming: Dancing with the Stars airs live on Disney+, while Shark Tank, The Lowdown, and numerous other programs become available on Hulu the day after their network premieres.

This carriage fees dispute marks the second time in recent months that a major media company’s channels have gone dark on YouTube TV, following the blackout of TelevisaUnivision networks in September. The platform has previously faced carriage disputes with Fox Corp. and NBCUniversal as well, though both were settled before any channel interruptions took place.

"Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC," Disney said in a statement as quoted by the Hollywood Reporter.

"Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming, which includes the best lineup in live sports - anchored by the NFL, NBA, and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend. With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor. We know how frustrating this is for YouTube TV subscribers and remain committed to working toward a resolution as quickly as possible."