Short answer: ABC is currently unavailable on YouTube TV due to a carriage dispute with Disney, and there is no confirmed date for restoration yet. Several outlets and official statements have indicated ongoing negotiations, with platforms offering credits to subscribers if the blackout persists.
Details and context
- What happened: Disney channels including ABC and ESPN were removed from YouTube TV after failed negotiations over channel distribution and pricing. The blackout began around Oct 30, 2025, and affected major live sports and ABC programming.
- Current status: As of mid-November 2025, negotiations were still underway. YouTube TV has proposed restoring ABC and ESPN immediately while talks continue, but no final agreement had been announced publicly at that time.
- Subscriber impact and remedies: Google/YouTube indicated that if the dispute continues, subscribers may receive a credit (around $20) for the period of the blackout. Some outlets report that credits began to be issued or would be issued if a deal remained unresolved.
What to watch for
- Restoration timing: If a deal is reached, restoration could happen within hours, as historically carriage agreements can be resolved quickly once terms are agreed. However, there is no guaranteed timeline until a new agreement is publicly announced.
- Alternatives for viewers: While Disney-owned channels are dark on YouTube TV, ABC can be accessed over the air with an antenna in many markets, and some other pay-TV services may still carry Disney networks. Subscriptions to direct-to-consumer Disney apps or other services may also offer alternative access, subject to regional availability.
If you’d like, I can pull the latest updates from major outlets and official statements to give you a precise, current restoration timeline and any credits details.
