It has been revealed that many of the apps that allow users to stream content from Disney-owned networks will be shut down next month.
what's happening:
- Starting September 23, 2024, many apps that allow network-based streaming of Disney-owned networks will be disabled and will no longer be available to users on mobile devices or connected/smart TVs.
- Some of these apps date back to the early days of network streaming and include:
- Each of these apps featured on-demand content from their respective networks, and some even had the option to stream the networks live, which was useful for special events or programming that wasn't available on-demand until the next day, like award ceremonies, network exclusives, or sporting events.
- To access much of the on-demand content and live streams, users of these apps need to subscribe to a TV provider, whether that be a local cable company, satellite TV or a live streaming service like YouTube TV. Hulu + Live.
- The networks are touting several options for people who want to watch their content after the shutdown on September 23, 2024.
- Interestingly, each of these apps has a corresponding website where users can access the content in their browser. Reported site(ABC.com, National Geographic TV, FXNOW.FXnetworks.com) remains active, and Freeform (Freeform), DisneyNOW closure notifications will only appear in the app, Disney NOW will still be active.
- Similar to how the app works, you will need your TV provider's login to access all the content on the website.
- Freeform, NatGeoTV, ABC, and FXNOW also recommend Hulu as another option for watching their content, as most of their shows are available on Hulu the next day.
- DisneyNOW has not made such a suggestion. Disney+ (This also applies to Nat Geo and some ABC programming.) It's worth noting that, historically, not all programming is available the next day. Disney Channel series premieres and original movies are typically high-profile releases on Disney+, but episodes of already-established series (especially animated ones) have been known to arrive on the streamer in batches rather than immediately after they debut on the network.
- Of course, you also have the option to watch through your TV provider, including cable, satellite, and web-based services like YouTube TV and Hulu+Live.
- No reason has been given for the app's shutdown, but many point to rumors that the live channel will be coming to Disney+.
- The apps will join others launched by other media companies that have since been shut down, including Warner Bros. Discovery's HBO GO and HBO NOW, Cartoon Network and several apps run by Paramount.
- It's also worth noting that while the ABC app is shutting down, the ABC News app (which provides access to ABC News Live and some local stations across the country) is not shutting down as of writing.