Disney and YouTube TV reach deal to end blackout

After a two-week blackout, YouTube TV and Disney announced Friday that they have reached a deal.

In addition to bringing Disney networks like ABC, ESPN, and FX back to YouTube’s streaming TV service, the deal will also see ESPN make its new direct-to-consumer service available on YouTube TV at no additional price. YouTube will also be able to sell select Disney networks and the Disney+/Hulu bundle as part of different packages.

In a statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, described the deal as one that “recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice.”

“We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football,” the Disney executives added.

YouTube also released a statement Friday saying that subscribers would see the affected channels restored “throughout the course of the day.” The company also said, “We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”

YouTube TV is meant to be a cable TV alternative for cord cutters, but like most cable TV providers, the service has had its share of disputes with major content providers — usually over how much money to pay them and how much flexibility it has to offer their content in different bundles.

The last time YouTube and Disney renegotiated in 2022, there was a similar (if significantly briefer) blackout. This time around, YouTube offered customers a $20 credit that they can apply to their next bill.

One survey even suggested that due to the Disney blackout, 24% of the service’s more than 10 million subscribers said they had already canceled their subscription or planned to do so soon. (A YouTube spokesperson said actual churn was “manageable and does not align with the findings of this survey.”)

Indeed, TechCrunch’s Amanda Silberling said the blackout was ruining her life because she couldn’t watch “Jeopardy!” Thankfully, her two-week nightmare is over.