How to Watch Tonight’s ABC Special ‘9/11: United We Stand — 25 Years Later’ Online for Free

By Alexis Mikulski Ruiz

Alexis Mikulski Ruiz

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It’s been nearly 25 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and now, a new ABC special is revisiting that day. Hosted by Michael Strahan, the two-hour event, 9/11: United We Stand — 25 Years Later, airs Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET.

At a Glance: How to Watch 9/11: United We Stand — 25 Years Later Online for Free

• Channel: ABC
• Date, time: Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 at 9 p.m. EST
• Stream: DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV

“The special looks back at the days and weeks following 9/11, exploring how sports, music, Broadway, and comedy became unexpected sources of comfort, connection, and hope after one of the darkest days in American history,” according to ABC.

How to Watch 9/11: United We Stand — 25 Years Later for Free Without Cable

If you don’t already have access to ABC, viewers can watch the special for free with a trial to DirecTV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV. You can also sign up for Sling, which doesn’t offer a free trial but does offer short-term passes, including one-day, three-day, and seven-day options.

While all of these platforms are relatively easy to access, DirecTV has one of the simplest sign-up processes, and viewers can access ABC through the brand’s signature packages. After signing up, you’ll unlock a five-day free trial so you can watch the special.

Another option is Fubo, which recently brought its free trial back. ABC is available across all of Fubo’s plans, and after signing up, new subscribers can use the platform for five days without paying.

Sling doesn’t offer a free trial, but if you don’t want to commit to a subscription or worry about forgetting to cancel, you can opt for a day pass for $4.99. The pass gives you access to select Sling plans, including Sling Orange and Orange & Blue, that carry ABC.

9/11: United We Stand — 25 Years Later will be available on Hulu the following day. However, if you want to watch the special in real time, you can get a three-day free trial to Hulu + Live TV, which includes access to ABC.