Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
Contact Alexis Mikulski Ruiz by Email View all posts by Alexis Mikulski Ruiz March 23, 2026
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It’s been 20 years since Miley Cyrus first entered our family rooms as Hannah Montana, the California teenager who lived a double life as both a small-town girl and a global icon.
With the help of a blonde wig, signature bangs, and a few sparkly accessories, Cyrus transformed into a superstar each week for millions of viewers tuning into the original Disney Channel sitcom.
Now, Cyrus is returning to the same set that made her famous in an all-new anniversary special that you can stream online. Available exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu, here’s how you can access what fans are already calling the event of the century for free.
At a Glance: How to Watch the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Online for Free
- Stream: DirecTV, Disney+/Hulu Bundle
- Channel: Disney+
- Date, time: Tuesday, March 24 at 3 a.m. EST
Hosted by podcaster and influencer Alex Cooper, the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special promises “an intimate look at the creation of one of pop culture’s most iconic characters and the lasting impact the show and character have had on fans around the world. Viewers will be treated to never-before-seen archival footage, while some of the most memorable sets from “Hannah Montana” are brought back to life — including the Stewart family living room and the legendary Hannah Montana closet,” according to a statement by Disney.
When the Hannah Montana series finale aired in 2011, it drew nearly 6.2 million viewers, well before the peak of the streaming era. Today, all four seasons of the show are available on Disney+ and Hulu, where the series has reportedly surpassed half a billion hours of streaming — proof that demand for Hannah Montana remains as strong as ever.
The franchise’s success extended far beyond television. Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009) grossed more than $150 million worldwide, while the Best of Both Worlds Tour brought in over $50 million in ticket sales.
After the show wrapped, Miley Cyrus went on to build a massively successful music career, earning three Grammy Awards and releasing chart-topping hits like “Flowers,” “Party in the U.S.A.,” and “Wrecking Ball.” Still, the singer looks back on her Disney Channel days fondly.
“Hannah Montana’ will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I’ll always be thankful for that connection,” said Miley Cyrus in a statement released by Disney. “The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I’m very proud of. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”
Where to Watch the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Online for Free
The special will be filmed in front of a live audience, run approximately one hour, and drops on Tuesday, March 24 at 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT). To watch, you’ll need a subscription to Disney+ or DirecTV — both of which are currently offering great deals for first-time subscribers.
If you want to tune into the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, here’s how to access the event online for a competitive price. See? It really is the “Best of Both Worlds.”
Editor’s Pick DirecTV
get free trialDisney+ is available in the MyEntertainment genre pack.
Disney+ is included in DirecTV’s My Entertainment genre pack. At $34.99 per month, it includes 60+ channels. New subscribers can get five-day free trial to watch the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special.
great deal Disney+ Hulu Bundle
$4.99 $12.99 62% off
sign up nowYou can get the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle for $4.99/mo for three months.
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Right now, Disney+ is offering a special promotion for new users. When you sign up for the Disney+ and Hulu bundle, you can get access for just $4.99 per month for three months (the ad-supported plan typically costs $12.99 per month).
While there’s no free trial for this offer, you can cancel anytime before the promotional period ends to avoid being charged the full price.
How Can I Watch the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Online for Free?
You can watch the event by signing up for DirecTV below.
get directv trialWho Will Appear on the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special?
In addition to Miley Cyrus, the special will also feature Selena Gomez, Tish Cyrus (Miley’s mom), and Billy Ray Cyrus (her dad both on the show and in real life).