General Hospital Remains Blacked Out On YouTube TV — How To Watch During ABC Dispute

Fans of General Hospital who use YouTube TV to stream the soap opera got an unpleasant surprise at the end of last month when the service pulled ABC programming from its offerings, leaving fans unable to view the show. As the dispute between the network and the streaming service drags on, are their options for viewers to keep watching new episodes?

Behind-The-Scenes Drama

It was on October 30 that an email went out to YouTube TV’s customers, which offered frustrated customers an explanation for why Disney-owned channels — which includes not only ABC but also ESPN, Freeform, the Disney Channel, FX and National Geographic — were no longer available for viewing. Read the email, “In order to deliver a wide variety of sports, news, and entertainment programming on YouTube TV, we enter into agreements with network partners. Each time we renew our contracts with these partners, we advocate for fair pricing and greater flexibility to offer our subscribers the best possible live TV experience. Our current agreement with Disney has approached its renewal date, and we will not agree to terms that disadvantage our members while benefiting Disney’s own live TV products. Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to reach a fair deal, and starting today, October 30, 2025, Disney programming will not be available on YouTube TV. This means you will no longer be able to watch channels like ABC and ESPN or access recordings from these networks in your Library.

“We know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy,” continued the message, “which is why it’s our goal to bring Disney content back to YouTube TV. We’re committed to continuing to work with Disney to reach an agreement, but if their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we’ll offer our subscribers a $20 credit.”

YouTube TV has remained unable to reach such an agreement with Disney, and on November 9, a follow-up email was distributed to customers related to that credit. “We’ve been working in good faith to negotiate a deal with Disney that pays them fairly for their content and returns their programming to YouTube TV,” it read. “We know it’s been disappointing to lose Disney content, and we want you to know we deeply appreciate your patience. In light of the disruption, we’re offering our subscribers a $20 credit.”

According to the message, a follow-up email would be sent out to subscribers with instructions on how to redeem the credit. “Once redeemed, this will be applied to your next bill,” the company explained.

YouTube TV ended its email by saying, “We remain committed to working with Disney to bring their content back to YouTube TV.”

Watch Party

Because ABC is not a premium channel and is available for free on broadcast TV, one option available to fans is to bypass a streaming service altogether and watch their local ABC station at no cost — but this may well require a digital antenna to pick up the local station’s signal. Built-in tuners are a common feature in newer televisions, so all you’d have to do at home is connect either an indoor or outdoor antenna and scan for channels.

Another option is to take advantage of free trials by other streaming services. Hulu is offering a month-long free trial, and is also advertising a Disney+ and Hulu bundle, both with ads, for $12.99 a month, as well as a Disney+, Hulu and ESPN bundle for $29.99 a month for the first year. If signing up for Hulu’s free trial, fans should be sure to cancel their subscription before the end of the free trial so that the company doesn’t begin charging for its services.

FuboTV also offers a free trial, but it is only for five days before their regular subscription fee kicks in. It offers three tiers of membership, one for $54.99 a month, one for $74.99 a month and one for $84.99 a month, and ABC programing is included at all three levels. If going this route, viewers should be careful to make sure to cancel before the free trial ends to avoid unwanted charges.

The same goes for the free trial offered by DIRECTV. While this is another good short-term option, if users don’t cancel before the trial ends, a monthly fee of $49.99 will kick in, with increased rates after the first month.

Many YouTube TV users chose the service after cutting the cord and getting rid of cable. But ABC is available — for a fee, of course — from cable providers across the country, and it might be worth it to explore the current rates of providers in your area.

In the meantime, Disney is also hopeful that it can come to terms with YouTube TV and see its programing restored for subscribers. In fact, on ABC.com, an “Act Now” link directs customers to an action page that urges YouTube TV users, “Contact YouTube TV and let them know you want your favorite networks back. Speak up now. Your voice can make a difference.” The page links to several options for users to communicate with YouTube TV, such as messaging the company on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).