Disney plans to shutter TV Everywhere apps as customers notified that free content will ‘no longer be available’

THE Walt Disney Company has announced its plan to shutter most of its mobile and smart TV apps next month.

Beginning in late September, customers will be barred from accessing "TV Everywhere" apps associated with Disney's broadcast and cable networks.

A notification in the ABC app, reviewed by The U.S. Sun, warns customers that the app will "no longer be available" beginning September 23.

Similar messages are popping up on platforms like FXNOW, DisneyNOW, Nat Geo TV, and Freeform.

These apps allow customers to watch on-demand episodes and live TV airing across Disney-owned networks.

However, other services are expected to be unaffected.

The websites associated with Disney’s broadcast and cable networks will still be available, as well as on-demand libraries within cable and satellite services.

The move is puzzling amid Disney's expansion into free, ad-supported streaming (FAST) TV.

The ABC app was the first to offer such a service, with nearly three dozen programs including game shows and local news broadcasts.

FAST streaming services are sustained by ads that run before or during content, offsetting the need for paid subscriptions.

Big players like Roku and Amazon Fire TV have raked in viewers as prices for services like Netflix and Hulu continue to rise.

With the loss of the "TV Everywhere" suite, customers will be directed to subscribe to Hulu or Disney+ if they wish to continue streaming on their mobile devices or smart TVs.

The ABC app served as Disney's gateway into the world of FAST TV, which put it on track to compete with rivals like NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery.

In May 2023, the app became the first to house a dedicated channel streaming nonstop episodes of "General Hospital."

Dubbed "General Hospital Spotlight," the channel launch coincided with the hit show’s 60th broadcast anniversary.

It requires no cable or satellite login and is free to watch.

The ABC app offers several other FAST channels that are set to vanish soon.

This includes a 24/7 feed of the 1990s sitcom “Dharma & Greg,” the reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and the wildly popular “Supernanny.”

There are also more than half a dozen local news feeds for users in the United States, including the national "ABC News Live" channel.

Eight news feeds air from ABC's stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Fresno and Raleigh-Durham.

The DisneyNOW app debuted in September 2017 and features content from offshoots including Disney Junior and Disney XD.

In addition to options for live TV and on-demand shows and movies, the app is home to a selection of mobile games designed for children.

Freeform, FXNOW, and National Geographic contain content from their respective namesake channels.

What is FAST streaming?

FAST TV, an acronym for "free, ad-supported streaming television,

Free, ad-supported streaming television is a service that delivers programming similar to cable or traditional TV.

You can view FAST content at no cost, with the only condition being the commercials that appear before or during the content.

Depending on the service, you can watch titles on demand or stream prescheduled broadcasts. Some platforms also offer live TV.

FAST providers often have an expansive library of older shows and branded programming in addition to original titles.

Free, ad-supported channels air 24/7 and have scheduled commercial breaks built into their programming.

Content is normally organized by genre in addition to dedicated channels for specific titles or brands.