Disney Reveals 9/11 25th Anniversary Documentary Lineup
Just ahead of the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11th, Disney has announced details on some brand new documentaries that will be available on multiple platforms including linear, Hulu and Disney+.
The documentaries will be shared across ABC News, National Geographic, Disney+, Hulu, ABC Owned Television Stations and ABC News Live, which will be joining together for an unprecedented multiplatform commemoration honoring one of the defining moments in American history. Anchored by a live national broadcast from ABC News and WABC-TV New York, original documentary storytelling from National Geographic, groundbreaking digital experiences and educational editorial content developed in conjunction with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the initiative reflects on the victims killed, the courage displayed in response and the resilience that followed while preserving these stories for future generations.
Disney Entertainment Television Chairman Debra OConnell said in a statement regarding the specials:
“Through the storytelling power of our platforms, we will mark this solemn anniversary with programming that honors the victims and their families and helps ensure that the stories of courage, compassion, and resilience that emerged from September 11 endure for future generations. We are particularly proud to be able to shine a light on the work that the 9/11 Memorial & Museum does to honor those who were lost, those who risked their lives to save others, and those who have dedicated their life’s work to honoring their legacies.”
Here are some details on the new specials:
Airing for the first time is “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan,” a one-hour ABC News multiplatform live special on Friday, 11th September 2026 (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT), across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, ABC Owned Television Stations livestreams and ABC News Live. “World News Tonight” anchor David Muir, “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts and anchor Diane Sawyer will lead the broadcast live from New York City.
The special, produced in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, will honor the victims killed, reflect on the lasting impact of September 11 and commemorate the resilience of the survivors, families, first responders and communities forever changed by the attacks.
Culminating in the iconic public art installation “Tribute in Light,” which has illuminated the New York City skyline every 9/11 since the attacks, the special seeks to create a moment for families across the city and country to remember, learn and be inspired together.
Prior to the broadcast, ABC News Live will stream a one-hour special edition of “Prime” from ground zero, hosted by “World News Tonight” Sunday and “Prime” anchor Linsey Davis and WABC-TV anchors Sade Baderinwa and Mike Marza. It will be available on WABC-TV New York, ABC News Live, Disney+, Hulu and ABC Owned Television Stations livestreams.
Beth Hillman, president and CEO of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum said:
“Today, 100 million Americans are too young to remember 9/11 themselves. This special will reach across generations to commemorate, educate, and inspire — and to uphold our promise to never forget”.
ABC News will air a primetime special on Tuesday, 1st September 2026 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), led by “Good Morning America” co-anchor Michael Strahan, exploring how sports, music, Broadway, the media and comedy helped a grieving nation begin to heal and rediscover joy in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The special will air on ABC and stream next day on Disney+ and Hulu. There will be an encore simulcast on Friday, 11th September 2026 (9:00-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), on ABC, ABC News Live, Disney+ and Hulu.
Additional special coverage will continue across “Good Morning America,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” “Nightline,” “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” and “The View,” highlighting profound stories of resilience and strength to honor this anniversary.
National Geographic’s new three-part docuseries “9/11 Reunited” premieres Friday, 21st August 2026 (8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT), with all episodes streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Created in collaboration with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and from the Emmy -Award winning team at 72 Films, the series revisits the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history through the extraordinary human connections formed amid the chaos, courage and heartbreak of that day. Across the episodes, survivors, first responders and witnesses reunite with the strangers, rescuers and everyday heroes who changed, and in many cases saved, their lives on September 11. Many of these emotional reunions take place for the first time in 25 years, providing a rare opportunity to ask long-held questions, express gratitude, and reflect on how those moments have stayed with them for decades.
“9/11 Reunited” is executive produced by David Glover and Mark Raphael of 72 Films, along with Academy Award®-winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin. Louis Lee Ray produces, and Julian Jones directs the series for 72 Films. For National Geographic, Cate Hall and Carolyn Payne serve as executive producers.
Are you going to be checking out any of these new documentaries? Let me know on social media!
