Disney+ Announces “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special,” Celebrating Two Decades of a Pop‑Culture Phenomenon

Courtesy of: Disney+

Written By: Christopher L. Antie

Disney+ reunites Miley Cyrus with the series that shaped a generation, honoring two decades of music, memories, and cultural impact.

BURBANK, Calif. – Feb. 17, 2026 — Disney+ is officially bringing fans back to the best of both worlds. Today, the streamer announced that the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special will premiere March 24, marking exactly twenty years since the groundbreaking series first debuted on Disney Channel and reshaped an entire generation’s relationship with music, comedy, and coming‑of‑age storytelling.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience, the anniversary event will feature an exclusive, in‑depth conversation between Miley Cyrus and host Alex Cooper. The interview promises a rare, intimate look at the creation of one of television’s most iconic alter egos and the cultural ripple effect that followed. Cyrus will revisit the moments, music, and memories that defined the show’s meteoric rise, while viewers are treated to never‑before‑seen archival footage and the return of beloved sets — including the Stewart family living room and the legendary Hannah Montana closet. And yes, a few familiar musical notes are expected to make a comeback.

When Hannah Montana premiered in 2006, it instantly became a global sensation. The series followed Miley Stewart, a seemingly ordinary teenager living a double life as international pop star Hannah Montana. The premise — balancing fame with friendship, identity, and adolescence — resonated deeply with young audiences, turning the show into one of Disney Channel’s most successful franchises.

The impact was staggering: the Emmy‑nominated series spawned 14 platinum and 18 gold albums worldwide, two feature films, sold‑out tours, and a merchandising empire that defined mid‑2000s pop culture. Its soundtrack releases routinely topped charts, and its influence on fashion — from sparkly jackets to iconic blonde wigs — became a cultural touchstone.

For Miley Cyrus, the show was more than a role — it was a launchpad. Cast at just 12 years old, Cyrus quickly became one of the most recognizable young performers in the world. Her dual identity as both Miley Stewart and Hannah Montana allowed her to explore acting, comedy, and music simultaneously, cultivating a fanbase that followed her far beyond the series’ conclusion in 2011.

Cyrus has since evolved into a critically acclaimed artist known for her vocal power, genre‑spanning albums, and fearless reinvention. Yet she has always acknowledged the profound influence Hannah Montana had on her life and career.

“‘Hannah Montana’ will always be a part of who I am,” Cyrus shared. “What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans. This ‘Hannahversary’ is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who’ve stood by me for 20 years.”

Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, echoed that sentiment: “‘Hannah Montana’ opened the door for so many fans to dream big, sing loud, and embrace every side of themselves. Partnering with Miley on this special is a dream, and we want it to be a love letter to the fans.”

The special is produced by HopeTown Entertainment and Unwell Productions, with Ashley Edens serving as showrunner. Executive producers include Miley Cyrus, Tish Cyrus‑Purcell, Alex Cooper, and Matt Kaplan.

Ahead of the premiere, fans can revisit the entire franchise with the Hannah Montana Collection on Disney+. Beginning Feb. 19, Disney+ will also launch a dedicated nonstop stream featuring all four seasons of the series, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: The Best of Both Worlds Concert. To date, the franchise has amassed more than half a billion hours streamed globally on the platform — a testament to its enduring magic.

The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special isn’t just a reunion — it’s a cultural homecoming. For longtime fans, it’s a chance to relive the songs, the laughter, and the iconic double life that defined their childhood. For Miley Cyrus, it’s an opportunity to honor the character who helped shape her into the artist she is today.

And for Disney+, it’s a celebration of a legacy that continues to shine brightly, twenty years later.

Source: ChrisWill Media

About the Authors: Christopher L. Antie and William Antie are podcast journalists who cover a wide range of topics across multiple industries. To learn more about Chris and Will, tune in to their podcast What About Our Life? on iHeartRadio, and visit chrisandwill.com.