First up is the American Broadcasting Company—or ABC, for those of us who don’t have time for three syllables. You know ABC: it’s the home of Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelor, and your mom’s favorite evening news. Disney bought ABC back in 1995 for a cool $19 billion, which is about the cost of two Dole Whips at Disney World.
Then there’s ESPN, the sports juggernaut that makes you yell at your TV on Sunday afternoons. Disney owns 80% of ESPN, which means they control everything from SportsCenter to the screaming guys on First Take. Yes, that loud debate about LeBron vs. Jordan? Partially funded by the Mouse House.
Don’t forget Disney Channel, the network that raised a generation on Hannah Montana and High School Musical. It’s still around, quietly airing shows that make you feel old because you don’t recognize any of the actors. (Don’t worry, I don’t either.)
The Cable Cousins: Freeform, FX, and Nat Geo
Let’s talk about Freeform, which used to be called ABC Family. Remember when they only played The 700 Club and reruns of Full House? Now it’s all angst-ridden teens in Pretty Little Liars and The Fosters. Disney owns it, so if you cry during a Freeform Christmas movie, you’re crying on Disney’s dime.
Next up: FX and FXX, the edgy, swear-filled siblings of the Disney family. Wait—Disney owns FX? Yes, since their massive purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019. That means American Horror Story, Atlanta, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are all under the same roof as Winnie the Pooh. Imagine Mickey Mouse watching Snowfall—it’s a beautiful, weird world.
And National Geographic! Yes, the yellow-bordered channel that ruins your weekend with amazing documentaries about slugs. Disney owns 73% of Nat Geo, so when you’re marveling at a lion eating a zebra, you’re also marveling at corporate synergy. Nature is brutal, but at least it’s in 4K.
First Look At Disney+ Original “If It’s Tuesday, It’s Murder” - What's
