Pixar fans are in for a nostalgic night.
“Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond – A Special Edition of 20/20” premieres tonight, Friday, June 12, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, celebrating the beloved franchise that helped redefine animation and storytelling across generations. The one-hour special takes viewers inside the legacy of “Toy Story” while exploring Pixar’s rise to powerhouse status — and what’s next for Woody, Buzz, and the gang.
Cord-cutters can watch live and on demand on Fubo (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), and more streaming services listed below.
‘Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond’ streaming overviewRelease: Friday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ETNetwork: ABCStreaming: Fubo (free trial), DIRECTV (free trial), Sling; next day on Disney+ and HuluWhere to watch ‘Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond’ live and on demand for free
Viewers without cable or an over-the-air antenna can watch “Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond” live and on demand using free trials from streaming services that carry ABC, including Fubo and DIRECTV. These trials allow viewers to stream the series at no cost. Cancel anytime.
Sling also carries ABC in select markets, but does not offer a free trial.
The special will stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Comparing streaming services
Fubo – Fubo offers one of the widest selections of channels among live TV streaming services. More than 220 channels, including all the sports and entertainment you love, plus sports add-ons for those niche networks you rely on. Plans start at $73.99/month, and it all starts with a free trial and up to $20 off the first month of service.
Fubo
Free Trial
Stream your favorite shows free for up to 5 days, and enjoy up to $20 off your first month.
DIRECTV – Watch live TV from major broadcast and popular cable networks. Enjoy local and national live sports, breaking news, and must-see shows the moment they air. Included: unlimited cloud DVR storage space so you can record as many shows as you want and stream them from wherever you go. DTV starts as low as $19.99/month after a 5-day free trial when you shop their customizable genre packs.
DIRECTV
5-day free trial
Stream your favorite shows free for 5 days, with new promotional pricing on subscriptions.
Sling – With plans starting at $45.99/month, Sling offers customizable channel lineups for sports, news, and entertainment. Now, Sling adds even more value with passes that let you stream live TV without a subscription: just $4.99 for a day, $9.99 for the weekend or $14.99 for a full week. These one-time payments are perfect if you just want to watch a single show, live game or special event. No commitment, no auto-renewal, just affordable access when you need it.
Sling
Starting at $45.99
Bundle Sling’s Blue and Orange plans for $60.99, or get Sling Blue with USA Network for $45.99.
With so many streaming platforms and ever-changing subscription prices, it’s always worth checking the latest free trials and promo deals to make sure you’re getting the best value when tuning in.
What is ‘Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond’ about?
The 20/20 special takes a deep dive into Pixar’s 40-year history, told through the lens of its most iconic franchise: Toy Story.
The program revisits how the original 1995 film — voiced by Tom Hanks (Woody) and Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear) — almost never made it to screens due to early production challenges. It also highlights the movie’s groundbreaking achievement as the first full-length computer-animated feature film, a milestone that changed Hollywood forever.
Viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look inside Pixar’s Emeryville, California studio, with insights from the creatives and cast who helped build the franchise from the ground up.
The special also looks ahead to “Toy Story 5,” teasing how the franchise will evolve for a modern, tech-driven era and including exclusive footage from the upcoming film.
Who’s featured in the special?
“Toy Story 30 Years and Beyond” includes interviews with many familiar voices and creatives, including:
Tom Hanks (Woody)Tim Allen (Buzz Lightyear)Joan Cusack (Jessie)Tony Hale (Forky)Wallace Shawn (Rex)Blake Clark (Slinky Dog)Ernie Hudson, Craig Robinson, Greta Lee, and more
It also features conversations with Pixar leaders, including Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer, Andrew Stanton, director of “Toy Story 5,” and Kenna Harris, the co-director.
A special surprise: Taylor Swift
One of the biggest highlights? A surprise appearance from Taylor Swift.
The global superstar shares why she’s contributing an original song to the “Toy Story 5″ soundtrack, inspired by her lifelong connection to the films. Swift discusses how the franchise’s themes resonated with her personally and influenced her return to her country roots for the track.
‘Toy Story 5′ trailer