TL;DR: ABC is airing its first-ever live broadcast of New York City’s iconic Tribute in Light memorial tonight. “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan” begins at 8 p.m. ET and can be watched for free on ABC with an antenna or through streaming services that carry ABC, including DIRECTV (5-day free trial) or Fubo (up to 5-day free trial). The special will also stream live on Disney+ and Hulu.
A quarter-century after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Disney Entertainment Television and ABC News are bringing one of New York City’s most recognizable memorial traditions to a national audience.
“9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan” will air live Friday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. ET from Ground Zero, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with musical performances, stories of resilience, and a live look at the iconic twin beams of light that have illuminated the Manhattan skyline every Sept. 11 since 2002.
The one-hour event will be anchored by David Muir, Robin Roberts, and Diane Sawyer, with coverage originating from Lower Manhattan near the site of the former World Trade Center.
Don’t have cable or an over-the-air antenna? New customers can watch “9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan” for free with DIRECTV’s 5-day trial through its signature packages and eligible genre packs, or Fubo’s free trial, both of which include ABC access.
‘9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan’ streaming overviewDate: Friday, Sept. 11Time: 8 p.m. ETRuntime: 1 hourChannel: ABCStreaming: DIRECTV (5-day free trial), Fubo (up to 5-day free trial), Disney+ and HuluHow can you watch ‘9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan’ for free?
If you don’t have cable or an over-the-air antenna, you can stream ABC live through several live TV streaming services.
DIRECTV offers local ABC stations in many markets and includes a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers. It’s a good option if you want access to ABC tonight plus a larger lineup of news, entertainment, and sports channels. Cancel anytime.
Fubo also carries ABC in most areas and offers a free trial period for up to 5 days for new customers. In addition to ABC’s 9/11 coverage, subscribers get access to a large live-TV lineup with a strong emphasis on sports and news programming.
Subscribers can also stream it live on Disney+ and Hulu. Bundle and save 50% with the Disney Bundle Duo Basic, which combines Disney+ and Hulu for $11.99/month for the first six months, followed by $12.99/month. Meanwhile, the ad-free Duo Premium package costs $17.99/month for the first six months, followed by $19.99/month.
What is ‘Tribute in Light’?
For New Yorkers, the annual Tribute in Light has become one of the most enduring symbols of remembrance following the attacks.
The installation consists of two massive columns of light projected into the night sky, symbolizing the Twin Towers. The memorial has illuminated the New York City skyline every Sept. 11 since 2002 and can be visible from miles away on a clear evening.
The beams rise approximately four miles into the sky and are created using dozens of powerful searchlights arranged to mirror the footprints of the original towers.
Who is performing during the special?
The live event features a lineup of artists performing from the base of the Tribute in Light installation, including Cyndi Lauper, Lainey Wilson, and John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting.
Ondrasik is expected to perform ”Superman (It’s Not Easy),” a song that became closely associated with the aftermath of 9/11 and the healing process that followed.
‘9/11 Tribute in Light: Live from Lower Manhattan’ preview