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Hannah Montana Is Back: Miley Cyrus Announces 20th Anniversary Disney+ Special


Published: Feb 18, 2026 07:13 AM EST
Photo Credit: Miley Cyrus/Instagram
Photo Credit: Miley Cyrus/Instagram

Get ready to have the best of both worlds - again.

Twenty years after Hannah Montana first premiered on Disney Channel, Miley Cyrus is officially returning to celebrate the show that launched her into global stardom. The "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" will debut on Disney+ on March 24, 2026, marking exactly two decades since the series first aired on March 24, 2006.

Cyrus announced the news on February 17, sharing a nostalgic teaser on social media. In the clip, a car with the license plate "HM 20" pulls up to Stage 9 on a studio lot while "The Best of Both Worlds" plays in the background. Moments later, a pair of black heeled boots step out of a Mustang - a subtle but unmistakable nod to her iconic pop alter ego.

"Going back to where it all began," Cyrus wrote.

What Is the 20th Anniversary Special?

The anniversary event will be a Disney+ television special filmed in front of a live studio audience. It will feature an exclusive, in-depth interview with Miley Cyrus hosted by Alex Cooper.

According to Disney, the special will offer an intimate look at the creation of one of pop culture's most beloved characters while reflecting on the lasting global impact of the series.

"With heartfelt nostalgia and fresh perspective, Cyrus will revisit the moments, music and memories that defined an era," the official release states.

Fans can expect:

  • Never-before-seen archival footage

  • Recreated sets, including the Stewart family living room

  • The return of the legendary Hannah Montana closet

  • Musical surprises teased as "familiar notes" returning to the spotlight

No additional former cast members or guest appearances have been confirmed at this time.

Why This Anniversary Matters

When Hannah Montana premiered in 2006, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The series followed Miley Stewart, a teenager balancing normal life with secret pop stardom as Hannah Montana - a storyline about identity, fame, friendship, and family.

The show ran for four seasons from 2006 to 2011 and starred Cyrus alongside her father Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, and Jason Earles.

Its impact was massive:

  • Four Emmy nominations

  • 14 platinum albums

  • 18 gold albums

  • Two feature films

    • Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert

    • Hannah Montana: The Movie

  • Over half a billion streaming hours globally on Disney+

The franchise also featured guest appearances from stars including Dolly Parton, the Jonas Brothers, and Selena Gomez.

Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis described the special as "a love letter to the fans," noting that the series encouraged viewers to "dream big, sing loud, and embrace every side of themselves."

Miley Reflects on Her Disney Roots

In a statement, Cyrus expressed gratitude for the show's enduring legacy:

"'Hannah Montana' will always be a part of who I am. What started as a TV show became a shared experience that shaped my life and the lives of so many fans, and I'll always be thankful for that connection. The fact that it still means so much to people all these years later is something I'm very proud of. This 'Hannahversary' is my way of celebrating and thanking the fans who've stood by me for 20 years."

Just days before the announcement, Cyrus shared throwback photos from her Hannah Montana era, including old scripts and a bedazzled jacket, sparking speculation that something special was coming.

A Generation Reunites

For many millennials and Gen Z viewers, Hannah Montana wasn't just a TV show - it was part of growing up. The idea of balancing different sides of yourself while staying grounded in family resonated deeply with young audiences.

Now, two decades later, fans will have the chance to revisit the music, memories, and moments that defined an era.

Ahead of the special, Disney+ will also feature a curated Hannah Montana Collection, including all four seasons of the series as well as the franchise's films and concert special.

Twenty years later, the blonde wig may be iconic - but the legacy is even bigger.

The "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" premieres March 24, 2026, exclusively on Disney+.