Miley Cyrus is returning to her professional roots to mark the 20th anniversary of the show that launched her career. On February 17, 2026, Disney announced that a new special titled the "Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special" will premiere on March 24. This date marks exactly two decades since the show first appeared on the Disney Channel in 2006.
The project aims to look back at the series that became a global brand, leading to 14 platinum albums and two movies. For Cyrus, who has since won three Grammy Awards and moved into adult pop music, this represents a formal reunion with the studio where she began. The special will include a deep-dive interview and a look at the sets that defined the show for millions of viewers.
Timeline of the Return
March 24, 2006: Hannah Montana premieres on Disney Channel.
July 22, 2025: Miley Cyrus hints at anniversary plans during a SiriusXM interview.
December 2025: Cyrus confirms her engagement to Maxx Morando.
February 17, 2026: Disney officially announces the anniversary special.
February 19, 2026: Disney+ launches a "Hannah Montana" collection and non-stop stream.
March 24, 2026: The anniversary special debuts on Disney+.
Confirmed Program Details
Evidence from official Disney press releases and media reports confirms the following features for the special:
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| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Host | Alex Cooper will conduct the main interview with Cyrus. |
| Content | Never-before-seen archival footage from the original production. |
| Sets | Physical recreations of the Stewart family living room and the Hannah Montana closet. |
| Availability | Exclusive to the Disney+ streaming platform. |
| Legacy Media | Includes the 2009 film and the Best of Both Worlds concert movie. |
The special serves as a bridge between Cyrus’s early career as a teen idol and her current status as a Grammy-winning artist.
Historical Context and Series Impact
The original show followed Miley Stewart, a regular teenager who secretly lived a second life as pop star Hannah Montana. The series featured Billy Ray Cyrus, Emily Osment, and Mitchel Musso. It became a financial success for Disney, moving beyond television into music and fashion.
Reports indicate that the series earned 18 gold albums worldwide. This success set the stage for Cyrus’s later career, which now includes nine studio albums. The anniversary occurs as Cyrus comes off a productive year in 2025, which saw the release of her album Something Beautiful and a song for the film Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Production and Recreations
One of the main draws for the special is the reconstruction of the original filming locations. Disney has confirmed that "some of the series' most recognizable sets" have been brought back to life.
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"Partnering with Miley on this special is a dream, and we want it to be a love letter to the fans," said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television.
The inclusion of the "legendary closet" and the Stewart family home suggests a focus on the visual nostalgia of the mid-2000s. While Cyrus has changed her public image many times since the show ended in 2011, this special focuses on the "archival" and "memories" of the era.
Miley Cyrus’s Current Standing
Cyrus enters this anniversary as a seasoned veteran of the music industry. In late 2025 and early 2026, her professional life has been active with new music releases like "Dream as One."
Some observers might ask how her recent mature image fits with a return to a children's brand. Evidence shows that Disney is framing her as a "Disney Legend," a title she was formally given in 2024. This suggests the company is viewing her through the lens of long-term history rather than her current pop music style.
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Professional Analysis
Industry experts point to the timing of this special as a strategic move for Disney+. By offering a 24/7 stream of the old episodes starting in February, the platform aims to build interest before the March premiere.
The choice of Alex Cooper as a host is also notable. Cooper is known for modern, long-form interviews that often reach a younger adult audience. This indicates that Disney is targeting the original fans of the show who are now in their late 20s and 30s, rather than just current children.
Summary of Findings
The return of Miley Cyrus to Disney for the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary is a structured corporate event aimed at celebrating the show’s massive financial and cultural footprint.
The event is scheduled for March 24, 2026.
It features high-quality recreations of the original show sets.
It includes archival footage that has never been released to the public.
The project is supported by a large-scale streaming rollout of the original four seasons.
This anniversary marks a rare moment where a former child star returns to a major studio to celebrate their beginnings while still active at the top of the music charts.
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Sources and Documentation
Disney Plus Press: Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special Announcement — Official announcement from the streaming platform.
ABC7 News: Miley Cyrus is back for the special hosted by Alex Cooper — Details on the interviewer and set recreations.
The Walt Disney Company: Disney Legend Miley Cyrus Returns Home — Corporate background on the series' global impact.
USA Today: Miley Cyrus sets 'Hannah Montana' anniversary special — Context on Miley’s 2025 career and personal life.
The Hollywood Reporter: Miley Cyrus to Celebrate 20th Anniversary — Television industry coverage of the March 24 premiere.
The Tennessean: Cyrus celebrates 20 years of 'Hannah Montana' — Details on the earlier SiriusXM teaser from 2025.
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